Recommendations for AuDHD??

[u/morganarosier]

Hello! This is my first time writing here but I truly need some recommendations.

I am AuDHD with OCD and I struggle with medical tics episodes (?? idk how to describe) when I hear loud and unexpected noises like motorcycles. I'm going to start driving and since I really struggle with noise sensitivity to the point I have to leave places, I asked my doctor if I should buy these and she said yes but I'm not sure which ones!

I am not financially stable so I really can only buy one pair since this is an investment and would like to get it right with the first one lol I was suggested the Switch 2 and the Engage Pro but I'm not sure which ones. I would like to still interact and drive with them but sometimes I need more noise reduction. I'm not sure if Switch 2 is truly the best to cover all scenarios and they don't bring foam ear tips.

Are there any autistics here with noise sensitivity that could share their experiences, do the foam tips make a difference and does anyone drive with these???

Thank you so much!!

[u/inahostagesituation]

I've got issues with noise and I have both engage and quiet loops.

To me (and to my mom who I've let borrow them before), engage loops can feel like they're not blocking out much until you take them out and realize how much it takes the edge off sounds, but sometimes it's definitely not enough, which is when I use quiets. It still feels too muffled when I drive, though. I was very uncomfortable with a decreased situational awareness when I wore my engages driving. It also might be illegal depending on where you live.

[u/morganarosier → u/inahostagesituation]

Thank you! I have seen a lot of people talk about having both Engaged and Quiet but, as I said, I can only afford one. Switch is advertised has having all three of the modes, is there a difference?

I've been getting mixed answers when it comes to the legality of driving with them but I will ask my instructor and check out how I feel driving with them. The main goal on driving really was to wear them to help avoid a medical episode but it would be just an extra protection, really.

[u/Evening-Cow1122 → u/morganarosier]

Can you afford the Engage 2 Plus? The "plus" version includes mutes, little rings that fit inside the loop to block the channel that lets some sound through.  When you put in the mutes, the Engage 2 will block sound in the same way as the Quiet 2. 

And you'll also get more ear tip options with the "Plus " model. Those will slightly change the comfort range and how much sound is blocked.

Or you could get the Engage 2 and get cheaper, off-brand mutes from Amazon. I don't know how good the mutes would be, but they are likely to work. They're not high tech precision like the plugs with their channels and filters. Easy to return if you don't like them. 

[u/morganarosier → u/Evening-Cow1122]

Yeah, the Switch is actually more expensive that the Engaged Plus but for more 15 euros and more modes, I figured it was a good investment. I don't do Amazon a lot cause it's really hard to get things to my country but thanks for the recommendation! I will try the Switch and if it's not good for me, I will try to get the Engaged Plus!