Some people feel pressure with ANC on. Can the A500's transparency mode help?

Some people love noise cancelling from the moment they switch it on. Others describe a strange feeling, a sort of pressure or fullness in the ears, a bit like being in a lift or on a plane as it descends. If that sounds familiar, you are not imagining it, and the AULA A500 gives you an easy way around it. Here is what causes ANC ear pressure and how the A500's transparency mode can help.

Quick Answer

It can help. Moving the AULA A500, an R639 headset at Evetech, from ANC to transparency mode lets outside sound in, which eases that blocked-ear feeling for many people. The ANC key cycles through transparency, ANC on and ANC off, so you can also simply stop cancelling. There is no physical pressure change: the sensation comes from how your brain reads the missing low sound.

🧠 What causes the pressure feeling

Active noise cancelling removes a lot of low-frequency sound from around you. Normally, your ears hear a constant background of low rumble in any room. When that suddenly disappears, some people's brains interpret the silence the way they would interpret a pressure difference, such as on a descending flight.

There is no actual change in air pressure inside the ear cup. The feeling is a perception, but it is real to the person experiencing it, and it can be distracting or uncomfortable.

Worse in quiet rooms?

Often, yes. In a noisy space, ANC is busy cancelling sound you would otherwise hear, so the effect feels useful. In an already quiet room, it removes the last of the background, and the "pressure" can feel more noticeable.

🎚️ How transparency helps

Transparency mode does the opposite of noise cancelling. It lets outside sound pass through the ear cups on purpose. That background sound returns, and for many people the pressure feeling fades with it.

ANC off versus transparency

These are different. With ANC off, the headset stops cancelling, but the ear cups still block some sound physically. With transparency, the headset actively brings the room in. If ANC off still feels slightly closed-in, transparency may feel more open and natural.

🌱 Easing into ANC

Many people find the sensation fades as they get used to noise cancelling. A gradual approach helps:

• Start with short sessions of ANC, then return to transparency or ANC off.
• Use ANC where it helps most, such as on a noisy commute or beside loud appliances, rather than in a silent room.
• Play some audio while ANC is on. Music or a podcast fills the gap and can make the effect less noticeable.

Ear problems

If you have an existing ear condition, or if the discomfort is strong or does not fade, speak to a doctor or audiologist before using noise cancelling for long periods. Do not push through pain.

Battery without ANC

Using transparency or ANC off more often also extends runtime. AULA rates the A500's 1000mAh battery at about 100 hours with ANC off, compared with the shorter figure it gives for cancelling. The A500 also has AULA's rated ANC of up to 38dB for times when you do want quiet, plus Bluetooth 5.4, a 2.4GHz receiver, a 3.5mm cable option and a flip-to-mute boom mic.

The black A500 sits in Evetech's line-up alongside other models in the gaming headsets range, and the wireless headset page lists more options. Evetech includes a 1 Year Local Warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes the pressure some people feel?

The brain reads the sudden loss of low background sound as a pressure change, though air pressure does not change.

Does ANC off feel different from transparency?

Yes. ANC off just stops cancelling, while transparency actively lets outside sound in.

Can I ease into ANC gradually?

Yes. Use short sessions, keep it for noisy places, and play audio while it is on.

Is the pressure worse in quiet rooms?

Often. ANC removes the last of the background sound, which can make the feeling stronger.

Should anyone with ear problems use ANC?

Check with a doctor or audiologist beforehand, and stop if it causes pain.

Which battery figure applies without ANC?

AULA's rating is about 100 hours with ANC off.