Have you ever thought about how much they can be useful at the same time dangerous noise canceling earphones? These devices, very popular among those trying to isolate themselves from the outside world to concentrate better or simply to enjoy music without interference, hide some pitfalls not exactly negligible.
The earphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) work by emitting a sound wave that cancels out ambient noise. This feature allows you to reduce the volume of external environments without having to excessively raise the volume of your music. This all sounds fantastic, right? However, all that glitters is not gold.
Using earbuds with ANC actually reduces the noise reaching our ears, which is great for preventing hearing damage caused by prolonged exposure to loud sounds. However, reducing ambient noise too much can be problematic. According to David McAlpine, academic director of Macquarie University Hearing, this type of sound insulation can alter the way our brain processes sounds.
Our brain, no longer feeling the surrounding environment, could compensate by increasing its internal “sensitivity”. This change, described as a loss of listeningcan alter normal neural pathways, thus affecting our ability to process sounds effectively.
McAlpine illustrates this phenomenon by referring to studies conducted in anechoic chambers, environments designed to be completely free of echoes and external noise. People who enter these chambers often report feeling disoriented and feeling pressure in their head and ears, sensations similar to those described by some ANC headphone users.
Another study showed that the simple act of wearing ear plugs ears for a week led some participants to develop tinnitus, one condition in which noises such as buzzing or ringing are perceived in the absence of an external source. This suggests that sound deprivation may impact how the brain processes sounds, albeit temporarily.
When is it advisable to use noise canceling headphones?
Despite these potential risks, the ANC headphones they undoubtedly have gods benefits. They are particularly useful in extremely noisy environments, such as on an airplane or train, where they can help reduce exposure to harmful noise levels. In these contexts, they can actually protect hearing. However, in an already peaceful environment, it may be best to let your ears and brain experience the natural world unfiltered.
Ultimately, the use of noise-canceling headphones should be balanced. They are a fantastic tool, but like any technology, they too have limitations and challenges.
And you, have you ever experienced strange sensations or discomfort using these headphones? Share your experience in the comments below and let's see how many of us find ourselves in these descriptions!
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