environmental noise cancellation: Explained: All about Environmental Noise Cancellation in headphones and earbuds

Most of the modern earphones and headphones come with features like long-lasting battery, Bluetooth connectivity, touch buttons/sensors and more. While comparing the specifications, buyers often come across a feature called Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC). But what does this feature do? ENC tends to block any external noise to provide a better audio experience. It also helps in improving sound quality and protecting the ear.
Here, we will discuss how the function works and why a user should go for it.
Types of Environmental Noise Cancellation earphones
There are two types of Environmental Noise Cancellation — Active Environmental Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Passive Environmental Noise Cancellation (Passive ENC). ANC is generally more effective when it is combined with Passive ENC. Passive ENC, however, is a rare thing for over-the-head headphones and the hardware requirements make ANC an uncommon thing in earphones. Let’s discuss the difference between these two and how they operate.
What is Active Environmental Noise Cancellation (ANC)?
Sound travels through the air like waves, which oscillate with peaks and dips. An ANC system broadcasts reversed waves, which cancel out the other waves. This means the system terminates external noise for users, allowing them to just groove to the tune.
What’s the importance of Active Noise Cancellation?
Active noise cancelling system, which is present in a pair of standard headphones or earphones, is capable of reducing background noise by about 40 decibels. It effectively blocks out almost all background noises in most environments.
Drawbacks of Active Noise Cancellation
This system is not that effective against sharp and sudden noises like car horns. It is best suited for steady noise, such as the sound of a moving train and airplane engines. Users, however, complain that ANC headphones reduce the quality of music. Moreover, there’s a drawback to it. Running the ANC technology drains the battery much faster. So, most headphones with this system come with an on-off option for the ANC feature. Also, it’s more expensive than the Passive Environmental Noise Cancellation system.
What’s a Passive Environmental Noise Cancellation?
This method cancels out the unwanted noise through the build quality of the earphone. It is solely dependent on the design of the product, whereas ANC doesn’t need it as it produces anti-noise to prevent the background sound. Earbuds that are Passive ENC-enabled, provide a noise-blocking seal in the user’s ear canal.
The components of Passive ENC include the earbud’s rubber, sponge or pad and usually support form factors like TWS earbuds, neckband earphones and wired earphones. ANC, thus, becomes even more effective when it is combined with Passive ENC.