My totally non-scientifi guess why ANC is uncomfortable is that it could be ear ”fatigue”. What you said about the imperfect noise counterwave is what I’m guess

My totally non-scientifi guess why ANC is uncomfortable is that it could be ear ”fatigue”. What you said about the imperfect noise counterwave is what I’m guessing is the source of fatigue in the ear, because even though your surroundings sound more quiet, the ear canal is getting blasted by soundwaves right next to it. If I focus I can clearly feel my ears in ”active” mode when using ANC. A sort of soft pressure. I have a feeling ANC silence is not real silence.