Maxell on Wednesday announced it will soon release noise-cancelling earbud headphones that are compatible with 4th or newer generation iPods and the first and second-gen iPod touch. (however, the iPhone 3G is not supported). The headphones plug in via the dock connector, as they draw power from the device to perform their function -- the company says the power draw is significant enough to reduce the battery life of the iPod by between about 33 percent and 50 percent.

The earphones include a built-in microphone that detects ambient noise and instructs the headphones to output up to 20dB of sound in the opposite phase for noise suppression. The Active Noise Suppression works between 50Hz and 700Hz.

The headphones are 9mm (0.35-inch) in diameter, and include small, medium or large eartips for a good fit. Their sound pressure sensitivity is rated at 103dB/mW, while frequency response ranges from 20Hz to 20kHz. The cable, which is 95cm (37.4 inches) long, does not include an inline volume control, but ones is available on dock connector itelf (making for a long reach).

Due for a December 12th release in Japan, the HP-NC20.IP will be priced at about $83. [via Impress]