You’ve seen them everywhere. Sleek, modern, and with a promise to drown out the world. Noise-cancelling headphones have taken over many people’s lives- offering a peaceful oasis within loud surroundings. But are they safe for your ears? Let’s find out as we jump into noise cancellation and the potential risks/benefits.
The Science Behind Noise Cancellation
Before getting into the safety issues, let me take you through how noise-cancelling headphones do their job. Fundamentally, they employ microphones to sense ambient sound and afterward produce an inverse sound wave to cancel it out. As a result of this procedure, a more silent environment is created for the listener.
Are Noise-Cancelling Headphones Louder Than Regular Headphones?
One of the most widely held misconceptions is that noise-cancelling headphones are louder than regular ones. It is true that they can be used at higher volumes, yet their technology is not designed to make sound louder. The only thing it does is muffle the background noise, thus making it possible to enjoy an audio track at a reasonable loudness level.
Common Concerns and Misconceptions
Hearing Damage: Much debate is on whether one could also suffer from hearing impairment due to the use of noise-cancelling headphones. It is true that people who are continuously exposed to loud sounds may eventually suffer from deafness.
However, noise-cancelling headphones are created to lower the sound level produced by the external environment. If you switch on them at a tolerable volume, they are quite safe most of the time.
Isolation: There are people who are afraid that noise-cancelling headphones may alienate you from the environment. Even though they do halt external sounds, they do not shut you off completely. You can still hear important sounds like traffic or someone calling your name.
Brain Health: There has been some speculation that noise-cancelling headphones can have a detrimental effect on your brain health, but there’s no scientific evidence backing up these claims, either.
The Benefits of Noise Cancellation
Despite the potential risks that come with using noise-cancelling earphones, many people might find themselves more focused while using these earphones. They can do this by:
Stress: Noise can cause stress, and stress is bad. By blocking out the external world, noise-cancelling headphones help ensure that nothing will interfere with your focus.
Better Sleep: Noise-cancelling headphones can be used when you sleep to get a more peaceful and resting environment.
Protect your hearing: Ironically, noise-cancelling headphones can protect your hearing by removing the need to listen to audio at higher volumes.
Potential Risks: While noise-cancelling headphones have many benefits, they also come with some potential risks:
Increased Volume: One of the main worries is that people will feel inclined to listen at louder volumes due to the fact the headphones cancel out background noise, and over time, this could damage your hearing.
Isolation from Surroundings: Noise-cancelling headphones can really isolate you from your surroundings, and that could put you in a dangerous situation if you’re not careful. You may not hear that car honking or that pedestrian calling out to warn you.
Pressure on Ears: Some people may feel slight discomfort or pressure on their ears. This is especially true for people who have been using it for a longer duration. The headphones need to be a tight fit in order to cancel maximum noise.
Safety Tips for Noise-Cancelling Headphones
If you are someone who likes to wear noise-cancelling headphones, here are some tips to make sure you are still keeping your hearing safe:
Observe the Volume Guidelines: The general principle is to listen at a low volume. There is a likelihood that if you can hear the sounds around you, you will be listening at a safe level.
Take Breaks: Give your ears a rest every hour or so in order to avoid straining them and feeling fatigued.
Be Mindful of Your Surroundings: Even with noise-cancelling headphones being a thing, it is important to always bear in mind the fact that you should be sensitive to people around you. Be guided by your environment, especially in public places.
Go for Quality Headphones: You can buy good quality earbuds or headphones from reputed brands. They will mostly have better sound quality and some of them even have adjustable noise cancellation levels.
Consult a Doctor: If you experience any pain or hearing issues while using noise-cancelling headphones, do visit a health professional.
Final Thoughts
Noise-cancelling headphones are a wonderful way to have a tranquil listening experience, but it’s important to use them safely to avoid any possible dangers. With the safety tips discussed in this article, you should be able to enjoy the advantages of noise-cancelling while keeping your ears safe.
