Did you know: when you are distracted from a task, it takes an average of 25 minutes to get back on track? According to Entrepreneur magazine, getting derailed from your “flow” can have costly side effects.
This is one of the many reasons why being able to stay focused at work is so important. And being able to tune out background noise, or even employ active noise cancellation altogether can be so helpful in the office. Whether you’re in the office or in your office at home, read on to learn all about active noise cancellation and how to optimize your work environment for maximum focus and productivity.
What is Active Noise Cancellation?
Active noise cancellation is a method of reducing unwanted sound or “background noise” through the use of microphones and speakers that add in a second sound that cancels out the first. Many of us are now familiar with active noise cancellation due to the rise in popularity of “noise cancelling headphones,” but this technology has been around since as early as the 1930s, according to Nuraphone.
3 Types of Active Noise Cancellation
There are actually three types of active noise cancellation: feedforward, feedback, and hybrid noise cancellation:
1. The first type, feedforward active noise cancellation, uses a microphone outside the ear. This microphone hears the background noise first, and then “processes the noise and creates the anti-noise before sending the resulting signal to the headset speaker” (Jabra.com).
2. The second type, feedback active noise cancellation, uses a microphone inside the ear. Since the microphone is so close to the ear, it hears the background noise the same way (and at the same time) that the user does. This typically allows the technology to be more adaptive and responsive than feedforward models.
3. The third type, hybrid noise cancellation, is a mix between the first two types of noise cancellation. As a result, this option tends to work the best, but usually comes at a steeper price point as well.
Active vs Passive Noise Cancelling
In addition to different types of noise cancellation technology within ANC, there is also another type of noise cancellation: passive noise cancelling. This approach is much simpler, and typically involves the use of earbuds or earphones to block out sound through the sheer volume and fit of the apparatuses.
The main benefit of passive noise cancelling tools is that they are typically cheaper and more accessible than active noise cancelling options. But since the method is passive, they may not be as effective in getting the high level of noise cancellation you are looking for.
If you are trying to decide between active and passive noise cancelling methods, our best advice is to try both and see what works for you, from effectiveness, comfort, and price standpoints.
How to Block Out Office Noise
As you can imagine, there are many ways that you can use noise cancelling technology to block out home office noise. Use our guide below to help you understand all the options that are available to you for office noise cancellation - and how they work!
ANC Earbuds
ANC earbuds typically employ feedback ANC systems to neutralize and counteract background noise. They are compact and easy to transport, which makes them ideal for bringing with you for remote work or office work. For a great option, check out these Bluetooth 5 True Wireless Earbuds with Built-in Microphone and Rechargeable Case from Aluratek. Charge your earbuds anywhere!
Or, if you’re also looking for an option that will pair well with your workout, check out these Bluetooth Wireless Sport Earbuds with Built-in Microphone, which use background noise reduction technology to keep you focused on the task or workout at hand.
ANC Headphones
Another great option for noise cancellation in the home office is ANC headphones, which use noise cancelling speakers to counteract and reduce unwanted background noise. ANC headphones are supported by feedforward or hybrid noise cancellation technology.
For one of our favorite noise cancelling headphones options, check out this Bluetooth Wireless Headset with Noise Cancelling Boom Microphone and Bluetooth Dongle. It offers an integrated noise canceling boom microphone that helps you hear crystal clearly on conference calls.
What is ANC on Headphones?
With many of today’s active noise cancelling headphone models, there is an option to “turn on” active noise canceling, or to use the headphones in their normal state - which is referred to as “transparency mode” (where you have options of letting in or keeping out background noise).
How to Block Out Office Noise
Ready to level up your focus and cancel out unwanted noise in your home office? Check out our entire line of Bluetooth headsets and earbuds here to help you tune out the noise and get back to work!
