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Kendo

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Apr 4, 2011
2,339
855
If I'm at a rock concert or next to a grenade range with deafening noises, does ANC simply fake or "mask" the external volume or do the opposite soundwaves actually reduce the volume in your ear?

If I go to a rock concert every day for a year at deafening volume, I would imagine it would severely damage my hearing. What if I go to that same rock concert every day with ANC AirPods? Will I still severely damage my hearing but I simply won't feel the pain of the loud noise similar to the way novacaine works when I get my teeth pulled? Meaning the pain (loudness) is still real but is simply hidden/masked?
 

Mackilroy

macrumors 601
Jun 29, 2006
4,048
891
Active noise cancelation does protect against loud noises - it’s real - but it can only do so much. You’re better off with passive noise isolation.
 
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waw74

macrumors 601
May 27, 2008
4,770
1,004
for really loud environments, or places with quick loud sounds like a gun range, passive isolation is recommended, Think old school over the ear noise cancelling.

They do have some now that have a microphone to let sound in with speakers in ears, but because everything you hear is going though the electronics, its much easier for them to lower or completely block loud noises.
 

Jackbequickly

macrumors 68040
Aug 6, 2022
3,163
3,262
The pressure wave from grenades going off can not be negated by AirPods. Passive is the only way to go.
 
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