Noise cancelling headsets and intercom

[Jonathan Kay]

"As a side thought, and thinking out loud, i do wonder if there has been any research into the use of noise canceling headsets instead of hearing protection headsets, and if there is any long term effect on hearing as a result?  I am assuming that the noise canceling variety introduce the an opposing sound to the ambient ones that are being picked up and therefore canceling out that sound, but does that have an effect on the ear?"

I couldn't find anything interesting. 

Nausea and disorientation seem quite common, with suggestions that the cancellation at low frequencies affects balance.

And, of course, widespread expectation that the reduction in volume will protect hearing.

Jonathan

[Dan R]

Thanks Jonathan,.... that's really helpful.  The expectation of the reduction in volume to protect hearing is the interesting bit!

[Skorn]

I can't speak for the actual hearing protection, but as someone who uses one for many hours every work day I can confirm that it massively reduces fatigue.  As well, I can't see why it wouldn't prevent hearing damage.  The speakers produce the opposite waveform to the incoming sound.  That opposite sound wave literally nullifies the first (or most of it as least) sound wave, so your ear drums should vibrate much less.

[Jonathan Kay]

I should have included fatigue. The databases that I searched for effects on health returned lots of hits for reduction of stress and fatigue in healthcare workers.

Jonathan

[jbcollier]

I either removed or left off the radio connectors.  The first I wired in a cigarette lighter adapter.  The second I hard wired in.