In article ,
lid says...

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.

I have finally found some in-ear 'phones that I can tolerate for 30 - 40
minutes but that's my limit.

The closed-cell sponge earplugs, on the other hand, I can tolerate for a
much longer period. You roll them between your fingertips to squash
them down before insertion, & they slowly expand to conform to the shape
of your ear. They're very light, soft & don't create any pressure
points which in-ear phones tend to do.
Also they don't have any attached wires so minor head movements etc.
don't result in vibration being transmitted to the ear.

They don't cost much so it would be worth trying.

Maybe you could ring the changes between these & some over-ear
headphones so that any irritation doesn't build up too much.


--
Sam