Do noise canceling headphones hold up in 90dB environments?

[Burke9077]

Hey everybody,
 
I commonly work in audio environments where we set up speakers that output around 120dB.  By the time the sound reaches where I sit, I get hit with about 90dB.  Even with my ear plugs that take out 29dB, I still feel nauseous after a couple of hours.  So I guess I'm asking two questions.  I understand the physics of noise cancellation, but would a pair of noise canceling headphones hold up in a 90dB environment?  If they would, would there be any chance of damaging my hearing?
 
Secondly, would anyone have any recommendations?  I would prefer something less than $200ish, but if I can spend more money to get a better product, I will.
 
Thanks in advance.

 

[khaos974]

I don't remember any active noise cancellation headphones clamming more than 30 dB attenuation (that's 97% in terms of power) so I don't think they are better than your ear plugs.
 
Maybe you could combine earplugs with protection earmuffs?

 

[macrocheesium]

Are you sure that you need over ears? I doubt anything exists that will cancel 90db out, but an Etymotic IEM with triple flanges will do very well, especially when you combine it with over ear protection.

 

[stokitw]

earmuffs
http://www.amazon.com/Peltor-H10A-Optime-Over-Earmuff/dp/B00009LI4K/
plus
earplugs
 
In terms of reducing noises, this would be your best bet.
 
Active noise canceling phones are not as good as them in terms db reducing.
They provides comparable results on airplane, but not as good in other circumstances.

 

[holland]

You should sue.  What kind of BS is that?  120dB from speakers and no ear protection from your employer?  Screw that.
 
Definitely earmuffs, with ear plugs underneath.
 
Your nausea may be due to vibrations and not necessarily hearing, but 90dB is still very loud.

 

[macrocheesium]

I got the idea that he wanted music or headphones somehow, considering he posted in an audiophile forum.

 

[Burke9077]

It's looking like earmuffs is the way to go, combined with the earplugs, that would be better than any noise canceling headphones I've found so far, so I'll probably get a pair of those.  A $30 fix is always a welcomed fix.
 
I'm still looking for  good noise canceling headphones though, and I found a company that claims 29dB cancelation.  It looks too good to be true, and they don't look all that reputable, but I've never dove into the headphone world before, so I wouldn't know.
 
http://www.quietheadphones.com/product/ex-29/

There are a lot of little things about this product that scares me though.  So if anyone has ever tried these before, let me know.  Otherwise, I'll buy a pair and report back.

 

[Burke9077]

I guess I'll ask one more question before I go to bed.  What are thoughts on Bose noise canceling headphones, as far as quality of audio is concerned?  I'm going to assume that the noise canceling abilities are about the same, in a more realistic setup.
 
Thanks for all the help and direction so far.  I'll eventually find a really nice gift for myself, with some suggestions.

 

[mcoleg]

Not sure how good those sound. I use Audio Technica's active noise canceling phones but they are probably not enough for 90db. I did use them at a firing range with OK result though.
 
There's more to it than plugging your ears, however. In the environment like you have to work in, the very bones in your skull will vibrate. Try a hat or a head band. Seriously. It might help with nausea.

 

[holland]

Active noise cancelling is focused on the lower frequencies.  It is not an across the board drop.
 
I don't like the Bose headphones.  I use the Audio Technica ANC7, when I fly.
 
Seriously IEMs, with the earmuffs.  Done deal.

 

[macrocheesium]

 
Quote:

I guess I'll ask one more question before I go to bed.  What are thoughts on Bose noise canceling headphones, as far as quality of audio is concerned?  I'm going to assume that the noise canceling abilities are about the same, in a more realistic setup.
 
Thanks for all the help and direction so far.  I'll eventually find a really nice gift for myself, with some suggestions.

Bose is generally understood to have a pretty bad value. Sennheiser is a much better company and sells noise cancellation; you might want to check them out. Or as mcoleg said, AT is another great company.

 

[stokitw]

Soundwise you'll be better of using earbud or IEM along with earmuff.
Bose QC15's noise canceling is vastly superior than most of its competitors yet it cannot beat the sound from good IEMs with earmuff.
However you can wear Bose QC15 for a very long period with or without music just for utilizing the noise canceling, while you have to take off earmuff every couple hours.
 
I used all of those combination, my conclusion is:
If you're finding such a solution for listening while working, IEMs/earplug with earmuff combination would be the best.
In such case you're free to adjust those thing for your own comfort.
For long flight which you just want to rest, Bose QC15 is still the gold standard.
 

 
Quote:

I guess I'll ask one more question before I go to bed.  What are thoughts on Bose noise canceling headphones, as far as quality of audio is concerned?  I'm going to assume that the noise canceling abilities are about the same, in a more realistic setup.
 
Thanks for all the help and direction so far.  I'll eventually find a really nice gift for myself, with some suggestions.

 

[Trysaeder]

Isn't it a law that any work environment with 85 dB over 8 hours or an instant of 100(?)+ must have ear protection?