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.

  • @chuckleslord
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    611 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.

    • technomad
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      311 months ago

      Thank you, I decided to go with the ‘engage’ ones. We’ll see how they do.