Keeping Out the Noise, Letting In the Sound
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?
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 …
Read moreWearing Noise Cancelling Headphones Over Earplugs: How Effective Is This?
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. …
Read moreActive Noise Cancelling vs Noise Isolating Headphones [Tested]
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 …
Read moreEtymotic ER2XR Review: Great Noise Isolation and Good Bass
Getting a consistent, deep fit with your earplugs is crucial if you want to effectively reduce lower pitched impact sounds such as door slams, stomping noise, etc. But how do you know you are getting a good, deep seal? Judging your earplug fit by listening to everyday noises can be deceiving. Your earplugs might muffle …
Read moreSlamming Your Fridge Door: A Simple and Effective Earplug Test