Noise cancelling headphones

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  brownbag on 19/08/2013 - 10:47

  +1

  You need noise blocking ones not noise cancelling headphones. The noise cancelling ones won't block out talking - the technology is primarily designed to reduce the sound of constant humming noises such as that made by trains or planes. You need one that blocks the ear well. I've heard the Klipsch ones are very good, but they use earplugs.
  I can't recommend any specifics - only point you in the right general direction.
  Cheers.

• 

  RandomNinja on 19/08/2013 - 10:52

  +1

  Hmmm, noise cancelling may not help with that to be honest. Active noise cancelling headphones usually work best at blocking out ambient noise, like when you're on an airplane or train. When I use active noise cancelling headphones on a plane, I can hear flight attendants just fine when they're talking to me so I suspect they won't help with your situation.

  I would suggest in-ear/canal headphones as they'll be more effective in your situation, but they work the same way as earplugs which you've said you prefer not to use.

  You don't necessarily need to complain about the noise, maybe all that's needed is bringing this up informally with your boss?

• 

  lisss on 19/08/2013 - 11:37

  Thanks guys, as you can tell I'm clueless about technology. It looks like I'll be needing in ear ones. It will still be better to get proper in-ear ones than use disposable earplugs, because proper earphones can be disinfected etc.

  I can't raise it informally with my boss in the circumstances.

  So - any recommendations for in ear noise blocking headphones/earphones? Budget under $100.

  • 

    RandomNinja on 19/08/2013 - 12:05

    +1

    I've got a pair of Logi UE700s, but the earbuds are made of a soft foam. Great at blocking out noise, not so great hygiene wise as they don't clean well… They are detachable so you can buy replacements when they're too grotty.

    Alternatively, you can get earbuds that are made of soft silicone. Easy to clean, but for me they don't fit as well as the foam ones. Having said that, I was after maximum noise block for sleeping on planes, if they fit well for you maybe silicone earbuds will work.

    If you don't care about sound quality, you just need a set of earbuds that form a good seal. Best to explore that option as you're likely to find something well below budget to serve your needs.

    • 

      lisss on 19/08/2013 - 12:25

      Thanks, the problem with this is I tend to find them irritating, I think my ear canal is a weird shape or something. I find foam ones more comfortable too.

• 

  Ultraman on 19/08/2013 - 12:11

  +1

  If you just want to block out noise and don't want to listen to any music at all go to a hardware store like Bunnings and buy some earmuffs for around $30:

  http://www.bunnings.com.au/products_product_earmuffs-class-5…

  Your boss might get the hint too everytime you put these on when he gets on the phone! ;)

  • 

    lisss on 19/08/2013 - 12:23

    Good idea lol.

    I might get these: http://www.bunnings.com.au/products_product_protector-banded…

    or these: http://www.bunnings.com.au/products_product_3m-tekk-protecti…

    for when I don't want to listen to music.

    • 

      KiddieKid on 19/08/2013 - 14:51

      +1

      Consider these as well.

      http://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/product.asp?id=33598&sour…

• 

  KiddieKid on 19/08/2013 - 14:45

  +1

  Grab a pair of in-ear earphones and replace the tips with earplugs. Link below gives a good walk through of the procedure. It easy and effective.

  http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/45602/how-to-make-disposable-…

  Let us know what solution you end up going with.

• 

  plmko on 19/08/2013 - 14:45

  You need Comply foam tips.

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  Frankdb58 on 19/08/2013 - 15:24

  If you don't like the in ear phones, I would look at the Koss QZpro. Their design has a folding headband and the earcups fully enclose your ears and these have active noise cancelling technology.

  Alternatively, there is a passive full cover model from Koss called the UR20 http://www.pacifichifi.com.au/products/koss-full-size-headph…