[ale] [OT] Noise cancelling headphones?

[Ted W.]

On 10/14/2014 10:09 AM, leam hall wrote:
> This article is spot on:
>
> http://www.inc.com/karl-and-bill/the-modern-workplace-introverts-need-not-apply.html
>
> Any recommendations on really good Noise Cancelling headphones? I have
> some JVC but the were DOA and I never sent them back.
>
> Leam
>

I personally prefer passive noise cancelling headphones over active 
types. I've found that the AudioTechnica ATH-M50s block a noticeable 
amount of engine noise on air planes. They are, full sized over the ear 
style headphones but they collapse down and fit inside a small carrying 
pouch which I found easy enough to stow in my book bag for most flights. 
They will run you about $130 on Amazon and are available in a straight 
cable or coil cable design [1].

If you're looking for something smaller, I can recommend the Etymotic 
Research mc-5 IEMs. You can find them on Amazon for about $60 [2]. I use 
mine when mowing the yard and they knock the noise level down 
significantly. The only thing I don't like about them is that the 
"Christmas tree" (for lack of knowing the proper term) style insert 
begins to irritate my ear after an hour or two of wear. Etymotic does, 
however, offer custom ear inserts for their IEMs at a cost of $100 which 
includes a visit to an audiologist to create the casting of your inner 
ear [3]. I've heard this improves the comfort of the IEMs tremendously 
but does reduce the sound damping ability a little bit.

[1] 
http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B000ULAP4U/ref=sr_1_2

[2] 
http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-Isolating-In-Ear-Earphones/dp/B003S3RFIQ

[3] http://www.etymotic.com/customfit/index.html

Happy hunting,
-- 
Ted W. <ted at xy0.org>