Review of Loop Experience 2 Earplugs
There are times when I need quiet. Quiet can allow me to notice and attend to how I’m feeling, focus on thoughts that need my attention, connect to my creativity, create space for clarity and perspective, and help my mind slow down. There is also evidence to suggest that quiet has positive effects on the body, regulating blood flow and pressure, boosting the immune system, and promoting hormone balance. Experimenting with Loop Earplugs has allowed me to choose when I sit within a quiet space. This is helped by a compact case that has made it easy to keep them to hand. This increased control over my environment has given me a new way of responding to what I need, which includes moments when it’s best for me to embrace the noise.
I’ve noticed that spending time with others can eliminate sound sensitivity for me. Enjoying and being curious about what others have to say increases my tolerance and keeps me absorbed. However, this isn’t the case in environments with high levels of noise. Being unable to hear clearly or being distracted from a conversation can be mistaken for a lack of interest, self-control or patience. In these situations, using the earplugs has allowed me to better concentrate on conversations by reducing background noises. However, I’ve had to learn to judge how loud I’m speaking when wearing earplugs, due to my voice feeling amplified in my head. The design is discreet enough not to draw unwanted attention, and some versions almost have the appearance of jewellery.
One way I manage what feels like an uncomfortable level of sound is through listening to music. This can sometimes involve listening to something I know makes me feel joyful, displacing feelings of overwhelm or frustration. Other times it can involve listening to something that will hold my interest, keeping my attention away from unwelcome distractions. Using Loop Earplugs has allowed me to manage noise sensitivity without blocking out the outside world completely. I’ve noticed myself being more aware of the sights, sounds and smells around me. They are also comfortable enough to wear for sustained periods of time. Feeling connected to the place we inhabit, sometimes called grounding, can help us to be present in the moment, providing a sense of stability and sureness.
In writing this review I’ve learned of many different causes of noise sensitivity, including hearing conditions or loss, stress or trauma, or being neurodivergent. The impact of this can include increased anger, anxiety, and physical discomfort. In turn, this can affect how we think, feel and behave. It’s understandable to seek tools to manage this, and my experience is that these earplugs can significantly reduce symptoms. However, you don’t always need quiet to find stillness. Cognitive tools such as mindfulness and meditation can provide similar relief. Also, avoiding noisy situations can make you more sensitive to noise. As such, I’ll be looking to develop my tolerance of noises in everyday life alongside using the earplugs in the future.
You can find out more about noise sensitivity at the NHS website. This Wired article also shares one person’s exploration of the question Are You Noise Sensitive? And another article from Calm about the Benefits of Silence has an interesting perspective.
Further reading
More information on Loop Earplugs, including a quiz on which earplugs might best suit your needs, can be found at their website.
