Headphones that block noise

Posted by: Max Y on 23 June 2006

Hi

I am in the very disappointing situation that having purchased some wonderful Naim kit a few years ago I can no longer listen to it. I have developed a problem with nerves in my head (trigeminal neuralgia) that makes sound painful. I can never listen to music now but my wife would like to go to the Edinburgh Tattoo and I would love to be able to support her with this. We have tickets but I know it will be very painful for me.
I think I have read about headphones that lessen or block out external noise. If I am right does anyone know anything about them / recommend a particular type? To meet my needs they would need to do this without playing music etc ie they would, effectively be small ear defenders!

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Max

Posted on: 23 June 2006 by Tam

Dear Max,

I'm sorry to hear of your troubles. There are a number of such headphones, but I cannot help thinking that the cheapest (and probably best) solution will simply be to buy a pair of ear defenders (which should be available at your local DIY store). There are two types of noise bocking headphones - the first the insulate the ear from other sounds (so you are effectively buying a pair of ear defeders that also play music - since you won't wanting music, why bother), the second kind actively block noise (they have microphones and produce out of phase sound to cancel out the noise). I have a pair of Sennheisers that work along these lines, they work very well on aeroplane engine noise (which is presumably why pilots use them) but less well in general. Also, becuase they are pumping noise into your ear, you do get a 'pressure' that is consistent with listening to the stereo quite loudly and I'm not convinced it is any better for my ears.

So, in summary, head down to B&Q (or equivalent) and pick up some ear defenders.

The tatoo is quite a spectacle (I have been once - before I lived here, now it is a annoyance). The fireworks are rather fine. To be honest, I found the primary attractions visual rather than auditory anyway (they had some US marines there the year I went who did that very impressive thing with their rifels, as at the start of A Few Good Men).

regards, Tam

Posted on: 23 June 2006 by Willie Mo

Hi Max,
it seems like quite a serious condition you have, it must be very frustrating.
There are moulded ear protectors used in Industry, which may be suitable, as they cover the outer Ear and don’t go into the Ear Canal, although perhaps your condition may make these uncomfortable as well.

They are similar to Hearing Aids but are moulded from a casting of your Ear and are very soft and comfortable, there is a filter moulded into the centre which, I think, can be attenuated to filter out specific frequencies.

I’ve attached a link to a similar Item, although the ones I have used have been flesh coloured and have a filter in the middle instead of being completely blocked.

More accurate information and costs would probably be available from your local Hearing Centre, they may be expensive, but could be useful if you regularily find your self in uncomfortable situations.

http://www.earplugsthatfit.com/index.html

best wishes Will.

Posted on: 23 June 2006 by Max Y

Thanks for the replies so far. I should have said that I use normal ear defenders quite a lot. I just think I would feel rather stupid sat at a muical performance wearing them so I am looking for something more discreet.

Max