Ask any computer gaming enthusiast and you’ll definitely agree that there’s a need to reduce the level of noise that gets to your eardrum as you game. This noise cannot only be irritating and distracting but it can also mess up your entire gaming episode. Well, that is not what you want. It’s no wonder then that numerous ways to reduce noise have been developed. One of these approaches is the use of noise-canceling headphones for gaming.
But just like everything else there’s split opinion as to whether these accessories are as good as they are claimed to be. Some think these headphones are just a waste of time while others sing lyrical about how good these devices are. So what are the facts? To appreciate the answers provided here we need to understand albeit briefly how these headphones work.
How Noise-cancelling Headphones work
These headphones use microphones and some high-tech processing to create an inverse or opposite sound wave to the one that heads to your eardrum. This opposite wave is sent solely through the headphone driver. If done right this inverse wave cancels the incoming sound wave thus ideally canceling the noise that would otherwise get to your ear.
But two questions beg for answers here. Do these headphones really achieve this objective? And in any case, are noise-canceling headphones good for gaming? Let’s consider the facts.
Do Noise-Cancelling Headphones Cancel Noise During Gaming?
The answer here is both yes and no and anything in-between. Let’s explain this. Just like with many other devices and accessories noise-canceling headphones come in myriads of brands. Of course, some of these brands are out rightly mediocre. In fact, some of them achieve the very opposite of the intended outcome; they increase the very noise levels that you are trying to cancel in the first place. Some other brands will achieve some degree of noise cancellation but not the levels you expect. On the extreme end, you’ll find noise-canceling headphones that will do a really good job.
Remember these headphones are best at neutralizing low-frequency noise before it reaches the ear. So don’t expect the gadget to totally get rid of transient and high-frequency sounds. If you still hear some voices and babies etc then you’ll know why some of these sounds are still getting to your eardrum. So if you are going to use these headphones research well to establish the most effective headsets for your gaming.
Are Noise Cancelling Headphones Good for Gaming?
To most people noise is not only a distraction but also a stressor. That’s why the first noise-canceling headphones were created for pilots to improve their concentration and reduce stress levels. Gaming, just like piloting requires utmost concentration and mental comfort. Of course, you know gaming can be stressful as you try to outwit your competitors or maneuver through the challenging game to secure a win.
So, yes noise-canceling headphones are good for gaming. They help you remain focused on the game by getting rid of most of the environmental noise around you. With these all-important devices, you not only increase your chances of winning the game but also your level of comfort. You can easily get yourself excellent pair of noise- cancelling headphones. But remember this accessory is for gaming not for blocking your ears on a busy street- you might not hear the traffic passing along.
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