Travel Archives - Page 2 of 5

Earplugs or ANC Earbuds for Noise Sensitivity? A Big City Report

Published on March 11, 2023 by Helmut

ANC-earbuds-and-earplugs-for-noise-sensitivity-comparison

In recent months, I have focused on using noise cancelling earbuds as my go-to noise reduction tool during the day. My ears are already itching. Before that, I tested an almost excessive amount of inexpensive, reusable push-in earplugs, including many moderate-noise reduction earplugs (Hi-Fi earplugs) for dampening irritating noises while commuting, exercising, walking around town, …

Soundcore Space A40 Practical Review and Noise Reduction Test

Published on February 25, 2023 by Helmut

To understand how well and consistently the Space A40 reduce noise and how useful they are in everyday life, I have made them my main earbuds for about a month in loud city environments. I have also conducted systematic noise reduction tests and compared them to the best of the best as well as to …

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Review and Detailed ANC Test

Published on November 19, 2022 by Helmut

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Review and ANC Test

I have now used the QuietComfort II Earbuds for six weeks. I am always on the lookout for tools that can effectively reduce noise in a busy, hot city while staying comfortable and in touch with my surroundings. In the following review, I report on my noise reduction tests, fit and comfort, sound quality, call …

My Favorite Earplugs for Noise Sensitivity and Sensory Overload

Published on March 19, 2022 by Helmut

best earplugs for noise sensitivity and sensory overload

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, …

Loop Quiet vs Experience: Soft Silicone or Acoustic Filter?

Published on February 22, 2022 by Helmut

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 …

Vibes Earplugs Review: Comfy and Effective for the Right Ears

Published on December 9, 2021 by Helmut

Vibes Earplugs Review: Comfy and Effective If They Fit Your Ear

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 …

Wearing Noise Cancelling Headphones Over Earplugs: How Effective Is This?

Published on October 16, 2021 by Helmut

How effective is wearing noise cancelling headphones over earplugs?

In this post, I am reporting on my noise reduction test results for two top active noise cancelling headphones (ANC headphones) when worn over foam earplugs. If you are bothered by environmental noise but your headphones (or earplugs) alone don’t block enough noise, this post is for you. I often wear noise cancelling headphones together …

Active Noise Cancelling vs Noise Isolating Headphones [Tested]

Published on September 13, 2021 by Helmut

In this post I am reporting on my performance tests comparing noise cancelling headphones, over-ear noise isolating headphones, and in-ear noise isolating earphones. Apart from noise reduction charts, I have also included tips based on my experience to help you decide which headphone type is right for your use case. Let’s get right to it. …

Etymotic ER2XR Review: Great Noise Isolation and Good Bass

Published on August 31, 2021 by Helmut

Etymotic ER2XR Noise Isolating Earphones Review

The Etymotic Research ER2XR earphones are excellent at reducing noise, and they can drive a good beat. I am getting 30+ decibels noise reduction with these virtually across the whole tested frequency range. A while ago, I tested the Etymotic MK5 Isolator, neutral sounding budget earphones with great noise isolation. I like the MK5 but …

What Are the Best Earplugs for Low Frequency Noise?

Published on July 14, 2021 by Helmut

In this post, I am sharing my favorite earplugs for blocking low frequency noise. I have systematically tested the earplugs mentioned here. In addition, I have used them in a variety of bass-noise heavy environments. To work well against low frequency noise, earplugs have to plug the ear deep inside the canal. It is the …