I am almost 50 and have always been sensitive to noise but the impact on my life over the last 20 years has become quite profound and isolating. I can only work in a very quiet environment but even electrical hum, door squeak, and aircon leaves me rattling and depleted by the end of the day. If I spend an evening in a ‘noisy’ environment it can take me several days to recharge.
I didn’t realise until recently that noise sensitivity is actually a thing and that there were solutions to be tried. After several months of reading and indecision I chose Flare Calmer with additional 10db reduction.
I had prepared myself to not notice much immediate difference and to give it time to assess any gradual effect on my stress levels, assuming I could tolerate them in my ears at all. Within minutes of wearing I could not feel them but felt almost instantly calmer. It was really quite a profound experience for me. I felt an almost overwhelming sense of relief, like a blanket had been thrown over jaggy edges. My tinnitus was not magnified in any way, nor was the sound of my breathing. I was at home, in silence, and the only sound to dampen was the distant tortuous hum of motorway. I could still hear it but it no longer felt like it was directly wired to my cortisol production.
At work I was able to hear everyone who spoke to me - even those who spoke quietly - and I felt far more able to engage with conversation and pay attention.
I generally suffer through time in public spaces but went for a pint in our local pub and the background noise did not cause the normal spike in stress. Again, it was quite profound to realise how relaxing and enjoyable an experience such a simple activity is when you are not experiencing sensory overload.
I have not been anywhere else to try them yet but am now feeling FAR less apprehensive about going on holiday next month - airport and plane noise is unbearable to me, and I REALLY struggle in restaurants. We have booked a complex of 8 apartments, on the edge of a village, because it’s all I can cope with. 20 years ago, before I understood and accepted my limits. I saved long and hard to go on a 2 week cruise but had to get off the ship after 3 days. I think I would have been ok if I’d had these wonderful things with me.
My only criticism is that I had mistakenly thought that I could purchase a lanyard to attach them to. I could lose my own head in a hat and I’m not confident that they will be in my possession very long, no matter how much I value them or how intent I am to put them back in a case or bag. Given the usefulness of these wonderful creations to the neurodivergent I think this is a quite a significant hindrance. A small loop at the end of the exhaust would make these absolutely perfect.
My heartfelt gratitude to the originator of the concept and design and to all who continue to develop and evolve the range. You have changed my world
