On 15/02/2012 19:20, Another John wrote:
Are you saying you want to block the noise, or that you want to listen
to something else, in peace (e.g. music)?

I often use cheap sponge earplugs to block out noise, e.g. while I'm
trying to read the paper when the Significant Other has the radio on --
which means we're keeping company, but we're each doing our own thing.

I buy them at my local chainsaw suppliers:
http://www.chainsaw-shop.co.uk/silve...ugs-4421-86337

I shove them *right* into my ears and have to extract them with the tips
of my fingernails. They expand after insertion, and create total silence
(though if the S.O. speaks directly to me, I can hear her).

Mind you: probably not a good idea to wear them all day long, so this is
probably a waste of your time.

John
I should have said that I've already tried in-ear headphones, and find
them very uncomfortable, so I don't think I could tolerate ear-plugs for
any length of time.

The closed-back over-ear HD202 headphones I have are comfortable enough
for an hour or two, but don't block out external sounds sufficiently
unless I play quite loud music through them, which is not tolerable for
long periods.

I'm really looking for headphones that:
- Almost completely block external sounds, without the need for
excessively loud music.
- Are comforable enough to wear all day.
- If they are active, can be modified to work on USB power.
- Don't make me look too weird in an office environment.