Published on 12, July, 2020
I'm only very mildly on the autistic spectrum and have no diagnosis. One thing that is causing me massive problems at the moment is noise at work. They have the radio playing over the work PA system and it is making me very stressed and anxious. I normally have the radio playing at home and like to have that background noise but work is different. I think because it is over a PA system to sound quality is poor, also the music is stuff that stresses me, dance and hip-hop (too percussive, lack of melody?), the DJs all talk in over an excited way and the adverts also use very excitable tones.
I've been told that I can't wear ear-plugs as it is a health and safety issue. So I wondered if there is any method I can use to deal with the stress and anxiety itself.
I am looking for another job but I can't stand this one much longer unless I find a way to cope with the noise, so I may have to leave with no other income if I don't get a solution.
Not knowing exactly what the health and safety issue is, I wonder if 3M's Push to Listen ear defenders would be of use. You simply push a button to listen and the ear defender opens for communication (and automatically shuts off after 30 seconds).
Perhaps noise-cancelling headphones would be of use. There are models from Bose, B&W and Sony which allow you to set the level of noise cancellation so you can increase or decrease your awareness of your surroundings. Have a search for 'noise cancelling headphones' on the What Hi-Fi? website (https://www.whathifi.com/).