Earplugs for phonophobia
From fireworks to loud music, and from barking dogs to construction work, there are a lot of loud noises all around us. For some people, loud noises are irritating – but they can ignore them and get on with their day. For other people with misophonia, they elicit strong emotional reactions. But people with phonophobia are actively scared of noises, especially loud ones.
That can be debilitating, leading to anxiety, distress and isolation. But you don’t have to hide away from loud noises forever. If you have phonophobia, earplugs for loud noises can help you to take control, manage your symptoms and alleviate your stress.
Benefits of earplugs for loud noise
Phonophobia is an extreme form of noise sensitivity. The triggers vary, and every person with phonophobia is different, but some of the most common sounds that people have a fear of are:
- Fireworks
- Loud music
- Sirens
- Honking horns
- Airplanes
- Sudden applause
- Balloons popping
- Children crying
- Car alarms
- Drilling sounds
All of these are fairly normal, everyday sounds, which wouldn’t necessarily be upsetting for someone without phonophobia. But for people with phonophobia, exposure to these sounds can lead to anxiety or panic attacks – as can the very thought of hearing the sounds.
It can also cause physical discomfort, like headaches, ear pain, or a feeling of pressure in the ears, and emotional distress.
That means that people with phonophobia often go to great lengths to avoid loud noises – which can lead to social isolation.
But, by wearing earplugs, people with phonophobia can take back control of their environment. You don’t necessarily want to wear earplugs all the time – as if you’re always in a quiet environment, your reactions to loud noises, when you do hear them, can be even worse. But you can choose where and when to wear them, so you can take the edge off when noise is at its worst.
And because earplugs reduce the volume and intensity of loud noises, you’ll find them more tolerable, which may reduce your feelings of anxiety and stress.
Having a pair of earplugs in your pocket is like a secret weapon. They’re small and portable, making them easy to carry wherever you go – so there’s no need to live your life in fear of the loud noises you might encounter.
Why Loop Earplugs are the best choice for phonophobia
Traditional foam earplugs block out sound – which isn’t the best choice for phonophobia, as you don’t want to cut yourself off from the world around you. The best earplugs for loud noise reduce the volume rather than blocking sound out.
That’s exactly what Loop Engage earplugs do. They filter sound waves rather than blocking them and offer up to 16 decibels (SNR) and 10 dB (NRR) of noise reduction. That means you can still hear sounds – just at a lower volume – so you can take the edge off and live life to the fullest.
Plus, they come with a choice of four ear tip sizes, and the ear tips are made from super soft silicone. That means they’re seriously comfortable to wear – one less thing you have to worry about.
The answer to your fear of sounds
If you were looking to counteract a phobia of loud noises, you might be tempted to just avoid them altogether, right?
Unfortunately, you can’t control everything in the environment around you. But you can control the measures you take to limit the volume of sounds around you.
That’s where earplugs can come in handy.
Earplugs like Loop Experience, Loop Experience Plus and Loop Quiet can help cap decibel levels and either manage or muffle sounds, depending on the product.
But if you find that these earplugs aren’t quite right for you, then Loop Engage may be the answer.
Loop Engage are designed with conversation in mind. The earplugs offer up to 16 dB of noise reduction while combating the echoey occlusion effect in your head. Freeing you up to talk freely and connect.
And if that still doesn’t work for you? We have a 100 day return policy. No matter what you’re looking for, Loop can help you find it.
So you can finally gain control over the world of sound.
-
I wish I had found them sooner!
“I have sensory overload as well as misophonia, so every little sound causes an adverse reaction…. I’m so glad I decided to try Loop Engage out as they are gonna save me from a world of headaches and migraines.”
- Tonie H.
Start living life at your volume
Don’t let fear take over your life – we’re here to help you through this.
Frequently asked questions
How do earplugs help with phonophobia?
Earplugs reduce the volume and intensity of sounds reaching the ear. That can help to make noise more tolerable, which may reduce your anxiety. Earplugs can help you to build up your tolerance to triggering sounds by gradually increasing your exposure to them.
Can earplugs completely eliminate all triggering sounds?
Some earplugs, like traditional foam ones, do block out sounds. However, it’s not recommended that people with phonophobia eliminate all triggering sounds, as that can make the condition worse in the long term. Instead, it’s best to use earplugs that reduce loud noises rather than muffling them.
Can I still hear important sounds while wearing earplugs?
Loop Engage earplugs filter sound waves rather than blocking them out, so the intensity of loud noises will be reduced but you’ll still be able to hear important sounds and conversations.
Can earplugs for phonophobia be used in combination with other therapies?
It’s usually recommended that people with phonophobia use earplugs alongside other forms of treatments, like medication, exposure therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for the best results.