Noise-canceling headphones are meant to reduce unwanted ambient sounds around you. They use built-in microphones to pick up external noises, then produce sound waves to cancel out the out the external noise.
Besides improving the listening experience, they have several practical benefits such as limiting the noise from loud environments like airports and loud transportation like trains and airplanes.
Some research has investigated the health benefits of noise-canceling headphones.
One 2022 study examined noise-canceling technology in various headphone types and its impact on “perceived loudness levels” (PLLs) of participants in café and bus environments. Noise cancelation lowered PLLs in all types of headphones, especially in the low-frequency range.
Headphones that completely sealed the ear canal from external noise were most effective, making music more enjoyable at lower volumes. This is important because if wearers can enjoy music at lower volumes, this decreases the risk posed by listening to music at loud levels, researchers noted.
Noise-canceling headphones may also provide hearing protection for people who work in loud environments like construction zones and at concerts. However, noise-canceling headphones are not considered hearing protection devices by the
NRR is a measurement used to indicate the effectiveness of hearing protection devices in reducing noise exposure in decibels (dB). The NRR scale ranges from 0 to 33 dB. The higher the NRR, the greater the noise reduction.
A small 2022 study with 26 health care workers found that wearing noise-canceling earbuds led to self-reported better sleep quality and decreased daytime sleepiness and tension. The results were more pronounced in participants who reported worse than average sleep quality before the study.
The researchers noted that high-quality studies with more participants are needed to make a definitive connection.
A 2019 study looked into whether noise-canceling headphones could decrease unwanted auditory stimulation for children with autism spectrum disorder. Children with autism often experience hyperacusis, an exaggerated response to sounds and hyperstimulation due to differences in auditory pathways.
Auditory pathways are connections and structures involved in processing sound information that receive, transmit, and interpret auditory signals from the ears.
Researchers collected and measured physiological data — such as heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and respiratory rate — from participants in natural environments using wearable sensors.
The study suggests that using noise-canceling headphones may help reduce hyperstimulation in children with autism. The searchers noted that more high-quality studies are needed, but that prior research suggests that wearing noise-canceling headphones can benefit children with autism and other learning disabilities by helping them manage stress and continue to engage in meaningful learning experiences. This promotes cognitive and behavioral improvements.
Additionally, a 2021 review of 13 studies showed that noise-canceling headphones may be beneficial to the classroom experience of both neurodivergent and neurotypical children. The review noted that not enough research has been done on neurotypical students and that existing research has led to mixed results.
Potential benefits may include:
- reduced distraction
- improved concentration
- enhanced learning
- decreased distress
Besides the practical benefits, like a better listening experience with higher fidelity, noise-canceling headphones and earbuds may come with a few health benefits. However, more research is needed to confirm whether these devices provide ear protection, decrease hyperstimulation, or improve sleep quality.
Speak with a medical professional about whether noise-canceling headphones may benefit the health of you or your child.