The most obvious way to get rid of ambient noise is to employ some form of passive or active noise cancellation (ANC). The type of ANC we’re familiar with today was coined in 1989 by Dr. Amar Bose with the Series I Aviation Headset by Bose Aviation.
Noise Isolation and Cancellation
Passive noise isolation can be accomplished by blocking ambient sound using physical barriers. When we cover our ears with our palms, we reduce ambient noise. Headphones, with foam pads in the ear cups, are creating a secure seal around our ears that isolates your ear from any ambient sound. This easy method is only mildly effective—any sound, albeit lower in volume, will still get through to our ears, depending on the fit, materials, and design of the headphones.