Active noise cancellation can be a boon for audio lovers, but it's not without side effects. Surprisingly, it may cause discomfort and even impact your hearing.
I’ve experienced these pitfalls as an audiophile, leaving me questioning this impressive technology. It’s like biting into a juicy apple only to find a worm wriggling.
I was initially drawn to the promise of escaping into a world of pure sound. But wrestling with unexpected discomfort and, worryingly, changes in my hearing.
Our beloved headphones and earbuds’ active noise cancellation technology is a marvel, yet its dark underbelly isn’t widely discussed. I’ve struggled with headaches, ear pressure, and even auditory distortions problems that seemed to creep in with my new tech toy.
Please stick with me as we dive deep into the less-talked-about side effects of active noise cancellation. Together, let’s sound the alarm on these silent issues.
What are the Side Effects of Active Noise Cancellation?
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology has revolutionized listening to music, watching movies, and even working in noisy environments.
However, like any technology, it’s not without its drawbacks. Here are ten side effects that some users of ANC have reported:
1. Dizziness
When I first started using Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), I noticed a peculiar sensation. It was as if my ears were under pressure, similar to what you might feel when you’re in an airplane, ascending or descending rapidly. This pressure change can lead to a feeling of imbalance or dizziness.
Here’s what might be happening:
- ANC works by producing sound waves that counteract and cancel out ambient noise.
- This process can create a sensation of pressure in the ears.
- This pressure change can lead to a feeling of imbalance or dizziness, especially when you first start using ANC or when you use it for extended periods.
If you’re dizzy when using ANC, know you’re not alone. It’s a known side effect, and it’s usually temporary. Your brain needs some time to adjust to the new sensory input.
2. Headaches
Another side effect I’ve noticed with ANC is headaches. This is likely due to the brain’s response to the unusual sensation of noise being canceled out, which can be disorienting.
It’s similar to the headaches some people experience when they first start wearing glasses or contact lenses. The brain needs time to adjust to the new sensory input.
Here’s the rundown:
- The pressure sensation caused by ANC can lead to headaches in some users.
- This is likely due to the brain’s response to the unusual sense of noise being canceled out.
- It’s similar to the headaches some people experience when they first start wearing glasses or contact lenses.
Read more: Can Noise Cancelling Headphones Cause Headaches?
3. Nausea
Nausea is less common but does happen. Some users report feeling nauseous when using ANC, especially for prolonged periods. This is likely related to the dizziness and disorientation that ANC can cause.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Some users report feeling nauseous when using ANC, especially for prolonged periods.
- This is likely related to the dizziness and disorientation that ANC can cause.
- It’s similar to motion sickness, where the brain receives conflicting information from different senses, leading to feelings of nausea.
If you’re feeling nauseous when using ANC, it might be a good idea to take breaks or to use it in a lower setting.
4. Ear Pain
When I first started using Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), I noticed a peculiar sensation. It was as if my ears were under pressure, similar to what you might feel when you’re in an airplane, ascending or descending rapidly. This pressure change can lead to discomfort or even pain in the ears.
Here’s what might be happening:
- ANC works by producing sound waves that counteract and cancel out ambient noise.
- This process can create a sensation of pressure in the ears.
- This pressure change can lead to discomfort or even pain, especially when you start using ANC or for extended periods.
5. Hearing Loss
Another side effect that some people experience when using ANC is hearing loss. While ANC is designed to protect your hearing by reducing the volume of ambient noise, it’s important to remember that listening to any sound at a high volume for extended periods can potentially lead to hearing loss.
Here’s the rundown:
- Listening to loud music or other audio, even with ANC, can still damage your hearing over time.
- Keep the volume safe (usually less than 60% of maximum volume) to protect your hearing, and take regular breaks to rest your ears.
6. Jaw Pain
The sixth side effect you mentioned, jaw pain, is less common but does happen. This is likely due to the pressure changes in the ear caused by the noise cancellation process, which can affect the nearby jaw muscles and joints.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The pressure changes in the ear caused by ANC can affect the nearby jaw muscles and joints, leading to discomfort or pain.
- If you’re feeling jaw pain when using ANC, it might be a good idea to take breaks or to use it in a lower setting.
7. Ear Pressure
One of the sensations I’ve noticed when using Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a feeling of pressure in my ears. This is because ANC works by producing sound waves that counteract and cancel out ambient noise.
This process can create pressure in the ears, similar to what you might feel when an airplane ascends rapidly.
Here’s what you need to know:
- ANC can create a sensation of pressure in the ears.
- This pressure change can lead to discomfort or even pain, especially when you start using ANC or for extended periods.
- If you’re feeling ear pressure when using ANC, it might be a good idea to take breaks or to use it in a lower setting.
8. Head Rush
A head rush or lightheadedness can sometimes occur when using ANC. This is likely related to the changes in pressure that ANC can cause in your ears. These pressure changes can affect your balance and lead to a feeling of lightheadedness or a “head rush.”
Here’s the rundown:
- The pressure changes in the ear caused by ANC can affect your balance.
- This can lead to lightheadedness or a “head rush.”
- If you’re experiencing a head rush when using ANC, it might be a good idea to take breaks or to use it in a lower setting.
9. Irritation
Some people find that using ANC can lead to irritation. This could be due to the sensation of pressure in the ears or a reaction to the headphones or earbuds themselves.
Here’s what you need to know:
- ANC can cause a sensation of pressure in the ears, which some people find irritating.
- Additionally, the headphones or earbuds used to deliver ANC can sometimes cause physical irritation, especially during prolonged use.
- If you’re feeling irritated when using ANC, it might be a good idea to take breaks, adjust the fit of your headphones or earbuds, or use it in a lower setting.
10. Reduced Awareness of Surroundings
One of the primary purposes of ANC is to reduce ambient noise, allowing you to focus on your music, podcast, or phone call. However, this can also lead to a reduced awareness of your surroundings, which can be a safety issue if you’re walking or biking in a busy area.
Here’s what you need to know:
- ANC reduces ambient noise, which can lead to a reduced awareness of your surroundings.
- If you’re using ANC in a busy area, staying aware of your surroundings for your safety is essential.
- You might want to consider using ANC in a lower setting or not when you need to be aware of your surroundings.
Here are the ways to fix those problems and my own experience with setting them:
| Side Effect | My Experience | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Dizziness | I’ve noticed that prolonged use of ANC can sometimes make me feel dizzy. | I’ve found that using ANC in moderation helps. If I feel dizzy, I take a break and remove my headphones. |
| Headaches | I’ve often experienced headaches after using my ANC headphones for extended periods. | Ensuring a proper fit for my headphones has been vital. A tight fit can cause headaches. Also, I try to keep the volume at a comfortable level. |
| Nausea | On rare occasions, I’ve felt a bit nauseous after using ANC. | Like dizziness, I take a break if I start feeling nauseous. I’ve learned to use ANC sparingly until I get accustomed to it. |
| Ear pain | I’ve had instances where my ears hurt after using ANC headphones. | I realized that the right size of headphones matters. If they’re too small or too big, they can cause discomfort. |
| Hearing loss | While I haven’t experienced this, prolonged exposure to loud noise can lead to hearing loss. | I always keep the volume at a safe level to protect my hearing. |
| Jaw pain | I’ve felt jaw pain a few times, especially when I’ve had headphones on for a long time. | This was due to a tight fit. I adjusted my headphones for a more comfortable fit, and the pain subsided. |
| Ear pressure | I’ve felt a sense of pressure in my ears when using ANC in noisy environments. | I found that using my ANC headphones in an environment with less ambient noise reduces the need for high levels of noise cancellation, which can cause ear pressure. |
| Head rush | I’ve experienced a sudden head rush a few times after using ANC. | If I experience a head rush, I’ve found it best to take a break from my headphones and rest. |
| Irritation | I’ve had some irritation, especially when using headphones with certain materials. | I discovered this was due to the material of my headphones. I invested in headphones with comfortable, hypoallergenic materials, and the irritation stopped. |
| Reduced awareness of surroundings | There have been times when I’ve been so engrossed in what I was listening to that I lost awareness of my surroundings. | I’ve learned to use ANC strategically. If I’m in a situation where I need to be aware of my surroundings, I consider turning off the ANC feature. |
Remember, everyone's experience with ANC can be different. What works for me might not work for you. It's all about finding what works best for you.
How Good is Active Noise Cancellation?
As someone who frequently uses headphones, I can confidently say that Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a game-changer.
It’s like having your bubble of silence, allowing you to focus on your music, podcast, or audiobook without being disturbed by the noise around you. But let’s break it down and see just how good ANC is.
Effectiveness in Reducing Noise
The primary purpose of ANC is to reduce unwanted ambient noise, and it does this remarkably well. The technology creates an “anti-noise” signal that cancels unwanted noise.
This is particularly effective for continuous, low-frequency noises, such as the hum of an airplane engine or the rumble of a train.
However, it’s important to note that ANC is less effective at reducing high-frequency noises, such as people talking or keys clacking on a keyboard.
So, while ANC can significantly reduce background noise, it won’t give you complete silence.
Types of ANC and Their Pros and Cons
There are two main types of ANC – feedforward and feedback. Each has its strengths and weaknesses:
- Feedforward ANC: This type uses a microphone placed outside the headphone to detect noise before it reaches your ear. The advantage of this method is that it can see noise earlier, potentially leading to better noise cancellation. However, it’s more susceptible to wind noise, which can reduce its effectiveness.
- Feedback ANC: This type uses a microphone inside the headphone to detect noise already reaching your ear. While it can’t see noise as early as feedforward ANC, it’s less susceptible to wind noise.
Here’s a simple comparison:
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Feedforward ANC | Can detect noise earlier, potentially leading to better noise cancellation | More susceptible to wind noise |
| Feedback ANC | Less sensitive to wind noise | Can’t detect noise as early, potentially leading to less effective noise cancellation |
Personal Experience
From my experience, ANC can significantly improve the listening experience, especially in noisy environments. It allows me to listen to my favorite music or podcasts without being disturbed by the noise around me.
However, I’ve also noticed that after prolonged use, I sometimes feel a slight pressure in my ears, which can be uncomfortable.
I would say that ANC is a great technology that can significantly improve your listening experience. However, like any technology, it’s imperfect and has limitations. But if you often find yourself in noisy environments, ANC can be a real game-changer.
Does Active Noise Cancelling Cause Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is when you hear a constant ringing or buzzing in your ears, even when there’s no external sound source. It can be pretty distressing and significantly impact one’s quality of life.
Based on my research, no direct evidence suggests that ANC causes tinnitus. However, it’s important to note that prolonged exposure to loud noise, such as listening to music at high volumes through headphones, can potentially lead to tinnitus.
This is not a direct result of the ANC technology but rather the volume at which the audio is played.
Here’s a summary of the research I found:
| Research Paper | Findings |
|---|---|
| Tuning Out the Noise: Limbic-Auditory Interactions in Tinnitus | This paper suggests that tinnitus is more related to changes in the brain’s auditory and limbic systems than external factors like ANC. |
| Ringing Ears: The Neuroscience of Tinnitus: Figure 1. | This research indicates that tinnitus is associated with changes in the brain’s auditory structures, which can be triggered by hearing impairment. |
| The Distressed Brain: A Group Blind Source Separation Analysis on Tinnitus | This study suggests tinnitus is related to changes in the brain’s auditory pathways and limbic regions. |
| Antidepressants for patients with tinnitus | This paper discusses the use of antidepressants for tinnitus treatment, indicating that tinnitus is often associated with depressive states. |
While ANC technology can significantly improve the listening experience by reducing unwanted noise, it’s unlikely to cause tinnitus.
However, using such devices responsibly is always a good idea, keeping the volume safe to protect your hearing health.
If you experience tinnitus or any other hearing issues, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.
FAQs
1. Is active noise cancellation bad for your ears?
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is not bad for your ears. It’s a technology designed to reduce unwanted ambient noise. This provides a more immersive and comfortable listening experience.
However, like any audio device, misuse can lead to hearing issues. For instance, listening to music at high volumes for prolonged periods can potentially harm your hearing, regardless of whether ANC is used.
Using such devices responsibly is always recommended, keeping the volume safe.
2. Why does ANC feel weird?
Some people report feeling pressure or a “vacuum” sensation in their ears when using ANC headphones. ANC uses microphones to capture ambient noise and then generates a counter-sound to cancel it.
This process can create a sensation of pressure, which some people may find unusual or uncomfortable, especially when they first start using ANC devices. However, most people get used to this sensation over time.
3. Is active noise cancelling harmful?
There’s no evidence to suggest that ANC technology is harmful. However, it’s important to remember that any audio device, if misused, can potentially cause hearing damage.
This includes listening at high volumes for extended periods or using poorly fitting earbuds that can cause physical discomfort.
Using such devices responsibly and taking regular breaks to rest your ears is always best.
4. Does active noise cancellation affect your health?
There’s no direct evidence to suggest that ANC affects your health negatively. Some people may experience minor discomforts like pressure in the ears or dizziness.
But these are typically temporary and subside once you stop using the device or get used to it.
However, if you experience persistent discomfort or other symptoms like tinnitus (ringing in the ears), it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.
Remember, while ANC can enhance the listening experience. It’s necessary to use it responsibly to protect your hearing health.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a fantastic technology that enhances the listening experience by reducing unwanted noise. However, it’s not without potential side effects.
Some users, including myself, have experienced pressure, dizziness, or nausea. While these effects are typically minor and temporary, using ANC devices responsibly is essential.
If you experience persistent discomfort, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional. Remember, the key to enjoying ANC technology is mindful and responsible use.
James Dimento is a Chief-in-Editor of SoundUnify. He is a headphone enthusiast and creative writer passionate about audio technology. He has three years of experience writing about headphones and sound quality and is responsible for creating reviews and taking care of all administration.
