Hey, I’m interested in tips/recommendations for improving my shopping experience when going into stores that have loud music playing. I don’t want to be unaware of my surroundings by not being able to hear at all, but the obnoxious levels to which many stores blast their (objectionably atrocious) music (as well as other loud/constant noise that is happening) is almost unbearable to me and really makes me not be able to think straight when I’m in the store. I’ve got my own task list and agenda, and when I can’t think about things clearly it really slows down my whole process.

I’m wondering if any of those decibel reducer ear plugs would be a viable option? I feel like I’ve seen those recommended a few times.

I’ve experimented by wearing noise cancelling earbuds before, which kind of worked, but this presented some level of unawareness that I didn’t like and also seems kind of rude in a way? There’s got to be a better solution.

Thanks for reading.

  • gidEnglish
    13•10 months ago

    I’ve had a lot of good experiences with ear plugs. I’ve used musician’s earplugs to help reduce noise without blocking it out entirely, and while I don’t have personal experience with Loop earplugs I’ve heard a lot of positive things about them.

    Regarding seeming “rude” by wearing earplugs: I completely understand the concern here. All I can really offer is that you’re doing something to look after and care for yourself: if other people have a problem with it then its a “them” problem, not a “you” one. This is just a personal method I use to help me get over the worry: I think of myself as a child, and consider how validating it would feel to see an adult wearing hearing protection/whatever else to make them feel comfortable, and how it would help child-me feel more empowered about my own comfort and needs. So I do it for child-me, and if that also gives anyone else a boost or helps them not to feel so awkward then that’s just a win for everyone.

      • @CopernicusQwarkEnglish
        4•10 months ago

        I’ve got a pair of Loops and they’re absolutely game changing for me. I never realised how draining / overstimulating it was for me to go to shopping centres and restaurants until I suddenly didn’t have to deal with a barrage of noise.

        I personally have the Loop Quiet, and can’t recommend them enough.

        It’s funny, I’ve gotten so many questions from colleagues and friends about them at events over the last six months, and even though they’re (to my knowledge) allistic every single person has thought they’re a brilliant idea. I know I’ve “sold” at least 3 pairs out of half a dozen conversations about them.

        • @[email protected]OPEnglish
          2•10 months ago

          That’s awesome, you know it’s a good product when it basically becomes it’s own ambassador.

          I was torn between the quiet’s and the engage, and ended up going with the engage. I may end up getting the quiet’s too depending on how I like them.