Noise canceling headphones reduce extraneous noises to enhance concentration on the task at hand by producing ‘white noise’ or music whilst not masking out standard conversation. There are both active and passive noise canceling headphones; passive being standard workshop style headphones which comprise of padded materials within an earpiece covering the eardrum to reduce noise and usually all sound frequencies reaching the ear. Active noise canceling headphones only block out certain frequencies of noise, to allow greater clarity of hearing for essential needs. Examples include blocking out aircraft noise when flying, noisy air-conditioning sounds or background chatter.
Features to consider when buying noise cancelling headphones:
- decibels of noise canceling capability
- size and portability especially if for travel use
- wearing comfort
- frequency in which noise canceling capability operates
- sound quality of the music.
Standard headsets or earphones play music directly into the ear, potentially canceling out the surrounding or background noise and enhancing concentration. Headsets/earphones come in a range of types including:
- headsets worn over the head
- neckband style headsets
- earbud style earphones which fit into the ear
- retractable corded earphones for less tangling
- add on attachments to earbud style earphones to enhance music quality and fit
- wireless style headphones with wireless range to transmitter – requires recharging after set amount of use.
Headphone splitting devices are available that may allow multiple headsets to receive music from one device.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people with hearing loss, tinnitus or those that have difficulty maintaining concentration such as within open plan work environments, use of noise canceling or standard headphones may be a simple and cost effective method to reduce extraneous noise and allow concentration on task. It may be appropriate to utilise headphones or earphones to assist with noise reduction within the workplace or when traveling for work, however this should be part of the workplaces overall noise management and hearing protection program.
For more information on controlling noise, see the links below:
References
Sound Machines Direct 2010, Resound LX18 Active Noise Canceling Headphones, Sound Machines Direct, Minnesota, viewed 24 May 2011, http://www.soundmachinesdirect.com/white-noise-sound-machine/Other-Products/LX18-Noise-Canceling-Headphones/LX-18-Active-Noise-Canceling-Headphones.cfm.
iPhone Accessories Australia 2011, Product Information, iPhone Accessories Australia, Kingsgrove, viewed 24 May 2011, http://www.iphoneaccessoriesaustralia.com.au/contact_us.php.