The Technology Behind Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) Systems

Noise is a large problem in nowadays world. Noise pollution causes stress, distraction, and sleep deprivation. It reduces general life quality, and it constantly puts pressure on daily life. Thus, noise pollution has become an unavoidable problem in modern life.

First, let’s look at what is “sound”?  Sound is a mechanical wave that occurs when an object vibrates. These vibrations then travel in the matter around them and end up in our ears. Therefore, our eardrum vibrates and our brain turns them into sound.

Active Noise Cancelling works as a tool for peace and relaxation in today’s complex world. When a sound first comes across to an ANC system, the outer microphones first pick up the sound. Then this sound gets sent to the processor inside the system. Right after that this processor calculates the frequency, the amplitude-also can be described as the loudness of the sound-, and the timing of the sound. Later, the system produces a sound wave with the same frequency but an opposite phase to that sound. After that this new sound is sent to the outwards-often into the ear because the system is mostly used in earbuds-. As a result, these two sound waves overlap and weaken each other which reduces the amount of noise noticeably.

But even though this technology is good enough, it isn’t fully successful because it cannot completely cancel all types of noise. Mostly, high-frequency sounds, such as human speech or sudden noises, are difficult to cancel because they change suddenly and are harder for the system to predict.

To sum up, ANC technology improves everyday comfort by reducing noise levels. It makes it easier for people to concentrate better and reduce their stress. It is predicted that ANC systems will become even more beneficial in the future as technology advances.