What are the health risks associated with noise cancelling headphones beyond potential hearing damage?

Noise cancelling headphones pose several health risks beyond hearing damage. They can make users dangerously unaware of their surroundings, creating a significant safety issue that could potentially lead to accidents as people might not hear important warning sounds or approaching vehicles. This environmental disconnection represents a serious concern, especially in public spaces where situational awareness is crucial for personal safety. Users should be mindful of these risks and consider using noise cancelling features selectively, particularly when moving through environments where awareness of surroundings is necessary for safety.