Do you want to try the Loop Switch 3-in-1 Earplugs too? Get 10% off your Loop purchase when you use the discount code LOOPXPAUL10 at checkout. Shop here to claim your discount: bit.ly/3wfwn6P If you prefer to shop on Amazon you can see the products at my creator store here: amzn.to/3Am18Zw (Note: I earn a commission on purchases)
I LOVE the industrial earmuffs. I've been using them for about ten years now. Instant silence and still can be present for my kids. Anywhere prayer closet. Teleport to alternate dimension. I even use them in "silent" spaces to get an eerie ultra silence. They are awesome. I use them at work to broadcast that I'm focused so that people know I can't do chitchat at that moment. Amazing. I recommend them for parents with newborns. Great for while you are caring for the screaming baby and engaged with them . the screaming goes away and you can joyfully care for the screaming child.
I just went to get custom molded ear plugs with filters for music. Biggest life changer ever. not cheap, but I feel like it is worth it to me. (214€) No regular earplugs ever fit my ears. After a while I always had some pain in my ears from wearing the plugs, no matter the size. My acoustician figured out why. My ear canals are tiny on entrance and open up further inwards. No wonder nothing ever fit adequately. No I put in my custom ones and forget that I am wearing them after a couple of minutes. Finally some peace after 28 years of auditory mayhem :D
Where did you get those? I've only ever found one thing that fits comfortably to my ears and those were not plugs. They were in-ear headphones, which his not something I want anymore. I'm thinking I should finally bite the bullet and purchase such things but I wouldn't know where to look for them.
@@anteshell You can go to a local audiologist. They will make an impression of your ear, then send it to the lab, and you will get your custom ear plugs after 1-2 weeks time.
I like those as well. Lifesavers, they are. Regular earplugs would always be painful for me. Having the custom molded ones is a huge difference. Still they can get ‘too much’ over time, but then.. nothing is perfect.
@@drbrainlp Quite literally never heard of such thing as "audiologist". Now I just have to figure it out what it is called in my language if there even is such profession in my country. But thanks! This will get me started.
I have transition lenses that darken like sunglasses when exposed to UV light from the sun. However, I recommend having sunglasses handy for when artificial light is irritating.
Exactly same preference as you on this, Paul, and thanks for your really helpful reviews. For context, I was officially diagnosed at 62 last year in the UK. First I tried the Procase noise cancelling ear muffs (like yours but in purple) and was amazed how well they cut out the most stressful frequencies. Later, for something less attention grabbing (though I'm retired so no longer in public every day) I bought Loops Experience but found I was craving higher decibel cancelling, so also got Loops Quiet. I soon found the Quiets so perfect in almost all environments, I really no longer used my Experience. My hearing's so hypersensitive, I can hear what I need to if someone is speaking directly to me, and the overall soothing effect on my sound sensitivity and anxiety from that is so much reduced by the Quiets. If faced with a really overwhelming triggering noise (recent kitchen fitters in the house and neighbour with power tools! 🤯) I put the Procase ear muffs over the Loops Quiet and together they put me in that blissful soundproof zone you describe. I use the Quiet + Procase combo whenever I want no distractions at all and find it so relaxing. After your video, I feel seen! Thanks again for all you do! 😃
I use Loop Experience2 and only on selected occasions. Those occasions would include most busy cafes, restaurants and clubs (thats a NSW type RSL) and also occasionly in family gatherings with four grandkids, although always at their birthday parties when there are many other youngsters. I find the Loops make a huge difference and get me through all of these occasions, but also allow conversations.
I used to own Calm noise cancelling earplugs and liked the way they took the harshness out of loud noises in crowds. But one day when I removed them my ears began ringing. I later read that noise canceling earplugs like loop or calm can lead to the development of tinnitus. Even though the ringing subsided after a few minutes, the experience left me too concerned to comfortably use the earplugs again.
I've been using them for about 2 years and no problems. Tinnitis is often a salicylate sensitivity, and similarily, excess ear wax is from allergies and food sensitivities. I don't make more or less wax from ear plugs-only need to clean my ears once or twice a week.
In my experience: ANC (like Apple Airpods) which blocks out lower frequency noise, is more important than PNC (like earplugs and earmuffs) which blocks high frequency noise. It's the low-pitches noises that go through anything and everything but are very easy for electronic devices to pick up and block that make me uncomfortable. I think I'll try putting earplugs on under those headphones though to see the effect. ANC has some real issues though. I can't wear them while walking because my footsteps carry to the microphone, they're also stupid expensive so they're terrifying to use, and they take forever to take on and off.
I actually have taken this a step further. A have custom molded in ear earplugs for which you audiologist can help you select a custom filter. Then I have over the ear active ear protectors with gel pads (helpful if you wear glasses). The ear protectors can be switched through physical buttons or through app how much of the surrounding sound they should let through. They will always block loud noise. A bonus is that I can connect them to my phone and play an audiobook or just white noise. It’s quite helpful.
I wear the loops under my noise-canceling headphones, it works great. I will need to get some ear muffs and try that so I can extend the life of my fancy headphones.
I love my Bose - they dont hurt my ears like earmuffs. I also use earjobs musicians earplugs, but i find that even the kids ones are too big and hurt my ears after a while. I have had loops suggested to me, so it was nice to see a review. Thanks.
I've been using LOOP earplugs for a few years and really like them. I use QUIET at night and ENGAGE PLUS for shopping and crowds. Totally (or almost totally) blocking out sound in public spaces makes me very anxious, so the industrial muffs would not be for me ..... unless it's maybe something like what you said - roadwork right outside my home to where my home / private space is affected beyond my control. Great video!
I have a set of Planet Waves ear plugs. They’re designed for musicians, and work fairly well in noisy environments, while still allowing me to hear people who are within a comfortable conversation distance. I carry them with me all the time; however, I don’t often use them, because Imfind them physically uncomfortable in my ear canal. This video has made me think about trying the Loop Quiet model you showed.
Ime the quiet dampen too much for having conversations or generally taking part in the surrounding soundscape - they're more of a "I want to hear as little as possible" kinda thing for me. For conversations I've grown to love the engage model, experience are more for loud concerts or maybe really loud restaurants for me. I suppose if you don't care about looks all that much, you could always try the switch version and get all 3 in 1.
I suggest the loop engage in transparent color for everyone. Yeah they don’t have as much protection as the others but the fact no one notices them! They changed my life! EDIT: please loop make a transparent quiet (maybe as mentioned also a even bigger protection)
i use the combo of generic industrial silicone ear plugs + over-the-ear bluetooth headphones which i'm sure doesn't provide near as much noise isolation as the industrial earmuffs but the combo works great for me & discourages people from talking to me without increasing my anxiety from standing out (also late discovered auDHDer who usually passes as neurotypical) i don't like trying to drown out noise with noise so if the environment's too noisy i wear my headphones without playing anything but it still muffles more than the earplugs alone & i've gotten so used to them it feels rather strange when have to take them off, lol. i tried some with "active noise cancelation" & idk if was because they're cheap but the white noise wore me out
After I began using sunglasses in crowded places I have become less tired, I really want to try those loops earplugs, I guess both sunglasses and noise canceling would make the day easier.
I thought that you would love combination of small and big one earplugs. I personally use Apple MAX because I'm not only cancel the noice but also able to listen to your videos or talk on a phone. However, I didn't use them that active until I saw your video. Now I can't leave the house without them. Thank you very much. You create very meaningful and helpful content. And you very handsome man as well
I would never have guessed that you like the industrial earmuffs. I have a pair myself and I like how they almost completely block out the noise BUT they are almost unwearable for me because they feel really uncomfortable and after a few minutes it becomes unbearable for me to wear them. I feel nauseaous and it's just a really unpleasant feeling. I also own a pair of Loops (experience) which I really like. Downside here is, that I can't wear them while eating (although I would often really need them exactly then, when it's very loud at the table (kids, social gatherings, ..) because I hear myself chewing and that irritates me a lot. So I still have to find the perfect solution for myself.
I guessed the industrial ones 😅, because I've been thinking about doing the same thing (to buy such industrial ones). I have actually used the double in-ear + over ear with AirPods Pro + AirPodsMax, but almost lost one AirPod Pro when taking off the Max once, so stopped doing that. I'm testing loop + AirPods Max right now, but my problem with passive noise cancelling, is that I hear so much noise from my body (constant rumble, and ear-hair moving about etc..)... specially when I walk. The AirPods Pro handles this the best - it's by far the most quite (also compared with Loop Quiet). I even sleep with AirPods Pro at times: So they are my over-all favorites. The only issue with active noise cancelling, is the "pressure" sensation (and some white noise). I often have some lowest-volume rain sounds going to break it up. I also have very low-level nature/rain or the like from speakers in the bedroom at night, to "level out" other sounds (though I'd rather not do it). I did some research on active noise cancelling of an entire room, but that's not mature yet (and adding e.g. 3M noise plates or the like, is very expensive). With friends I can have AirPods on full noise cancelling, and still doing an OK conversation, but they're socially bad in shops etc, as it looks I'm not present/interested. I'll probable stick with AirPods when socially appropriate/accepted, and Loop Engage (or Quiet) for more "Public" use... but I'll also check out some of those industrial ear muffs now. Really miss some absolute total quiet in life! (I had a quiet childhood in a small villa, but now in adult apartment life; I hear stuff like ventilation and fridge etc.., and outdoor activities constantly). P.S: The new setting for dynamic noise cancelling in AirPods Pro is brilliant: They kick in when the noise gets louder, and otherwise let in all sound. Brilliant for movies where it's pretty quiet in-between the action. With iOS18 (and ditto AirPods update), we can even adjust that noise-threshold.
2:34 My guess: 1) Heavy duty over ear for when you want ppl to leave you alone 2) 3in1 loops in your backpack for when you want more discreet/interactive noise reduction
I think I'm on my third type of ear plugs. I have rather small ears. I have not found any that meet my ear comfort needs while also filtering out enough sound. Thank you for this vert thorough review.
The extra small size of Loops is the only thing that's ever fit in my tiny ears comfortably. I wish they made ear buds in smaller sizes because now I know why they don't stay in my ears!
Tomorrow muy earmuffs arrive, i'm gonna try this muffs over loops hack though i was planning other uses for them, never expected they could be used over the loops (i have trouble thinking outside the box) and i might consider even buying a pair of the loops silent 2 + for sleeping, since i've been using disposable earplugs for sleeping and the 3 in 1 do not seem suitable for doing so (haven't tried, though) due to their hard matherial, but they are my on the go favourites for their versatility, since i find myself needing to vary the dB blocking capacity quite often during the day depending on the situation, just like the friend you talk about in this video. These product reviews with real life examples help me to put my money to good use instead of buying whatever and hoping it works, so thanks alot.
I personally don't notice much difference with any of the earplugs on the market inluding any of the loop earplugs and still go back to my trusty Bluetooth ear defenders but even then when I'm wearing those I find them heavy, awkward, uncomfortable and sometimes sweaty to wear plus they get in the way a lot too, so I'm basically stuck what to use regularly. I also find the vibration of loud noise irritating but not sure what to do about that. Perhaps you could cover that topic in another video? 🙂
My guess was going to be the Quiet. They are my favourite, for the same reasons you mentioned. However I'm interested in trying your combo. The Loops don't totally block certain frequencies that I find really distressing, like the high frequencies of landscaping equipment, and low frequencies of road construction. My nervous system takes a big hit from these types of things.
i do the same. Earplus or loops WITH industrial headset. 3m peltor is the way and yes i like the kind of "coming out" it gives whean wearing these publicly. Not that i care, it is much needed when taking the train / bus / walking cities. Must have for reading in public places, too.
I have very small ears. Even with the XXS loop tips on the original quiets, I can only wear them for an hour or two before I need to take them out. I tend to prefer over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. (Which is what I'd assume you were wearing if I saw you with the earmuffs - I wouldn't assume they were an accommodation).
As an audhd someone who works in retail and has the pressure to approach and greet every single person (because retail be retail). I also totally understand neurodivergance and how people sometimes want to be let the hell alone. If anyone comes I to the store with headphones on I try to smile and not but also leave them alone til they ask for help. Honestly, them having the bigger earmuffs helps me identify and honour their needs.
I find your conclusions to be very consistent with my long life-experience, not so much about the relative merits of sound reduction, but about the relative merits of complexity. More times than I could ever count, I've had my simple, familiar, un-fussy and generally "non-tech" way of doing things (you might say, with the minimum of "moving parts," whether seen or hidden away "in the works") challenged by the usual well-meaning parties who "just know how much easier life will be" for me if only I get the newest, slickest thing with the most bells and whistles that's "sooooo convenient", and"look, you can do this and that and the other thing with it, and you push this button or slide that bar or click this part in, and there's fifty more things you can do with it!" And while they're insisting with their aggressive toothy smiles, that for some reason feel to me like the prelude to getting devoured, I'm yet again plummeting inwardly into a shutdown. In my younger years I would give in, only to make it stop, get the thing they were insisting on, and then never use it. (The creepy thing about it all is the way their egos seem to be invested in your taking their advice, like this is a victory they need to score.) Thankfully, in my older years, even before my autism discovery (but with how much more confidence now!), I have discerned how harmful and simply STUPID that pattern is, and how easy it actually is to turn away the busybody interference (in MY life!) and devouring smiles with a dry, businesslike "No." End of conversation. If more is needed, "I don't want that." And if there's any "Why?" the answer is, "I like my way of doing it." I've learned, at a high price, that the flat, unemotional, dry answer, on the same level as "It's Wednesday today," is absolutely the most disarming and unanswerable. I can even add a gentle smile and light tone to it (now that I've learned the baseline of this approach) so that it doesn't have to seem nasty, just like you could be really glad it's Wednesday today, but glad or not, it is, and no argument is going to change it. 😏 "It's very nice of you to want to help me. I'm always open to your ideas. In this case, though,this is not something I would ever use, so, no, I won't get it. But to get back to other thing we were talking about...." Your more "gadgety" version of Loop and its accessories are EXACTLY those sorts of things, the "bright ideas" that seem "so much better" superficially but then, in practice, they're quite irrelevant and maybe even get in the way, perhaps for autistic people especially. And especially if you've already been well habituated to the simplest design. The resistance to change, in particular to the imposition (!) of change. As a rule the imposition of change is coming from the external matrix that the autistic person never connects to, viscerally and essentially, anyway.
I have small sensitive ears. About 2 years ago I got Quiet. I also tried some cheap dupes. Dupes are okeyish for short use, but Quiet are much more comfortable, I can even sleep with them. But I prefer to sleep with foam earplugs (they are really awesome once you learn how to put them in correctly) and use Quiet for public spaces. I feel sometimes I need to hear a bit more, so I ordered Engage 2. I'm curious to try earmuffs, but I know I won't use them much. Maybe to go to a supermarket nearby. I know for sure my head and ears won't like to have them on for longer.
how do you put foam plugs in correctly? i hate the sensation of them expanding in my ear which i'm sure is psychosomatic but seems like it never stops 😬 think proper insertion would change that? tbf, idk if could ever use them as their texture on my fingers makes me viscerally react like nails on a chalkboard 🫣 i sleep with generic industrial silicone earplugs in that i've trimmed the "tails" short so they don't stick out i've never used industrial earmuffs but absolutely love a comfortable, lightweight bluetooth headset on over my earplugs for a little bit of extra noise blockage & gentle discouragement to attempt talking to me (even if not actually listening to anything 🤪) without increased anxiety from standing out
I have the Flare Calmer earbuds and they work well but the logo engraving tickles my ears in an unpleasant way. I still use them almost all the time. I also have Sony WH-1000xm4 noise cancelling headphones that I will wear over the earbuds if I want to listen to calming music or ASMR. They block out most sounds. I have recently purchased ear defenders like yours and while I don't care for the way they squeeze my head, when you need that level of quiet, it's worth the tradeofff.
I guessed immediatly, because that is exactly what I wanna buy (both) and I thought long about it (buying them), how it would feel, when and how to use them etc. (my curent earplugs are broken)
I've been considering earplugs for a while, and have now decided to get them. After watching, I'm torn between 2 options. The Loop Switch with their adjustability, but potentially a less-comfortable feel when wearing them for long periods (I'd like to wear them overnight to help minimise sleep disturbance). And one of the single-setting, less versatile, Loops but possibly more comfort for longer periods of time. Buggrit, millennium hand and shrimp! Alas, I don't know anyone with sets I could borrow to check out the differences. I'll probably get a set of noise cancelling headphones, too, for certain situations - although I'm thinking of wireless/Bluetooth ones that I can connect to my devices and listen to music, other media, phone calls, etc while blocking out environmental sounds. More expensive, but potentially reducing stress, anxiety, and sensory overload, while increasing my resilience. In any case, I now have a better understanding of what the options are, so thank you for this review.
I just bought the same ones you like quiet loop and industrial headphones, different colours tho, I like the idea u sugested of wearing them separate or together, noise is really bothering me 😅I’m excited to give these a try! Thanks for sharing!
I didn't find loop earplugs to work that well for me. I did manage to find cheaper alternatives that are just like the loop quiet but work a little better which I do use. I love the reduction I can get with over the ear sets and tend to prefer them. At work, it is so hard to use them and still appear respectful. What I really need is earplugs that block out higher frequencies. I find those noises drive me bananas and I haven't found anything that can block those noises out.
Ok, just to overthink this. Keep two different ear plugs under the ear Defenders. Depending on preference take off just one ear muff three custom sound levels no switching.
Interesting. I am starting to have a little hearing loss but at the same time I can't hear what I want to hear which is the mid range to low range without the "zzzzhhhhh" of talk at distant restaurant tables obliterating the conversation of the people at my table. The rumble of city trains does not bother me, but the screech does. But do I want to hear the birds twitter outside? And hear the kettle whistle from another room? YES.
A bad feature of the earplugs on wires is that they could be easy to lose if you wear masks or jewelry, or glasses, or all three at time- and those big old earmuffs don't look so practical for wearing with winter hats.
Yeah, I did guess that combo actually. Two reasons: I regularly use earbuds with headphones on top, basically because my headphones aren't 100% compatible with my phone and I don't have earbuds with active noise cancellation. And a few years ago my teenage kid took to using industrial earmuffs at school... A question: do you not need to listen to sound from your phone (calls, podcasts) handsfree? For an upgrade, I'm looking for, preferably, an affordable all-in-one option (although I'm not convinced that in-ear active noise cancellation is a good idea so still trying to learn more about that).
I can't use any in-ear plugs for music or noise blocking so loop earplugs are too big for my small/bent ear canal. The best thing I've found is a set of over-ear Sony WH-100XM5 headphones.
At my old apartment, they were doing chronic renovations. Those industrial noise blockers would have been sooo good. The noise was like a dentist drilling into the teeth of God.
I used Peltor ear muffs when programming in an open plan office (what were they thinking?) . I have moderate/severe hearing loss at higher frequencies and wear digital hearing aids. I have quiet, engage plus and now experience plus (to try). My go to is engage with mutes in cafes but I do need a hearing aid to understand people (especially those with English as a second language like my Polish boss!) . You'd think 'switch'ing off my hearing aids or taking them out would be sufficient but I do need the loops as well. Using the ear muffs with loops is a useful option and I may use that on my 6½ hour flight to Canada - thank you.
When i was looking for earplugs, i had to pick those for kids. I have very tight ear canals and anything larger than kids-sized will end up being pushed out. Due to this, i´m also limited in my choices for in-ear headphones. Mine need to have the "hook", otherwise they will fall out.
The earplugs I use for my moto (Earpeace) give you 3 buds - maybe Loop could include a spare - once you lose one, you become really conscious of losing another so three is often the sweet spot. I'm keen to try Loops Quiet though.
I still have my Raycon's that I got off a YTer ad a couple years ago, though I rarely listen to anything through them. They do a decent enough job just blocking out noise and are hidden behind my hair and hoodie even still. Yet, they also give me that option of having some variety of noise played through them if I needed something to further block out ambient sound. A friend mentioned pink noise, which I might try at some point, but I know there are other variations, so I should get a collection on my mobile I can play in a loop for any situation. Then I can always tap them to pause the sound and talk to someone and resume again after.
Definitely muffs ! I have ear muffs, headphone with SD card for music, and loop quiet. I use the Loop when I don't want to wear something obvious, but there are no earplugs in this world I will ever find comfortable.
Question: don't you go crazy from hearing your own breathing with earplugs in? I have Alpine sleepsoft but keep taking them out because I hear myself too much. I also use Flare Calmer, they kind of reduce the annoying sound but don't close off my ears.
Trying to work out which ones i can use I can here my neighbour walking around upstairs as i am in a flat, and I can hear her TV on loud which ones would benefit me I suppose. I do love silence, I have samsung galaxy buds 2 with noise cancelling which are fine but dont want to listen to music all day. Also I need something I can sleep with that wont hurt the ear when laying down with me ear on the pillow.. Any info is appreicated I also have autism
I have some regular loops, they're quite good and the just feel like regular headphones to me. I think those connected ones would be quite good if you're worried about them falling out edit: just watched more of the video... maybe not haha
I am going to check out the 3-in-1. I have always had an issue with things staying in my right ear and can easily hurt when something is in it, so I usually have an ear bud for music in my left ear to help with my ear ringing but even with my current loop it is uncomfortable and can sit loose in my right ear. How would you rate the comfort of the 3-in-1?
I actually need something that will block out voices. Most of the time I can't stand having to hear people's conversations on the bus. I was hoping the loop quiet would do that, and was getting excited, but it looks like that's not the case. My noise cancelling headphones are only just adequate at muffling the very annoying videos people insist on watching on public transport and the low frequency noises, but in the process people's voices really stand out. It's not so bad when I am listening to something, but it's when I'm not that it's really noticeable. Really disappointing there aren't earplugs that actually work as well as industrial ear defenders.
I don't need earplugs, I need OSHA to temper the absurd volume of landscaping equipment, municipal vehicles, and automotive alarms. To restrict neighborhood landscaping to once per week, instead of having 4/7 days of outside being effectively inaccessible. I've never witness grand theft auto but I've lost sleep due to ridiculous car alarms. Let's just ban car alarms, and take them on the same schedule as emission tests.
I don’t use them, as I don’t feel safe not being aware of what’s going on around me. However, I have a very noisy neighbour (meth user and personality disorder). I’m going to try them to save my sanity or even my life. 😢
Noise reduction is to autists as walking canes are to the blind. Not everyone in their respective communities may use these devices, but enough people do to where it's a topic that will be broached sooner or later.
Hey Paul, Great video. I just recently purchased the Loop Engage2 which I am liking but on a slightly different take to your favorite, I tried on a flight using my over ear noise cancelling headphones over the top of the loops for more reduction. So I can kind of understand the ear muffs over the earplug option as being good. The one thing I am not totally convinced about with the engage is like you suggested with the switch is the hard plastic feel getting a little uncomfortable over extended use. I did not realise the quiet are a soft feel all over. I might try them also. Thanks for the tips.
Do you want to try the Loop Switch 3-in-1 Earplugs too? Get 10% off your Loop purchase when you use the discount code LOOPXPAUL10 at checkout. Shop here to claim your discount: bit.ly/3wfwn6P
If you prefer to shop on Amazon you can see the products at my creator store here: amzn.to/3Am18Zw
(Note: I earn a commission on purchases)
Discount code doesn't work in the UK?
Hey discount code isn’t working in the US either
I LOVE the industrial earmuffs. I've been using them for about ten years now. Instant silence and still can be present for my kids. Anywhere prayer closet. Teleport to alternate dimension. I even use them in "silent" spaces to get an eerie ultra silence. They are awesome. I use them at work to broadcast that I'm focused so that people know I can't do chitchat at that moment. Amazing. I recommend them for parents with newborns. Great for while you are caring for the screaming baby and engaged with them . the screaming goes away and you can joyfully care for the screaming child.
I just went to get custom molded ear plugs with filters for music. Biggest life changer ever. not cheap, but I feel like it is worth it to me. (214€)
No regular earplugs ever fit my ears. After a while I always had some pain in my ears from wearing the plugs, no matter the size. My acoustician figured out why. My ear canals are tiny on entrance and open up further inwards. No wonder nothing ever fit adequately. No I put in my custom ones and forget that I am wearing them after a couple of minutes. Finally some peace after 28 years of auditory mayhem :D
Where did you get those? I've only ever found one thing that fits comfortably to my ears and those were not plugs. They were in-ear headphones, which his not something I want anymore. I'm thinking I should finally bite the bullet and purchase such things but I wouldn't know where to look for them.
@@anteshell You can go to a local audiologist. They will make an impression of your ear, then send it to the lab, and you will get your custom ear plugs after 1-2 weeks time.
That's awesome! I have ear pain with ear plugs too, and have thought about getting custom molded ones. How is the noise reduction?
I like those as well. Lifesavers, they are. Regular earplugs would always be painful for me. Having the custom molded ones is a huge difference. Still they can get ‘too much’ over time, but then.. nothing is perfect.
@@drbrainlp Quite literally never heard of such thing as "audiologist". Now I just have to figure it out what it is called in my language if there even is such profession in my country.
But thanks! This will get me started.
I need EYE plugs.
Shades
Space helmet, with gold visor trim*
Transition lenses help. I refuse to ever go back.
@@razredge07what are transition lenses? The “color change” ones? I have the same issue
I have transition lenses that darken like sunglasses when exposed to UV light from the sun. However, I recommend having sunglasses handy for when artificial light is irritating.
Exactly same preference as you on this, Paul, and thanks for your really helpful reviews. For context, I was officially diagnosed at 62 last year in the UK.
First I tried the Procase noise cancelling ear muffs (like yours but in purple) and was amazed how well they cut out the most stressful frequencies. Later, for something less attention grabbing (though I'm retired so no longer in public every day) I bought Loops Experience but found I was craving higher decibel cancelling, so also got Loops Quiet. I soon found the Quiets so perfect in almost all environments, I really no longer used my Experience. My hearing's so hypersensitive, I can hear what I need to if someone is speaking directly to me, and the overall soothing effect on my sound sensitivity and anxiety from that is so much reduced by the Quiets.
If faced with a really overwhelming triggering noise (recent kitchen fitters in the house and neighbour with power tools! 🤯) I put the Procase ear muffs over the Loops Quiet and together they put me in that blissful soundproof zone you describe. I use the Quiet + Procase combo whenever I want no distractions at all and find it so relaxing. After your video, I feel seen! Thanks again for all you do! 😃
I use Loop Experience2 and only on selected occasions. Those occasions would include most busy cafes, restaurants and clubs (thats a NSW type RSL) and also occasionly in family gatherings with four grandkids, although always at their birthday parties when there are many other youngsters. I find the Loops make a huge difference and get me through all of these occasions, but also allow conversations.
Earplugs are very helpful. Thank you Paul for all the detail. I know many will benefit.
I bought a pair of earmuffs after watching your video, and boy have they changed my life! 😅
I used to own Calm noise cancelling earplugs and liked the way they took the harshness out of loud noises in crowds. But one day when I removed them my ears began ringing. I later read that noise canceling earplugs like loop or calm can lead to the development of tinnitus. Even though the ringing subsided after a few minutes, the experience left me too concerned to comfortably use the earplugs again.
Interesting. Ear wax is another challenge with extensive ear-plug usage. Do you have a link/source for the tinnitus-issue?
I've been using them for about 2 years and no problems. Tinnitis is often a salicylate sensitivity, and similarily, excess ear wax is from allergies and food sensitivities. I don't make more or less wax from ear plugs-only need to clean my ears once or twice a week.
In my experience: ANC (like Apple Airpods) which blocks out lower frequency noise, is more important than PNC (like earplugs and earmuffs) which blocks high frequency noise. It's the low-pitches noises that go through anything and everything but are very easy for electronic devices to pick up and block that make me uncomfortable. I think I'll try putting earplugs on under those headphones though to see the effect.
ANC has some real issues though. I can't wear them while walking because my footsteps carry to the microphone, they're also stupid expensive so they're terrifying to use, and they take forever to take on and off.
I guessed from the beginning! Thank you for this.
I actually have taken this a step further. A have custom molded in ear earplugs for which you audiologist can help you select a custom filter. Then I have over the ear active ear protectors with gel pads (helpful if you wear glasses). The ear protectors can be switched through physical buttons or through app how much of the surrounding sound they should
let through. They will always block loud noise.
A bonus is that I can connect them to my phone and play an audiobook or just white noise. It’s quite helpful.
I wear the loops under my noise-canceling headphones, it works great. I will need to get some ear muffs and try that so I can extend the life of my fancy headphones.
What fancy ones did you get. I got the Bose Quietcomfort Ultra which is great (but not perfect) and more expensive than I'd like.
Genius
@@zUJ7EjVD I have the Sony WH-1000XM4. They work fairly well.
I love my Bose - they dont hurt my ears like earmuffs. I also use earjobs musicians earplugs, but i find that even the kids ones are too big and hurt my ears after a while. I have had loops suggested to me, so it was nice to see a review. Thanks.
I've been using LOOP earplugs for a few years and really like them. I use QUIET at night and ENGAGE PLUS for shopping and crowds.
Totally (or almost totally) blocking out sound in public spaces makes me very anxious, so the industrial muffs would not be for me ..... unless it's maybe something like what you said - roadwork right outside my home to where my home / private space is affected beyond my control.
Great video!
I have a set of Planet Waves ear plugs. They’re designed for musicians, and work fairly well in noisy environments, while still allowing me to hear people who are within a comfortable conversation distance. I carry them with me all the time; however, I don’t often use them, because Imfind them physically uncomfortable in my ear canal. This video has made me think about trying the Loop Quiet model you showed.
Ime the quiet dampen too much for having conversations or generally taking part in the surrounding soundscape - they're more of a "I want to hear as little as possible" kinda thing for me. For conversations I've grown to love the engage model, experience are more for loud concerts or maybe really loud restaurants for me. I suppose if you don't care about looks all that much, you could always try the switch version and get all 3 in 1.
I suggest the loop engage in transparent color for everyone. Yeah they don’t have as much protection as the others but the fact no one notices them! They changed my life! EDIT: please loop make a transparent quiet (maybe as mentioned also a even bigger protection)
i use the combo of generic industrial silicone ear plugs + over-the-ear bluetooth headphones which i'm sure doesn't provide near as much noise isolation as the industrial earmuffs but the combo works great for me & discourages people from talking to me without increasing my anxiety from standing out (also late discovered auDHDer who usually passes as neurotypical)
i don't like trying to drown out noise with noise so if the environment's too noisy i wear my headphones without playing anything but it still muffles more than the earplugs alone & i've gotten so used to them it feels rather strange when have to take them off, lol. i tried some with "active noise cancelation" & idk if was because they're cheap but the white noise wore me out
After I began using sunglasses in crowded places I have become less tired, I really want to try those loops earplugs, I guess both sunglasses and noise canceling would make the day easier.
Guess is Loop Quiet plus the magnetic string thing PLUS the industrial ear muffs.
Cool. I enjoy using my Bose and the quiet loop plugs together.
I thought that you would love combination of small and big one earplugs. I personally use Apple MAX because I'm not only cancel the noice but also able to listen to your videos or talk on a phone. However, I didn't use them that active until I saw your video. Now I can't leave the house without them. Thank you very much. You create very meaningful and helpful content. And you very handsome man as well
I would never have guessed that you like the industrial earmuffs. I have a pair myself and I like how they almost completely block out the noise BUT they are almost unwearable for me because they feel really uncomfortable and after a few minutes it becomes unbearable for me to wear them. I feel nauseaous and it's just a really unpleasant feeling. I also own a pair of Loops (experience) which I really like. Downside here is, that I can't wear them while eating (although I would often really need them exactly then, when it's very loud at the table (kids, social gatherings, ..) because I hear myself chewing and that irritates me a lot. So I still have to find the perfect solution for myself.
I guessed the industrial ones 😅, because I've been thinking about doing the same thing (to buy such industrial ones). I have actually used the double in-ear + over ear with AirPods Pro + AirPodsMax, but almost lost one AirPod Pro when taking off the Max once, so stopped doing that. I'm testing loop + AirPods Max right now, but my problem with passive noise cancelling, is that I hear so much noise from my body (constant rumble, and ear-hair moving about etc..)... specially when I walk. The AirPods Pro handles this the best - it's by far the most quite (also compared with Loop Quiet).
I even sleep with AirPods Pro at times: So they are my over-all favorites. The only issue with active noise cancelling, is the "pressure" sensation (and some white noise). I often have some lowest-volume rain sounds going to break it up. I also have very low-level nature/rain or the like from speakers in the bedroom at night, to "level out" other sounds (though I'd rather not do it). I did some research on active noise cancelling of an entire room, but that's not mature yet (and adding e.g. 3M noise plates or the like, is very expensive).
With friends I can have AirPods on full noise cancelling, and still doing an OK conversation, but they're socially bad in shops etc, as it looks I'm not present/interested. I'll probable stick with AirPods when socially appropriate/accepted, and Loop Engage (or Quiet) for more "Public" use... but I'll also check out some of those industrial ear muffs now. Really miss some absolute total quiet in life! (I had a quiet childhood in a small villa, but now in adult apartment life; I hear stuff like ventilation and fridge etc.., and outdoor activities constantly).
P.S: The new setting for dynamic noise cancelling in AirPods Pro is brilliant: They kick in when the noise gets louder, and otherwise let in all sound. Brilliant for movies where it's pretty quiet in-between the action. With iOS18 (and ditto AirPods update), we can even adjust that noise-threshold.
2:34 My guess:
1) Heavy duty over ear for when you want ppl to leave you alone
2) 3in1 loops in your backpack for when you want more discreet/interactive noise reduction
I think I'm on my third type of ear plugs. I have rather small ears. I have not found any that meet my ear comfort needs while also filtering out enough sound. Thank you for this vert thorough review.
The extra small size of Loops is the only thing that's ever fit in my tiny ears comfortably. I wish they made ear buds in smaller sizes because now I know why they don't stay in my ears!
This is my favorite combination! I can still hear with the Loop quiet mode and earmuffs, but it greatly reduces the intensity.
Tomorrow muy earmuffs arrive, i'm gonna try this muffs over loops hack though i was planning other uses for them, never expected they could be used over the loops (i have trouble thinking outside the box) and i might consider even buying a pair of the loops silent 2 + for sleeping, since i've been using disposable earplugs for sleeping and the 3 in 1 do not seem suitable for doing so (haven't tried, though) due to their hard matherial, but they are my on the go favourites for their versatility, since i find myself needing to vary the dB blocking capacity quite often during the day depending on the situation, just like the friend you talk about in this video. These product reviews with real life examples help me to put my money to good use instead of buying whatever and hoping it works, so thanks alot.
I personally don't notice much difference with any of the earplugs on the market inluding any of the loop earplugs and still go back to my trusty Bluetooth ear defenders but even then when I'm wearing those I find them heavy, awkward, uncomfortable and sometimes sweaty to wear plus they get in the way a lot too, so I'm basically stuck what to use regularly.
I also find the vibration of loud noise irritating but not sure what to do about that. Perhaps you could cover that topic in another video? 🙂
Thanks for your review! I have a set of Etymotic earplugs that I love because they don't distort music.
By "distort" I think you mean "attenuate". Distortion is something that is physically impossible to achieve with such things as small earplugs.
My guess was going to be the Quiet. They are my favourite, for the same reasons you mentioned. However I'm interested in trying your combo. The Loops don't totally block certain frequencies that I find really distressing, like the high frequencies of landscaping equipment, and low frequencies of road construction. My nervous system takes a big hit from these types of things.
i do the same. Earplus or loops WITH industrial headset. 3m peltor is the way and yes i like the kind of "coming out" it gives whean wearing these publicly. Not that i care, it is much needed when taking the train / bus / walking cities. Must have for reading in public places, too.
I have very small ears. Even with the XXS loop tips on the original quiets, I can only wear them for an hour or two before I need to take them out. I tend to prefer over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. (Which is what I'd assume you were wearing if I saw you with the earmuffs - I wouldn't assume they were an accommodation).
As an audhd someone who works in retail and has the pressure to approach and greet every single person (because retail be retail). I also totally understand neurodivergance and how people sometimes want to be let the hell alone. If anyone comes I to the store with headphones on I try to smile and not but also leave them alone til they ask for help. Honestly, them having the bigger earmuffs helps me identify and honour their needs.
I use earmuffs when I vacuum or use the blender. I wear them around power tools at work, so why not at home. :)
I find your conclusions to be very consistent with my long life-experience, not so much about the relative merits of sound reduction, but about the relative merits of complexity.
More times than I could ever count, I've had my simple, familiar, un-fussy and generally "non-tech" way of doing things (you might say, with the minimum of "moving parts," whether seen or hidden away "in the works") challenged by the usual well-meaning parties who "just know how much easier life will be" for me if only I get the newest, slickest thing with the most bells and whistles that's "sooooo convenient", and"look, you can do this and that and the other thing with it, and you push this button or slide that bar or click this part in, and there's fifty more things you can do with it!"
And while they're insisting with their aggressive toothy smiles, that for some reason feel to me like the prelude to getting devoured, I'm yet again plummeting inwardly into a shutdown.
In my younger years I would give in, only to make it stop, get the thing they were insisting on, and then never use it.
(The creepy thing about it all is the way their egos seem to be invested in your taking their advice, like this is a victory they need to score.)
Thankfully, in my older years, even before my autism discovery (but with how much more confidence now!), I have discerned how harmful and simply STUPID that pattern is, and how easy it actually is to turn away the busybody interference (in MY life!) and devouring smiles with a dry, businesslike "No." End of conversation. If more is needed, "I don't want that." And if there's any "Why?" the answer is, "I like my way of doing it." I've learned, at a high price, that the flat, unemotional, dry answer, on the same level as "It's Wednesday today," is absolutely the most disarming and unanswerable.
I can even add a gentle smile and light tone to it (now that I've learned the baseline of this approach) so that it doesn't have to seem nasty, just like you could be really glad it's Wednesday today, but glad or not, it is, and no argument is going to change it. 😏 "It's very nice of you to want to help me. I'm always open to your ideas. In this case, though,this is not something I would ever use, so, no, I won't get it. But to get back to other thing we were talking about...."
Your more "gadgety" version of Loop and its accessories are EXACTLY those sorts of things, the "bright ideas" that seem "so much better" superficially but then, in practice, they're quite irrelevant and maybe even get in the way, perhaps for autistic people especially. And especially if you've already been well habituated to the simplest design. The resistance to change, in particular to the imposition (!) of change. As a rule the imposition of change is coming from the external matrix that the autistic person never connects to, viscerally and essentially, anyway.
I have small sensitive ears. About 2 years ago I got Quiet. I also tried some cheap dupes. Dupes are okeyish for short use, but Quiet are much more comfortable, I can even sleep with them.
But I prefer to sleep with foam earplugs (they are really awesome once you learn how to put them in correctly) and use Quiet for public spaces. I feel sometimes I need to hear a bit more, so I ordered Engage 2.
I'm curious to try earmuffs, but I know I won't use them much. Maybe to go to a supermarket nearby. I know for sure my head and ears won't like to have them on for longer.
how do you put foam plugs in correctly? i hate the sensation of them expanding in my ear which i'm sure is psychosomatic but seems like it never stops 😬 think proper insertion would change that?
tbf, idk if could ever use them as their texture on my fingers makes me viscerally react like nails on a chalkboard 🫣 i sleep with generic industrial silicone earplugs in that i've trimmed the "tails" short so they don't stick out
i've never used industrial earmuffs but absolutely love a comfortable, lightweight bluetooth headset on over my earplugs for a little bit of extra noise blockage & gentle discouragement to attempt talking to me (even if not actually listening to anything 🤪) without increased anxiety from standing out
I have the Flare Calmer earbuds and they work well but the logo engraving tickles my ears in an unpleasant way. I still use them almost all the time. I also have Sony WH-1000xm4 noise cancelling headphones that I will wear over the earbuds if I want to listen to calming music or ASMR. They block out most sounds. I have recently purchased ear defenders like yours and while I don't care for the way they squeeze my head, when you need that level of quiet, it's worth the tradeofff.
I guessed immediatly, because that is exactly what I wanna buy (both) and I thought long about it (buying them), how it would feel, when and how to use them etc. (my curent earplugs are broken)
I've been considering earplugs for a while, and have now decided to get them.
After watching, I'm torn between 2 options. The Loop Switch with their adjustability, but potentially a less-comfortable feel when wearing them for long periods (I'd like to wear them overnight to help minimise sleep disturbance). And one of the single-setting, less versatile, Loops but possibly more comfort for longer periods of time. Buggrit, millennium hand and shrimp! Alas, I don't know anyone with sets I could borrow to check out the differences.
I'll probably get a set of noise cancelling headphones, too, for certain situations - although I'm thinking of wireless/Bluetooth ones that I can connect to my devices and listen to music, other media, phone calls, etc while blocking out environmental sounds. More expensive, but potentially reducing stress, anxiety, and sensory overload, while increasing my resilience.
In any case, I now have a better understanding of what the options are, so thank you for this review.
I just bought the same ones you like quiet loop and industrial headphones, different colours tho, I like the idea u sugested of wearing them separate or together, noise is really bothering me 😅I’m excited to give these a try! Thanks for sharing!
I didn't find loop earplugs to work that well for me. I did manage to find cheaper alternatives that are just like the loop quiet but work a little better which I do use. I love the reduction I can get with over the ear sets and tend to prefer them. At work, it is so hard to use them and still appear respectful. What I really need is earplugs that block out higher frequencies. I find those noises drive me bananas and I haven't found anything that can block those noises out.
Ok, just to overthink this. Keep two different ear plugs under the ear Defenders. Depending on preference take off just one ear muff three custom sound levels no switching.
Interesting. I am starting to have a little hearing loss but at the same time I can't hear what I want to hear which is the mid range to low range without the "zzzzhhhhh" of talk at distant restaurant tables obliterating the conversation of the people at my table. The rumble of city trains does not bother me, but the screech does. But do I want to hear the birds twitter outside? And hear the kettle whistle from another room? YES.
A bad feature of the earplugs on wires is that they could be easy to lose if you wear masks or jewelry, or glasses, or all three at time- and those big old earmuffs don't look so practical for wearing with winter hats.
Yeah, I did guess that combo actually. Two reasons: I regularly use earbuds with headphones on top, basically because my headphones aren't 100% compatible with my phone and I don't have earbuds with active noise cancellation. And a few years ago my teenage kid took to using industrial earmuffs at school...
A question: do you not need to listen to sound from your phone (calls, podcasts) handsfree? For an upgrade, I'm looking for, preferably, an affordable all-in-one option (although I'm not convinced that in-ear active noise cancellation is a good idea so still trying to learn more about that).
I can't use any in-ear plugs for music or noise blocking so loop earplugs are too big for my small/bent ear canal. The best thing I've found is a set of over-ear Sony WH-100XM5 headphones.
Have you tried Flare calmer? They are my favorite!❤
At my old apartment, they were doing chronic renovations. Those industrial noise blockers would have been sooo good. The noise was like a dentist drilling into the teeth of God.
The big headphone type muffs are the same ones I use. I bought them at lowes for $30 I think. I LOVE them
I used Peltor ear muffs when programming in an open plan office (what were they thinking?) . I have moderate/severe hearing loss at higher frequencies and wear digital hearing aids. I have quiet, engage plus and now experience plus (to try). My go to is engage with mutes in cafes but I do need a hearing aid to understand people (especially those with English as a second language like my Polish boss!) . You'd think 'switch'ing off my hearing aids or taking them out would be sufficient but I do need the loops as well. Using the ear muffs with loops is a useful option and I may use that on my 6½ hour flight to Canada - thank you.
My fave combination is
Flare Calmer Kids (all Loops hurt my ears)
+
Oneodio Over-ear headphones (music or ANC, whatever I feel like)
❤
I do 3 in 1 and the industrial, so I vote on that
When i was looking for earplugs, i had to pick those for kids. I have very tight ear canals and anything larger than kids-sized will end up being pushed out.
Due to this, i´m also limited in my choices for in-ear headphones. Mine need to have the "hook", otherwise they will fall out.
Currently using plug in headset for my computer. I just take it with me, it's not great but better than nothing.
The earplugs I use for my moto (Earpeace) give you 3 buds - maybe Loop could include a spare - once you lose one, you become really conscious of losing another so three is often the sweet spot.
I'm keen to try Loops Quiet though.
Very helpful thanks!
I still have my Raycon's that I got off a YTer ad a couple years ago, though I rarely listen to anything through them. They do a decent enough job just blocking out noise and are hidden behind my hair and hoodie even still. Yet, they also give me that option of having some variety of noise played through them if I needed something to further block out ambient sound. A friend mentioned pink noise, which I might try at some point, but I know there are other variations, so I should get a collection on my mobile I can play in a loop for any situation. Then I can always tap them to pause the sound and talk to someone and resume again after.
Raycons are overpriced crap
I wonder if you can use loop whilst swimming ?
Earlier you talked about therapy on line. Do you have a good place for some one with pdd-nos who wants help?
But can you sleep with the switch plugs in? like laying down with one ear on the pillow!
I'm guessing that the earmuffs come into the "favorite" mix.
Definitely muffs ! I have ear muffs, headphone with SD card for music, and loop quiet. I use the Loop when I don't want to wear something obvious, but there are no earplugs in this world I will ever find comfortable.
Question: don't you go crazy from hearing your own breathing with earplugs in? I have Alpine sleepsoft but keep taking them out because I hear myself too much. I also use Flare Calmer, they kind of reduce the annoying sound but don't close off my ears.
Trying to work out which ones i can use I can here my neighbour walking around upstairs as i am in a flat, and I can hear her TV on loud which ones would benefit me I suppose. I do love silence, I have samsung galaxy buds 2 with noise cancelling which are fine but dont want to listen to music all day. Also I need something I can sleep with that wont hurt the ear when laying down with me ear on the pillow.. Any info is appreicated I also have autism
I have some regular loops, they're quite good and the just feel like regular headphones to me. I think those connected ones would be quite good if you're worried about them falling out
edit: just watched more of the video... maybe not haha
I am going to check out the 3-in-1. I have always had an issue with things staying in my right ear and can easily hurt when something is in it, so I usually have an ear bud for music in my left ear to help with my ear ringing but even with my current loop it is uncomfortable and can sit loose in my right ear. How would you rate the comfort of the 3-in-1?
I do not remember the name of my loops though they are plastic rather than silicone so I can't wear them for a long time.
I actually need something that will block out voices. Most of the time I can't stand having to hear people's conversations on the bus. I was hoping the loop quiet would do that, and was getting excited, but it looks like that's not the case.
My noise cancelling headphones are only just adequate at muffling the very annoying videos people insist on watching on public transport and the low frequency noises, but in the process people's voices really stand out.
It's not so bad when I am listening to something, but it's when I'm not that it's really noticeable.
Really disappointing there aren't earplugs that actually work as well as industrial ear defenders.
The ones that switch noise levels.
I don't need earplugs, I need OSHA to temper the absurd volume of landscaping equipment, municipal vehicles, and automotive alarms. To restrict neighborhood landscaping to once per week, instead of having 4/7 days of outside being effectively inaccessible.
I've never witness grand theft auto but I've lost sleep due to ridiculous car alarms. Let's just ban car alarms, and take them on the same schedule as emission tests.
Dude, get some peltors!
I think I need a portable sensory deprivation tank to carry with me everywhere I go… which is almost nowhere at this stage.
I use the industrial headphones, because my weird ears don't hold ear plugs of any variety...
Depending on your circumstance, please just be safe in public when you block out sound. It requires a different level of situational awareness.
I find most people are too self centered to care what anyone else is wearing.
Plastic items slip out of pockets, poor friction.
I don’t use them, as I don’t feel safe not being aware of what’s going on around me. However, I have a very noisy neighbour (meth user and personality disorder). I’m going to try them to save my sanity or even my life. 😢
wow, straight up commercials. Time to unsub I guess.
There are many people who would benefit from these.
Noise reduction is to autists as walking canes are to the blind. Not everyone in their respective communities may use these devices, but enough people do to where it's a topic that will be broached sooner or later.
Hey Paul,
Great video. I just recently purchased the Loop Engage2 which I am liking but on a slightly different take to your favorite, I tried on a flight using my over ear noise cancelling headphones over the top of the loops for more reduction. So I can kind of understand the ear muffs over the earplug option as being good. The one thing I am not totally convinced about with the engage is like you suggested with the switch is the hard plastic feel getting a little uncomfortable over extended use. I did not realise the quiet are a soft feel all over. I might try them also.
Thanks for the tips.