Loop makes earplugs designed to do this. They have different models, like their Experience one is designed for going to concerts that are too loud, but you still want to be able to hear the music properly, just quieter. Or Engage let's you hear voices, but it helps block out background noises. They're pretty discreet and most people won't notice you're wearing them in my experience.
this post was submitted on 24 Sep 2023
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Autism
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Can confirm. I own a pair. Their build quality is really nice, too. They're satisfying to me to touch and hold.
I have their "weakest" one, but it still makes a lot of noises tolerable. I was helping my dad today install a new window and the hammer nor impact drill bothered me when I had the plugs in. They're able to remove a bit of the "bite" from loud noises, if that makes sense.
Only complaint I have with them is my voice and any in-body noises (I.e. Eating) become exceptionally loud. It's like it reflects everything inside back at your ears. But that's only a problem in quieter environments. In louder locations it's not as noticeable.
Otherwise I use 3M's yellow foam ear plugs, however any foam plug works for me. They're not the most reusable, but they're cheap and you can buy a big box of them.
This is my experience with the Loop earplugs too. I use them in my office environment, because there's always a ton of noise from the service department next door and the showroom on the other side of us. The in-body noises are weird at first but you get used to it (it might be harder if you have trouble regulating your voice volume; I always think I'm speaking more loudly than I do and this doesn't help), and the amount of noise cancelling is incredible. I can hear people talking to me without feeling like everyone is yelling, phones aren't as noisy, and even printers are less unpleasant.
I just looked them up. They seem cool but at that price I might as well pay the extra $20-30 to get noise cancelling earbuds. Thanks for the tip though!
I wanted so badly to like these, and tried multiple models, but the sound of having something in my ear throws me off. I can do noise canceling earbuds in passthrough mode, though. I don't understand it.
I do also do that sometimes.
And yes, the post is on topic.
I used to do the same thing in college at parties, though with ear plugs. Super helpful and made being there so much more enjoyable. Most people never brought it up. Some were curious about it and would ask; one would experiment by talking really quietly and I could still hear him fine. And I've only had a few who were big enough assholes to pull them out of my ear without asking me. So be wary of people like that. They're rare, but they exist.
Oof, that's a shitty thing to do. I think I'll try the earbud thing though.
I went to a 'system of a down' concert once, I knew I was gonna need ear protection, never really tried ear plugs before so wasn't sure what to expect. I was surprised that you can still hear everything clearly, like I could hear the people next to me talking when people without ear plugs couldn't. And the music sounded way better than even when I have been to quieter concerts that I didn't need ear protection for, like Weird AL. Definitely sold me on ear plugs, I always carry a couple fresh sets on me now in case I need them. They are a bit uncomfortable, but so worth it.
Also, I was curious about electric ear plugs, has anyone had experience with them? It's kind of similar to noise canceling ear buds I would assume but they have a customizable equalizer and volume. Like basically the opposite of hearing aids.
I've got some silicone earplugs (reusable up to a point, then binned) I mainly use them for sleeping, but have used them at a gig and they were brilliant. I've also got some big over the ears headphones too with ANC, which previously I would have been too self conscious to wear, but all the 'kids' these days seem to be plugged in while out and about... they muffled the sound of my washing machine and the guy upstairs when he's stomping around
Other than that it's the 'old fingers in the ears' when I'm near a motorbike, sirens or children screaming....the world is far too loud!
I'm happy that the headphones work for you!
Some helpful advice: Spend more time with people like the musician that was welcoming of the headphones and less time with people that insist you take them off.
Earplugs can handle it even better. I originally bought them because I work in AV but it's really nice to be able to just crank down all the audio in the world. A decent set of acoustic earplugs can be bought for 8 bucks at a guitar center. I highly recommend acoustic because they don't make everything sound muffled, just quieter. If you find it helpful then you can shell out for something a bit nicer.
Even if you're not autistic, it helps drown out the noise to hear people in a bar, it protects your hearing, and really does help with feelings of being overwhelmed. Doesn't FIX it, but it does help.
Hi there! I think this is an awesome post and I commend you for doing what is best for you and posting it.
I‘m sitting at the doctors office rn and forgot my headphones while a mother and her 17 yr old daughter (which she told the room like 3 times now) wont stop talking in coffee shop volume.