#loop switch

[goldkirk]

If anyone’s been looking to get some Loop earplugs, there’s a huge sale on them on Woot today (I’m guessing it’s a stock clear out before the new seasonal editions drop soon):

Loop Earplug Blowout

Curse that real estate agent who convinced you to live on a busy street.

It doesn’t have their newer models or the more sleek/improved Switch 2, but these are all solid models despite being a little outdated. I still wear mine all the time.

[spicy-flower]

I've used my Loop Switch pair for about a month now, and I'm happy to say that they've been working well for me. There are some things that I am less keen on, but overall it's a good product.

TL;DR: have been great for navigating overwhelming and loud scenarios, for focusing, and other tasks. Occlusion effect may bother some more than others, but overall they're pretty good. A bit pricey, but if you can afford it I think it's worth it.

(full review under the cut)

Design

I like the sleek design (the earplugs aren’t visible from the front) and the portable case. Because both the earplugs and case are small (although this is to be expected) I feel I am prone to losing them, but alas that goes for most things as well. There's a small, stretchy loop on the case which fits well on my lanyard for school.

I have seen some reviews mention that because the “switch” feature makes the earplugs bulkier they are uncomfortable for them. Personally I haven’t found this to be a problem and I think they're pretty comfortable, but I also haven’t been wearing them for very long periods of time which may make a difference.

The ear tips are really hard to put on and I really struggled with it, but I found my fit pretty easily (Small).

Function

Occlusion: The occlusion effect is noticeable and I’m weirdly self conscious about it, but I think it’s a small price to pay compared to overstimulation.

Switching feature: There is definitely a difference between the settings. I think it would be fine to order the Engage and Quiet separately as I don’t see much of a use for the Experience mode - it’s very close to the Engage setting in terms of reduction. However I understand the appeal (and agree myself) of having multiple modes in one, it’s just more convenient.

Personally I wish the Quiet mode had higher noise canceling, and the Engage mode was just a little bit lighter because in most situations it’s a bit too heavy. Then the Experience mode would fit better in the middle.

Use Scenarios

Sleep: I actually have no use for sleeping in these because it’s very quiet where I live, but I decided to try them out for the purpose of this review. I lasted maybe 30 minutes wearing them but the ringing that I hear in quiet places was amplified way too much. They seem perfectly fine in terms of comfort but I have no idea how they are for the entirety of the night.

Grocery Shopping: Grocery shopping is a nightmare for me with all of the bright sounds and repetitive and/or overlapping noises. After wearing them a few times they’ve been a great help, but I get a bit anxious because people’s voices are still difficult to discern from the background noise and I have no idea how loud I’m talking. This becomes more of an issue when shopping with family members/others, but would be fine if I’m alone.

School cafeteria: These have been such a lifesaver in the cafeteria. Although I do have to say I avoid wearing them while eating (mouth noises are way too loud), after I finish I can talk to the people around me while feeling much less overwhelmed.

School hallways: I also wear them in the school hallways sometimes, and they work well.

Focusing: I wish they blocked out more noise, but much better than nothing.

Very sorry if any of my writing is confusing!

[silentlyscreamingatyou]

I just got the new Loop Switch ear plugs. Generally, I cannot stay in the same room as anyone while they are eating. Today I was able to stay in the same room as my son while he was eating Pringles and I could not hear any noise from him with them set to the Quiet setting. These are an absolute life saver.

Expensive at $60, but for someone like me with severe misophonia, absolutely worth every penny.