Noise cancelling blocks steady background noise. Awareness lets outside sound in so you can hear what's around you.
Noise cancelling and Awareness mode
Everyday Earbuds
Hold either earbud for 3 seconds to switch between Noise Cancelling and Awareness.
Weak noise cancelling is usually the fit. Air leaking around the gel tip cancels the effect. Try the next tip size up. Noise cancelling works best on steady sounds like engines. It does much less against voices.