For example, some studies have reported that Atlantic herring, cod and blue-fin tuna flee sounds and school less coherently in noisy environments.

BBC: Earth News - 'Noise pollution' threatens fish

You'll net the best performance in quieter settings, considering that they don't isolate sound like some other options on the market, and if you're a frequent air traveler or often find yourself working in noisy environments, you'll probably want to consider other options.

ENGADGET: Apple EarPods hands-on Mobile

Handheld computers and wireless net-phones would also benefit from a less chatty protocol, more efficient use of their limited battery power, the ability to cope in noisy environments, and an easier way to send files while on the move (from, say, digital cameras).

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Polk's new Performance Line-Up, which appears in retail stores this fall, includes sports headphones and active noise cancelation (ANC) headphones designed for serious athletes engaged in exercise and fitness as well as suited for players and business professionals who travel frequently and often listen to music in noisy environments.

ENGADGET: Polk enters the headphone game with sporty, generic ear-speakers