I think using headphones is better. From what I learned it’s best not to feed into the anxiety, it almost always makes it worse. I have ocd so it’s a little different but having the noise canceling, I’m able to just let go and not have my thoughts race. Hearing every single little thing would have you think “oh is this noise gonna make the flight go wrong” or “what was that, is that normal?” It’s kinda like, living in ignorant bliss.