Published on 12, July, 2020
I'm looking for some recommendations or advice from anyone else with noise sensitivity. I currently use loop ear plugs to help reduce noise levels but I don't really like them because of the horrible echo of my heartbeat and breathing, I can't decide what's worse, the external noise or feeling trapped in my own head. I also find that my own voice feels really loud so I talk too quietly and can't communicate with my husband without taking them out. I was wondering if ear defenders or music headphones would be better? I am looking to get two sets, one that just muffles sound so that I can still hear my husband when we are out and another set that completely blocks out everything (possibly music headphones because I find my own music soothing) for when I need to brave the shops alone. I know the best option is to try them out in a shop but I really hate shops!
It would also be nice to hear if anyone has any other coping mechanisms for sensory overload or just to know that I'm not alone. This has been a relatively recent issue for me because I've taken medication for depression and anxiety for all of my adult life until about a year ago. My meds were interacting with another medication that I was taking so I had to stop. As soon as I came off my meds it was like someone turned up the volume! If I'm stressed even the running of a tap or my husband unzipping his coat causes me distress!
I apologise in advance if I am slow replying or if my replies seem unfriendly or formal, I haven't worked out the rules of social online communication yet and find it a bit scary. Thanks in advance, I really appreciate you reading this.
I have had this most of my life. If it's a dampening you want there is ear putty
Mack's silicone ear putty.
it will dampen and muffle sounds and you can use a lot or a little depending on the amount of dampening you want. great for going to a movie.
Natale:/ I am looking to get two sets, one that just muffles sound so that I can still hear my husband when we are out and another set that completely blocks out everything (possibly music headphones because I find my own music soothing) for when I need to brave the shops alone. I know the best option is to try them out in a shop but I really hate shops!:/ Natale [end quote]
I would really love, myself, to have the newer Bose quiet comfort. I have the Bose quiet comfort 45s and they are great too and a bit cheaper now.
I saved up for them and the first time I put them on it was like a great burden had been lifted. I am also losing my hearing slowly, which had been acute. I missed the full range of frequencies so now I have in ear hearing aids too. so I have best of all worlds.
I use the head phones in the gym. Some people there use in-ear noise canceling buds. Great for noisy cafes and the like. great for airplanes, busses, loud PA systems, trains, the audio quality is also great so one can leave the word behind and be immersed in an audio book, music or podcast.
if Bose a re too dear there are others here's a comparative
https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-noise-canceling-headphones/