Earmuffs That Won't Make Me Look Like a Lunatic When Going Out?

[Jack Barnes]

Almost every time I leave the house I'm exposed to some horrible noises (e.g., children screaming, shopping carts slamming, boxes being dropped, motorcyclists, grocery scanners, doors slamming) and I've reached a point where I feel I need to start using some form of ear protection when going out. Trouble is, earmuffs make you look like a weirdo and earplugs can impact wax. I'd really rather not go with earplugs as my ears are pretty sensitive physically and I don't want to push any wax further in.

Does "subtle" looking over-ear protection exist? Or should I man up and wear my bulky peltor 105's to the grocery and feel like a complete idiot (I have some social anxiety issues so not looking forward to this)

Thanks for any recommendations or advice.
Jack

 

[Bill Bauer]

Peltor X4A look smaller than Peltor X5A...

 

[Jiri]

I wear Peltor Bull's Eye 1 (black) and am quite happy with those. -27 dB NRR and are low profile.

 

[Jack Barnes]

@Bill Bauer @Jiri

Hey thanks for the recommendations, I like the way both of those look but about an hour ago I pulled the trigger on these: https://www.ebay.com/p/Walkers-Razor-Slim-Passive-Muff-Black-Gwp-rsmpas-Ear-Muffs/715274004

Found them in that earmuff thread you made Jiri lol so thanks for that. Also got some Ohropax earplugs to try out which you had recommended to someone.

I'll give an update on how the razor's work out when they get here

 

[Julien87]

Maybe this (low profile but flashy): https://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-Lo...1&refRID=WT62F6G5GHTVH61B2WZ8&tag=tinntalk-20

And I like the design of those:
https://www.alpinehearingprotection.com/earplugs/musicsafe-earmuff/

Looking like this apparently, quite discreet:

Add a Sony sticker and they'll look like headphones haha

 

[Jack Barnes]

@Julien87 I like the low profile, I'll keep those in mind. Thanks.

edit: Those alpine ones look pretty sleek, nice

 

[Jiri]

Found them in that earmuff thread you made Jiri lol so thanks for that. Also got some Ohropax earplugs to try out which you had recommended to someone.

No problem Glad you found it helpful.

 

[Bobby B]

I'd seek some psychological help and get over social anxiety issues first

Being worried what strangers may think of you is very unhealthy

I wear my x5a for commute every day subway and train , noisy restaurants and such and don't give a rats ass what other may think - I have already enough issues already don't want to add extra ones

 

[Jack Barnes]

@Bobby B Absolutely it's a horrible mindset to have. Lots of unneeded stress for no reason really. Psychiatric help has yielded little to nothing for me in the past, but I do intend to try that route again sometime.

The good news is this devastating T+H combo has really put into perspective how "mild" social anxiety is comparatively, even though I would classify mine as severe. I've actually made some progress with my SAD over the last few months simply because T+H have taken priority, causing me to care slightly less about what people think.

Thanks for your input, wish I had your bravery

 

[Dem]

Maybe some relatively cheap Earphones will provide enough protection while being casual looking?

 

[JurgenG]

https://www.amazon.de/dp/B004H38ROW/ref=pe_1941441_77693631_tnp_email_TE_Cardp_2

 

[Adin]

I use the MDR 1000x nc headphones when commuting as well as other instances when loud sudden noises may occur. Not cheap by any means but the noise cancelling as well as audio quality on those is stellar and they look hella stylish too. Otherwise at bars, parties or loud restaurants i just use classic yellow earplugs as i feel those provide enough isolation 9 times out of 10

 

[Jack Barnes]

Hello again. Here to give a quick update on my quest for low-key earmuffs. After trying several different great looking pairs I ultimately settled on some Peltor optime 95's, which are just a much smaller version of my 105's. The reason being that you can bend the headband to make them looser. I neglected to mention in the OP that earmuffs make my ears & jaw hurt almost instantly, so alot of adjustability is a must. My bad.

The 95's don't look amazing or anything but they're really thin which is good enough for me.

Thanks again to everyone
Jack