What is Noise Cancellation?

Noise cancellation means as the term suggests canceling the unwanted noise around you nowadays headphones use advanced noise cancellation technology which allows clarity in the sound and reduces the unwanted sounds while hearing. There are also many software on the internet that can be used in Windows for noise cancellation using various algorithms. Nowadays companies that manufacture headphones, or other audio devices focus a lot on noise-cancellation features. In this article, we will understand the concept of noise cancellation its types, and its importance in the digital world.

What is Noise Cancellation?

Noise cancellation means blocking or preventing unwanted sounds which reduce the clarity of sound usually in the audio systems. It will allow you to focus more on the desired sound rather than the unwanted. It can be done by completely reducing the amplitude of the unwanted sound waves. The Noise cancellation is primarily focused on two types of sounds.

• Ambient noise in the surroundings means that you are studying from a laptop using your headphones and someone nearly is using machines or hearing music so here the headphones need to cancel the surrounding sounds.
• By unwanted interference within the electronic components of the computer itself. The sound has to travel through many electronic components while reaching your ears so colliding with that component can cause loose of data or the addition of unwanted noise. Preventing this is also part of noise cancellation.

Types of Noise Cancellation

Below are two types of Noise Cancellation.

1. Active Noise Cancellation

This is a way in which earphones and headphones are equipped with advanced signal processing algorithms which neutralize the external sounds. They work in the way, by detecting ambient noise with help of digital signal processor and generating equal waveform but in opposite phase so that ambient noise will be reduced and cancel out with our generated wave form. Which provides a undisturbed listening experience. This technology is primarily used on wireless earbuds for noise cancellation. But nowadays, its becoming common in consumer audio products.

2. Passive Noise Cancellation

In this we do not use a technology for noise cancellation rather we use techniques for isolating from background noise. For example you can use the ear buds of perfect fit according your ears so that noise wont enter your ear canal. It is a simpler way without using any advanced algorithms. That’s way this method is called “Passive” way of preventing noise.

Difference Between Active and Passive Noise Cancellation

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)	Passive Noise Cancellation
Uses microphones and algorithms to counteract external noise in real-time.	Relies on physical barriers or materials to block or reduce external sounds.
Microphones, signal processing, and algorithms.	Sound-absorbing materials, insulation, or design features.
Adapts to changing environments and adjusts noise cancellation in real-time.	Static and does not adapt to changes in the surrounding noise.
Generally higher due to electronic processes. May impact battery life.	No electronic processes, generally lower power consumption.
Commonly found in headphones, microphones, and certain computing devices.	Integrated into the design of laptops, earphones, and other devices.
Effective in reducing a wide range of external sounds.	Effective for certain frequencies and less adaptable to dynamic noise changes.
Often more expensive due to the inclusion of electronic components.	Generally less expensive as it relies on design features.
Noise-canceling headphones, ANC-equipped microphones.	Well-designed headphones, earplugs, acoustic insulation.

Advantages of Noise Cancellation

Noise is the unwanted sound with comes among with the original sound to our ears. So, cancelling it will have lot of benefits as below:

• Improves Concentration: The biggest advantage which comes with Noise cancellation is the improved concentration. Like in the things which requires good concentration while hearing like in meetings, studying online noise cancellation could be very important. Even the studies says that you will remember more things if you hear the voice without noise
• Reduces stress: Hearing songs, videos, or anything when there a lot of noise nearby is always a stressful experience. But noise cancellation technology helps by cutting off the unwanted sounds and providing you an peaceful experience. When you hear noise for long it could also cause serious issues like permanent hearing loss. So, always check noise cancellation potential of devices before purchasing.
• Improves productivity: There are many people whose job mainly relies on hearing sound. Hearing noise reduces the levels of productivity in the work. You can work more productively with a calm brain which you get by noise cancellation. You will be able to do work for longer time periods in a peaceful environment.
• Improves Sleep: In modern day when people have a lot of work and stress. They already have a lot of sleep issues. And hearing unwanted noises gives rise to these problems. When you sleep you give time to your body for restoring energy. Its important for both your personal and professional life. That’s why you should consider audio devices which provides noise cancellation.

Frequently Asked Questions on Noise Cancellation – FAQs

Do noise cancellation use lot of battery power?

In active noise cancellation we use electrical components which requires electricity for working. In passive noise cancellation there are not any battery requirements. So, as technology is evolving active noise cancellation is becoming more efficient.

When the use of noise cancellation is most effective?

Noise cancellation is most effective in your office time, studying time, meditation music. As it will increase the amount of concentration during these times.

Are noise cancellation devices helpful for health?

Yes, noise cancellation is good for health as it will reduce the level of stress and improves the sleep which helps by improving mental health of person. Yet its always advisable to take short breaks when you have to work for long hours.

What is the impact of noise cancellation on the quality of audio?

It will improve the quality of audio because, it will remove all the unwanted elements in the audio which will provide clarity in hearing. So, you can enjoy more clear and focused audio because of noise cancellation.

What are basic applications of noise cancellation?

Noise cancellation is basically used in headphones, earphones, microphones, and certain computing devices to enhance audio quality.