Are Noise Cancelling Headphones Good for Studying?
When it comes to studying, it is important to create an environment that is conducive to concentration and focus. This is especially true for those who are studying in noisy or distracting environments. Noise cancelling headphones have become increasingly popular for their ability to block out external noise and create a more peaceful environment for studying. But are noise cancelling headphones really good for studying?
In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of using noise cancelling headphones for studying and determine whether they are a helpful tool for academic success.
Table of Contents
What are Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Firstly, let’s discuss what noise cancelling headphones are. Noise cancelling headphones are a type of headphones that use active noise control technology to block out external sounds. They work by emitting sound waves that are opposite in phase to the external noise, effectively cancelling it out. This creates a quieter and more peaceful environment for the listener.
How Do Noise-Cancelling Headphones Work?
These earbuds work on the principle of “anti-phase”. This is a whole damn physics thing. And I’m not going to bore you with that.
In simple words, through tiny microphones on your headphones, they analyze the incoming sound waves. Then in reaction to that sound, they create an exact opposite sound wave to cancel the incoming sound tide.
So, what you hear is either music, if turned on, or a complete deep sound of silence.
And there are two types of them: active and passive.
Active is what you just read above, a complete electronic mechanism. While passive is simply blocking out the sound by wedging your earbud tips. Some brands do better and some suck.
But don’t confuse noise-canceling headphones with noise-isolating earbuds. They both are different breeds. Noise-isolating earbuds only give you passive sound cancellation, and it works well, but can’t compare with the technology of active sound-cancellation.
Ok, now, let’s just move onto the thing you came for…
The Pros of Using Noise Cancelling Headphones for Studying
There are several advantages to using noise cancelling headphones for studying:
- Improved Concentration: When studying, it is important to be able to concentrate without distractions. Noise cancelling headphones can help to block out external noise, making it easier to concentrate on the task at hand.
- Reduced Stress: Studying in a noisy environment can be stressful and distracting. Noise cancelling headphones can create a more peaceful environment, reducing stress levels and increasing productivity.
- Better Retention: Studies have shown that external noise can have a negative impact on memory and retention. By blocking out external noise, noise cancelling headphones can improve memory retention and help students to better absorb the material they are studying.
- Increased Comfort: Noise cancelling headphones are often designed with comfort in mind, making them ideal for long study sessions. They can help to reduce fatigue and discomfort associated with prolonged headphone use.
The Cons of Using Noise Cancelling Headphones for Studying
While there are several advantages to using noise cancelling headphones for studying, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider:
- Cost: Noise cancelling headphones can be expensive, which may be a barrier for some students.
- Sound Quality: While noise cancelling technology can help to block out external noise, it can also affect the quality of the sound coming through the headphones. This can be a concern for students who require high-quality sound for their studies.
- Isolation: Noise cancelling headphones can create a sense of isolation, which may not be ideal for all students. Some students may prefer to study in a more social environment, or may benefit from being able to hear ambient noise.
- Safety Concerns: In some situations, such as when studying in a public place, it may be important to be aware of one’s surroundings for safety reasons. Noise cancelling headphones can block out external sounds that may be important for situational awareness.
Does Noise-Canceling Help you Concentrate While you’re Studying?
Ok, first of all, here is a fleeting thought:
Studying while your friends are around you can be beneficial for you because you can ask them for help in case you’re stuck on a math formula. Or, you can discuss complex chemistry solutions to really stuff them into your head.
However, I understand that sometimes all you need is alone time, you and your books, your notes, a pen, and a complete deep silence. Just like a mountain guru isolated in a cave activating its sixth sense…
But it’s impossible when someone constantly coughs around you, randomly opens the door, or someone is constantly jamming on the keyboard keys, or your friend that will not keep its mouth shut, or your neighbor aunt that is shouting at her husband…and you could go on when it comes to annoying distracting sounds.
And that’s where noise-cancelling headphones come to the rescue, saving you from the cruel world filled with noises awful to bear…
Noise cancelling headphones help to focus in tons while studying. They give you some kind of a weird peaceful pleasurable experience. You can even remove your own distracting thoughts.
However…except…that there’s a little twist to the story…
There are some factors you need to be aware of because what you just heard will not work for everyone.
Read below to know what I meant…
Alternative to Noise-Canceling Headphones to Help you Focus
You see, it’s ironic as sometimes the silence is too silent that it ends up being a distraction itself.
When you put your earbuds on your ear, grab your book, and start studying, and you go on for a few minutes…and after sometimes the abyss of noise-cancelling sound really starts to haunt you.
Some of the folks have reported that they felt dizziness, and in some cases painful headaches.
So instead of focusing like a topper nerd in your class, you’re irritated and distracted again.
What should you do at that point? Quit studying? No!
Maybe you’re not the noise-canceling person.
Maybe you simply need light ambiance music in your ears to go in the flow. Yes, music! I have seen some folks, they love light ambient music, and they say it’s perfect for focusing.
And for some other folks, music is a killer of focus. And it is the same for me, too. I personally enjoy a peaceful rainfall sound when writing. Maybe it will help you as well. Just try some different things until you find your vibe.
Can noise cancelling headphones help you concentrate while studying?
Yes, noise cancelling headphones can help you concentrate while studying. These headphones use microphones to pick up external sounds and create inverse sound waves to cancel them out, reducing external distractions. This can be especially helpful if you’re studying in a noisy environment, such as a coffee shop or a shared living space. However, some people may find that complete silence is too distracting or uncomfortable and prefer to use white noise or ambient sound apps to create a more conducive study environment.
Example: If you’re studying for an exam at home and your family members are watching TV in the next room, wearing noise cancelling headphones can help you block out the noise and focus on your studies.
Solution: Choose noise cancelling headphones with good sound quality and comfortable ear cups to minimize discomfort during extended use.
Are noise cancelling headphones worth the investment for studying?
Investing in noise cancelling headphones can be worthwhile if you frequently study in noisy environments or have trouble focusing due to external distractions. They can also be useful for online classes, video conferences, and other situations where you need to block out background noise to hear clearly. However, noise cancelling headphones can be expensive, and there are cheaper alternatives such as earplugs or regular headphones that can also help reduce noise.
Example: If you’re a college student who spends a lot of time studying in a crowded library, investing in a pair of noise cancelling headphones may be worth it to improve your concentration and productivity.
Solution: Consider the cost-benefit of investing in noise cancelling headphones and compare different models to find one that meets your needs and budget.
Do noise cancelling headphones affect the sound quality of music while studying?
Noise cancelling headphones can affect the sound quality of music, but some models are designed to minimize this effect. When you turn on noise cancelling, it creates an anti-noise signal that cancels out external noise. This can sometimes interfere with the audio quality of music or other sounds you’re listening to. However, some noise cancelling headphones have a transparency mode that allows you to hear external sounds while still reducing background noise.
Example: If you enjoy listening to music while studying, look for noise cancelling headphones with a transparency mode to preserve the audio quality.
Solution: Choose noise cancelling headphones with a transparency mode or adjustable noise cancellation settings to balance sound quality with noise reduction.
How do noise cancelling headphones work for studying in noisy environments?
Noise cancelling headphones work by using microphones to pick up external sounds and creating inverse sound waves to cancel them out. This can be especially helpful when studying in noisy environments, such as coffee shops or public transportation. Noise cancelling headphones are also useful for online classes and video conferences, where external noise can make it difficult to hear and participate.
Example: If you’re studying on a crowded train, noise cancelling headphones can help you block out the noise and focus on your studies.
Solution: Choose noise cancelling headphones with good noise reduction capabilities to effectively block out external noise.
What are the best noise cancelling headphones for studying?
There are several noise cancelling headphones on the market, and the best one for you depends on your needs and budget. Some popular options include Bose QuietComfort, Sony WH-1000XM4, and Apple AirPods Pro. Look for headphones with good sound quality, comfortable ear cups, and adjustable noise cancellation settings.
Example: If you’re a frequent traveler, look for noise cancelling headphones with a long battery life and compact
size for easy portability.
Solution: Read reviews and compare different noise cancelling headphones to find the best one for your specific needs.
Are noise cancelling headphones safe for studying for extended periods of time?
Wearing noise cancelling headphones for extended periods of time can cause discomfort, especially if the ear cups are too tight or the headphones don’t allow for enough airflow. Additionally, some people may experience ear fatigue or dizziness from prolonged use. However, noise cancelling headphones themselves are not inherently harmful, and taking breaks and adjusting the fit can help prevent discomfort.
Example: If you’re planning to wear noise cancelling headphones for several hours, take a break every hour and adjust the fit to prevent discomfort.
Solution: Choose noise cancelling headphones with comfortable ear cups and take breaks to prevent discomfort from extended use.
Can noise cancelling headphones cause headaches while studying?
Wearing noise cancelling headphones for extended periods of time can cause headaches, especially if the ear cups are too tight or the headphones don’t allow for enough airflow. Additionally, some people may experience headaches from the sudden shift in sound pressure caused by the noise cancelling technology. However, taking breaks and adjusting the fit can help prevent headaches.
Example: If you’re experiencing headaches while wearing noise cancelling headphones, take a break and adjust the fit to prevent discomfort.
Solution: Choose noise cancelling headphones with comfortable ear cups and take breaks to prevent headaches from extended use.
How do noise cancelling headphones compare to earplugs for studying?
Noise cancelling headphones and earplugs both help reduce external noise, but they work differently. Earplugs simply block out external noise, while noise cancelling headphones use microphones and sound waves to cancel out external noise. Earplugs may be more effective at blocking out high-frequency sounds, such as voices or alarms, while noise cancelling headphones are better at reducing low-frequency sounds, such as engine noise or background chatter.
Example: If you’re studying in a noisy coffee shop, noise cancelling headphones may be more effective than earplugs at reducing background noise.
Solution: Consider your specific needs and environment when choosing between noise cancelling headphones and earplugs.
Are noise cancelling headphones effective for studying in libraries or other quiet environments?
Noise cancelling headphones may not be as effective in very quiet environments, such as libraries, where there is minimal external noise to cancel out. However, some people may find that wearing noise cancelling headphones in a quiet environment helps reduce distractions and improve focus.
Example: If you’re studying in a quiet library but are easily distracted by people walking by or turning pages, wearing noise cancelling headphones may help you concentrate.
Solution: Consider your personal preference and comfort when deciding whether to wear noise cancelling headphones in quiet environments.
Can noise cancelling headphones help with anxiety while studying?
Noise cancelling headphones can help reduce anxiety while studying by creating a more calming and focused environment. They can also be helpful for people with sensory processing issues or ADHD who may be easily overstimulated by external noise.
Example: If you have trouble concentrating due to anxiety or sensory issues, wearing noise cancelling headphones may help create a more comfortable study environment.
Solution: Consider consulting with a healthcare provider or therapist for personalized advice on managing anxiety or sensory processing issues while studying.
Should You Buy Noise-Cancelling Headphones?
Yes because there are plenty of benefits associated with you. You can focus on your study anywhere, no matter if you’re in your house, in a coffee shop, in a workshop, or in the city park hearing the blaring loud noises of the city.
All you have to do is put them on, and you’re in your own new world of focus and concentration.
Apart from that, you can improve your health. Put them on your ears while you sleep. A lot of folks use them to get a dreamy, deep, sound sleep.
And the best part, if you’re a student, you can secure more grades by focusing more on your study.
However, a little problem for you here, again.
The market is crowded with crappy earbuds. It’s exhausting to discover a reliable brand.
Plus, noise-cancelling headphones are more expensive than usual earbuds. It’s hard for a student to cut the price and purchase an earbud like these with the cutting-edge technology of noise reduction.
But, we have a solution for you.
We have compiled a list of the best noise cancelling headphones for studying that are affordable, jam-packed with cool features, and more importantly, are reliable enough to stay with you for months. Give that article a read and discover your favorite pair for a more focused study. See you there.
