Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Headphones that reduce background noise electronically

Overview

Active noise cancelling headphones use microphones to sample ambient sound and generate an opposite, phase inverted signal that cancels much of it, working best on steady low frequency noise such as engine and aircraft hum. Many also provide passive isolation through ear cups or ear tips. In noisy settings people tend to turn up their music to drown out the background, so reducing that background can allow listening at lower volumes. They are not rated hearing protectors in the way certified earmuffs and earplugs are, and they do not replace protection for loud occupational or recreational noise.