Are noise-cancelling headphones affecting our ability to process sound?

Every day, our brains perform the complex task of interpreting a myriad of sounds—from the distant hum of traffic to overlapping conversations in a busy café. For most people, this auditory processing happens seamlessly. However, for some individuals, the difficulty lies not in hearing these sounds, but in the brain’s ability to process and interpret them effectively. This challenge is characteristic of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), a neurological condition that appears to be increasingly common among younger populations.

What Is Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)?

APD is a neurological condition where the brain has difficulty processing and making sense of sounds, especially in complex listening environments. Individuals with APD may find it hard to distinguish speech in background noise, locate where sounds are coming from, or follow fast-paced conversations—even when their hearing is otherwise normal.

A YouGov survey found that 61% of 18–24-year-olds prefer watching TV with subtitles enabled. This shift toward visually-supported listening raises questions about whether reduced auditory exposure affects the brain’s processing capabilities.

A Growing Concern Among Young Adults

Audiologists in the UK report a notable increase in young people being referred for hearing concerns that, upon testing, reveal normal hearing but impaired auditory processing skills. Many of these patients do not fit traditional APD risk profiles—such as those with histories of brain injury, neurological conditions, or recurrent middle-ear infections (BBC News, 2025).

Could Noise-Cancelling Headphones Be a Contributing Factor?

Noise-cancelling headphones are valuable tools for protecting ear health by reducing exposure to potentially damaging high-frequency and loud environmental noises. However, these devices create an artificially quiet environment that limits exposure to ambient sounds, which are critical for training the brain’s auditory system.

A recent study by Imperial College London found a correlation between higher headphone use and difficulties detecting speech in noisy settings, a hallmark symptom of APD. This suggests that excessive noise isolation may impair auditory scene analysis—the brain’s ability to distinguish relevant sounds from background noise.

“There is a difference between hearing and listening. We can see that listening skills are suffering,” says Renee Almeida, adult audiology clinical lead at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

Similarly, a pilot study by Hearing Diagnostics Limited revealed that adults over 50 outperformed younger adults under 30 on spatial hearing tests. This unexpected result implies that younger individuals' modern listening habits, including frequent headphone use, could be reshaping auditory development.

Claire Benton, Vice-President of the British Academy of Audiology, emphasises that noise-cancelling headphones may reduce the brain’s exposure to natural environmental sounds. She warns that this “false acoustic environment” could delay the maturation of higher-level listening skills, which typically develop through adolescence.

Diagnosis and Treatment Challenges

Currently, full APD assessments are limited in the NHS, with long waiting times and few clinics offering comprehensive testing. Treatment options include sound training apps, listening exercises, and the use of assistive devices like microphones or low-gain hearing aids.

What Can You Do?

If you or your child are experiencing difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments, even with normal hearing, it’s worth speaking to a hearing care professional.

In the meantime:

• Limit prolonged use of noise-cancelling headphones

• Use transparency or ambient sound modes when available

• Take breaks to engage with natural environmental sounds

• Seek out environments with manageable background noise for socialising

  
  

Final Thoughts

Auditory Processing Disorder is often misunderstood, but awareness is growing. With more research and early support, people with APD can develop better coping strategies and improve their quality of life.

If you’re concerned about your hearing or listening abilities, book a consultation with one of our audiologists. Early guidance can make all the difference.

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