Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) is without a doubt a great technology that reduces unwanted environmental noise by generating sound waves in the opposite phase. Currently, there is probably no better model to demonstrate the capabilities of ANC than the AirPods Max from Apple. However, there are also situations in which it may be better not to use ANC.
If you are near traffic or in an environment where awareness of your surroundings is important—such as when cycling or walking on busy streets—using ANC can be dangerous. Blocking warning signals such as horns, sirens, or people calling out can lead to accidents.
When jogging or cycling outdoors, wearing ANC headphones can make you less aware of your surroundings. This can be particularly problematic in less safe areas or in poor lighting conditions.
Some people actually find it helpful to have a certain level of background noise in order to concentrate. ANC can suppress this too much and paradoxically make concentration more difficult.
Although ANC headphones are often recommended for blocking airplane noise, there are times—especially during safety announcements and during takeoff and landing—when it is important to hear announcements clearly.
If you are in a social situation, using ANC can be perceived as impolite because it signals that you are not open to communication. It may also cause you to miss important social cues or conversations.
My opinion on this:
All of that is correct, but I have actually experienced a few additional reasons for not using ANC. For example, when sleeping I would always turn ANC off and instead—especially if I plan to sleep for a longer time—use good old earplugs such as Oropax, which I always carry in the case of my ANC headphones.
Why? Well, anti-noise is still sound, and it places an acoustic and especially electromagnetic load on the body, which can sometimes be noticeable in the form of “hot” ears or headaches.
And sleeping is also more comfortable with foam in the ear rather than earcups around it—especially when lying on your side. So from time to time, it is perfectly fine to go without ANC.
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