Noise Canceling Vs. Noise Blocking Headphones ...

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When it comes to accessibility and accommodation devices, the use of anti-noise gear is very common among autistics. These headphones can aid people with ADD/ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, and other disabilities. For me, my headphones are like a cane—they make the world easier and less painful. Using my cane or the headphones allows me to do things I wouldn’t normally be able to do. The headphones also enable me to accomplish tasks without melting down or exhausting all my energy. They significantly simplify my life and make walking outside much more bearable. I don’t tire as much and can go into shops without feeling incapacitated the next day or becoming very afraid, confused, or overwhelmed.

Until my last birthday, I used noise-blocking headphones, similar to those used by technicians and electricians, which I got from my dad. I also use silicone earplugs with them if I need extra quiet.

This year, my awesome friends collected money and bought me noise-canceling headphones. I wanted them but wasn’t sure if they were the right investment for me—so this was a great birthday present.

I decided to do a review and a side-by-side comparison of the two, with pros and cons for each. I hope you will find it useful!

Noise Blocking Headphones

What I use: Husqvarna’s “Hearing protection” old model.
Weight: ~200gr
Noise reduction: NRR: 25 dB(A) SNR: 27 dB(A)

Other names: Noise isolation headphones, work earmuffs, passive anti-noise headphones, hearing protection headphones.

Where to get: You can find them in stores for work equipment, building and DIY home supplies. Various workplaces supply noise-blocking headphones. They are also available on AliExpress, eBay, or Amazon.

Price: About 100–500 ILS (25–130 USD), depending on quality.

How they work: They go around your ear to block sound waves and contain different materials inside to muffle the noise. The headphones create a physical barrier between your ear and the sounds around you.

Pros:

• Relatively cheap (some workplaces even provide them).
• No need to charge or use batteries. Just put them on and adjust the size!
• Waterproof.
• Basic models can be used during tests since they are not electronic and do not connect to electronic devices.
• There are models with FM radio and Bluetooth connection.
• Low-tech—no need for technical understanding to use.
• Usually, it doesn’t matter how you put them on because they don’t have left and right sides.
• Can be combined with earplugs for better protection and quietness.
• Can be combined with small headphones for listening to music.
• Work fine with thin glasses temples (the part that sits on your ears).
• They might be approved by your country’s “Standards Institute” and thus are reliable and actually protect your ears.
• Provide hearing protection.
• Block talking and not talking equally.

For more details, kindly visit Why Hearing Protection Is Important.

Cons:

• Big and bulky—some won’t fit under hats or allow you to sleep comfortably on your side/stomach.
• Sometimes their colors/designs give them away as work earmuffs, causing stares, unwanted attention, or questions.
• Muffle lower-pitched noises better, and you might not hear others talking to you.
• Can’t play music on their own.
• Some models might be uncomfortable due to the pressure they put on your head.

Noise Canceling Headphones

What I use: Parrot Zik 2.0 white noise canceling headphones.
Weight: 270 gr
Noise canceling: Up to ~30 dB

Other names: Active noise canceling headphones, noise canceling headphones, noise controlling headphones.

Where to get: Electronics stores (like BUG), Amazon, eBay, manufacturer's e-shops.

Price: About 1000–3000 ILS (250–800 USD), depending on brand and model.

How they work:

Noise canceling works using the physics of sound waves. They use a "counter wave" to cancel the outside noise (destructive interference). The device can’t predict random noises, so it is more useful for predictable, monotone sounds.

Active noise-canceling headphones use a microphone, amplifier, and speaker to pick up, amplify, and play ambient noise in phase-reversed form. This, to some extent, cancels out unwanted noise from the environment without affecting the desired sound source, which is not picked up and reversed by the microphone.
- Wikipedia

Pros:

• Noise-canceling degree can be controlled via an app.
• Cool and trendy look, various colors might be available.
• Very comfortable.
• Various models: earbuds or headphones are found on the market.
• Can play music from your phone (or computer) and be used for voice calls with high-quality sounds.
• Have some degree of passive noise blocking.
• You can hear people talking to you—so you won’t miss important stuff!
• Quite fine to sleep with on the side/stomach if airplane mode is activated. It is best with earbud models.
• Music volume control via touch panel in some models.
• Lowers the volume needed to listen to stuff.
• Can be worn with some hats.
• Have both interactive mode and airplane mode.

Cons:

• Expensive.
• Not waterproof.
• Delicate electronic equipment.
• Right and left sides are important—if you don’t put them on correctly, they might not work as well.
• If they have a control panel on one side, it might not be as comfortable for left-handed individuals.
• You can still hear human speech clearly, even if you don’t want to.
• Require batteries and need charging. If not used for several days, they may need extra charging.
• Electronic noise might be heard if the headphones are charging.
• Some functions might require a smartphone.
• People who find it hard to work with electronics might struggle with usage.
• Accidental touch on the ear control panel can lead to starting/stopping what you are listening to.
• Drain your phone battery quickly.
• Can’t be used during tests.
• Unknown degree of hearing protection.

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