Active noise-cancelling and listening difficulties in young adults: Seeking participants
Dr Jocelyn Phillips
Noise cancelling headphones (NCHPs) have become ubiquitous among young adults, driven by rapid technological advances and the rise of remote working and open plan offices. NCHPs produce an artificially isolated acoustic environment for the listener by providing an inverted (anti-phase) signal, cancelling out background noise in the listener’s environment. When compared to standard headphones, NCHPs can help minimise noise-induced hearing loss, as less volume is typically needed to overcome background noise when listening to personal music devices. These advantages have helped make NCHPs a common tool for study, commuting and work.
Auditory processing skills typically develop throughout childhood and reach adult-like levels by late adolescence. Auditory processing refers to the brain’s ability to interpret and make sense of the sounds we hear, which is important for listening in complex listening environments. Over recent years, audiology clinics have seen an increase in the number of young adults seeking auditory processing assessments due to self-perceived difficulties listening in challenging listening environments. Some media reports and commentaries have therefore suggested a possible link between prolonged NCHP use and difficulties with auditory processing or hearing in young adults. While these ideas have attracted attention in the media, they remain largely speculative and anecdotal.
To help investigate this reported association, we are collecting preliminary data on adults’ self‑reported listening difficulties and use of noise-cancelling headphones. We are looking to understand how young adults use active noise cancelling headphones and how they perceive their listening abilities. If you would like to participate, we are currently recruiting adult participants aged 18-50. This 10‑minute anonymous survey aims to help us better understand adults’ everyday listening difficulties and the role of noise-cancelling technology.
https://q.surveys.unimelb.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_0B76ocQ5mZ3SSZo