You are here:
- Home
- Health/Fitness
- Audiology/Otolaryngology
- Audiology/Otolaryngology
- Can earplugs block loudspeakers?
Audiology/Otolaryngology/Can earplugs block loudspeakers?
Advertisement
Question
My local bus service has adopted loudspeakers that make a very loud announcement when the bus is about to approach a stop, and when it reaches it--and in a very prissy, unpleasant voice! This is driving me crazy. I can no longer read on the bus or even sit and think. Yet I must make two long bus trips a day. Are there any earplugs or headphones I can use to block this noise? Thank you very much.
Hi Rhoda,
Yes...there are commercial over-the-counter earplugs made either of foam or silicone. You can buy them at the drugstore. They will knock out about 20 dB.These plugs cost about a buck. Another choice would be to go to an audiologist who can make custom made earplugs which would be more comfortable and still allow you to hear voices while attenuating the loudspeaker. These can knock out as much as 25-30 dB. These can cost anywhere from $150 - $300 pair. Or, if you really want to go high tech, you can check out the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones which cost about $300-400 http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/headphones/noise_cancelling_head...
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 6 |
| Comment | I am very grateful for this complete and useful response. However, the response began with "Hi" instead of "Dear," followed by my first name, which is a very familiar (and therefore childish or patronizing) response from a stranger. I have observed that, while this is increasingly common, people still use the last name when addressing a stranger to whom they wish to show respect. It seems rude for this not to include everybody. | ||
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D.
Expertise
I am a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology with 25 years of experience. I can answer questions regarding hearing loss, both general and specific, dizziness and vertigo, auditory processing disorders, hearing aids, aural rehabilitation as well as specialized audiologic testing, i.e., Auditory Brainstem Response, VideoNystagmography, Otoacoutic Emissions. I have worked with both pediatric and adult populations. Because of my extensive musical background, I am able to respond to questions regarding the special needs of musicians.
Experience
I have been an audiologist for over 25 years with a specialty in electrophysiology of the auditory and vestibular systems and pediatric evaluations. I currently work in my private consulting practice providing services to nursing homes and schools. My Doctoral research was on specialized techniques in Auditory Brainstem Responses.
Organizations
American Academy of Audiology, -
American Speech Language Hearing Association, -
Hearing Loss Association of America
Education/Credentials
Au.D. (Doctor of Audiology), Nova Southeastern University, 2000.
Board Certified Doctor of Audiology (American Board of Audiology)
Certificate in Audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.