Sound (Isolation vs Cancellation) which is more appropriate for me?

[GeoMoon5]

Which is more appropriate for my situation? Isolation, or Cancellation?

I'm curios if Sound Isolation will be the correct kind of sound dampening technology in environments that have road noise, computer fans, vacuuming, and occasional talking.

I plan on using headphones with sound dampening technology in an attempt to preserve my hearing. My line of reasoning is that by having less competing outside noise, I can keep my earbuds at a much lower volume and preserve the integrity of my hearing. I mostly use the earbuds to listen to music and talk radio.

Any help is much appreciated,
Thanks!

[matimun]

Looking at your situation, I'd most probably go for noise isolation.

Noise cancellation techniques are fine too, but the main disadvantage of using it is the excess drain on power of your portable device.. (i'm assuming that you're using one). If you don't mind it, you can go for it..

A good noise isolation product would be the Creative EP-series. They've worked fine form me. I even use them in places that have extreme noise levels, for example, I work in a plant where a lot of grinding wheels crash all day, making a horrendous sound. A dip in 30dB has certainly saved my ears..

Else did I answer your question?

[wwenze]

How about both. There's never enough isolation from outside noise.

Unless you're planning to use mufflers along with in-ear earphones. Which I did when I was inside tanks, the dampening effect stacks until the engine can almost not be heard. However do not do that when travelling because that amount of sound reduction is potentially dangerous.