Loss of Auditory Perception of Danger Signals When Using Noise-Canceling Headsets

Noise-canceling headsets are a headset with active ambient noise suppression (Active Noise Canceling, ANC). This technology lets the user listen to audio and hold phone calls while simultaneously shielding out surrounding ambient noise. These devices are particularly beneficial in an office environment where several employees who are frequently on the phone are working in a confined space (e.g. open-plan office, call centre, etc.). Studies on the use of such devices have found that people who spend five or more hours a day in an open-plan environment release fewer stress hormones (cortisol), perform better at their job due to a higher level of concentration, and see a lasting positive improvement in their sleep patterns.

Nevertheless, there is a real risk of losing the auditory perception of danger signals when using noise-canceling headsets, particularly with models that have active noise suppression.

The ANC function is not (yet) able to "reliably" distinguish relevant ambient sounds from disruptive sounds that are meant to be suppressed. Below is a list of relevant signals:

  • Crying baby
  • Doorbell
  • Car horns (in road traffic)
  • Emergency vehicle sirens (police/fire brigade)
  • Municipal siren alerts (civil protection)
  • Home smoke detectors
  • Acoustic (evacuation) alarm "fire alarm" (workplace/public buildings)
  • Acoustic alerts from voice alarm systems (workplace/public buildings)

Because of the loss of acoustic perception of alarm signals in everyday office life in particular, using headsets with ANC in an environment where a fire alarm system with an evacuation function (e.g. voice alarm systems, SAA) is installed due to building-law requirements is not possible without further compensating measures.

We, PLANATEL Planungs- und Beratungsgesellschaft mbH, have been examining the challenges of reliably conveying danger information to the user since this technology was introduced, while complying with the applicable guidelines DIN EN 54, VDE 0833, DIN 14675 and so on.

We are happy to support you in introducing noise-canceling headsets in your company, with a view to creating a more comfortable working environment for your employees while maintaining a safe working environment for a situation that requires an evacuation.

Get in touch with us.

Your contact:

Thomas Kopp – Partner at PLANATEL