Keeping Out the Noise, Letting In the Sound
For nighttime use, I typically toss out foam earplugs when they don’t look or smell clean anymore or when their effectiveness starts deteriorating. Many manufacturers state something like: “Discard after several uses or as soon as dirt or wax accumulates…” (Macks) “Disposable foam earplugs” (Moldex) When using earplugs for hearing protection in a high-noise environment, …
In this post, I’d like to demonstrate how much of a difference noise masking, active noise cancelling, and noise isolation alone and in combination make when it comes to eliminating disturbing nighttime (and daytime) noises. We are going to listen to a “noisescape” containing large-truck noises and resonances, honking of smaller and larger vehicles, and …
Read moreNoise Masking or Active Noise Cancelling: Together or Alone?
I have been asked many times to comment on specific earplugs for noise sensitive people and sensory overload. As a regular user of earplugs at night, I used to give my ears a break during the day, resorting more to earmuffs, headphones, and earbuds to subdue the daily noise onslaught. A year or so ago, …
Read moreMy Favorite Earplugs for Noise Sensitivity and Sensory Overload
Are you looking for earplugs that don’t have to be inserted into the ear canal but rather sit at the canal entrance? Loop Quiet and Experience are among a select few reusable earplugs that are designed as a canal cap. Over a couple of weeks, I have tried both in a variety of scenarios where …
Read moreLoop Quiet vs Experience: Soft Silicone or Acoustic Filter?
In this post, I am outlining the steps for pairing and connecting the 3M Pro-Protect Electronic Hearing Protector. We are also looking at how you can simultaneously connect to two devices. This isn’t an “official function” and there are some limitations (see section connecting to two devices), but I wanted to give it a go …
Read moreHow to Connect the 3M Pro-Protect to One or Two Devices via Bluetooth
In this post I am reporting on my tests of the 3M Pro-Protect electronic hearing protection earmuffs. I got the version with gel cushions and a noise reduction rating (NRR) of 26 decibels. The Pro-Protect are level-dependent hearing protection earmuffs: They passively reduce noise via their ear cups like other earmuffs. In addition, they use …
Read more3M Pro-Protect Electronic Hearing Protector Test and Review: Awareness Mode and Bluetooth
“My gym” has a nice sound system with multiple subwoofers and supporting speakers all over the place. In the mornings we typically get a noise level of between 60 and 80 decibels, with louder impact sounds when someone drops a barbell. Group fitness classes run a lot louder than that: At many gyms you are …
Read moreWhich Earplugs Work for Working Out? (6 Models Tested)
I have now used Vibes on and off for a couple of weeks, mostly while sitting in coffee shops (noisy as well as quiet ones) and walking along busier city roads. I have also listened to music with them and tried them while watching videos and movies at both a moderate and a very loud …
Read moreVibes Earplugs Review: Comfy and Effective for the Right Ears
The Worktunes Connect+AM/FM (aka Worktunes Wireless) do not come with a built-in battery, so you get to choose (and replace) your battery depending on how much you use the headset. Many other headsets have a built-in rechargeable battery. This is convenient, but when the battery doesn’t hold a charge anymore or malfunctions in other ways, …
Read moreWorktunes Connect+AM/FM Battery Options Tested: Battery Life, Recharging, and Installation
Depending on the noise level you are trying to cope with, roll-down foam, push-in foam, reusable, and wax earplugs can all make good study earplugs. In this post I am introducing one of each, all of which I have used quite a bit. However, if you plan to use your earplugs during your exam or …
Read moreWhich Earplugs Are Best for Studying and Taking Exams?