Ear muffs for better rest

[Hoopoe]

I seem to have discovered something interesting today. I don't consider myself sound sensitive but I felt so much better resting while having my ears covered.

I'm guessing that this removes processing work for the brain and allows it to recover better from exertion.

 

[calande]

ME too. I used ear plugs, but I had to stop because of successive ear infections. Silence is key to sleep well.

 

[Legend]

I have had constant mild tinnitus since I became ill. I do not really notice it much, even though it is there.

A while ago when I was lying in bed trying to sleep, my tinnitus suddenly stopped for a few seconds. I heard nothing. Only the sound of complete silence. Something I have never noticed before. At first I was shocked and thought: "Oh no, have I become deaf now too?". And then I suddenly got a strange feeling. I noticed that the brain geared down noticeably, as a result of no stimuli and no input from the ears. It created a good and calm brain atmosphere. The tinnitus came back quickly and has been going on ever since.
But I think about my experience of complete silence every day, and how my brain reacted. What a wonderful and strange moment it was.

After this experience I have become aware of occasionally resting my head by removing stimuli with ear muffs and ear plugs.
It has not helped much on my ME / CFS, but maybe made me feel a little better now and then. As if I have actually rested.
I take what I get so I will continue with it.

 

[Invisible Woman]

If I want to rest properly I put my earplugs in.

I use them every night - otherwise IM or the dog will snore or suddenly snort and I'll end up wide awake.

During the day, when I'm trying to rest, it means that if there's an occasional aircraft or a delivery van speeding down our tiny road I won't hear it. If IM's about he can talk to the dog or put the TV or radio on without worrying about bothering me.

There are lots of trees and woodland about so in autumn the chainsaw chorus will be in full swing but I won't care!

I use Moldex Spark Plugs. The trick is to learn to insert them properly. If they're in right, you'll forget they're there.

 

[Sly Saint]

I could do with some ear muffs right now as the water company are currently drilling in the road......probably will be going on all day.

 

[Invisible Woman]

I could do with some ear muffs right now as the water company are currently drilling in the road......probably will be going on all day.

Ooph!

 

[Diluted-biscuit]

Flare isolate make the best earplugs I’ve ever used (I’ve tried a lot). It’s much trickier if you can’t tolerate something in your ears though. Ear muffs wouldn’t cut down noise very much and would get very hot so I guess noise cancelling headphones would probably be the best bet.

 

[shak8]

If I want to rest properly I put my earplugs in.

I use them every night - otherwise IM or the dog will snore or suddenly snort and I'll end up wide awake.

During the day, when I'm trying to rest, it means that if there's an occasional aircraft or a delivery van speeding down our tiny road I won't hear it. If IM's about he can talk to the dog or put the TV or radio on without worrying about bothering me.

There are lots of trees and woodland about so in autumn the chainsaw chorus will be in full swing but I won't care!

I use Moldex Spark Plugs. The trick is to learn to insert them properly. If they're in right, you'll forget they're there.

Are the Molderx Spark Plugs you use the kind with the 3 flares? Are they really superior to the average foam ear plug?

 

[Alis]

Flare isolate make the best earplugs I’ve ever used (I’ve tried a lot). It’s much trickier if you can’t tolerate something in your ears though. Ear muffs wouldn’t cut down noise very much and would get very hot so I guess noise cancelling headphones would probably be the best bet.

Ear defenders do cut down a lot of noise [compared to muffs ] but I can only wear them for short periods maybe up to 2hours as they can become painful to wear after a while [jaw and side of face.] I have heard noise cancelling ear phones are good but they are expensive.

 

[Invisible Woman]

Are the Molderx Spark Plugs you use the kind with the 3 flares? Are they really superior to the average foam ear plug?

These are smooth, soft foam. I have quite small ear canals and find some of the harder foam ones, or ones with ridged bits horribly uncomfortable - especially when lying on my side for sleep.

Here's a link to an Amazon page selling them - sometimes I buy from Amazon, sometimes through ebay depending on best price.

Edit - the link shows picture

Amazon product ASIN B004KIRO3Y

 

[Invisible Woman]

I wrote this on a different thread a while ago - it's the best method I have found for correctly inserting earplugs. Took me forever to figure it out.

Method of insertion is key to being comfortable and them working effectively.

*****the fastidious look away now*****

Moisten the tip of your little finger and use it to moisten the ear canal. Don't put your finger in too far! Up to the first knuckle should be enough.

Then take the ear plug and roll it between the thumbs & forefinger of each hand as though rolling a cigarette to warm the material and elongate it. When it's about half as long again is about right.

Insert the tip of the earplug into the ear canal. The angle you put the plug in is important. You are aiming in, up and back. Our physiology may vary slightly, but if you think of it as a clock I find halfway between 10 and 11 o'clock works best for me. If you have the angle right it will just slide in smoothly.

Don't insert it all the way. Just almost all the way. The external end of the earplug flares. The widest bit at the very end should remain outside and provide a cover to the canal.

If the earplugs aren't returning to their default shape, or are becoming uncomfortable, or the surface starts to feel different even if they look clean, it's time for a new pair.

Edit - you can sleep on your side with them in. Once they're in right you don't notice them.

 

[Alis]

These are smooth, soft foam. I have quite small ear canals and find some of the harder foam ones, or ones with ridged bits horribly uncomfortable - especially when lying on my side for sleep.

Here's a link to an Amazon page selling them - sometimes I buy from Amazon, sometimes through ebay depending on best price.

Edit - the link shows picture

Amazon product ASIN B004KIRO3Y

I think I am going to give them a go. They have a much higher noise blocking rating than the ones I use - the E.A.R foam ones.

 

[Invisible Woman]

I think I am going to give them a go. They have a much higher noise blocking rating than the ones I use - the E.A.R foam ones.

They don't completely block human voice frequencies - most don't - but the really do cut it right down. For example, if the kids several gardens away het shouty when playing I can't hear 'em with the ear plugs in but if my husband speaks clearly (not shouts) close to me and I listen carefully I can just about make out what he's saying.

Cuts about 90+% of the noise if my large dog barks loudly when near me but I can't hear him woof in the garden.

We get the occasional clattering chinook helicopter fly over and they block that (phew!).

 

[TheBassist]

Flare isolate make the best earplugs I’ve ever used (I’ve tried a lot). It’s much trickier if you can’t tolerate something in your ears though. Ear muffs wouldn’t cut down noise very much and would get very hot so I guess noise cancelling headphones would probably be the best bet.

Yep. They’re great. Not cheap for worthwhile ones. Mine are £350 sennheisers