Dino BelboMar 8

@autistics @actuallyadhd

Does anyone know if there's a type of earplugs that can reduce the noise without amplifying your own voice? I don't really care about sound quality for this, I just want to be able to have a conversation in a bar without freaking out at the end of the night. (I don't have many alternative places to socialise in my area that aren't super loud unfortunately.)

Any suggestions?

Show threadNiamh GarveyMar 14
@dinobelbo @autistics @actuallyadhd some people like Flares ear plugs but I dis not find they cancelled noise enough.
Show threadNull HypothesisMar 16
@niamhgarvey @dinobelbo @autistics @actuallyadhd
I carry flare audio plugs for loud noisy environments. They don't mitigate volume, but somehow help with cross-talk and background noise. e.g., at a convention it _felt_ easier to converse with my friend.
Show threadBarefoot Rambling

@null_hypothesis @niamhgarvey @dinobelbo @autistics @actuallyadhd

The Flare Calmer's don't block noise, they filter it so conversation stands out from the background din.

By definition, if it blocks outside noise, it's going to amplify your own voice back to you. I don't know the science at all, just speaking from experience with many, MANY types of ear plugs over the years.

Mar 16 at 3:23amWeb
Show threadNull HypothesisMar 16

@barefootrambling @niamhgarvey @dinobelbo @autistics
Seems like sound blockers let you sense what goes in our heads. Our brain likely negotiates the sensory input of both “bone" conduction with the regular world. Earplugs put us in a novel situation, so the ‘head echo’ is noticeable. I think that is how the electric (BT) headphones do the noise cancellation, by listening and using the input to block extra noise.

(Bone conduction is likely a simplistic euphemism for a lot of stuff.)

Show threadDino BelboMar 16

@null_hypothesis @barefootrambling @niamhgarvey @autistics

Yes, the negotiation is very noticeable with the earplugs on, in fact it makes it hard speaking in turns because my own voice will drown everything else and I can't tell if someone is speaking at the same time as me.