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    What are noise-cancelling headphones?

    Is an office brainstorming session hampering your focus? Or maybe the chatter on your commute is drowning out the final chapter of that audiobook? Enter noise-cancelling headphones that let you hit the mute button on unwanted noise.

    There’s no denying it’s a great invention, but how exactly does it work? Well stick with us because we’ll be exploring the science behind this clever tech — and how to choose the right earphones to give you the best listening experience.

    How do they work?

    Noise-cancelling headphones use tiny microphones that listen to your environment and separate intentional sound (like tannoy announcements and approaching cars) from background noise (like air conditioning and quiet chatter). Then speakers quickly create a new sound that’s the opposite of the background noise coming in. When the two sounds meet, they cancel each other out. The result? You hear nothing.

    This is called “destructive interference”, picture it like two waves crashing into each other, but timed perfectly so they cancel each other out, that’s essentially how it works. So, next time you pop in your earphones, just know there’s some pretty cool science keeping distractions quiet.

    Noise-cancelling technology was originally designed with pilots and the military in mind, since jet engines are really loud. But now we can benefit from it in our everyday life, helping us block out everything from humming air conditioners to noisy neighbours.

    Types of noise-cancelling headphones

    When you want to block out bothersome unwanted sound, noise-cancelling headphones have two main tricks up their sleeve — passive and active noise-cancelation. While they give you similar results, the way they work couldn’t be more different.

    Some seriously sound benefits

    Stay focused.

    You’ll find it tons easier to tackle that to-do list and keep distractions at bay with less sounds competing for your attention.

    Work anywhere.

    Open-plan offices, noisy cafés, or even at home when the washing machine’s doing its thing, you can cut out the background noise wherever you are.

    Avoid tiredness.

    Constant noise can be draining, even if you don’t realise it. Giving yourself some peace and quiet can help make long days a little less tiring.

    Keep calm.

    Noise-cancelling isn’t just about better sound, but also creating a peaceful space around you to take some time for yourself.

    How to choose the right noise-cancelling headphones

    Now that you get how they work, it’s time to figure out which noise-cancelling headphones are right for you. With so many options out there, it can be a bit overwhelming, but really, it all comes down to how and where you’ll be using them.

    If you regularly find yourself wanting to tune out the noise in busy environments like offices or public transport, active noise-cancelling headphones are probably the ones for you. They’re your best bet when it comes to cutting out consistent background noise.

    Or, if you’re after something simpler and a little more budget friendly, passive noise-cancelling headphones might be the way to go. Just remember, to get the most out of them, you’ll need to make sure they’re over-ear and fit comfortably to keep unwanted sounds out.

    Whichever type of noise-cancelling headphone you choose, you’ll also want to have a think about battery life, wireless or wired, sound quality, and all the nifty little features that different brands offer. Have a browse, there are tons of options out there. The best headphones for you, are the ones that’ll suit your lifestyle and everyday needs.

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