[CharlesW]

BTW, RTINGS said that it's different. "Nerfed" is the word used by someone who seemingly didn't read TFA.

https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-max-...

"…after updating the headphones to firmware 4E71, their active noise cancelling (ANC) system blocks out a bit less noise between the mid-bass to high-bass range than the previous firmware. […] …it's a relatively minor difference. The ANC can still reduce sounds like ambient chatter and the high-pitched whirl of AC units extremely well."

Why would Apple do this? RTINGS also has a likely explanation:

"Users have reported high cabin pressure when using their unit's ANC. It's a pressure-like feeling inside your ears when the ANC is on and is a similar sensation to when a plane ascends and descends. It's caused by your brain perceiving the lack of low-frequency sound as a pressure difference between the inner and outer ear, which can become uncomfortable."

[thenthenthen]

I had this feeling when putting on those Bose over-ear ANC headphones. Incredibly uncomfortable. The JBL ones I had after were way less ‘active’ and didn’t cause discomfort, but they also didnt do a great job. Now im using just noise to mask other noises and it’s ok, but have the feeling it might not be very healthy to your hearing in the long run. Any research about ANC and hearing loss done btw?

[withinboredom]

I’ve heard anecdotal evidence than it causes tinnitus. But I haven’t heard anything about hearing loss.