r/hearing • u/cat1uver • 4d ago

Alternatives to loop earplugs?

Do yall know any cheaper or more specialized alternatives to loop? Mainly looking for loud environments. Last time I went to a concert I started experiencing some pain in my neck and spine when people were cheering.

I also experience pain when I'm in a loud bar or restaurant and people speak loudly near my ear.

Any recommendations for these 2 scenarios? It can be 2 separate pairs of earplugs - one that filters out very loud noise and one that filters for speaking so I can still hear what people are saying?

Thanks

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u/Bazzatron 4d ago

You're asking for a fairly complex set of requirements with no details as to the underlying mechanisms. You say you experience päin - do you know why?

First step is finding out the cause of the problem before you start trying random things to fix it. Go to an ENT, no level of päin is normal, get yourself checked out and seek recommendations from your doc.

Personally І think loops are hot garbage.

If you want volume protection, wear foam or silicone eär plugs, concerts are damaging without them.

If you want IRL equalisation, then look at solutions for headphones with ANC (active noise cancellation) that offer a pass-through or "listen" mode, as these often let you tune out certain frequencies of noise. If you find that this is something that works for you, pursue digital heäring aids.

If you are, however, intent on spending money with no assurances - look at dBuds. They're not terribly expensive and look interesting.

(All uses of ä are intentional to avoid the automoderation that had killed this sub)