I recently shared some ideas for how to use noise to be more productive. But what if you need quiet? Let’s look at passive and active noise canceling.
We have a pair of passive earmuffs for my son, who has Sensory Processing Disorder. When he first got them he called them “quiet earmuffs” and the name kind of stuck. They are very effective for him when things get loud, and they provide a feeling of safety, knowing they are there if he needs them. This has allowed him to be more confident and adventurous.
Passive noise canceling have a closed ear cup that goes over the entire ear. They work by physically blocking the incoming sound waves. They are typically bulky and heavier than other headphones, but they are inexpensive and easy to use.
Active noise canceling works by using a microphone to detect incoming sound. It then sends an opposing sound wave to the headphones speaker to cancel it out. The effectiveness of active noise canceling can vary depending on the manufacture, and quality active noise canceling headphones can be expensive. However, they can also be much smaller and lighter, like Apple AirPods Pro. Active noise canceling can also be turned off, allowing the user to hear what is going on around them while still wearing the headphones.
So if you need a quiet place sometimes, take a look at these options. You are sure to find something that will work for you.
Ask The Dave 