Sound filters: what are they, where do you get them, and why might one use them?
Sound filters are these earplug type thingies that will cut out the full decibel level of sounds around you without totally stopping you from hearing. They come in different levels of quality, and different strengths of sound-blocking.
In general, the things are called noise- or sound-attenuating earplugs, and were made and marketed to musicians and club-goers who need to sort of hear, but don’t want to damage their ears. (Or, yanno, they could turn their amps down, but why on earth wouldn’t we want a concert so loud it damages us? Music has to be LOUDER than LOUD, like a JET ENGINE /sarcasm) It’s also handy for people in an orchestra who have to play sitting directly in front of the brass or drums but need to be able to hear, ever again.
Luckily those of us with sensitive ears can use them too, and they are very helpful in certain circumstances. My favorite uses of mine so far have been blocking the high frequency shriek of a non-flatscreen old-style TV screen while still able to hear the college Professor speaking, and blocking the full decibel-impact of an up-close professional fireworks display while still able to hear people around me talking.
Pros: Hey Aspies! If you have incredibly sensitive ears, these are a miracle. I can go places and do things with other people without fear of sound-caused pain, because I know I’ve got my filters in their case in my pack if I need them for a little while.
I have a bit of an auditory processing issue, and I get very agitated in crowds all talking at once, and these cut the crowd noise but let me hear people close to me, speaking to me.
Cons: They aren’t meant to be worn very long- wear them too long and it’ll start to make you even more sensitive whenever you don’t have them in. Only wear them when you really, really have to.
Also, you can’t hear yourself speak very clearly while they’re in, and chewing makes a heck of a smooshing and chomping noise in your head, the way it will if you’re wearing in-ear earbud headphones. I don’t wear mine when I eat.
Some sensitive people might find them uncomfortable, but there are many shapes and kinds, and custom-fit ones available too.
How, you ask, do I obtain these wondrous things?
I got mine off Amazon, and the super dooper fancy ones can be made custom fit if you like them but are sensitive about hwo they feel in your ears. This is a link for custom ones. https://www.etymotic.com/hp/erme.html
Here’s a brand of one size fits all Earplugs that cost 11-18 USD, depending on where you get them http://www.earplugstore.com/mackshearplugs.html
You can google them and see which kinds you like, or find a cheap pair to try before going for pricier models or custom jobs.
Sound filters are these earplug type thingies that will cut out the full decibel level of sounds around you without totally stopping you from hearing. They come in different levels of quality, and different strengths of sound-blocking.
In general, the things are called noise- or sound-attenuating earplugs, and were made and marketed to musicians and club-goers who need to sort of hear, but don’t want to damage their ears. (Or, yanno, they could turn their amps down, but why on earth wouldn’t we want a concert so loud it damages us? Music has to be LOUDER than LOUD, like a JET ENGINE /sarcasm) It’s also handy for people in an orchestra who have to play sitting directly in front of the brass or drums but need to be able to hear, ever again.
Luckily those of us with sensitive ears can use them too, and they are very helpful in certain circumstances. My favorite uses of mine so far have been blocking the high frequency shriek of a non-flatscreen old-style TV screen while still able to hear the college Professor speaking, and blocking the full decibel-impact of an up-close professional fireworks display while still able to hear people around me talking.
Pros: Hey Aspies! If you have incredibly sensitive ears, these are a miracle. I can go places and do things with other people without fear of sound-caused pain, because I know I’ve got my filters in their case in my pack if I need them for a little while.
I have a bit of an auditory processing issue, and I get very agitated in crowds all talking at once, and these cut the crowd noise but let me hear people close to me, speaking to me.
Cons: They aren’t meant to be worn very long- wear them too long and it’ll start to make you even more sensitive whenever you don’t have them in. Only wear them when you really, really have to.
Also, you can’t hear yourself speak very clearly while they’re in, and chewing makes a heck of a smooshing and chomping noise in your head, the way it will if you’re wearing in-ear earbud headphones. I don’t wear mine when I eat.
Some sensitive people might find them uncomfortable, but there are many shapes and kinds, and custom-fit ones available too.
How, you ask, do I obtain these wondrous things?
I got mine off Amazon, and the super dooper fancy ones can be made custom fit if you like them but are sensitive about hwo they feel in your ears. This is a link for custom ones. https://www.etymotic.com/hp/erme.html
Here’s a brand of one size fits all Earplugs that cost 11-18 USD, depending on where you get them http://www.earplugstore.com/mackshearplugs.html
You can google them and see which kinds you like, or find a cheap pair to try before going for pricier models or custom jobs.
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