Published on 12, July, 2020
I struggle more with the lighting but the sound in discos/clubs can get a bit much.
In an attempt to try and stop avoiding these places, I have a new job which involves these environments, I wondered what my best options might be.
prescription sunglasses and the small sponge in ear ear defenders?
are there any better or more discrete options?
Noise-cancelling headphones work quite well, though they are quite expensive. I wouldn't worry too much for discreteness for these as people would probably just think you are listening to music.
Funnily enough, I have been looking into a cap for that reason. It could be a cheap thing to try.
”I find them deeply unpleasant and I don't think it's for sensory reasons.” They are. I don’t understand the appeal at all. Then again I feel the same about clubs and discos. It’s more of a case of sometimes needing to rather than wanting too.
Have you considered a baseball cap? That could reduce the harshness of direct overhead lighting, and maybe wouldn't be out of place working in a club.
I don't have hypersensitivities that I notice, but sometimes wear sponge earplugs at work or when trying to sleep. I hear they may cause or aggravate tinnitus, though, and if you really need to block out sound you need wax ones or ear defenders. Rather than the expensive electronic ear defenders, you can get builders' ear protection for about £20 from a hardware shop... someone might think they're 'cans' and mistake you for the DJ!
I don't know if there's scientific evidence behind Irlen lenses, or they're a scam. Finally, I'd just avoid shopping centres unless absolutely necessary. I find them deeply unpleasant and I don't think it's for sensory reasons.
I do have reacting lenses for my normal prescription glasses but they only work outside so presume it’s a uv thing?. They are ok but could be darker and cover the sides. For me it is the glare and the flickering/moving electrical lighting. I was hoping sunglasses might at least reduce the effect.
Avoiding certain environments can be more healthy than forcing yourself into them.
I would definitely need earplugs in a disco. The other option is noise cancelling headphones, but those aren't exactly less noticeable. I don't think anyone would notice earplugs, unles they're looking for them, and I don't think anyone would criticise you for wearing them anyway. They certainly wouldn't have any right to do so.
As for lighting, rather than sunglasses, perhaps tinted glasses would be helpful and less noticeable. There are also the type of glasses that get darker the higher the light level. I assume that it is the flourescent lighting that bothers you. For me, I think it's the way they buzz and the way they flash when the tube is getting old, and there's nothing that can stop that except changing the tube.