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.

  • @CrackhappyEnglish
    7•10 months ago

    Decibel reducer plugs are a godsend for me, not just shopping, but anytime I’m in a noisy environment but still need to be able to hear.

      • @chuckleslordEnglish
        6•10 months ago

        Not OP, but Loop Earplugs works really well for me. They’re little plastic earplugs shaped like loops (thus the name) that are shaped to only allow nearby voices to be heard. They even have additional rubber “mutes” that can reduce volume further without removing the ability to hear people talking.

      • @[email protected]English
        5•10 months ago

        not the same original commenter, but I’d definitely recommend Calmer earplugs! I’ve tried my wife’s in a crowded mall, and it doesn’t really block the noise, but it just feels magic with how it adjusts everything to be bearable. without them I couldn’t hear her talking right next to me with all the other sounds, but with them it was just all so clear.

        • @sylphrinEnglish
          3•10 months ago

          I also use Calmer! I have both Calmer and the more intense Calmer Nights, and they are both absolutely fantastic. I can still hear what I need to hear, they just… take the edge off. I love how discreet they are too.