Use Noise Cancelling Headphones at Work

 Noise cancelling headphones are a great idea for those who work in noisy environments. If you have a job that does not involve constant interaction with your fellow employees, a good set of headphones that reduce the outside noise level can really be a lifesaver. I used to listen to classical music at work. I was a software developer. Except for the occasional inane and interminable meeting, we were left to our own devices. As long as our code did what it was supposed to do, we could do pretty much anything we wanted. I chose to listen to the classics as they relaxed me and I noticed that they helped me keep the boredom at bay. My headphones reduced noise through passive noise reduction.

When I say my noise cancelling headphones use passive noise reduction I mean that they use sound absorbing materials to dampen outside noise. There are no electronics involved. This means no extra batteries. It also means I look like a member of the space patrol. Yes, I mean that there are two giant black cups on my ears. Not an easy look to carry off, I assure you. Women don't flock to guys wearing giant black headphones on their heads. That's just me, your mileage may vary.

Another great thing about them is I got what I like to call sweaty ear. Yep, those leather lined cups made my ears sweat after an hour or so. Yes, it is true. You also need to take a break because the fit is a little tight. When I say tight, I mean the cups pressed firmly against your head to maintain a good acoustic seal. This can give you a headache after a while. All these drawbacks aside, I loved those giant headphones because the sound was incredible, the bass astounding, and most of the outside noise was dampened. The noise dampening allowed me to keep the music volume fairly low which probably saved my hearing.

Noise cancelling headphones also come in much smaller sizes. I found earbuds that have fairly large cushions. These earbuds are especially designed to mute external sound. They are small, sound great, and are very subtle. The drawback is that they are really picky about placement in the ear for best sound and noise reduction.

Best All Rounder: Sennheiser PXC450

 Hear someone mention noise cancelling headphones and you might think of Bose, but the PXC 450 sound-drowners beat Bose by a mile with their detailed, dynamic performance. They are not cheap, but there's nothing like knowing you have the best - and they will last. They're battery powered, and their closed-cup design is a smug fit on the ear. The Talk-Through mode is a sociable touch.

Verdict: The best noise-cancelling headphones in the 2009 Awards, with a detailed, dynamic performance.