Ask Away: Which noise-cancelling headphones should I buy?

I can't recommend enough buying noise-cancelling headphones, but I wouldn't spend $600 unless you are really particular about sound quality. Photo / 123RF

I am keen to buy noise-cancelling headphones. The trick obviously is to find the right ones. I'm trying to avoid paying $600 for the top of the range Bose. Is there any way you can give me a steer on brands/types in the mid-range? We do a big trip a year so they would get long-term use. Also, I am hearing impaired so that is a key element of my quest.
- Geoff Lawson

I can't recommend enough buying noise-cancelling headphones, but I wouldn't spend $600 unless you are really particular about sound quality. The pair I use (Sony MDR-ZX110NA) cost about $100 and suit me fine. A Consumer report reckons they have "just okay" sound and are uncomfortable to wear, but they're a huge improvement on airline ones.

As you're hearing impaired, the noise cancelling feature will definitely improve the sound. If you wear a hearing aid, try on a few pairs instore to find ones that fit comfortably with your device. Over-ear headphones seem to suit most types of hearing aid.

Looking at the Consumer report, one pair stands out to me — the Sony MDR-ZX770BN cost an average $379, are rated "somewhat comfortable" to wear and performed well for spoken word — so great for inflight movies.

The headphone cup looks a lot larger than mine, so it may work better with a hearing aid.
And if you do start getting tempted by Bose, the QuietComfort 25 is also well rated for comfort and spoken word, with an average price of $479.

Do any hearing impaired people have suggestions for headphones? Send them to me!

Readers respond:

I had a few responses for Des Cain, who wrote in about travel insurance options for seniors.

Mary Pettett suggested he tried insurance companies based at his destination:

"I'm a healthy 75 years with no medical issues, was planning a short trip to Canada. Like Des, I only required medical insurance. SCTI quoted about NZ$508, then I found that, as a visitor, I could get cover online from VTC Insurance, based in Toronto.

Sixteen days of medical cover up to $2500 cost CA$106 and suited me very well."

George Collins found One Cover, the least expensive and restrictive.

"At age 81, my number came up in India. Fell out of bed on to a beautiful marble floor and sustained a fractured hip. From the first call to One Cover they were on the job and followed through on all aspects of the aftermath. From memory we paid an excess of NZ$300."

Bruce Woodley uses a BNZ platinum credit card, which covers users up to 90 years, with the usual terms around pre-existing conditions.

John Crawford recommended Worldcare Travel Insurance: "I had a simple and straightforward discussion of my pre-existing problems and that was all there was.

"The premium was $643 for 22 days which I considered modest."

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