The cancellation of active noise, or ANC, is a characteristic that no headphone mark explains well. I have learned this after years as a reviewer, and you should know.
I’m sure you have Headphones that cancel noise This has become one of your favorite characteristics, so I’m sorry to tell you this: you really can’t stand how it works, but you still have time to learn.
Wireless headphones, although they are difficult to choose, have shot themselves in sales and popularity in recent years, and the cancellation of active noise (ANC) is undoubtedly one of the great reasons that made us park the old headphones with headphones with cable that we have headphones we have.
This technology blocks certain frequencies of sounds from abroad and, therefore, allows you to listen to music without problems in envy where it would be impossible, as in trains or in the streets with people.
Approximately time, I have been testing wireless headphones of all kinds, in most cases with noise cancellation. I have realized that if you have never used one, you think they are all good, but over time you can distinguish the differences that brands do not explain to you.
And that is what I want to tell you next, so keep reading if you want to become an expert in noise cancellation in just a few minutes (much less time than it took me).

The active noise cancellation theory
The cancellation of active noise is one that not only eliminates any noise from outside, but is capable of filtering it in real time through an algorithm. Yes, you guessed it, artificial intelligence is also essential here.
It always works in the same way: a microphone abroad collects environmental sounds, another microphone inside the headphones detects how much of that noise reaches the ear, and multiple feedback and anticipation systems work in real time.
It is not that the outside sound disappears, logical, but that the sound waves of annoying noises are partially neutralized. This means that if you use them without sound, listen to everything attenuated, and if you use music, you will not only write it down, which may seem almost magical.
The amount of sound that can be blocked is measured in decibels (dB) And it is the main value that brands use us to say that their technology is better than that of others. They currently vary between 30 and 45 decibels, so if the noise is stronger, it can subtract this figure.
Practice: There are different Anc depending on the brand and model
The point is that this theory is complicated in practice because there are different headphones designs, such as internal headphones (EC, Airpods Pro) or the Arphone. These two formats are the ones that best isolate from the environment and the only ones that have an ANC, compared to semi-open (semi-in -ore) and open designs.
As if that were not enough, we must add the brand, because the calibration of the cancellation of active noise is ultimately, the one that most determines the quality of the audio experience.
For example, One of the brands that currently offers the best noise cancellation is HuaweiWith models such as the Freebuds Pro 4 high -end, which does not provide the Anc Decibels data, but it is one of the best noise cannelling headphones at this time.
This is something that is also demonstrated by other more affordable models, such as FreeBoebuds 6i of medium range, which Huawei prefers not to share its Anc Decibelios data, compared to other brands that and achieve worse.
Another remarkable model is the EAH-AH-AZ100 technique, from the premium range. Althegh your ANC is good in general, They are the headphones that I have tried so far that they better eliminate the voices of the people around you. Something ideal in public transport or in the bustling streets where you prefer to isolate yourself, which happens to me very often.
This example has been the definitive test: there are active noise cars of all colors, and it depends on whether it fits what you are looking for to evaluate it and not only see that cold data in DB that is not too representative in real use.
And not understand that this is not your problem, but that of brands that cannot see or make themselves heard, the differentiation between their audio technology and that of their rivals.
Is noise cancellation hurts or is it a myth?
Wireless headphones have made a long way in noise cancellation in recent years. What was once just a high -end feature has reached cheaper and more compact models about time.
But there is also no shortage of those who warn that it is not good for health. Is this true or is it a myth?
There are Alrealy scientific studies that show that noise can be harpul if used continuously before the end of adolescence, when the ear is not yet completely formed. There are even documented cases of young people with auditory disorders for this reason.
In addition to this, there are the damages that can be caused by the use of headphones with too high volumes for a long time, although this is a risk that in theory is reduced with the use of noise cancellation instead of reducing.
Frequent questions
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What is active noise cancellation (ANC) and how does it work?
The cancellation of active noise (ANC) uses external and internal microphones to decide the environmental noise and neutralize it with real -time sound waves by an algorithm, which makes the external sounds less noticax stolhoving SUMP.
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Why do different headphones have a different ANC performance?
The ANC yield varies because it depends on the headphones design (in the ear or exaggerated) and how each brand calibrates its noise cancellation technology, not only the reduction of decibels they announce.
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Does the cancellation of active noise completely eliminate exterior noise?
No, ANC does not complete eliminates exterior noise; They are the significant ledes of unwanted sounds, but you can still hear a little noise, especially without playing music.
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Can noise cancellation headphones cause health problems?
Studies suggest that the use of ANC headphones continuously before the ear matures in adolescence can cause hearing problems, although the use of models is generally considered safe.