Noise-Canceling Earbuds

Noise-canceling earbuds I use on the subway are probably the most important thing I own for my daily sanity. I did not realize how much ambient noise was draining me until I started blocking it out. Active noise cancellation handles the low rumble of the train well enough that I can listen to a podcast at half volume. Transparency mode lets in just enough sound to hear announcements without removing the earbuds. They aren't a luxury product in my mind anymore. Closer to a utility, like a good pair of shoes. Costing under $100 now, this technology has spread to almost everyone on my commute. Trust people place in a brand that sits inside their ears for hours a day is underrated. Companies working on hearing health through the same hardware are onto a real opportunity.