Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) headphones use technology to create quiet in loud environments. This technology detects and actively removes unwanted sound, allowing users to focus on audio or enjoy silence. However, for some users, engaging ANC can trigger uncomfortable physical sensations, including dizziness, pressure, or nausea. This recognized side effect stems from the complex way the brain processes sound and maintains balance.
How Active Noise Cancellation Works
Active Noise Cancellation relies on destructive interference to achieve its quieting effect. Tiny microphones in the headphones constantly “listen” to ambient sounds, particularly consistent, low-frequency noises like the hum of an airplane engine or an air conditioner. An onboard processor analyzes these incoming sound waves in real-time, identifying their frequency and amplitude.
The system then generates a second sound wave, called “anti-noise,” which is precisely 180 degrees out of phase with the external sound. When the peak of the original noise meets the trough of the anti-noise wave, the two cancel each other out, resulting in a significantly reduced sound level. This active process is distinct from passive noise isolation, which uses physical materials to block sound from entering the ear canal. ANC technology is most effective at neutralizing low-frequency drone sounds.
The Vestibular System and Sensory Conflict
The nausea and dizziness experienced by some users are directly linked to the inner ear’s vestibular system, the body’s primary organ for balance and spatial orientation. This system integrates sensory input from three main sources: the eyes (vision), proprioception (body and muscle sensation), and the inner ear’s fluid dynamics (motion and gravity). The brain constantly compares these signals to understand whether the body is moving or stationary.
When ANC headphones remove expected background sounds, especially low-frequency pressure waves, they disrupt one of the vestibular system’s inputs. For example, when sitting still on a train, the eyes and body report no motion, but the ears normally perceive the subtle rumbling sounds of the vehicle. The sudden, unnatural silence created by ANC causes a “sensory mismatch” or “visual-vestibular mismatch.”
The brain receives conflicting messages: the body is still, but the auditory input is unnaturally quiet, which the brain may interpret as disorientation or movement. This physiological confusion is similar to traditional motion sickness, where the eyes see stillness but the inner ear senses motion. The brain’s attempt to reconcile these conflicting signals can manifest as dizziness, vertigo, and nausea.
Some users also report a feeling of “eardrum suck” or vacuum-like pressure when ANC is activated. Although there is no measurable air pressure change in the ear canal, the brain interprets the sudden alteration of the ambient sound environment as a change in pressure. This misinterpretation further contributes to the feeling of discomfort and inner ear imbalance.
Strategies for Minimizing Discomfort
People prone to motion sickness or vertigo may be more susceptible to ANC side effects. If discomfort occurs, reducing the overall time you use the ANC feature is a simple strategy. Gradually increasing the duration of wear over a few days or weeks may allow your brain to habituate and adjust to the altered sound environment.
Many modern headphones offer adjustable noise cancellation levels; lowering the intensity of the ANC setting can alleviate pressure and reduce sensory conflict. Alternatively, you can use the headphones without the ANC function activated, relying solely on the passive noise isolation provided by the earcups or eartips.
Ensuring the headphones have a comfortable and proper fit is also helpful, as excessive clamping force or a poor seal can physically contribute to discomfort. If symptoms persist despite these adjustments, switching to headphones that rely entirely on passive noise isolation may be the best solution.