Poll: Vacuuming for the Sensory-Sensitive

[Cali Cat]

For years I suffered while vacuuming because of the noise. I did everything to put it off. One day, I had a brilliant revelation: What if I bought some earplugs and used them while I vacuum? I did that, and now I can vacuum in relative peace. Just another example of how someone can be above average in intelligence and still have absolutely no common sense. How about you? Have you already figured out this jewel of a solution?

 

[Etzelaire]

I've thought about it but since I live in a small village (around 400 inhabitants) I found a tranquil place where I used to study while in highschool. At the top of a huge city water container. But my biggest problem lies in my head, I am unable to rest my mind, I cannot stop reviewing concepts or searching new vocabulary or grammar.

 

[AsheSkyler]

Ear plugs don't stop the vibrations though. I feel racket more than hear it.
Although ear plugs may knock out the high-pitched whine vacuum cleaners put off. Usually I just put my husband in charge of the vile thing and I go behind a closed door on the other side of the house.

 

[Judge]

I guess I just tough it out. But OMG the high, shrill sound really wears me out after about 10 to 15 minutes of vacuuming. It's one of those cheap lightweight jobs. Horrible sound.

 

[Cali Cat]

... the high, shrill sound really wears me out after about 10 to 15 minutes of vacuuming. It's one of those cheap lightweight jobs.

I have a 1980's vintage Kirby. Talk about heavy metal!

 

[Judge]

I have a 1980's vintage Kirby. Talk about heavy metal!

Like everything else they don't seem to build 'em like they used to.

Shark versus Dyson. Is Dyson absurdly overpriced? Can Shark do the job?

My Dirt Devil is really cheap....not really up to the job.

 

[Cali Cat]

Shark versus Dyson. Is Dyson absurdly overpriced? Can Shark do the job?

My Dirt Devil is really cheap....not really up to the job.

At least you know you're getting your money's worth.

 

[photoaddict]

Ear plugs don't stop the vibrations though. I feel racket more than hear it.
Although ear plugs may knock out the high-pitched whine vacuum cleaners put off. Usually I just put my husband in charge of the vile thing and I go behind a closed door on the other side of the house.

The vibration tends to be what gets me, too. I only mow when I absolutely cannot find someone else to do it because it vibrates even more and is just too much for me. The vacuum I have right now isn't as shrill as some I've had in the past, so it's not quite as unbearable. The leaf blower, however, is awful. Apparently no one else is aware of the sound it makes, though.

 

[Cali Cat]

The vibration tends to be what gets me, too. I only mow when I absolutely cannot find someone else to do it because it vibrates even more and is just too much for me.

That's interesting. The vibration doesn't bother me at all. Because my vacuum is all metal, perhaps it doesn't vibrate as much? As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have a Kirby, which is like the monster of all vacuum cleaners, and it makes enough noise to wake the dead. I can't take more than 5-10 minutes of it without hearing protection.

 

[Arlais]

That's a great idea! I hadn't thought of that. I find vacuuming to be generally therapeutic, if it wasn't for the terrible noise.

 

[Judge]

I can't take more than 5-10 minutes of it without hearing protection.

It does make for an incentive to get the job done fast.

Whether done thoroughly or not.

 

[AsheSkyler]

Does anyone also have a passionate opinion about hair dryers? I have heavy suspicions they are used in Aspie interrogation rooms.

And part of me can't help but think we all cats really do have Aspergers. Flick on a vacuum switch and we bolt with all our hair standing on end!
My great-grandmother used to vacuum her cats to cut down on shedding, so I guess there may be some hope for us too.

That's interesting. The vibration doesn't bother me at all. Because my vacuum is all metal, perhaps it doesn't vibrate as much? As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have a Kirby, which is like the monster of all vacuum cleaners, and it makes enough noise to wake the dead. I can't take more than 5-10 minutes of it without hearing protection.

As for my end of vibrations, I think I'm just part bat or dolphin or elephant foot or something since the actual, physical shaking I don't notice all that much. Really loud things like vacuums, lawn mowers (especially when I'm not riding), cars without mufflers either by choice or design, and other things with a loud but low noise, I can feel it resonating in my chest and it often makes my skin tingle, those sensations tell me of a noise more so than hearing it, almost to the point the vibrations abduct all brain activity monitoring sound so I'm more deaf the louder it gets (aside from the obvious reasons). But oddly, that's the exact reason I loooove to go see big fireworks!

 

[Cali Cat]

Does anyone also have a passionate opinion about hair dryers? I have heavy suspicions they are used in Aspie interrogation rooms.

And part of me can't help but think we all cats really do have Aspergers. Flick on a vacuum switch and we bolt with all our hair standing on end!
My great-grandmother used to vacuum her cats to cut down on shedding, so I guess there may be some hope for us too.

I have a hard time with blow dryers too. I should use the earplugs there too. That's one of the many reasons I don't wash my hair more than once or twice a week. I have to dry it (I can't stand having wet hair0, but I hate the dryer.

My mother had a cat that actually liked to be vacuumed, so I guess maybe there is hope.

 

[Ste11aeres]

Yep, I wear earplugs. But mostly I convince a family member to vacuum instead, or, failing that, just leave the carpet in its disgusting state.

 

[photoaddict]

Does anyone also have a passionate opinion about hair dryers? I have heavy suspicions they are used in Aspie interrogation rooms.

I decided somewhere along the way that I'd rather have wet hair, than use a hair dryer. When my hair was long, I just made sure to always shower in the evening, so it was dry before I went out the next day. Right now, it's short enough that it takes less than an hour to dry, so it's not a problem at all.

 

[AsheSkyler]

I decided somewhere along the way that I'd rather have wet hair, than use a hair dryer. When my hair was long, I just made sure to always shower in the evening, so it was dry before I went out the next day. Right now, it's short enough that it takes less than an hour to dry, so it's not a problem at all.

Ahh, the sweet, wonderful days of my boy cut that dried in five minutes... It's midback now and I do the same thing, just let it air dry. I favor showers in early evening. I've mildewed a few pillows in my time...

 

[photoaddict]

I'd rather get a new pillow than blow dry. I generally try to shower early enough in the evening that it'll be dry enough to braid before bed, but that's not an option some nights. I'm in the process of growing mine out, but it'll be a while before I can braid it at all. It's almost long enough to get it cut at jaw length and be mostly evened out. Then I won't have to cut it again until I want it shorter.

 

[AsheSkyler]

I'd rather get a new pillow than blow dry. I generally try to shower early enough in the evening that it'll be dry enough to braid before bed, but that's not an option some nights. I'm in the process of growing mine out, but it'll be a while before I can braid it at all. It's almost long enough to get it cut at jaw length and be mostly evened out. Then I won't have to cut it again until I want it shorter.

I remember that stage. That evil, vile stage where it's always poking in your ears or on your neck but too short to pull back to a ponytail, or at least one that will stay up for more than five seconds. I was very happy when it finally grew to my shoulders!

 

[Spiller]

I just tough it out

I can feel it resonating in my chest and it often makes my skin tingle

I practice Exposure Therapy and the hoover is one of my tough it out 'tools', as is traffic noise.. never had a problem with hairdriers though, oddly.
Loud music makes my chest vibrate and that hurts and makes me feel sick; I can manage live bands in pubs for a little while, with breaks, but can't do nightclubs, not a chance!