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Adaptive Noise Cancelling: Better Than Old-School, Fixed ANC?

Updated on December 16, 2022 by Helmut

More and more noise cancelling headphones and earbuds are being advertised as having adaptive noise cancellation. But is that just a sales pitch or are we getting some real benefits? I recently experienced several such adaptive noise cancelling headphones and earbuds. The results were sometimes stunningly good, but in other situations the same adaptive headphones …

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Review and Detailed ANC Test

Published on November 19, 2022 by Helmut

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Review and ANC Test

I have now used the QuietComfort II Earbuds for six weeks. I am always on the lookout for tools that can effectively reduce noise in a busy, hot city while staying comfortable and in touch with my surroundings. In the following review, I report on my noise reduction tests, fit and comfort, sound quality, call …

3M Pro-Comms Electronic Hearing Protector Test and Review: Finally a Good Mike

Published on September 16, 2022 by Helmut

Very few Bluetooth earmuffs allow you to take a phone call in a high noise (>90 dB) environment. Having now tested the 3M Pro-Comms (‎90546-SIOC) against a lawn mower, saw, and router, I can report that these do the trick: callers can hear me when it gets loud, and I can hear them. Until very …

How Well Does Cleaning Foam Earplugs Work?

Published on June 9, 2022 by Helmut

how effective is cleaning foam earplugs plus howto

For nighttime use, I typically toss out foam earplugs when they don’t look or smell clean anymore or when their effectiveness starts deteriorating. Many manufacturers state something like: “Discard after several uses or as soon as dirt or wax accumulates…” (Macks) “Disposable foam earplugs” (Moldex) When using earplugs for hearing protection in a high-noise environment, …

Noise Masking or Active Noise Cancelling: Together or Alone?

Published on May 12, 2022 by Helmut

noise masking or noise cancelling or both

In this post, I’d like to demonstrate how much of a difference noise masking, active noise cancelling, and noise isolation alone and in combination make when it comes to eliminating disturbing nighttime (and daytime) noises. We are going to listen to a “noisescape” containing large-truck noises and resonances, honking of smaller and larger vehicles, and …

How to Connect the 3M Pro-Protect to One or Two Devices via Bluetooth

Published on February 2, 2022 by Helmut

In this post, I am outlining the steps for pairing and connecting the 3M Pro-Protect Electronic Hearing Protector. We are also looking at how you can simultaneously connect to two devices. This isn’t an “official function” and there are some limitations (see section connecting to two devices), but I wanted to give it a go …

3M Pro-Protect Electronic Hearing Protector Test and Review: Awareness Mode and Bluetooth

Published on January 28, 2022 by Helmut

In this post I am reporting on my tests of the 3M Pro-Protect electronic hearing protection earmuffs. I got the version with gel cushions and a noise reduction rating (NRR) of 26 decibels. The Pro-Protect are level-dependent hearing protection earmuffs: They passively reduce noise via their ear cups like other earmuffs. In addition, they use …

Which Earplugs Work for Working Out? (6 Models Tested)

Published on January 4, 2022 by Helmut

earplugs tested for working out and the gym

“My gym” has a nice sound system with multiple subwoofers and supporting speakers all over the place. In the mornings we typically get a noise level of between 60 and 80 decibels, with louder impact sounds when someone drops a barbell. Group fitness classes run a lot louder than that: At many gyms you are …

Vibes Earplugs Review: Comfy and Effective for the Right Ears

Published on December 9, 2021 by Helmut

Vibes Earplugs Review: Comfy and Effective If They Fit Your Ear

I have now used Vibes on and off for a couple of weeks, mostly while sitting in coffee shops (noisy as well as quiet ones) and walking along busier city roads. I have also listened to music with them and tried them while watching videos and movies at both a moderate and a very loud …

Worktunes Connect+AM/FM Battery Options Tested: Battery Life, Recharging, and Installation

Published on November 11, 2021 by Helmut

The Worktunes Connect+AM/FM (aka Worktunes Wireless) do not come with a built-in battery, so you get to choose (and replace) your battery depending on how much you use the headset. Many other headsets have a built-in rechargeable battery. This is convenient, but when the battery doesn’t hold a charge anymore or malfunctions in other ways, …