Many users feel discomfort with active noise cancelling headphones. They describe it as pressure in the ears or a need to “pop” them. This is known as “eardrum suck.” It feels similar to the sensation in a fast elevator. But, there’s no real change in air pressure. It seems to be a trick your brain plays, thinking the drop in noise is actually pressure. This can cause pain or discomfort.
A study found that out of 70 people, 52% felt bad effects like dizziness, headaches, or nausea from noise-cancelling headphones. The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II and Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 were often mentioned. Yet, for some, adjusting the noise cancellation strength made things better. It shows that knowing what works for you and choosing the right headphones is key to avoiding discomfort.
Introduction to Noise Cancelling Technology
Noise cancelling tech changes how we hear sounds, like during travel or work. It makes the sounds we want clearer by reducing background noise. There are two main types: active and passive noise cancellation.
Understanding Passive Noise Cancellation
Passive noise cancellation uses the headphones’ build and fit to block noise. It uses thick materials and a tight fit to stop unwanted sounds, especially from mid to high frequencies. For instance, lighter headphones often block noise better because they fit the ears more snugly.
In-ear headphones are great at this by sealing off your ear canal. But if they don’t fit right, they can feel uncomfortable. Yet, you can usually adjust them to feel better.
Active Noise Cancellation Explained
Active noise cancelling headphones go a step further using ANC technology. They have tiny mics that listen to outside noise and create opposite sound waves to cancel it out. This tech is really good at stopping low-frequency noises, like airplane engines or AC units.
However, these opposite sound waves can make some people feel a pressure in their ears. This is because they change the way natural sounds come through.
Brands like Phiaton have made headphones that mix both active and passive noise cancelling. Models like the BT 120 NC and 900 Legacy Digital Hybrid offer better sound quality and reduce noise more effectively. This means you get the best of both worlds for a cleaner listening experience.
Active noise cancelling headphones improve your listening, but they’re not perfect for every situation. Hospitals use them to help patients sleep better, but they’re not allowed for drivers in some places because they can distract you. Yet, they’re great for flying or working in a loud office.
Whether passive noise cancellation or advanced ANC tech is your preference, knowing about them can help you choose the right headphones for your needs.
Scientific Explanation: How Noise Cancelling Works
Noise-canceling headphones use both passive and active methods to lower background noise. This helps keep the volume down. The technology works by knowing how sound waves and their frequencies work.
Sound Waves and Their Frequency
Sound waves vibrate at different speeds, which we measure in Hertz (Hz). Our ears hear these vibrations as different pitches. For example, the quick vibrations of bird chirps sound high-pitched, while the slower vibrations of a bass drum sound low.
It’s harder to cancel high-frequency sounds because they change pressure quickly. Low-frequency sounds are easier to deal with.
Inverse Sound Waves in ANC
Active Noise Canceling (ANC) headphones create sound waves that are the exact opposite of background noises. These opposite sound waves meet and cancel each other out. ANC is really good at quieting down low-frequency noises like the rumble of an airplane or office talk.
This technic lowers the risk of hurting your ears by listening too loud. It’s important to keep the volume under 80dB for your hearing’s sake.
The Role of the Brain in Sound Perception
Our brains play a big part in how we hear and understand sounds. ANC headphones can make your ears feel strange by changing the noise you’re used to hearing. They might even make you feel dizzy or queasy after a while.
The outcome of ANC depends on various factors. Nonetheless, it’s a real help in noisy places like planes and busy streets. It cuts down on the noise, making things quieter and more enjoyable.
Psychoacoustics: The Brain’s Role in the Pressure Sensation
Often called “eardrum suck,” this feeling is mainly in our heads. It seems like our ear’s air pressure changes, but it doesn’t. Actually, it’s about how our brain understands sound, known as psychoacoustics.
Eardrum Suck: A Psychosomatic Response
Have you ever felt pressure in your ears with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) headphones? It’s because your brain thinks noise levels are dropping, like air pressure changing. Even if there’s no real change, this can cause discomfort or even pain.
How Your Brain Intercepts Sound Changes
Our brains adjust to sound changes all the time. When ANC headphones suddenly block noise, our brain might react oddly. The Signal Detection Theory shows how we tell the difference between background noise and silence. A better ability to tell them apart means we’re more sensitive to how sounds change. This can sometimes make us feel the “eardrum suck” when there’s no real sound change.
User Experiences and Anecdotal Evidence
Many people have shared their stories about Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) headphones. A Wirecutter survey with 70 staffers found that 52% felt discomfort. Their complaints ranged from ear pain to dizziness, headaches, and nausea. These insights help us understand the possible downsides of using ANC headphones.
Wirecutter Staff Survey Results
Wirecutter’s detailed survey aimed to gather opinions on ANC headphones. More than half of those surveyed reported discomfort. They experienced issues like ear pain and headaches. Interestingly, they also moved more when using headphones than speakers, which added to their discomfort.
Reports of Eardrum Pain and Headaches
Many users report the “eardrum suck” effect as a major problem. By testing different ANC levels, some found settings that reduced their problems. However, reactions vary greatly among users, highlighting individual sensitivities to ANC effects. A severe case in the American Journal of Otolaryngology involved a woman getting vertigo after using noise-cancelling headphones for 12 hours. The World Health Organization also warns that long headphone use may lead to hearing loss, a significant health issue.
These stories show why it’s important to try ANC headphones before buying. Being able to adjust ANC levels or choose less intense models might help. Therefore, listening to consumer reports and user feedback is key to making a good choice.
Factors That Influence the Pressure Sensation
When you use noise-canceling headphones, you might feel pressure. This is due to the ANC technology inside them. ANC is short for active noise cancellation, and it’s great at blocking out low sounds. Sounds like the hum from airplane engines or busy traffic. The technology cancels a wide range of sounds, which might make the air pressure around your ears feel different. It’s like when you go up or down in an airplane. That’s why you might feel this weird pressure.
ANC Strength and Frequency Ranges
How well ANC works can vary between different headphones. With stronger noise cancellation, some users feel dizzy or get headaches. For example, people have had issues with the Bose QuietComfort3 since the early 2000s. They reported dizziness, ear pain, and even nausea. Users of the AirPods Pro have also shared on Reddit that they felt ear pressure and had trouble breathing. It shows that being able to adjust the ANC to your liking could help avoid these problems.
Individual Sensitivities and Brain Reactions
How you feel about the sound changes from ANC is very personal. Some people’s brains think the lack of noise means there’s a pressure change in their ear. This can lead to a real feeling of pressure. If you use noise-canceling headphones for too long, you might start to feel uncomfortable or even in pain. This is especially true for headphones that cover your whole ear. To feel better, try taking breaks, changing the noise-cancellation level, or making sure your headphones fit right. Knowing how your body reacts to these sound changes can help you choose the best way to use your headphones.
