Do you often feel that you're going to go deaf sooner than later because you blast your headphones on the top volume peak possible? Wait, you didn't hear me? Turn your volume down some. I said, if you feel that you're going to go deaf because of your loud volume, you probably are! Just kidding, but you get my drift. People are used to having to turn the volume up way too high in order to get everything out of their favorite song, from the high kicks to the deep rifts. If you are a victim of this practice and wish that you could find a happy medium between turning the volume down some and hearing every element in your favorite song, you might have found your answer with noise cancelling headphones.
What are Noise Cancelling Headphones?
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Noise cancelling headphones fit into the new world of technology as a new way to listen to and truly enjoy the quality of music coming from you music source. The new technology has taken the world by storm, giving many people the opportunity to listen to their music without having to turn it all the way up in order to hear all of the subtleties that make it great.
The way they are able to create a crystal clear sound without you having to turn them up is by reducing the ambient (or acoustic) noise in the headset by the speakers. They placed a microphone near the ear that creates a sound wave called antinoise. The sound wave is said to have the opposite polarity of the sound wave that arrives as the microphone. This means, when they meet, they cancel other out; this is called phase cancellation. Once phase cancellation occurs, a new sound wave is produced called destructive interference. The original sound wave is then placed a higher volume than the new sound wave, which eliminates unwanted noise. The end result is a crisp quality of music that allows you to hear every aspect of sound placed in the song.
Noise cancelling headphones have become so popular than many are getting in on the action by creating unique styles, as well as making them available for more devices. So now, you can find these quality headphones at varying price ranges, in over-the-ear, on-the-ear, or even in-the-ear styles, and for everything from your stereo or computer to your handheld musical device.
Bluetooth
I'm sure by now you've heard about Bluetooth technology. You've probably seen the Bluetooth earpiece attached to someone's ear as they've walked down the street looking as though they're talking to themselves. The earpiece, however, is one of the many innovations that have come from the company that specializes in wireless, hands-free technology. In addition to earpieces for your cell phone, they create everything from wireless GPS systems that communicate to your laptop, technology that allows your computer and printer to read pictures from your cell phone, and even blood pressure monitors that can communicate your blood pressure readings to your doctor automatically.
One of their other innovations is the wireless headphone that communicates directly to your iPod, MP3 player or even home stereo through an adapter, or directly if the device is Bluetooth-enabled. And now, many stereo manufacturers are creating Bluetooth-enabled, noise cancelling headphones. So in addition to being able to wear your headphones while moving around your home independent of the device you are listening to, you can enjoy the great quality of noise cancellation too!
For iPods and MP3 Players
The good news is that you can find great noise cancelling headphones that will work well with your iPod or MP3 player. In addition to being able to find Bluetooth-enabled, wireless headphones, you can now get some that even work to create the crystal-clear sound you want straight from your handheld device. So now, if you want to travel with your iPod but don't like the sound quality coming from your complimentary earbuds, you can use your new headset with noise cancellation technology to truly enjoy your trip with the music you love.
Who Offers the Good Ones?
Of course, like everything else, once manufacturers see a good product being sold on the market, they make a point to get in on the action. Unfortunately, this practice may not work as a benefit to you because you may find noise cancellation packaging without the quality to go with it. So to help you out, I have listed a few products on the market that are said to be creating the sound quality they advertise.
Bose Quiet Comfort 2 - Apparently these noise cancelling headphones are all the rage in airline magazines because they provide so much of a distraction to those wanting to avoid the obnoxious sounds of jet engines and babies crying while in mid-flight. They are said to be one of the best headsets on the market (and for the 0 price tag, they darn well better be!). Reviewers say that these incredible headphones block out noise even if music is turned off, and when you do turn it on, the crystal-clear quality will suffer absolutely no interruptions.
Sony MDR-NC33 - These headphones are seen as a jewel among reviewers because they provide great cancellation quality in a small, lightweight package. They are lightweight because they come in the form of earbuds. These great phones are said to have great bass quality, a nice high-frequency clarity and, of course, the absence of ambient sound. One of the downfalls of them, however, is that they are said to have a little hiss, so for the 0 price tag, it is my suggestion that you check them out at your local electronics store before committing to a purchase.
The best way to learn more about noise cancelling headphones is to do your research. Because the good ones tend to be in the pricier range, you want to make sure you get exactly what you desire for the price you're paying. While I know the Internet is a great source for finding products on sale, I highly recommend you test some noise cancelling headphones out in person before buying them online. That way you won't be disappointed when you still have to turn the volume all the way up to hear the sound quality you desire.
