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Re:Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved yo... by gotem on Sunday October 18, 2020 @01:17PM (#24819396)
Noise-canceling headphones. I recommend Bose QC35 IIs. You don’t realize how loud the world normally is until you take them off.
Re:Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved yo... by jermeh on Sunday October 18, 2020 @01:30PM (#24819532)
I own the Sony version of them, the wh-1000xm2. They have xm3 and I think xm4 now and they are all highly praised. I bring them with me basically everywhere. They're especially incredible when flying.
Re:Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved yo... by gtirloni on Monday October 19, 2020 @06:47PM (#24831881)
I upgraded to the 1000xm3 from a QC15. It was much better. Im pretty satisfied.
Re:Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved yo... by amerkhalid on Monday October 19, 2020 @11:27AM (#24827214)
I got QC35, one of my favorite thing ever. I can listen music at really low volume and still hear all different notes. And I can sit outside in my patio next to a running A/C unit and not hear it at all.
Re:Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved yo... by santa_boy on Sunday October 18, 2020 @08:23PM (#24822294)
Thanks, bookmarked. I so much wish I went for these. I bought the Beats headphones that were a little cheaper. I don't find anything good about them either in comfort or functionality.

Social media influence!

Re:Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved yo... by seventhtiger on Monday October 19, 2020 @07:30AM (#24825324)
I have worn the Bose QC35 II on a 19 hour flight. It greatly reduced the terrible hum of the airplane and the battery lasted all the way through (bluetooth and sound were on maybe 6 to 8 hours). They are that comfortable.
Re:Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved yo... by nicbou on Monday October 19, 2020 @09:55AM (#24826360)
I have Airpod Pros, and I found myself wearing them without playing anything, just to tune out the noise.
Re:Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved yo... by ir123 on Sunday October 18, 2020 @01:24PM (#24819457)
Could I use them to cut off external noise that keeps me awake when I am trying to sleep?
Re:Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved yo... by cjauvin on Sunday October 18, 2020 @01:29PM (#24819525)
I would recommend a white noise machine for that, I haven't been able to live without mine for many years now: https://www.amazon.com/Marpac-Classic-White-Noise-Machine/dp...
Re:Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved yo... by TheAdamAndChe on Sunday October 18, 2020 @09:22PM (#24822582)
There are also a million white noise apps on the play store. I like Noice, its in the f-droid repository.
Re:Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved yo... by npteljes on Monday October 19, 2020 @07:26AM (#24825302)
Mynoise.net is also a wonderful resource.
Re:Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved yo... by gotem on Sunday October 18, 2020 @01:26PM (#24819486)
Yup I sometimes accidentally fall asleep with mine on. The noise cancelling works even while not playing anything. Just make sure you don’t sleep on side and crush them but you should be fine as they’re pretty resilient to damage (except water).
Re:Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved yo... by dzhiurgis on Sunday October 18, 2020 @04:23PM (#24820834)
AirPods Pro work way better for sleep due to low profile (mostly just using single one tho), but I've used big cans too. They do get damaged rather quickly (pads compress, drivers crackly all the time) and not comfy.
Re:Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved yo... by spiffytech on Sunday October 18, 2020 @05:38PM (#24821319)
The kinds of noises that often keep people awake at home aren't really the strong suit for active noise cancellation technology, but it works well enough that there's a whole market for noise cancelling sleep aids. You're probably better off looking there than the Bose QC; ordinary headphones and pillows often don't agree.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noise-cancelling_headphones#As...

Re:Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved yo... by sacul on Sunday October 18, 2020 @03:38PM (#24820466)
Re:Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved yo... by ciaranlee on Sunday October 18, 2020 @01:27PM (#24819503)
Yes. Probably depends on the exact noise. I've used them to good effect on planes and when sleeping beside a snoring person.
Re:Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved yo... by rich_sasha on Sunday October 18, 2020 @01:30PM (#24819531)
YMMV, I would struggle to sleep in mine. Noise makers are better for drowning out noises, IMHO
Re:Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved yo... by math on Sunday October 18, 2020 @01:29PM (#24819519)
best trick i know for this is to have another source of noise that you can tolerate (e.g. a fan). noise cancelling headphones are useful if you sleep on your back...
Re:Ask HN: What did you purchase that measurably improved yo... by torvald on Sunday October 18, 2020 @01:27PM (#24819501)
So true. Most bang for the buck i know.