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I have some of the best noise cancelling headphones (Sony MDR-1000X) and the thing few people realize is that active noise cancellation actually increases perceived pressure on your ear. For me it's like being underwater. I'm only really using them while flying.

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I had both the MDR-1000XM2 and the Bose QC25, and the QC25 actually feel more like underpressure. I don’t think feeling overpressure is inherent to noise cancelling. I suggest you try out the QC25/35 in a store and see if they feel different to your ears.

I have the QC35 and it feels like overpressure to me. Might be an individual thing.

Yep, same headphones and I get the same sensation. It doesn’t bother me too much but when it’s not too noisy I leave the noise canceling turned off for that reason.

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