Advice on noise cancelling headphones for Autism use

CanNik

CanNik

CanNik

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I want to buy a couple of Noise cancelling headphones for two autistic members but I have no "personal" experience

Does anyone here have PERSONAL experience of REASONABLE priced ones for me to look at

Many thanks

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arent there proper certified ones for kids, I'm assuming they're kids, and there not usually headphones/earphones they just cancel noise

they are called ear defenders.

personally I'm autistic and in public spaces just listen to an audio book in one ear and focus on that

total sound isolation freaks me out and makes me more hyper sensitive/aware of everything else.

I always buy the earbuds that have the awareness mode, no idea how it works. sounds as if they have mini mics or something so you can still hear whats going on around me, just to a much lesser degree and I can choose to filter it out my self and focus on the audio book instead.
 
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arknor said:
arent there proper certified ones for kids, I'm assuming they're kids, and there not usually headphones/earphones they just cancel noise

they are called ear defenders.

personally I'm autistic and in public spaces just listen to an audio book in one ear and focus on that

total sound isolation freaks me out and makes me more hyper sensitive/aware of everything else.

I always buy the earbuds that have the awareness mode, no idea how it works. sounds as if they have mini mics or something so you can still hear whats going on around me, just to a much lesser degree and I can choose to filter it out my self and focus on the audio book instead.
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They are NOT "Ear defenders" who would think that ?

Noise-cancelling headphones use Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to electronically block or reduce unwanted ambient sounds, creating a quieter listening environment for music, calls, or focus, with top models like Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra known for superior ANC, comfort, and sound, though many brands offer great value options for different budgets and needs. They work by creating inverse sound waves to cancel out external noise and are popular for travel, work, and daily commutes.

How they work (ANC)
  • Microphones listen: Tiny microphones pick up outside sounds (like engine hum, chatter).
  • Inverted wave created: A processor generates a sound wave that's 180 degrees out of phase with the incoming noise.
  • Noise cancelled: This inverted wave effectively cancels out the original sound wave, leading to silence.
THESE are ear defenders NOT noise cancelling

Safety Red Ear Muffs SNR 21dB - [JKT-HS2018]

TSSC Product Safety Red Ear Muffs SNR 21dB - [JKT-HS2018]
www.thesafetysupplycompany.co.uk www.thesafetysupplycompany.co.uk
 
You asked a question, and then answered it in post #6 :confused:

For stuff like this, you generally get what you pay for. Whilst not exactly what you're after, I've had headphones with crap noise cancelling tech and they were constantly turning the noise cancelling on and off as it was detecting false positives and stuff. Extremely frustrating to use.
 
It depends as what's reasonable to me, a neurotypical person might not be reasonable to a neurodivergent person.

I have used cheaper Sony models £69 IIRC and then performed well, I have also used Bose QC models at £449, and also worked well - my daughter prefers the feel/flex of the Sony model whereas I thing they feel plasticky.

Budget is a big thing, as is fit/feel for thing like the headphone band some prefer a tactile feel, other not. Some like leather, vegan leather, cloth & plastic.

Basically, VMMV and it might be better to test a few variants with the intended audience.
 
The obvious choices are probably Airpods or Sony/Bose for more compatibility amongst devices.
I use Airpods Pro and Sony WH-1000XM4. The Sony are an older model but they still sell them so can be bought for around £170.
They are best if you want complete noise blocking and I’ve worn them just for that without any ‘input’.
The Airpods are good but have slightly less isolation in my experience.

For passive use, have you also thought of things like the Loop and Flare noise reducing ear plugs?
They help reduce certain frequencies to take the ‘edge’ off sound. Personally not found them that effective but they are popular as an inbetween option and near invisible when worn, unless they are a bright colour!
Probably not ideal though if sharing around the group.

If you use Reddit at all have a look at these subreddits as it’s a question often asked:

Reddit - The heart of the internet

www.reddit.com www.reddit.com

Reddit - The heart of the internet

www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
 
ajf said:
The obvious choices are probably Airpods or Sony/Bose for more compatibility amongst devices.
I use Airpods Pro and Sony WH-1000XM4. The Sony are an older model but they still sell them so can be bought for around £170.
They are best if you want complete noise blocking and I’ve worn them just for that without any ‘input’.
The Airpods are good but have slightly less isolation in my experience.

For passive use, have you also thought of things like the Loop and Flare noise reducing ear plugs?
They help reduce certain frequencies to take the ‘edge’ off sound. Personally not found them that effective but they are popular as an inbetween option and near invisible when worn, unless they are a bright colour!
Probably not ideal though if sharing around the group.

If you use Reddit at all have a look at these subreddits as it’s a question often asked:

Reddit - The heart of the internet

www.reddit.com www.reddit.com

Reddit - The heart of the internet

www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
Click to expand...

This is a new area for us so no, just learning many thanks
 
i use

soundcore Q30 by Anker​

2year warranty.

i have repalced them under warranty as one side stopped working. so bear that in mind.

family member has a pair older than mine, and still working.
not to bad changing the foam either.

i find best work if they are conencted to a mobile or compter s the active noise / headset doesnt turn of.
some times i have things playing also.

its on offer at moment so may be worth looking at.

im not autistic or anything at least not on that part of the scale.
but they get a fair amount of use, and do a fair job noise redcution for me at least.
 
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Bose Quiet Comfort are well regarded. You pay a premium for the latest version the QC45. However, the previous and very good QC35 can be picked up at a more reasonable cost.
 
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