Nov 01 2008
Gadgets: Noise-cancellation headphones reduces annoyance of unwanted noise
Noise is something that we deal with all through the day. Avoiding noise while trying to relax and listen to music is something that is desirable. Noise-canceling headphones helps to reduce noise that we would rather block out such as engine noise.
In simple terms a noise-canceling headphone works by emitting a noise of its own. By creating an “opposite” sound wave to the one created by the background noise the annoying sound becomes less noticeable.
Avoiding unwanted noise is a great feature but there are downsides to the headphones designed to just that.
· They are heavy because of the battery that is often needed to supply the headphones with poser
· By trying to block noise they sometimes cause the remaining sound to be distorted in the form of a hissing sound
· In order to block even more noise some headphones use materials to cover the entire ear which make them bulky
Apparently there are improvements being made in the technology. Bluetooth headsets and inside-the-ear headphones tout noise-cancellation. I know that my Motorola H12 Bluetooth headset blocks wind noise quite well. Microphones and speakers are strategically placed to make this possible. Each manufacturer has a name for this. Motorola calls it Crystal Talk, Aliph calls it NoiseAsassin, Shure calls it Sound Isolation and Bose calls it Quiet Comfort technology.
Noise-canceling headphones are often used to drown out the drone from airplane engines. Early on in fact – noise-canceling headphones were designed to protect pilot’s hearing.
