I would advise against wearing ear protection all the time because your body probably won't like it. Excessive earplug use can lead to ear infections, which would necessitate a trip to the ENT and may require antibiotics (which are often ototoxic, meaning they can harm your ears more, possibly worsening your hyperacusis). With H, you just have to give it a lot of time to improve. I've improved a lot since August of 2020, but I still have to wear musician's earplugs (Earasers Max) in public. When I'm going to be around louder noise, I use Moldex Sparkplugs and/or Peltor X5A muffs. Those are my recommended ear pro products. By the way, if you get Earasers, you need the right size. I'm a medium. Their website has info on sizing choices and I believe they also have a sizing kit.
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this is the one i have - digital, but im interested to see if anyone uses any others
Someone else here might know if it's safe to take with that but I'm sure it is. I took this kind twice a day https://www.amazon.com/Host-Defense-Mushroom-Capsules-Cerebral/dp/B002WJ2ALO/ref=sxts_rp_s1_0?cv_ct_cx=lions+mane&dchild=1&keywords=lions+mane&pd_rd_i=B002WJ2ALO&pd_rd_r=b49cdf71-2d70-498a-b6a6-b97381842d73&pd_rd_w=Cq6s7&pd...
I don't know anything about cars and I assume you already know of these, but when I was looking for soundproofing stuff for my room I found these and put them on my floor:
https://www.amazon.com/Noico-deadening-Automotive-Insulation-dampening/dp/B012B5EMGO/
Sorry to hear, hope you ears recover from the setback soon.
When it comes to showering though you can get waterproof earplugs, I use these ones (Waterproof Anbow Earplugs) whenever I shower since the water hitting and bouncing round really activates my H. I cut them to a length that won't stick out of my ear too much while I shower, wet them a little when I insert them for a better seal, and then gently twist to get it out
These are the kind that I have that I use to sleep with and also go out with: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08MFG7HBJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I had to stop going to concerts because of my hyperacusis, which has been very hard for me to accept. When I do wear earplugs, I go with these which I find to be most comfortable for me and also reduce the most noise. https://www.amazon.com/Macks-Dreamgirl-Soft-Foam-Earplugs/dp/B0051U7R0A/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_mod_primary_new?crid=XOCBV3IXKYZJ&keywords=pink+earplugs&qid=1666526094&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI0LjA2IiwicXNhIjoiMy4yNSIsInFzcCI6IjIuODUifQ%3D%3D&sbo=RZvf...
I like these headsets. Being in meetings with these is less annoying than other headsets I've used. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CVGN2DY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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For captioning, is it being watched in Chrome? Type in chrome://settings/accessibility in the URL bar, and turn on Live Captioning on. It's relatively accurate. And it will keep on getting better as Google update its software.
Earplugs! My family tries, but I also feel it’s unfair to ask them to be quiet all the time. I keep Vibes earplugs in my pocket at all times. I have one ear that’s worse than the other and if the volume is rising around me I just pop one or both in.
I’ve tried several but like Vibes the best because they’re comfortable, discreet, and I can easily adjust the level of protection by how much I push them into my ears.
Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs - Invisible Ear Plugs for Concerts, Musicians, Motorcycles, Airplanes, Raves, Work Noise Reduction, Hearing Protection - Fits Small Medium Large - As Seen On Shark Tank https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018WPOQSG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_D64T63138AKPF9M7N7D7
He does have Sony headphones with noise cancelling and sound generating features.
https://www.amazon.com/Sony-WH-1000XM4-Canceling-Headphones-phone-call/dp/B0863TXGM3
But open to trying others. Is there a significant advantage the 3M would have?
sungwoo Foldable Silicone Keyboard USB Wired Standard Keyboard Waterproof Rollup Keyboard for PC Notebook Laptop, Full Size (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WWM5TC6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_C78AMKTPJ3KK1T7KYA9H
this is what i ordered, its not just a cover but an actual stand alone keyboard that attaches to the laptop via usb - still im sure there will be some noise but should be alot less clicky!
Use Earwax MD or Debrox drops at home so you have total control over the water pressure when irrigating. Be very careful. A gentle stream in the shower may also work well.
The other option (which I have not explored, so take this advice with a grain of salt) is to buy an otoscope with a camera (like this so you can clear your ears out with a curette (scooper thing).
Yeah same thing happened to me I was using black foam ones and realized they sucked. Mack's Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs, 50 Pair - 33dB Highest NRR, Comfortable Ear Plugs for Sleeping, Snoring, Travel, Concerts, Studying, Loud Noise, Work https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051U7W32/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_8WKQFTSECYA0JZ8PKAQN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I am not a marriage counselor but I suggest lightweight earmuffs like these, which will dull the noise but still let you communicate. If need be, just stick your finger under the earcup to lift it up a bit. You will sill get protection and be able to hear.
Of course, you're welcome! I'd say one easy way to gauge if you're mild would be if you can tolerate most noises, just not extremely loud ones (including sound coming out of speakers, phones, etc.). For example, if loud vehicles like garbage trucks, motorcycles, etc. driving by as you're walking down the street (without hearing protection) don't bother you or cause you pain, you're probably mild. If you immediately are experiencing discomfort or pain when vehicles like that pass you by, you may have moderate H (and will want to wearing some hearing protection like Earasers when out and about). If it's extremely distressing, with prolonged pain (lasting weeks or months) from that kind of brief noise exposure that you'd encounter in daily life, you may be on the more severe end of things. If that's the case, you'll want to be wearing foam plugs and possibly ear muffs too. I recommend Moldex Pura Fit or SparkPlugs and Peltor X5A. Even if you're definitely not severe, having quality hearing protection is useful for louder situations, such as vacuuming, using power tools, etc.
Probably a safer test that you can self-administer would be to start up a decibel app on your phone (if on Android, the free Sound Meter app is what I use) and to turn on some speakers (ideally a home theater system). Put on a favorite song of yours, slowly turn up the volume level until it causes you immediate discomfort, quickly reference what it says on the decibel app, and pause the song to avoid hurting your ears. Report back if you want to. It's all speculation, but anything under probably 60db is evidence of moderate H. If you immediately feel discomfort when putting the song on (even pretty quietly), you may be on the more severe side of things. If you can easily handle 75db, it may be more mild. If it takes like 90db to cause you discomfort, I'd say with confidence that your H is mild.
Here is beige colored ear plugs that I use, 33 NRR. They are discrete and they are very soft.
My exact model is not being made anymore. But this is the closest one I can find from the same brand. Looks pretty similar except for some color changes.
They just arrived, they fit much better than the ones I got previously (https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07QC5W3C5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 are the first ones I got). glad I gave a second pair a shot.
Yes, I think to varying degrees. I've found a little less occlusion effect from these ones, at the expense of some noise reduction. The 3M forms a better seal to block out a ton of noise. I use them for different things.
I’m glad it helps! ☺️ Yes, by working on your overall well-being (nurture healthy relationships, eat well, workout, do self care & hobbies) lots of conditions tend to improve at least, if not go away eventually - an holistic approach and a realist yet positive mindset no matter what can give great results in my opinion. I recommend reading this book which emphasizes these concepts https://www.amazon.com/How-Do-Work-Recognize-Patterns/dp/006301209X/ref=nodl_ I’m not affiliated with this at all, I should try and get some referral money 😂
I mean like some reusable ones I can keep in a case in my pocket all the time going out in public just in case it gets too noisy. Not the foam/clay/etc disposable ones.. also those get so uncomfortable. But yeah I was thinking about buying these
High Fidelity Concert Earplugs, Reusable Musicians Ear Plugs, 24dB Advanced Filter Technology Ear Protection for Music Festivals, DJs, Musicians https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GYXJZRY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_ZFVZTDZYXH9CM41VP233
Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs for Concerts Musicians Motorcycles Noise Sensitivity Conditions and More - Transparent Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075SJ3Y8M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_9Z23HFXHQXZSV7A1HKDR?psc=1
Host Defense, Lion's Mane Capsules, Promotes Mental Clarity, Focus and Memory, Daily Mushroom Supplement, Vegan, Organic, 30 Capsules (15 Servings) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DGDBP3O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_VQDW54QGJK8YNV6CJG46?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
HPN NAD+ Booster (NAD3), Anti Aging Cell Booster, NRF2 Activator, Nicotinamide Riboside Alternative, True NAD Supplement Cell Regenerator Provides Natural Energy, Longevity, and Cellular Health (60 Veggie Capsules, 1 Month Supply) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L5Q951S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_CW5BSKZYYJGWK82MH0NJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I have been able to start using headphones again. I always play music at a quiet volume, and never put the headphones on while my phone is paring with them. A lot of people here might view this as reckless but I like you enjoy music. I actually like the headphones 'cause I can keep them off while my phone pairs with them and not be exposed to the loud Bluetooth paring tones.
I also always start playing music with them off to make sure the volume is at a good level. Be careful however. always listen to your body. If it's telling you headphone use is making things worse I'd invest in some high quality speakers. Like these.
I hate to do phone calls, unless it's on google voice with Plantronics headset. Mine is no longer made but this is the closest model I can find. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CVGN2DY/
I can do 1.5 hour calls with this without an issue. The way that headset is tuned doesn't seem to bother me as much as either speakerphone or talking directly on the phone. And since it's on the computer, I can control the volume at granular level. Also when I anticipate hold music or beeps I can just put the headset a bit away from my ears so the sound isn't coming through directly. Your symptoms do seem worse than mine, so take that into consideration.
How is the typing quality? I recently bought a Sungwoo keyboard for $20 and it is garbage. In particular, the spacebar is horrible.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06WWM5TC6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I realize it takes some getting used to. If this is high quality, I may consider buying it.
A lot of people find these really comfortable:
https://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-Visibility-Disposable-Earplugs-200-Pairs/dp/B0007XJOLG
I recommend getting a pair of non-electronic sound-blocking headphones. They are useful for if you don’t want to wear earplugs all the time, or if you need double protection (wear earplugs underneath).
Something like this (this is what I have): https://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-Amplification-Electronic-R-01902/dp/B007BGSI5U
(It says “electronic” but that’s just because it’s meant for shooting and can amplify sound so you can hear voices while still blocking gunshot-type noises...I just leave that off)
Also, do you have custom earplugs? They will block sound better than generic ones.
Go for some high-quality over-ear headphones or some nice speakers. I find that tinny sound is awful no matter the volume as well. The bad signal from dopes who dont understand audio quality or how microphones work combined with laptop speakers is a recipe for shitty shit sound.
I use these but any headphones in this class will be fine:
AKG Pro Audio K92 Over-Ear, Closed-Back, Studio Headphones, Matte Black and Gold https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AIO8XVA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NsfNFbYZ4EA2N?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Small but high quality speakers might be an even better option. But definitely get something nice to increase fidelity and you will have an easier time handling the sound load.
> I wish i had money to try noise cancelling muffs
You can get them for reasonably cheap on amazon.
Something like this would probably work.
Yes good to go earplugs and earmuffs on top if need be. Maybe the earplugs are getting old. If interested, these are the ones I use: https://www.amazon.com.au/Macks-Ultra-Plugs-Bottle-Pairs/dp/B0051U7W32 They last a really long time, are very comfortable and block out a good amount of noise.
I got customized earplugs a couple years ago and didn't wear them a single night. they hurt a lot and the noise reduction was not worth it at all. I have found the best foam earplugs for myself now are these https://www.amazon.com/Ohropax-Soft-Foam-Ear-Plugs/dp/B000V3PZB0/ref=pd_lpo_121_t_1/138-1622964-3506019?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000V3PZB0&pd_rd_r=4938c7b4-3a14-4920-9a76-370043064ff6&pd_rd_w=Gd7A9&pd_rd_wg=1PgJd&pf_rd_p=7b36d496-f366-4631-94d3-61b87b52511b&pf_rd_r=A3XWWNQ5TEQVKJ8P5QG2&psc=1&refRID=A3XWWNQ5TEQVKJ8P5QG2
Super soft, my ears don't hurt after wearing them for hours and the block out noise rather well. Plus I use them for weeks on and they don't loose their capabilities at all. Proper german engineering haha
I'm the same with most earplugs. Sometimes hard to get in, hard to get out and causing discomfort quickly.
The ones I've found that are by far the best for me - comfortable for long periods of time - are this brand and type: https://www.amazon.com.au/Macks-Ultra-Plugs-Bottle-Pairs/dp/B0051U7W32
Hopefully they could ship to your region or they have an equivalent company there.
I've bought quite a few different pairs of "quick and easy" earplugs. These ones fit the best, reduce a ton of noise, and are very comfortable and not too visible. By far the best pair ive owned.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00P2NTVPA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'm planning on buying a higher quality set of desktop speakers for my new PC. Something like these.
Before I got custom earplugs, I swore by these for “not TOO bad” concert levels. But I also used them for day-to-day life: HEAROS High Fidelity Series Ear Plugs for Comfortable Long Term Use with Free Case, 1 Pair https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0037KM8QY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_45z0Db89E759A
And these for more brutal levels: Hearos Earplugs Rock 'n Roll Series with Free Case, 1-Pair Foam https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EPQ842/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_q7z0Db3THKGKX
I’m sorry these will be visible, but the first ones I linked to will be less so. I have long hair which covers my ears, so I’ve been lucky in that aspect. Good luck!
This is what I use. It muffles the sound a lot. I would say there is an 80 percent decrease in what I hear. I mean, vacuum cleaners are feasible for me now, and when my ears are doing well(no setbacks) I can even do landscaping work. Landscaping can be very loud, but when I put these on it’s really not a big deal. It’s like carrying around a “safe zone” right in my backpack. I can be in the middle of fire and be fine, because I have my armor on.