Are noise cancelling headphones good for your hearing?

Marta Silva | Published 15 January 2026 | Updated 02 June 2026 | 5 mins read

Woman relaxing with headphones by sunny window.

Noise-cancelling headphones have become part of everyday life, whether you are travelling, working or relaxing at home. As more people use them regularly, it is natural to wonder how they may affect our ears and hearing.

When used responsibly, noise-cancelling headphones can actually help reduce listening strain and limit exposure to loud background noise. Like any headphones, using them comfortably and at sensible volumes is important. In this guide, we explore how noise-cancelling headphones work, their potential benefits and how to use them as part of healthy listening habits.

If you are looking to protect your hearing long term, it is also worth exploring our hearing protection options.

How do noise-cancelling headphones work?

Noise-cancelling headphones are designed to reduce unwanted background sound, helping you hear more clearly at lower volumes.

They do this using a small built-in microphone that picks up sounds around you. The headphones then create opposite sound waves to cancel out that noise before it reaches your ears.

This is known as active noise cancellation. It is particularly effective for constant sounds, like engine noise on a plane or the hum of a train.

Happy Asian woman in headphones listening music on sofa at home

Are noise-cancelling headphones safe?

Noise-cancelling headphones themselves are not harmful to your hearing and are generally considered safe when used correctly. In fact, because they reduce background noise, many people find they can listen at lower, more comfortable volumes, which may help reduce listening strain over time.

As with any headphones, the main consideration is usually the listening volume and duration rather than the noise-cancelling feature itself. Listening at very high volumes for long periods may affect hearing over time and can sometimes contribute to issues such as tinnitus or noise-induced hearing loss.

To help keep your listening at a safe level, you can use your phone’s built-in volume settings.

Setting safe volume levels

Many smartphones now include built-in features designed to help support safer listening habits and make you more aware of headphone volume over time. These tools can be particularly helpful if you regularly use headphones while travelling, working or relaxing at home.

On Apple devices

You can reduce headphone volume levels by going to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Headphone Safety. From here, you can turn on Reduce Loud Audio and choose a maximum volume level that feels comfortable for you.

You can also limit speaker volume in Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Volume Limit. A good starting point for everyday listening is often around 50–60% of maximum volume.

On Android devices

Many Android phones also allow you to set volume limits and monitor listening exposure. You can usually find these settings within Settings > Sounds and vibration > Volume.

Some Android devices also include listening exposure tools within Digital Wellbeing and parental controls. These features can help you become more aware of listening habits and encourage more comfortable volume levels over time.

Small changes to listening habits can make a meaningful difference, helping support comfortable and enjoyable listening in the long term.

What are the pros of noise-cancelling headphones?

Noise-cancelling headphones can offer several benefits when used thoughtfully.

Young woman listening to music sitting on her sofa.

Hearing protection

By reducing background noise, you are less likely to increase the volume. This can help lower your overall exposure to loud sound.

Boost concentration and productivity

In busy environments, such as offices or shared spaces, they can help you focus more clearly by minimising distractions.

Reduces stress

Loud or unpredictable environments, like public transport, can feel overwhelming. Noise-cancelling headphones can create a calmer, more comfortable listening experience.

What are the cons of noise-cancelling headphones?

Noise-cancelling headphones can be helpful in many situations, but it is still important to use them with care.

A woman seen from behind, listening to music.

Prolonged use at a high volume can damage your hearing

Listening at high volumes for long periods can put strain on your hearing. The inner ear contains delicate hair cells that help you hear clearly, and once these are damaged, they do not repair themselves.

Even though background noise is reduced, it is easy to keep the volume higher than necessary. Lowering it where you can is a simple way to support your hearing over time.

If you have any concerns, booking a FREE hearing test can offer reassurance. Hearing tests are not just for later in life, they can be a helpful, proactive way to better understand your hearing at any age, particularly if you regularly use headphones or have noticed changes in how you hear.

Reduced awareness of surroundings

Because external sounds are reduced, you may be less aware of what is happening around you. This can be a safety concern, particularly when walking near traffic or in busy public spaces.

Can worsen tinnitus

Noise-cancelling headphones do not directly cause tinnitus. However, listening at high volumes may worsen existing symptoms or contribute to their development.

You can learn more in our guide to tinnitus.

Top tips for using noise-cancelling headphones safely

Using your headphones thoughtfully can help you enjoy the benefits while supporting your hearing over time.

Keep the volume at a comfortable level (around 50-60%)
Take regular breaks, ideally every hour
Avoid long, continuous listening sessions
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially outdoors or near traffic
Choose well-made, reputable brands for clearer sound at lower volumes
Use appropriate hearing protection in very noisy environments, such as concerts or festivals

Small changes like these can make a meaningful difference to your long-term hearing health.

A balanced approach

Noise-cancelling headphones can be a helpful tool when it comes to listening comfortably and reducing background noise. The key is how you use them.

By keeping volumes at a safe level and taking regular breaks, you can enjoy your listening while supporting your long-term hearing health.

If you have any concerns about your hearing or would like peace of mind, we are here to help.

Book a FREE hearing test Find a hearing centre near you