The world is getting noisier, so more and more people are looking for an effective way to isolate themselves from the noise. What types of headphones are best for this?
Three main structures
There are three main types of headphones on the market. The first type are closed earphones, i.e. those whose large cushions completely surround the ears. Their design itself already creates a barrier to external sounds, and the ANC (active noise reduction) system further enhances this effect. These headphones they work great in workwhile traveling or in other situations when we want maximum isolation from the surroundings.
The second type is in-ear headphones. They are inserted directly into the ear canal, so – despite their small size – they can really soundproof the surroundings. Combined with ANC, they offer great mobility and quite good isolation from external sounds.
There is also a third option – open ear headphones. However, these are not intended to isolate from the surroundings, so if you care about soundproofing, it is better to skip them. Sound flows freely through the openwork ear cups, which allows us to hear what is happening around us.
What can ANC do?
Active noise cancellation really makes a difference when it comes to blocking out ambient noise. The system works in a simple way – microphones pick up sounds from the environment, and electronics generate sound waves with the opposite phase that neutralize them. As a result, much of the noise is cut out before it reaches our ears.
ANC copes best with monotonous low-frequency sounds. It perfectly suppresses the roar of engines, the noise of air conditioning and the rattle of wheels train. It is worse with sudden, high-pitched sounds, such as a horn or someone shouting. It is also worth remembering that no headphones for listening to music will provide absolute silence.
On-ear or in-ear – which are the most effective?
When it comes to soundproofing effectiveness, each type of headphone has its own strengths. Large over-ear models are unrivaled in eliminating low-frequency noise. They can handle various types of noise very well. They can reduce the intensity of ambient sounds by up to 30 decibels, turning them into noisy ones office into an oasis of peace. In the case of earmuffs, pay attention to the weight and quality of the pillows if you intend to spend many hours in them.
In turn, in-ear headphones, even though they are smaller, have a certain advantage – they cope better with high-frequency sounds, such as conversations or various sudden sounds. Additionally, they are much more handy and can be taken with you everywhere. The effectiveness of ANC systems in good quality equipment may be surprising, especially in everyday conditions when we need to cut ourselves off from the noise of the street or the conversations of colleagues.