# Loud fitness center; are there any true noise-cancelling headphones?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-fitness-center-are-there-any-true-noise-cancelling-headphones/229418
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [February 16, 2004, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-fitness-center-are-there-any-true-noise-cancelling-headphones/229418 "2004-02-16T01:18:08Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)
#### Post date: [February 16, 2004, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-fitness-center-are-there-any-true-noise-cancelling-headphones/229418/1 "2004-02-16T01:18:08Z")
I hate loud noise. There are a lot of other things I hate, too, like exercising, being sweaty, and doing tedious things. I’ve realized that I have to endure the three latter in order to avoid becoming even more overweight and and to have some chance of remaining mobile. Fortunately, the company where I work has a rather nice fitness center with showers and very nice personal fitness experts. Unfortunately, there seems to be a penchant for playing VERY LOUD BOOMING MUSIC most of the time. I have asked nicely, complained to management, provided stats on the harmful effects of this, and to their credit they have moderated it a bit. But I have to ask, and sometimes re-ask. Apparently most of the other members like it that way. I’ve also tried wearing headphones with some music I like, but in order to drown out the objectionable stuff I have to turn my own music up so loud it’s distorted, and hurts my ears.
Yes, I know I could go look for another health club. I don’t know if I could be as diligent at attendance if the fitness center were not at work; it just extends my work day longer and when I’m done, I can just shower and go home. So I’d prefer to stay where I am for now, if possible.
Which leads me to my question:
I have also tried wearing foam earplugs, the kind that keep you from hearing a loudish t.v. downstairs, or a snoring spouse. They are not enough to keep out the f.c. noise.
Are there any truly noise-cancelling headphones that work? The ones I tried out in Sharper Image and Brookstone did not seem to do much to the relative level of noise one could hear in the store, which was nowhere near as loud as what’s in the gym.
Are there really heavy-duty ones, industrial-strength, so to speak, that would really block out unwanted sound?
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### Author:  [@DooWahDiddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DooWahDiddy)
#### Post date: [February 16, 2004, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-fitness-center-are-there-any-true-noise-cancelling-headphones/229418/2 "2004-02-16T01:26:24Z")
I actually just saw an ad on the subway for “the only true noise-cancelling headphones” today. I don’t remember what brand they were, but I’ll look again and let you know. Or maybe you’ll see them… I was on the PATH train between Jersey City and NYC.
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### Author:  [@Doomtrain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doomtrain)
#### Post date: [February 16, 2004, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-fitness-center-are-there-any-true-noise-cancelling-headphones/229418/3 "2004-02-16T02:03:28Z")
I think Bose has been advertising em. No idea how good they are, but I swear I’ve seen ads for Bose Noise Cancelling headphones.
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### Author:  [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)
#### Post date: [February 16, 2004, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-fitness-center-are-there-any-true-noise-cancelling-headphones/229418/4 "2004-02-16T02:08:04Z")
I’ve seen those ads, and I think that was one of those I tried out in Sharper Image or Brookstone. They didn’t work very well as far as I could tell.
What do workers in factories or other places where the noise is so loud it violates OSHA regs?
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### Author:  [@Askance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askance)
#### Post date: [February 16, 2004, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-fitness-center-are-there-any-true-noise-cancelling-headphones/229418/5 "2004-02-16T03:45:37Z")
> [@MLS](#):
>
> I’ve seen those ads, and I think that was one of those I tried out in Sharper Image or Brookstone. They didn’t work very well as far as I could tell.
>
> What do workers in factories or other places where the noise is so loud it violates OSHA regs?
They use inductrial earmuffs, not NC headphones. IOW they block the noise out, they don’t try to cancel it.
Reviews I’ve read say the Bose ones are the only ones worthwhile. If you’re not sure the ones you tried where them, then I’d check 'em out. If they don’t work, then try a hardware shop.
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### Author:  [@Reader99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reader99)
#### Post date: [February 16, 2004, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-fitness-center-are-there-any-true-noise-cancelling-headphones/229418/6 "2004-02-16T03:46:49Z")
there have been several brands. some work better than others. the bose are the most expensive by far.
[http://www.bose.com/controller;jsessionid=Aw7hYjrqdoR2JCnt9yFSj9NKDxrJDFS1gvVXUWiyWAcGqyse2sNj!-1164039232?event=VIEW\_PRODUCT\_PAGE\_EVENT&product=qc2\_headphones\_index&pageName=/home\_entertainment/headphones\_headsets/index.jsp](http://www.bose.com/controller;jsessionid=Aw7hYjrqdoR2JCnt9yFSj9NKDxrJDFS1gvVXUWiyWAcGqyse2sNj!-1164039232?event=VIEW_PRODUCT_PAGE_EVENT&product=qc2_headphones_index&pageName=/home_entertainment/headphones_headsets/index.jsp)
[http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005I9S2/102-2971221-6498546?vi=glance](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005I9S2/102-2971221-6498546?vi=glance)
have you tried commercial-grade earmuffs? you can get them at places like home depot for $15-$20. for example,
[http://ecommerce.conney.com/conneyi/hsrun.hse/Conney/aplusweb/StateId/CY-mB30GSY3ZmPmmcmkZ5QtpZ02xw-3oEe/HAHTpage/CatalogItemInfo?ITNO=58324&RECTYPE=ASC](http://ecommerce.conney.com/conneyi/hsrun.hse/Conney/aplusweb/StateId/CY-mB30GSY3ZmPmmcmkZ5QtpZ02xw-3oEe/HAHTpage/CatalogItemInfo?ITNO=58324&RECTYPE=ASC)
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### Author:  [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)
#### Post date: [February 16, 2004, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-fitness-center-are-there-any-true-noise-cancelling-headphones/229418/7 "2004-02-16T03:48:26Z")
Ah, thanks! I just googled “industrial earmuffs” and there are a whole bunch of alternatives.
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### Author:  [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)
#### Post date: [February 16, 2004, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-fitness-center-are-there-any-true-noise-cancelling-headphones/229418/8 "2004-02-16T03:53:33Z")
Yeah industrial earmuffs are the go. One time I took my kids to some drag racing, just for something different. When we walked up into the stands near the finish line I noticed that nearly everyone had earmuffs hanging around their neck. It only took one pass of a top fueler to see why.
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### Author:  [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)
#### Post date: [February 16, 2004, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-fitness-center-are-there-any-true-noise-cancelling-headphones/229418/9 "2004-02-16T04:27:55Z")
A further question. Assume you’re using the highest NRR rating you can find for earmuffs and also use some highly-rated earplugs. Assume further you’re in a place with loud music and lots of heavy bass. Would you hear (a) nothing (b) a murmur of sound, © just the pounding rhythm, or (d) something else? If (d), what?
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### Author:  [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)
#### Post date: [February 16, 2004, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-fitness-center-are-there-any-true-noise-cancelling-headphones/229418/10 "2004-02-16T04:49:14Z")
Even if you couldn’t hear the music you would feel it. Pounding bass from good speakers moves an awful lot of air.
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### Author:  [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)
#### Post date: [February 16, 2004, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-fitness-center-are-there-any-true-noise-cancelling-headphones/229418/11 "2004-02-16T04:56:31Z")
Well, I wouldn’t say the speakers are “good,” just turned up too loud. I have been making some small headway in trying to convice those in charge that extra-loud sound is not good for people, even if they aren’t feeling any physical pain. I even found one cite that the loud bass sounds, of the type you get in “boom boxes” may be associated with birth defects in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Thanks for the advice; every little bit helps.
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### Author:  [@Reader99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reader99)
#### Post date: [February 16, 2004, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-fitness-center-are-there-any-true-noise-cancelling-headphones/229418/12 "2004-02-16T05:01:01Z")
even used together, they could never reduce the sound to zero. the muffs would reduce sounds getting to your ear by a percentage, then the plugs would cut that sound by an additional percentage. but if you start with really loud you just end up with not-so-loud.
possibly useful background:
[http://www.abelard.org/hear/hear.htm](http://www.abelard.org/hear/hear.htm)
you can get a basic decibel meter at radio shack for around $40. maybe you could take some readings around the club and then tell the management that the music is loud enough to damage people’s hearing (as it is at many dance clubs and most rock concerts).
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### Author:  [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)
#### Post date: [February 16, 2004, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-fitness-center-are-there-any-true-noise-cancelling-headphones/229418/13 "2004-02-16T05:01:48Z")
Check out Evelyn Glennie, the acclaimed classical percussionist who is profoundly deaf but feels the music when she plays.
Here is an explanation from [her site](http://www.evelyn.co.uk/hearing.htm)
> [@](#):
>
> Hearing is basically a specialized form of touch. Sound is simply vibrating air which the ear picks up and converts to electrical signals, which are then interpreted by the brain. The sense of hearing is not the only sense that can do this, touch can do this too. If you are standing by the road and a large truck goes by, do you hear or feel the vibration? The answer is both. With very low frequency vibration the ear starts becoming inefficient and the rest of the body’s sense of touch starts to take over. For some reason we tend to make a distinction between hearing a sound and feeling a vibration, in reality they are the same thing. It is interesting to note that in the Italian language this distinction does not exist. The verb ‘sentire’ means to hear and the same verb in the reflexive form ‘sentirsi’ means to feel. Deafness does not mean that you can’t hear, only that there is something wrong with the ears. Even someone who is totally deaf can still hear/feel sounds.
>
> If we can all feel low frequency vibrations why can’t we feel higher vibrations? It is my belief that we can, it’s just that as the frequency gets higher and our ears become more efficient they drown out the more subtle sense of ‘feeling’ the vibrations. Evelyn spent a lot of time when she was young (with the help of Ron Forbes her percussion teacher at school) refining her ability to detect vibrations. She would stand with her hands against the classroom wall while Ron played notes on the timpani (timpani produce a lot of vibrations). Eventually Evelyn managed to distinguish the rough pitch of notes by associating where on her body she felt the sound with the sense of perfect pitch she had before losing her hearing. The low sounds she feels mainly in her legs and feet and high sounds might be particular places on her face, neck and chest.
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### Author:  [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)
#### Post date: [February 16, 2004, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-fitness-center-are-there-any-true-noise-cancelling-headphones/229418/14 "2004-02-16T05:09:22Z")
> [@Reader99](#):
>
> even used together, they could never reduce the sound to zero. the muffs would reduce sounds getting to your ear by a percentage, then the plugs would cut that sound by an additional percentage. but if you start with really loud you just end up with not-so-loud.
>
> possibly useful background:
>
> [loud music and hearing damage - abelard](http://www.abelard.org/hear/hear.htm)
>
> you can get a basic decibel meter at radio shack for around $40. maybe you could take some readings around the club and then tell the management that the music is loud enough to damage people’s hearing (as it is at many dance clubs and most rock concerts).
Yeah, I’ve actually thought of doing that. There is an international association of fitness experts (I forget the exact name) that recommends that a fitness center (a) limit sound levels to about 80, and that the instructor should not add more than another 10 dB. And that the centers should have meters to check frequently to assure this is the case.
One of the problems in my location is that in addition to the ambient noise there are smaller instructional rooms. In those rooms they also have “music.” Plus in one case an instructor who feels it is necessary to shout instructions to her students, through a microphone no less, even when there are only a couple of people in the class. I have been successful in getting them to at least close the door.
I don’t see well, and I’m not very physically fit (but improving). The last thing I need is to go deaf, too. Can’t see, can’t walk, and then can’t hear? Yeesh.
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### Author:  [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)
#### Post date: [February 16, 2004, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-fitness-center-are-there-any-true-noise-cancelling-headphones/229418/15 "2004-02-16T06:00:49Z")
> [@GMRyujin](#):
>
> I think Bose has been advertising em. No idea how good they are, but I swear I’ve seen ads for Bose Noise Cancelling headphones.
I have a set of Bose QuietComfort Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones. For killing background noise they completly kick ass.
I don’t think they would be suited for use as the OP requests. The Bose headphones will kill background noise like aircraft noise, but you can still hear conversations nearby.
Some ear plugs designed for guys on the gun range might be the best.
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### Author:  [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)
#### Post date: [February 16, 2004, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-fitness-center-are-there-any-true-noise-cancelling-headphones/229418/16 "2004-02-16T13:35:23Z")
Thanks for the info, Rick. I was wondering if that was the case. Glad I didn’t shell out the big bucks for them. Unless/Until I can convince those in charge to “turn that thing down, dammit!” I’ll have to try the big, clunky earmuffs.
It’s amazing to me that in a facility that is devoted to healthiness, they push the loudness so much. Heck, if somebody wanted to smoke in the middle of the cardio section, they’d be sent out of there in no time because they were hurting themself and others. Yet something that can cause permanent damage to hearing, as well as other negative health side effects like raising stress levels, blood pressure and cholesterol is tolerated. Go figure.
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### Author:  [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)
#### Post date: [February 16, 2004, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-fitness-center-are-there-any-true-noise-cancelling-headphones/229418/17 "2004-02-16T14:16:04Z")
> [@MLS](#):
>
> Yeah, I’ve actually thought of doing that. There is an international association of fitness experts (I forget the exact name) that recommends that a fitness center (a) limit sound levels to about 80, and that the instructor should not add more than another 10 dB. And that the centers should have meters to check frequently to assure this is the case.
80 dB over the course of 8 hours will cause permanent hearing damage. 90 dB will take much less time to do the same thing.
Of course, hearing damage is progressive, so even an hour at that volume will cause some damage to your hearing, and since hearing never comes back I suggest you continue with the pressure.
BTW, when I fly I use an ANR headset. I still hear and feel everything, but the sound is just reduced to tolerable levels. I can’t think of anything that will block sound completely.
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### Author:  [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)
#### Post date: [February 16, 2004, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-fitness-center-are-there-any-true-noise-cancelling-headphones/229418/18 "2004-02-16T14:25:15Z")
My experience with noise-cancelling headphones is largely in the aviation world.
You can spend thousands and thousand of dollars on a top-of-the-line headset system that does a very fine job of protecting your hearing - but I assume that’s out of your price range.
There are, however, systems available for “just” a couple hundred dollars that are a good compromise. They combine a headset with about 25-30 db sound-blocking with a low-end noise-cancellation device which will further reduce repetitive background noises. Those systems do require batteries, but no more so than portable radios, tape, and cd players.
At high volume, even if your ears don’t hear the sound your body will still feel it. You will, in fact, become much more aware of sound as a vibration/form of touch when wearing one of these set ups.
On the down side, aside from cost, such systems can weigh around a pound and may require some fiddling to remain securely in place while exercising. Me, I have been known to use my airplane headset when working with power tools because, despite the weight, my ears feel sooooooooo much better. And I don’t even have a fancy, top shelf headset. I have also found that my aviation headset can be plugged into about half of my music devices for my listening pleasure - perhaps there are adaptors available for the other gizmos.
Available at shops catering to pilots everywhere. Here’s an on-line shop for your browsing convenience and to get you started: [Sporty’s Pilot Shop - Headsets and Intercoms](http://www.sportys.com/acb/Category.cfm?&DID=19&CATID=94). I strongly recommend comparison shopping and contacting manufacturers - they may have the same or similar system for less than the “official aviation” products.
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### Author:  [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)
#### Post date: [February 16, 2004, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-fitness-center-are-there-any-true-noise-cancelling-headphones/229418/19 "2004-02-16T14:27:09Z")
I’m sure that’s true, Airman, and I agree. I’ve seen similar stats elsewhere. What blows my mind is all the supposedly intelligent, educated people subjecting themselves to this. It seems so obvious.
**sigh** I guess I’m going start getting a rep as that annoying, nagging, batty old lady who keeps complaining about the noise.
As I said earlier, I know I could try another gym, but need all the convenience I can get. I also have the impression that loudness is more the norm than otherwise in these places, so it might be difficult to find one I like anyway.
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### Author:  [@Harmonix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonix)
#### Post date: [February 16, 2004, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-fitness-center-are-there-any-true-noise-cancelling-headphones/229418/20 "2004-02-16T15:13:34Z")
you could try “in ear canal” head phones.
[http://headphone.com/layout.php?topicID=13&subTopicID=64](http://headphone.com/layout.php?topicID=13&subTopicID=64)
they’re incredibly expensive, but supposedly provide incredible sound as well.
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