ADHD and noise: How ANC headphones can help with "counter-noise"
Noise can be stressful and disruptive—but for people with ADHD, it can sometimes be beneficial. Noise-canceling headphones offer a great technical solution that combats noise with counter-frequency noise—for people with particular noise sensitivity.
In our hectic, modern world, noise has become a permanent fixture. Its definition is "unwanted sound" that impairs our well-being and performance – and can cause health damage if exposed to it chronically . Because it causes persistent stress, as well as ear damage – already with continuous exposure of 60 to 65 decibels. From 65 decibels of nonstop noise, the risk of cardiovascular disease also increases (traffic causes about 70 decibels).
However, our individual sensitivity to noise varies greatly and depends on a number of factors, such as the sound level, the current stress level and our relationship to the noise source.
Certain sound characteristics, such as sharpness and roughness, are perceived by people as particularly unpleasant – and have the ability to capture our attention. These are evolutionarily rooted reactions . Noise in our private spaces is perceived by the brain as an intruder that disrupts our desire for peace and control over our territory.
It is an irony of our times that we (in industrialized countries) live in a world characterized by technology, security and welfare – but also all too often bothered by the most banal noise that triggers our stress hormones as if "our cozy stone cave were threatened".
ADHD and noise: A special combination
If you're one of the millions of people living with ADHD (formerly known as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, now known as neurodiversity) , noise can be particularly challenging. Adults with ADHD are known to be more easily distracted by external stimuli. Furthermore, the relationship between ADHD and noise is quite complex.
People with ADHD are generally more sensitive to sudden, unexpected noises than neurotypical people . This manifests itself in flinching and an acute stress reaction (adrenaline rush). They are also usually much more bothered by loud noises (keywords: club atmosphere, folk festivals).
People with ADHD also tend to be more sensitive to specific noises , such as a dripping faucet, the ticking of a clock, or the buzzing of a housefly. These sounds can become a real ordeal, making it impossible to study or continue working.
On the other hand, studies have shown that so-called "White noise" can even be helpful. People with ADHD know this well, as they find it easier to concentrate in busy but not too noisy cafes or other environments with monotonous, "rippling" sounds—or the sound of the ocean, for example.
According to the dopamine theory, the ADHD brain lacks "basic activation" (which is why stimulants like Ritalin are administered) – and White noise can provide precisely this stimulus . Self-selected "noise" (the sound of the ocean, wind, other natural sounds) can even be a reliable aid to concentration.
Request concert and "silent zone": ANC headphones for ADHD
ADHD-friendly headphones , especially models with active noise cancellation ( ANC ), can take on the role of this "desired noise source." They use advanced audio technology to reduce distracting outside noise . Thisis achieved through interference : The sound produced by the headphones has the same amplitude (amplitude) but the opposite (oscillation) phase to the distracting noise, such as street traffic or train noise. This causes the two sounds to cancel each other out, much like waves sometimes do at sea .
ANC headphones thus create a " silent zone " that allows the wearer to consume only desired sounds and noises – such as a waterfall or "focus music" – or simply to enjoy peace and quiet (in this case, ANC functions like electronically assisted hearing protection/PAMIR).
Many autistic people, by the way, suffer from a pronounced sensitivity to noise. They often perceive sensory impressions much more intensely, without being able to filter and mentally block them out. Normal communication then becomes completely impossible because those affected enter a state of constant stress ( fight-or-flight response ). ANC headphones with good sound isolation can work wonders in these situations.
"Fight fire with fire," as the saying goes. This is absolutely true for ANC headphones and their operating principle. They analyze ambient noise using state-of-the-art chip technology – and cancel it out with targeted waves of nonstop, recalculated "counter-noise."