I've had good results with an in-ear noise-canceling set; in my case, the Audio Technica ATH-ANC3BK QuietPoint In-Ear Headphones. I replaced the stock ear tips with a replacement set from Comply, for better fit and comfort. They have a "pause" button that turns off the noise cancelation and pauses the audio device (in my case, an iPod) for temporary conversations where you don't want to remove them from your ears, although they're easy enough to remove and reinsert that I tend to do that.
Although, for sleeping, I generally switch to a pair of NR33-rated earplugs, inserted fully into the ear canal, and the airline's Bose headset over them, plugged into my iPod playing ocean waves.
The Audio Technica replaced a Comply NR-10 in-ear noise blocking (not canceling) set that has an attenuator for adjusting the volume of the source (I find that some airline's built-in sound system is too loud when using noise-canceling or noise-blocking ear buds or headset.)
I have the same Audio-Technica, very happy with them. They do an excellent job killing any kind of broad-spectrum noise. For instance, wearing them I can't hear the HVAC in my office at all. They even did a decent job driving around town with the windows down in my 91 corolla back when the exhaust rusted though a few months ago.
I've added a set of Shure triple flange silicone earpieces and I couldn't be happier. I might hack them a little bit more, to convert them into a pendant/necklace arrangement, and maybe combine them with a pendant type bluetooth receiver like the Jabra BT303 or the Motorola H705. I suppose I could also upgrade the actual earbuds sometime too.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lupine
Does the recommendation change if what is wanted is just blocking of noise (particularly conversations and music) so that one can focus on work?
I'd think so, because noise-canceling doesn't work on variable noise such as conversations and music, it cancels fairly steady noise in specific frequencies. So, for talking and music, noise-blocking is probably going to be better. On the other hand, in a work environment you may prefer on-ear or over-hear headsets preferable to in-ear models, especially since size of the carrying case isn't likely a consideration.
Well, in a way the Audio Technica phones do both, the block noise with their in-ear style and sealing rubber sleeve AND they have a noise-canceling circuit. In principle, these should provide the highest and most versatile attenuation.
I've had a pair of Sony before. MDR-NC11A. $90 or so. Same principle as said ATs. Sound was quite good and noise canceling and blocking worked well. Unfortunately they broke after only about 11 hours of use. Must have been on the electronics side of it because I couldn't find fault with the cable.
Thinking of getting the AT for travel instead of my Sennheiser PDX-200, which are good and solid but have no noise cancel or blocking whatsoever.
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Custom ear phones
There are several references to audiologists that make the ear molds necessary to make the custom ear plugs for noise reduction. I have a lot of trouble with regular ear buds and plugs, always have. Weird ears, I guess.
The last time I had them made, I did them myself with an online vendor that sent me a kit and I injected some gunk into my ears and sent them in to be made. The results were OK, but I feel a professional could have done a better job.
Can any audiologist do this or do I need to call around for someone that does ear plugs for musicians, etc, on a regular basis?
I'd think so, because noise-canceling doesn't work on variable noise such as conversations and music, it cancels fairly steady noise in specific frequencies.
This explanation is incorrect. The circuit just works by recording the ambient sound level and applying a frequency-dependent 180 degree phase shift before mixing it in with your music and putting it out on the headphone "speakers." It doesn't require any analysis of the signal, or assumptions of constancy.
Having said that, I had noise canceling headphones for a while but now use the Etymotics ER4P. I've compared them against Bose QC2 and QC3 on many flights, and always find the Bose to do less well at noise isolation and to have a really boomy, muffled sound.
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I ended up getting the Etymotic ER-6i 's. I am really starting to like them a lot.
One problem though, I can't remember if anybody mentioned. I'm sure it is the same problem with all in ear headphones.
I am currently using the rubber inserts, it is terribly uncomfortable to eat while they are in there because of the noise. I snack a lot and it is painful.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Platcomike
There are several references to audiologists that make the ear molds necessary to make the custom ear plugs for noise reduction. I have a lot of trouble with regular ear buds and plugs, always have. Weird ears, I guess.
The last time I had them made, I did them myself with an online vendor that sent me a kit and I injected some gunk into my ears and sent them in to be made. The results were OK, but I feel a professional could have done a better job.
Can any audiologist do this or do I need to call around for someone that does ear plugs for musicians, etc, on a regular basis?
Any audiologist who does hearing aids should have all the gear required to make ear impressions.
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I have a novice question regarding which Shure earphone I should get. I mostly listen to audio books on my flights so I guess paying for high end in the Shure line does not necessary add value in this case. Is it correct to assume that a low end Shure earphone would be sufficient for audio book listening?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by deltame
I have a novice question regarding which Shure earphone I should get. I mostly listen to audio books on my flights so I guess paying for high end in the Shure line does not necessary add value in this case. Is it correct to assume that a low end Shure earphone would be sufficient for audio book listening?
Sure. (Pun intended. )
I have a pair of Shure SCL2 (SCL is their pro audio line for stage musicians) earphones. The definition isn't nearly as good as the SCL5s I used to use, the SCL4s I used to own, or the SE530s I have now, but they're still way better than any stock headphone or earbud. They'd work fine for speech (especially since most audiobooks bought online are fairly low quality) and even work pretty well for music. The sound isolating properties are virtually the same as any other Shure earphone, too (it varies more depending on the kind of sleeve you use than the actual earphone)--you still hear very little to no ambient noise.
I've added a set of Shure triple flange silicone earpieces and I couldn't be happier. I might hack them a little bit more, to convert them into a pendant/necklace arrangement, and maybe combine them with a pendant type bluetooth receiver like the Jabra BT303 or the Motorola H705. I suppose I could also upgrade the actual earbuds sometime too.
Well, I tried the Audio-Technica with the Shure triple flange earpieces on a flight. Unacceptable. There was a noticeable hiss in the background, and the isolation was much less than with the Etymotics. I'll try them again with the stock earpieces that were supplied by Audio-Technica, but for now they're unacceptable.
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