Asperger's & Autism Forum

Judge

They might be water-proof. Check against this list of headphones.

https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-waterproof-headphones

AuroraBorealis

No, they're not buds, they're over-ear. Thanks though.

Judge

If you still have the packaging or instructions you might check to see if your headphones carry an IPX rating, noting how waterproof they may be.

Rocco

You might be able to dry them out using a bag of dry rice.

AuroraBorealis

Thanks you guys. I can't think right now though. The headphones were the last straw. I'm massively overstimulated right now, and we still have a house guest for several days.

Misty Avich

Do you have earplugs for back-up?

AuroraBorealis

I have put on my big ear-protectors now, the kind which construction workers work. That helped a bit. But I also need my headphones to regulate myself by listening to music or audio books. I have in-ear headphones but it's not the same, and I dislike the feeling of having them in.

Misty Avich

I know the feeling. Being noise sensitive sucks.

AuroraBorealis

I can cope for now, but I need my over-ear headphones long-term. They're a massive tool for myself to self-regulate, over multiple ways (listening to music, listening to audio books, feeling the compression on my head, softening the noise around)

AuroraBorealis

Thanks. It's not just noise-sensitivity. Those headphones allow me to put myself into a bubble of pseudo-solitude as an emergency solution when I need to be alone but can't physically be. And then to focus my thoughts on something steady.

Misty Avich

I see. I have the opposite; I am heavily reliant on my NC headphones/earplugs because of my noisy upstairs neighbours, but I get frustrated because I don't like being in a bubble kind of thing, I actually function better when I can hear what's going on around me. If the neighbours disappeared then I wouldn't need my NC headphones and will only use my earplugs in bed as my husband snores.

AuroraBorealis

That sounds really exhausting, I'm sorry for that situation (I know it's a long-term problem with your neighbors, but I'm still sorry you have to deal with that)

Misty Avich

Thank you, but your situation must be difficult too. I hope you can get sorted with your NC headphones.

kriss72

I don't know what I would do if my NC headphones stopped working, especially not with new year fireworks just around the corner, I hope yours will be back in working order soon!

Judge

Ear protectors aren't as effective, but they at least block sounds that hurt at times. I put them on every time the landscapers use their leaf blowers nearby. The higher the NRR (noise reduction rating) the better.

https://www.amazon.com/ear-protectors/s?k=ear+protectors