Noise-cancelling headphones

Noise-cancelling headphones are specialised headphones that actively or passively reduce distracting ambient noise to provide a clearer listening experience. Noise cancellation is achieved passively through the design: well-padded over-ear headphones physically shield the ear. Active noise cancellation (ANC) uses microphones to pick up ambient noise. A processor then generates an ‘anti-noise’ – a sound wave with the opposite phase – which cancels out the noise through what is known as destructive interference. Earplugs designed specifically for people on the autism spectrum, known as ‘Loops’, have been developed; these reduce background noise at various levels whilst ensuring that voices remain audible.