How Does Noise Cancelling Work?
April, 2025
Noise can ruin your listening experience, whether you're on a train, walking outside, or working in a noisy office. That is why noise cancellation has become a popular feature in modern headphones and earbuds.
It helps block out unwanted sounds so you can enjoy music, calls, or podcasts without distractions. But how does noise cancelling work? In this guide, we explain the basics, how the technology functions, and how LG's earbuds use it to deliver clear, immersive sound.
What Is Noise Cancelling?
Noise cancellation is a feature in modern audio devices that reduces unwanted background sounds. Using built-in microphones, the device listens to the noise around you. Then, it produces opposite sound waves, known as anti-noise, to cancel them out.
This process lowers the volume of external sounds before they reach your ears. As a result, you can focus on what you are listening to without being disturbed by your environment.
Noise cancellation is especially helpful in loud spaces like airplanes, offices, or city streets. It makes audio clearer, more enjoyable, and easier to hear.
Understanding how noise cancelling works can help you choose the right audio device for your needs.
How Does Noise Cancelling Work?
Noise-cancelling technology relies on a method called destructive interference. Here’s how noise cancelling works:
1. Detection: Microphones in your headphones pick up the noise around you.
2. Analysis: The system processes the sound and identifies patterns in the waveforms.
3. Response: It creates a reversed sound wave, also known as anti-noise.
4. Cancellation: The anti-noise wave mixes with the original sound wave and cancels it out.
This process works best with steady, low-pitched sounds like engine rumbles, fan noise, or air conditioning. Sudden or high-pitched sounds, like a dog barking or someone shouting, are harder to cancel because they change too quickly.
Does Noise Cancellation Actually Work?
Yes, noise cancellation works well for reducing consistent background sounds. However, it does not remove all noise entirely. You will still hear some sounds, especially if they are sharp, random, or nearby.
Keep in mind the following:
● It reduces noise, but does not eliminate it completely
● It works best with predictable, low-frequency sounds
● It is less effective with sudden or high-frequency noise
Many modern devices use both active and passive noise cancellation together. Passive noise cancellation comes from the earbud or headphone design that physically blocks noise, while active cancellation uses electronics to cancel it out.
Types of Noise Cancellation
Noise-cancelling headphones offer different modes to suit your environment. Here are the most common types.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
ANC uses microphones and speakers to block out external sounds. The microphones detect ambient noise, and the device creates anti-noise to cancel it. ANC is found in both over-ear and in-ear models today.
Passive Noise Cancellation
This is not an electronic method. It relies on the earbud or headphone design to physically block sound. Well-fitted ear tips and padded ear cups can seal your ear and keep noise out.
Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation
This smart feature automatically adjusts the level of cancellation based on your surroundings. It offers a seamless experience with no need to change settings manually.
Adjustable Active Noise Cancellation
This mode lets users control how much noise they want to block out. You can increase or reduce the ANC level depending on your environment or preference.
Transparency Mode
Sometimes, you want to hear what is happening around you. Transparency Mode lets in outside sounds so you can stay aware of your surroundings without taking off your earbuds.
Adjustable Transparency Mode
This advanced feature allows you to control how much outside noise comes through. It is useful when you want to stay alert while still enjoying music or a call.
Each of these modes reflects the different ways noise cancelling works across changing environments and user needs.
Understanding Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Active Noise Cancellation is the most advanced type of noise-blocking technology. It uses both external and internal microphones to listen to your surroundings and cancel sound in real time.
These systems use different microphone placements to handle external sounds in unique ways, offering deeper insight into how noise cancelling works in complex audio environments.
Here are the three main types of ANC.
Feed-Forward ANC
A microphone on the outside of the earbud picks up ambient sounds and processes them before they reach your ear.
Feed-Back ANC
A microphone inside the earbud listens to sounds after they enter the ear and cancels them from there.
Hybrid ANC
This combines both feed-forward and feed-back methods. It provides the most accurate and powerful cancellation by using microphones both inside and outside the device.
LG Noise-Cancelling Earbuds
LG’s wireless earbuds are a great example of how noise cancelling works when applied using advanced real-time optimization and adaptive technology.
This includes:
● An advanced ANC structure for better sound control
● Real-time ANC optimization
● A two-step ANC algorithm for precise noise blocking
Inner Microphones
Each earbud has an internal microphone that constantly monitors surrounding noise. It adjusts the ANC automatically to match your environment, improving performance without any input from you.
Crystal-Clear Calls
LG earbuds use a Voice Pickup Unit with three microphones to separate your voice from background noise. This makes phone calls sound clear, even in loud places.
Designed for Comfort and Performance
The earbuds offer a Performance Fit, a design that fits securely and comfortably in your ears. This not only improves comfort but also helps block noise more effectively. With support for Dolby Atmos, you will enjoy immersive, high-quality audio.
FAQ
Is 100 Percent Noise Cancellation Possible?
Which Is Better: ANC or ENC?
Is ANC Harmful for Your Ears?
Why Can I Still Hear Some Sounds with ANC?
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