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.
Thanks caretwo, I have now looked at those suggestions. I'm not sure what the Health and Safety issue is, I don't think they are, they mentioned not being able to hear the fire alarm but I said that I could and they still weren't happy. It seemed that anything that might interfere with my hearing would be a problem. I certainly couldn't wear anything like ear muffs as they'd fall off if I was bending down. I think I'm going to have to try getting/ adapting earplugs that will reduce volume but not muffle anything and can be discreet enough that they can't be seen.
The 3M ear defenders are pretty tight (I have a pair of 3M X5A for general home use) and so it might be worth trying a pair. There are various levels of noise protection and the pair I bought cost £25. Take a look at:http://solutions.3m.co.uk/wps/portal/3M/en_GB/PPE_SafetySolutions_EU/Safety/Products/Product-Catalog-PoW/?PC_Z7_U00M8B1A0OP590IB369UJT2UU4000000_nid=88M65W4JK1beN8MT32R3VMgl
If they turn out to be no use for work then they should be of use at home. I use my pair exclusively at home and consider the benefits to be very worthwhile (although I would prefer people to make less noise and not play their 'music' outside).