Customers like yourself often ask us:
What is noise canceling in a headset?
How does noise canceling work?
What is active noise cancellation?
In our HEADSETS 101 series, we’ll cover all of those questions and more as we simplify and explain the benefits of noise-canceling headsets in great detail.
Last Updated – November 2020
The term noise canceling can be confusing because it relates to two different technologies. Prior to the 2000’s, a noise-canceling headset would only benefit your caller. It had no direct effect on the user of the headset. It was built into the microphone and would cut down on background noise around you, allowing your caller to hear you more clearly. Manufacturers estimate up to 75% of your background noise will be reduced to your caller.
Around 2015, manufacturers started introducing Hybrid and Active Noise-Canceling technology into headsets. This benefits the user of the headset by reducing background noise and distractions, improving their ability to hear more clearly. To find the perfect Noise Canceling Headset to meet your needs, you will need to consider wearing options, corded versus wireless, features and budget. A high-quality noise canceling headset will be compatible with desk phones, VoIP computer softphones, mobile apps and Bluetooth devices.
In summery, if a headset description lists noise canceling, it’s relating to only your microphone quality and how your caller hears you. It has no benefit for the person using the headset; and it won’t help you hear better in a loud environment. If you opt for a headset with Active Noise Canceling, the sound you hear as the user is effected. Your experience in loud environments will be better while noticing a significant improvement in clarity; when compared to standard models. As you continue reading, you will learn what is noise canceling and how to find the perfect solution to meet your needs and budget.
Do Callers Hear an Occasion Voice or Word-for-Word In Your Background?
Because every situation is different, and each person’s perceptions vary, there is a great way to see what quality of noise canceling you’ll need. Simply call into the location where you will be using a headset and listen for background noise during a busy time. Pay special attention when there is silence on the line to see if you can hear people talking in the background. If you can, a higher quality noise-canceling headset will be a huge benefit. If you don’t hear much background noise, you can purchase a standard, less expensive model.
How Loud Is Your Environment? Does This Look Familiar?
What is Noise Canceling? It Refers to Microphones & Speakers.
When consider headsets for loud environments, most business grade headsets have noise canceling built into the microphone. That helps callers hear you better, but doesn’t address you hearing better. Advances in technology and an increase in demand, with more users working in loud office and home environments, now have started a trend where headsets have noise canceling being added separately into the speakers. This helps the users of the headset tune out background noise, allowing them to focus more on their calls with less distractions.
Noise-Canceling Microphone Circuitry
How a Noise Canceling Microphone Works.
A noise-canceling microphone has two or more microphones picking up sound from different directions. The primary microphone faces your mouth, while secondary microphones pick up background noise in all directions. The headset targets your voice and electronically reduces the background noise. This makes your voice crisp and clear to your caller.
Many different microphone designs exist from tiny holes, to groups of openings and even screens that all allow sound to pass through to the electronic microphone. They all work very similar with no clear advantage of any particular design. The primary noise canceling microphone will always face your mouth and be located on the end of the mic boom.
Examples of Noise-Canceling Microphones
If using a headset without a boom (boomless headsets), the microphones are built into the ear piece and target the area 2-3 inches in front of your mouth. The negative to boomless headsets and earbud type headsets that use a microphone built into the cable is they are prone to pick up extra background noise and transmit that to your caller. Because your voice is easily mixed with other background noise coming to the same area, the headsets can’t differentiate and will transmits everything. While great for some uses, these should be avoided for those that require the best audio possible to their callers.
Noise canceling benefits some users more than others. It’s best to consider your typical environment and background noise when deciding between headset models at different price points, because of advanced features.
If you’re in a private office, your audio quality will be crisp and clear all the time. Less expensive noise-canceling headsets will provide the same audio quality as high-end solutions.
If you work in an office, call center or at home with kids playing and dogs barking, a noise-canceling microphone will be critical for optimal audio quality. You want your caller to hear you clearly and stay focused on you, not distracted with your background.
Adjustments to Improve Noise Canceling
Microphone
Effectiveness.
1) We work with our customers to set the microphone to the minimum level where callers hear you comfortably, but not pickup any extra noise. If using a headset that has microphone adjustments in the base or a PC that lets you adjust microphone levels in the audio settings, make a test call with a co-worker. Have them intently listen to you as you repeatedly count from 1 to 10. They will find a range where you sound great. You want to adjust your microphone level to the lower part of that range. That allows your caller to hear you comfortably, while not being extra sensitive and picking up extra background noise to transmit.
2) Adjust your mic boom so the end, where the actual microphone is located, is 1-2 finger widths (1/4 inch to 1/2 inch) from the corner of your mouth for optimal performance. This helps the microphone understand your voice and not be confused with other noise if pointed in the wrong direction.
New Headset Technology for Kids Playing and Dogs Barking.
Many customers are now working from home and require noise-canceling headset microphones that will eliminate sounds, like dogs barking, or babies crying. A typical noise-canceling headset targets human voices and office noise, reducing them by up to 75%.
When you have a dog barking or a baby crying, you will need the latest in headset technology. Acoustic fence puts an imaginary fence around you to completely block out any background noise outside of your area.
Headset Firmware Updates for Optimal Performance.
With headset technology constantly advancing, it’s best to perform regular firmware updates to ensure the best headset experience.
Plantronics Hub
Jabra Express
How a Noise Canceling Speaker Works.
We’re often asked what is active noise cancelation? Noise-Cancelling speakers help you, the users of a headset, hear better in loud environments and avoid background noise and distractions. The below will help differentiate the different kinds of noise cancelation.
Passive noise-reduction relates to how the headset is physically constructed. The larger the speaker/cushions and materials used, the greater the barrier. This separates noise around you from what you’re trying to hear through the headset (your caller).
Active noise-canceling typically has internal microphones listening for background noise. It electronically generates a reverse sound wave that is transmitted into your speaker to eliminate or cancel out the background noise. This technology does great with low, harmonic sounds like jet engines, fans or HVAC units with a constant hum. They tend to struggle with loud, irregular office type noise and higher frequencies.
Hybrid noise-canceling typically starts with the above active noise-cancelling. Then they add external microphones for a better understanding of the noise you’re trying to eliminate. This technology handles office noise much better, as well as, higher frequencies. The drawback is that it may generate more ‘white noise’ in your speaker, lessening your sound quality. Many newer working from home headsets will have adjustable levels of hybrid noise-canceling allowing you to find the best compromise of sound quality versus background noise-cancelling.
Considerations
to Improve Noise CancelingSpeaker
Effectiveness.
1) When you’re working in a loud environment, the most effective headset will be one that covers both ears.
2) The larger the speakers/cushions, the more effective they will be in creating a sound barrier that separates outside noise from what you’re trying to hear. The louder your environment, the more focus you want to have, the more important it will be to find a headset using cushions that circle and go around your ear. This helps isolate you and drown out virtually all noise in your background.
3) Active Noise Canceling (ANC) and Hybrid Active Noise Canceling will improve your experience in loud environments, but will be slightly more expensive.
Why Are All Wireless Headsets Only Offered in Noise-Canceling Models?
If considering wireless headsets, you will quickly realize they only come in noise-canceling microphone versions. The reasoning behind this is, when you’re wireless, you have the option of moving away from the headset base. You may start out in your private office but find yourself roaming into a louder environment, thus needing noise-canceling technology.
For instance, you go into the break room to get a cup of coffee, and your headset beeps to tell you there is a call coming in. Your co-workers in the room are having a nice conversation, but you can still answer your call because your caller won’t be able to hear your coworkers’ conversation. Or you take a call in your office, but you need to go into the main office to get a file, and there are several workers discussing a new proposal as you walk by. You won’t have to put your call on hold, because your caller won’t be able to hear the words of the discussion, due to the noise-canceling microphone on your headset.
What are the Biggest Benefits of Noise Canceling Headsets?
If you have a basic headset with little or no noise-canceling capabilities, as you talk to a caller, they will hear your voice, as well as the co-workers around you. This is very distracting to most callers. Any time there is silence during your conversation, your caller will hear your coworkers’ conversations word for word. With a good noise-canceling headset, your caller will hear your voice well above the background noise. During those times of silence, they will only hear slight mumbling from coworkers in the background, instead of an entire conversation.
High-quality headsets using a noise-canceling microphone will reduce background noise, allowing your caller to hear your voice more clearly. This is very important, because the clearer your voice is, the less information needs to be repeated, and your conversation will be more accurate. It also keeps your caller focused on your conversation and less distracted with background noise; this is very important in a professional business environment — to maintain a level of confidence and trust with your callers when pitching products and taking credit card information.
Plantronics HW710 Noise Canceling Headset
Why It’s Beneficial to Upgrade Older Headsets That Use Windscreens.
Microphone positioning is critical on older headsets that use a foam windscreen. A windscreen covers the microphones, making it impossible to know if you’re talking into the front or back microphone. Inadvertently twisting the microphone 180° and talking into the back side microphone, your headset will focus on your coworkers’ voices and attempt to cancel or reduce your voice. Older headsets have a flat surface area for the microphone. When you speak certain letters of the alphabet, they hit the flat surface and sound distorted to your caller. The windscreen is a critical component to round out the flat edges. This helps to absorb those hard letters, making your voice sound clean, crisp, and clear.
As technology has evolved, newer headset microphones have a rounded or tapered front that faces your mouth. This allows the microphone to pick up your voice accurately and let your voice flow past the microphone. The windscreen served its purpose in the advancements of headsets, but by eliminating them, you know exactly where your primary microphone is located. You also have a healthier work space, because a foam windscreen is an easy place to spread germs, if headsets are shared.
Plantronics H51N Noise-Canceling Headset
Bluetooth Headset Microphones Work Differently Than Business Headset Microphones.
Business-grade headsets target your voice while cutting down the background noise of your coworkers. Bluetooth headsets attempt to reduce noise, but their primary goal is to cut down wind noise that is picked up from being outside. With a low-end Bluetooth headset, your callers will hear wind whistling as it passes by the microphone, making your conversation distorted, choppy, and you will have to constantly repeat information. High-quality Bluetooth headsets with multiple microphones will greatly reduce wind noise, making for a clearer, more normal conversation. If you need a solution that works great outside with wind and traffic noise, consider the Plantronics Voyager 5200 UC, which will pair with both your Bluetooth mobile phone/tablet and your PC/laptop for VoIP connectivity.
How Corded Amplifiers vs. Direct-Connect Cables Affect Noise-Canceling Microphones.
You may find it surprising when using corded headsets, but an amplifier can greatly affect your noise-canceling microphone effectiveness. An amplifier gives you the ability to turn your microphone up and down. This provides the luxury of turning it down just enough so your caller hears you comfortably, but not making the mic so sensitive that it picks up unnecessary background noise. If you opted for a direct-connect cable instead of an amplifier, you don’t have any way of controlling the mic volume, and must rely solely on the noise-canceling capabilities of the headset. If you’re having trouble hearing or being heard in an extremely loud environment with direct-connect cables, replace a few with amplifiers. Then test to see if your headsets become much better at reducing background noise.
Wireless office headsets used with multi-line phones will typically have compatibility, microphone, and speaker controls on the base. By turning down the microphone volume as much as possible, but maintaining an acceptable volume for your caller. This greatly improves the noise-canceling ability of the headset.
The Bottom Line of Noise-Canceling Headsets…
Noise-canceling technology in headsets can make or break the experience you and your caller experience with calls and customer interaction. Are you going to be able to close the deal? Are dogs barking and kids playing in the background effecting your concentration? What about that awesome football game that happened last night your co-workers are loudly carrying on about? If callers hear people yelling in the background with constant distractions, it will affect their confidence in doing business with your company.
By using noise-canceling headsets, you will greatly reduce background noise, which improves the communication between you and your caller. Better communication means less information repeated and more accurate information from your calls for a more productive day. Hopefully we answered the common questions about active noise cancelation and noise canceling to assist in your buying experience. Be sure to thoroughly test and evaluate if a noise-canceling headset would provide great value in your headset investment.
As classroom environments continue to evolve, teachers are always searching for new and effective ways to enhance student focus and learning. One solution that has become increasingly popular in recent years is noise-cancelling headphones.
These headphones work to block out external noise and create a focused listening experience for students. By reducing external noise and creating a more peaceful environment, these headphones can help students maintain their focus and increase their engagement with educational material
Noise-cancelling headphones also have the potential to enhance learning retention, reduce stress and anxiety, and accommodate students with different learning styles and needs. But what exactly is the impact of noise-cancelling headphones on student focus and learning in the classroom? Let's take a closer look.
The most obvious benefit of noise-cancelling headphones is their ability to block out external noise. In a classroom setting, this could mean the sounds of other students, the hum of air conditioning units, or any other noise that could potentially distract students from their work. By eliminating these distractions, noise-cancelling headphones help students maintain their focus and concentration on the task at hand.
Noise-cancelling headphones can help students maintain their focus and concentration by providing a quieter and more peaceful environment. The traditional classroom setting can be a challenging environment for some students who may be more sensitive to noise and other external stimuli. Noise-cancelling headphones can be an effective solution for these students as they block out external sounds and create a more controlled listening environment, which helps reduce distractions and improve concentration.
A study published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America found that noise-cancelling headphones can help students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to focus better on tasks. The study showed that students with ADHD who used noise-cancelling headphones while working on a task showed a significant improvement in their task performance compared to when they worked without the headphones. Additionally, students reported that they found it easier to concentrate and were less distracted when using noise-cancelling headphones.
Noise-cancelling headphones can also help students who are sensitive to noise or have sensory processing disorders. Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition where the brain has trouble processing and responding to sensory information, which can cause discomfort, distraction, and even pain. Noise-cancelling headphones can help these students by reducing the amount of sensory input they receive from external noises and creating a more calming environment.
In summary, noise-cancelling headphones can help students maintain their focus and concentration in the classroom by reducing distractions and creating a more controlled listening environment. They can be particularly beneficial for students with ADHD or sensory processing disorders who may struggle with noise and other external stimuli. By providing a quieter and more peaceful learning environment, noise-cancelling headphones can help students reach their full potential and improve their academic performance.
Another benefit of noise-cancelling headphones in the classroom is that they can improve learning retention. According to a study published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, students who used noise-cancelling headphones during lectures were better able to recall information presented during the lecture. This is likely because they were better able to focus on the lecturer's voice and block out any other distractions that could have interfered with their ability to retain information.
The study found that students who used noise-cancelling headphones during lectures had an average recall rate of 85%, compared to 65% for those who did not use headphones. This shows that noise-cancelling headphones can have a significant impact on students' ability to learn and retain information, which can ultimately lead to better academic performance.
In addition to improving focus and learning retention, noise-cancelling headphones can also help reduce stress and anxiety for students in the classroom. When students are surrounded by distractions and external noises, they may feel overwhelmed and anxious, which can negatively impact their learning experience. By using noise-cancelling headphones, students can create a sense of calm and quiet, which can help to alleviate some of these negative feelings and reduce stress levels.
Research has shown that noise-cancelling headphones can be effective in reducing stress and anxiety. A study published in the International Journal of Audiology found that participants who wore noise-cancelling headphones reported feeling less stressed and more relaxed than those who did not wear them. In addition, noise-cancelling headphones have been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of tinnitus, a condition that causes ringing or buzzing in the ears, which can also contribute to stress and anxiety.
By creating a quieter and more focused environment, noise-cancelling headphones can help students feel more comfortable and relaxed in the classroom. This can lead to better academic performance, as students are better able to concentrate on their work and retain information presented during lectures. Additionally, the reduction in stress and anxiety can have a positive impact on students' mental health and well-being.
Finally, noise-cancelling headphones can be an effective accommodation for students with certain learning differences, such as ADHD or autism. These students may be more sensitive to external stimuli and find it difficult to concentrate in a traditional classroom setting. By providing them with noise-cancelling headphones, teachers can help create a more inclusive learning environment that accommodates a wider range of learning styles and needs.
This can be particularly beneficial for students with ADHD or autism, who may struggle to concentrate in a traditional classroom setting due to external distractions.
A study published in the Journal of Attention Disorders found that noise-cancelling headphones significantly improved the attention and behavior of students with ADHD in a classroom setting.
Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that students with autism who used noise-cancelling headphones during testing had improved test scores and decreased levels of stress and anxiety compared to those who did not use headphones.
By incorporating noise-cancelling headphones as an accommodation, teachers can help create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.
If you're considering introducing noise-cancelling headphones into your classroom, it's important to choose the right headphones for your students' needs. Here are a few key factors to consider:
Comfort and fit are crucial factors to consider when choosing noise-cancelling headphones for students in the classroom. Since students will likely be wearing the headphones for extended periods, it's important to choose a pair that is comfortable and easy to wear.
Look for headphones with padded ear cups and an adjustable headband that can fit a variety of head sizes. Ear cups should be large enough to fully cover the ears, and the headband should be wide enough to distribute the weight of the headphones evenly across the head. Some headphones also feature breathable materials to prevent ears from becoming too hot and uncomfortable.
Additionally, it's important to consider the weight of the headphones. While some heavier headphones may have more advanced noise-cancelling technology, they may not be suitable for prolonged use. Lightweight headphones can help reduce fatigue and strain on the neck and head muscles.
Overall, choosing headphones that fit comfortably and securely can make a big difference in students' ability to use them effectively and without discomfort. By prioritizing comfort and fit, teachers can help ensure that their students are able to focus on their work and stay engaged in the classroom.
Active noise-cancelling headphones use advanced technology to detect and cancel out external noise. They work by using built-in microphones that pick up external sounds, which are then processed by a built-in noise-cancelling circuitry. The circuitry creates an "anti-noise" sound wave that is sent back through the headphones, effectively cancelling out the external noise. This type of noise-cancelling technology is particularly effective for low-frequency noise, such as the hum of an air conditioner or the rumble of a bus engine.
On the other hand, passive noise-cancelling headphones use physical materials to block out external noise. This can include thick ear cushions or ear cups that create a tight seal around the ear, blocking out sound waves. Passive noise-cancelling headphones don't require any external power source, making them a more cost-effective option compared to their active counterparts. However, they may not be as effective in blocking out low-frequency noise as active noise-cancelling headphones.
When choosing noise-cancelling headphones for the classroom, it's important to consider their durability and longevity. Classroom headphones will see heavy usage and need to withstand the wear and tear that comes with frequent use. Look for headphones that are made from high-quality materials, such as reinforced cables, strong plastics, and sturdy ear cushions. Some headphones are designed specifically for the classroom and have features like replaceable ear cushions and detachable cords to extend their lifespan.
In addition, consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A longer warranty period indicates that the manufacturer has confidence in their product's durability and is willing to stand behind it. Some headphones also come with additional protections, such as a carrying case, to help protect them during transport and storage. By choosing durable headphones, you can ensure that your investment will last for years to come.
The HamiltonBuhl Deluxe Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones with Case are an excellent choice for students who need a high level of noise-cancellation to focus on their work. These headphones use both active and passive noise-canceling technology to create a quiet environment. The active noise-canceling technology actively detects and cancels out low-frequency sounds, such as the hum of air conditioning units or the chatter of other students. Meanwhile, the passive noise suppression provided by the deluxe, over-ear cups with soft cushions helps to block out external noise.
Together, these two types of noise-cancelling technology create an optimal environment for students to focus on their work. By blocking out distractions and creating a peaceful atmosphere, students can improve their concentration and productivity. Additionally, the headphones come with a zippered carry case for protection and easy storage, making them a durable and convenient choice for classroom use.
Features:
You can learn more about HamiltonBuhl Deluxe Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones with Case For School here.
The QZPro Active Noise Cancellation Headphones for School are another excellent option for noise reduction in the classroom. These headphones feature soft leatherette, closed cushions that provide passive noise reduction by creating a tight seal around the ear to reduce ambient noise, while still retaining bass frequencies.
Moreover, these headphones have embedded active noise cancellation circuitry in each ear cup that employs tiny microphones to sample the surrounding noise and transmit that information to a processing circuit. The circuit generates anti-waves to counteract unwanted noise and create a peaceful listening environment. If noise cancellation isn't necessary, the headphones come with a switch that can easily turn off the feature.
The QZPro headphones also deliver high-quality sound, thanks to their full frequency response of 40-20,000 Hz, which offers a full range of deep bass and treble clarity for ultimate sound quality and reproduction. Additionally, the extra-soft, padded headband and closed ear cushions provide a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. These headphones are also fully collapsible for easy storage and transportation.
Features:
You can learn more the QZPro Active Noise Cancellation Headphones For School here.
The Logitech® USB School Headset H390 is a great option for students who require a noise-cancelling headset that is both comfortable and reliable. With a plush, padded headband and ear cups, the H390 provides a comfortable fit for extended periods of use, whether students are listening to lectures, participating in online classes or studying for exams.
Additionally, the headband and microphone are both adjustable to ensure a perfect fit for every user, while the high-quality speakers provide clear, digital audio that is ideal for listening to a variety of audio content.
Moreover, the noise-canceling microphone ensures clear communication, making it perfect for online classes, video conferences or recording assignments. The in-line volume and mute controls are conveniently located, and the LED mute indicator allows users to know at a glance when their microphone is muted.
Overall, the Logitech® USB Headset H390 is an excellent choice for students who require a comfortable, high-quality noise-canceling headset that will help them stay focused and productive throughout their studies.
You can learn more about the Logitech H390 USB Headset with Noise-Canceling Mic For School here.
In conclusion, noise-cancelling headphones for school can be a valuable tool for students looking to improve their focus and concentration in the classroom. By blocking out external noise and creating a calming, focused environment, these headphones can help students better retain information, reduce stress and anxiety, and accommodate different learning styles and needs. When selecting noise-cancelling headphones for the classroom, consider factors such as noise-cancelling technology, comfort and fit, and durability and longevity. You can see our full selection of noise canceling headphones for school here. Thank you for visiting the Learning Headphones blog.