Ask HN: Earplugs as Powerful as Fingers?

#1

Post by rumpelstinkin » Thu, Sep 08, 2022, 6:31 AM UTC

Noise pollution is driving me to suicide. I tried all sorts of earplugs and earmuffs, but they don't do anything against dogs, loud music, bikes, etc. However, if I stick my little fingers in my ears they block almost everything.

If I understand correctly, common earplugs are only meant to dampen unsafe noise, while allowing you to listen to coworkers and safety notices. I don't need that. My safety priority is to reclaim a tiny corner where I'm in control.

Given that this place is full of tech nerds, I'm hoping that someone knows of something that can completely cancel noise on the level of a dog barking close by.

Re: Ask HN: Earplugs as Powerful as Fingers?

#2

Post by rkagerer » Thu, Sep 08, 2022, 6:53 AM UTC

Way back I used to live in an apartment with terrible noise from above at night.

I got pretty sensitive to it over time, to the point I started drafting sketches and ideas for what essentially would have been a "soundproofed coffin". The concept eventually evolved into a helmet design. But I moved out to a quieter place before actually prototyping anything.

I was similarly disappointed I couldn't find anything premade on the market. It terms of earplugs, I personally find the silicon ones worked best, shoved in tight enough to make a good seal. Sometimes I was able to cram into a contorted position with my arms holding memory foam pillows on top of my head that would further help dampen noise.

Sorry to hear about your woes. It sucks. Hang in there and don't give up. If you're able to consider resituating, don't be afraid to make noise a priority factor for the new location - noise pollution often doesn't get the consideration and attention it deserves, and people who haven't gone through it don't always realize how it can impact your health and break down your mental fortitude.

Finally, if you really are having suicidal thoughts please seek out professional help.

Sending good karma your way; I hope you're able to reclaim a corner of control.

Re: Ask HN: Earplugs as Powerful as Fingers?

#3

Post by aintmeit » Thu, Sep 08, 2022, 7:19 AM UTC

Are noise levels commonly associated with suicide? If the noise levels around you are those of a bike, a dog, or music, then that's far from loud. In contrast, have you ever visited a construction site?

When you say that one of the things you've tried to stifle the noise is earmuffs, I wonder about the way you're approaching this problem. There exist so many noise-cancelling solutions out there, yet you choose to go with something warm over something effective. It makes me think about the cause of your suicideal ideation. Are your suicidal thoughts related at all to noise levels?

You use the phrase, "tiny corner of control". What are the core beliefs underlying this wish to control a tiny corner of space? And why does that have to do with safety? Does control imply safety?

In 12-step programs, we know that seeking control is what causes us to be sick. By seeking to control, we lose even more control of our lives. In your case, this dynamic plays out so that by trying to feel safe, you end up in a dangerous psychological spot. In fact, many schools of thought will say that the sense of control in life is an illusion.

You can feel better and learn to live with the noise. Please consider consulting a registered mental health care professional. In the meantime, consider learning the serenity prayer. It will remind you that control is not necessary to lead a good life. Finally, seeking help from internet strangers is a mixed bag. You may end up soliciting uninformed opinions, such as, "this is not The Telltale Heart noise shouldn't make you feel bad".

Good luck!

Re: Ask HN: Earplugs as Powerful as Fingers?

#4

Post by rumpelstinkin » Thu, Sep 08, 2022, 7:58 AM UTC

aintmeit wrote: post #3

Are noise levels commonly associated with suicide? If the noise levels around you are those of a bike, a dog, or music, then that's far from loud. In contrast, have you ever visited a construction site? When you say that one of the things you've tried to stifle the noise is earmuffs, I wonder about the way you're approaching this problem. There exist so many noise-cancelling solutions out there, yet you choose to go…

honestly, you are being very arrogant. Loudspeakers pumped out at 120db are far too loud. A dog barking at 100db is far too loud. A motorbike revving at 115db is far too loud. If it happens all fucking day, every fucking day, often for several hours without any pause, it is far too loud.

Please stop propagating the myth that it's all in my mind. Would you say it to someone who is being gangraped? Noise pollution is gang rape.

Re: Ask HN: Earplugs as Powerful as Fingers?

#5

Post by rumpelstinkin » Thu, Sep 08, 2022, 7:59 AM UTC

rkagerer wrote: post #2

Way back I used to live in an apartment with terrible noise from above at night. I got pretty sensitive to it over time, to the point I started drafting sketches and ideas for what essentially would have been a "soundproofed coffin". The concept eventually evolved into a helmet design. But I moved out to a quieter place before actually prototyping anything. I was similarly disappointed I couldn't find anything premad…

Thanks. Unfortunately I've already moved once with noise as the priority and it didn't work out.

About the silicon ones, were they the ones which are custom made?

Re: Ask HN: Earplugs as Powerful as Fingers?

#6

Post by antihoney » Thu, Sep 08, 2022, 8:01 AM UTC

You can check out the noise cancelling headphones from Bose, or search up Ear Defenders on Amazon. I've heard good things about Bose headphones, and am looking into them myself because of my own sensory issues.

Re: Ask HN: Earplugs as Powerful as Fingers?

#7

Post by [deleted] » Thu, Sep 08, 2022, 8:10 AM UTC

rumpelstinkin wrote: post #4

aintmeit wrote: post #3

Are noise levels commonly associated with suicide? If the noise levels around you are those of a bike, a dog, or music, then that's far from loud. In contrast, have you ever visited a construction site? When you say that one of the things you've tried to stifle the noise is earmuffs, I wonder about the way you're approaching this problem. There exist so many noise-cancelling solutions out there, yet you choose to go…

honestly, you are being very arrogant. Loudspeakers pumped out at 120db are far too loud. A dog barking at 100db is far too loud. A motorbike revving at 115db is far too loud. If it happens all fucking day, every fucking day, often for several hours without any pause, it is far too loud. Please stop propagating the myth that it's all in my mind. Would you say it to someone who is being gangraped? Noise pollution is g…

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: Earplugs as Powerful as Fingers?

#8

Post by laurieg » Thu, Sep 08, 2022, 8:30 AM UTC

Sorry you're going through this. I had to deal with construction 10 meters away from my window for a year and it is incredible how much it affects your mental state.

My suggestions: * Move somewhere quieter if you can and if there is no foreseeable end to the noise.

* Practice techniques for calming yourself and accepting the noise.

* Put earplugs in and then play loud music/audio through over the ear headphones.

Re: Ask HN: Earplugs as Powerful as Fingers?

#9

Post by ananiochita » Thu, Sep 08, 2022, 8:31 AM UTC

aintmeit wrote: post #3

Are noise levels commonly associated with suicide? If the noise levels around you are those of a bike, a dog, or music, then that's far from loud. In contrast, have you ever visited a construction site? When you say that one of the things you've tried to stifle the noise is earmuffs, I wonder about the way you're approaching this problem. There exist so many noise-cancelling solutions out there, yet you choose to go…

Don't belittle a problem that you don't suffer, it is absolutely real, and yes, drives people to suicide. A similar problem is tinnitus -- not being able to stop noise is crippling and devastating.

It's like belittling someone with arthritis, "hey, that's not really that heavy to lift, what's your problem, are you even trying ?"

Re: Ask HN: Earplugs as Powerful as Fingers?

#10

Post by ananiochita » Thu, Sep 08, 2022, 8:33 AM UTC

I can't offer a solution, but I have over-the-head ear muffs made for construction sites, the strongest I could find and buy for moments where I can't take it anymore. They help somewhat.

The only actual solution is to get away from the noise -- I know all too well this is impossible most of the time and most people don't even get the problem.