AirPods or earmuffs for sensory issues
Many people who have sensory processing disorder or autism (may be more I don’t know about) struggle daily with things that other people don’t notice. For those who have hearing sensitivities, it can be difficult to go about regular task in the outside world with how much noise pollution there is. With that being said, we have aids like earmuffs or noise, canceling headphones, but which one works better? I’m gonna go through a few of the pros and cons of each.
AirPod pros or any noise, canceling headphones
👍Pros:
- very discreet
- easily removable or can toggle on off easily
- can also play music
- more fashionable
🤔Cons:
- can cost a lot
- needs charged
- not as durable
- doesn’t cancel as much noise as muffs
Ear muffs
👍Pros:
- easily accessible
- cancels noice very well
- more affordable
- durable
- can be used as a back up
🤔Cons:
- bulky
- people stare
- harder to style
Now, I’m all for not being ashamed for what you’re dealing with but I understand why people don’t want to be stared at all the time or want to blend in with society and not be treated differently for their disabilities, but I also understand that sometimes you don’t have the money to afford the “better looking option” and sometimes the noise canceling earbuds don’t cancel efficiently enough. That being said, I feel like there’s definitely a way to style earmuffs it’s just you have to find it and there’s not a lot of options currently but who knows maybe one day someone will come out with a great product. I for one was thinking about bedazzling mine and painting it so that’s an option. If you don’t wanna style yours up, that’s completely OK we don’t always have to conform to society standards, but of course I understand, wanting to, and liking a certain style as an autistic person because we do have a sense of fashion! I’m looking forward to possibly talking more about common issues with autism and the fashion industry especially because a lot of things are tailored towards boys and not older people or women. I hope this reaches the right people and it’s helpful and I hope you have a great day!
#autism #sensoryactivities #sensoryprocessingdisorder #neurodivergent #disability #autismawareness #autisminwomen #autismacceptancemonth
When dealing with sensory deprivation earmuffs, it's important to consider the environment where you'll be using them most often. For instance, earmuffs excel in high noise environments as they physically block sound better than earbuds. If you're outdoors or in a noisy workplace, their superior noise cancellation can provide much-needed relief. That said, comfort plays a huge role too. Some earmuffs might feel bulky or heavy after extended use, which could cause discomfort. I experimented with different padded models and found that softer, adjustable earmuffs made long hours manageable. Another tip is personalization: since earmuffs might attract attention due to their size, customizing them can express your personality and reduce self-consciousness. Painting or decorating them, like adding stickers or fabric overlays, helped me feel more confident and stylish. Battery life is another key aspect. AirPods or wireless earbuds require charging, which can add stress if you forget to charge them before outings. Earmuffs, especially passive ones, don’t need power, making them reliable backups. Lastly, considering your lifestyle is crucial: if you prefer running errands or social settings, discreetness can help. Noise-canceling earbuds blend in better and allow music or podcasts to assist with sensory regulation. Ultimately, both AirPods and earmuffs have their place, and sometimes having both options ready—earmuffs for intense noise and earbuds for subtle situations—can be the best strategy to manage sensory sensitivities effectively.
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