The Next Generation of Headphones

Answer 1

Noise canceling headphones have actually been around for several decades, even though consumer-level equipment has only just hit the market. The technology to negate loud sounds, such as what you might experience on an airplane, has been used since around 1950 to make cockpits quieter. A famous name in audio technology, a certain Mr. Amar Bose, started developing noise canceling headphones in the late 1970s, and released the first commercially available models about ten years later. Today, the technology has matured enough and cheapened to the point that noise canceling headphones are the de facto standard.

How Noise Canceling Technology Works

Sound waves operate as very tiny vibrations in the air. Eardrums pick up those vibrations and translate them into electrical signals, which the brain then translates as sound. Noise canceling headphones work by recognizing those vibrations then producing equal vibrations traveling in the opposite direction, essentially canceling out any noise.

Other noise canceling technologies work by simply insulating ears against all sound waves, much like a sound barrier along a busy interstate works. This physical layer can block most, but not all, sound. Noise canceling headphones which cover the entire ear instead of simple ear-bud headphones tend to work the best.

Paying a Premium

Noise canceling headphones cost more than normal headphones for the extra sound protection they offer. Normal headsets start as low as $10, but noise canceling headphones can add $40 or more to the price. They're most useful in busy, crowded places, like restaurants, airplanes, or offices. Hotel rooms, homes, and other quiet places don't require special headphones to comfortably listen to music.

Other Downsides

Another problem with these headphones is that they require extra power for the noise canceling technology to operate. Producing those oppositely directed vibrations takes a small amount of power, so noise canceling headphones drain batteries more quickly.

Also, sound quality tends to degrade because of the complex wiring and circuits needed to block excess noise. If you're an audiophile looking for the absolute best sound quality available, a normal pair of headphones costs less while producing clearer highs and deeper lows.

Noise canceling technology also works poorly in blocking dynamic sounds, like voices and music. It works best against continuous noise, like traffic or the hum of an engine. Even with these downsides, many people prefer noise canceling headphones because of the unprecedented clarity they provide in crowded spaces. If you're on the go a lot, consider checking them out.