Noise can be a problem in certain situations, especially the snoring of your bed partner or office work where you need to concentrate on specific tasks.
So how do you block out noise?
First, some methods for blocking out sound will require few additional supplies other than what is standard with any set of earbuds, such as Apple EarPods.
Below is my detailed guide on how to block out noise without earplugs.
Ways On How To Block Out Noise Without Earplugs
These are the best and most recommended methods for blocking out noise without using earplugs.
1. Noise Cancelling Headphones
The most important feature in ANC headphones is the attenuation of ambient noise.
Noise-cancelling headphones do this by either creating a sound wave 180 degrees out of phase from the noise (active noise cancellation) or using dual microphone technology to separate and cancel overall environmental sounds (passive noise cancellation, used here).
The performance of headphones with each method has pros and cons.
Active noise Cancelling products with active cancellation can eliminate loud noises like airplane engines during a flight but are battery-powered, so you’ll need to bring along an additional power source.
On the other hand, passive-noise cancelling headphones don’t require batteries but will still let louder sounds such as voices.
Both options include similar audio specs as found on non-noise cancelling models.
Some brands offer both noise-cancelling and noise isolating models.
2. Play Your Favorite Soothing Music
Ah, it’s a beautiful night.
The crickets are singing, the stars twinkle in their ice-blue spheres, and there isn’t a single goose shitting itself to be heard.
Unfortunately, you can hear every car on your street, every person walking on the sidewalk… and that shithead upstairs banging his girlfriend?
It’s like he knows how much I want to listen to my music without having to turn it up loud enough for all to hear…
Yes, listening to your favorite tunes is one of those things that really make life worth living.
But if you live in an apartment building or have a neighbor who seems determined not to get any sleep tonight — read my detailed guide on how to deal with loud stomping neighbors.
3. Soundproofing The Door
Covering the door with soundproofing materials can help reduce unwanted noise and disturbances.
You’ll need various acoustic products, such as packing/sound absorption panels and insulation blankets; these items are readily available through many vendors online or from your local hardware store.
Also Read: How to Soundproof a Sliding Door
Tools needed include those typically found around the house like hammers, screwdrivers and safety scissors.
Before starting anything, make sure you have a plan.
For example, you may want to insulate the door before buying soundproofing materials or vice versa
Determine which side of your door requires more soundproofing and begin with that side first. Remove everything from the area as much as possible (this will make it easier to measure).
Also Read: How to Stop a Door From Slamming
Measure how wide your new insulation is going to need to be to cover all four sides and overlap every inch on top of what’s already there.
Take note of this measurement so that you know exactly how long they should be when purchasing product online or at a hardware store.
Use the safety scissors to cut down your insulation.
Cover all visible areas of the door with soundproofing material (remember, this should include four sides and overlap).
If you are unsure as to what height to cover these sections, it is best to measure from the floor up by standing in front of them then have someone help mark off where they need to be covered.
Then simply place your acoustic panels or soundproof blankets around those lines until they’ve been wholly covered, which will create an insulated barrier against any exterior noise.
4. Soundproof The Windows
If you want to block out noise without earplugs, soundproof a window.
Windows are typically the number one culprit of letting in unwanted sounds outside your home or office because they’re usually not appropriately sealed.
Take some time to seal up any cracks on the frame and around the glass.
Sound blocking curtains are an excellent way to reduce the amount of noise that enters your bedroom at night while still enjoying natural light from outside.
Also Read: How to Soundproof a Window from Traffic Noise
It may seem like a lot of work, but if being away from intrusive background noise allows you to focus better on what matters most, then it’ll be worth every second spent doing these tasks.
Final Thoughts on How to Block Out Noise Without Earplugs
You know that the world is getting louder, and we need some way to protect our hearing. But what about when we’re trying to sleep?
There are so many things going on every day, making it difficult for us to find peace and quiet.
From traffic outside of your window, noisy neighbors who live in close proximity or just have too much stuff inside our homes create an echo chamber effect.
So how do people get relief from all these noises?
The answer lies from the above discussion, and it turns out there are plenty of ways besides wearing earplugs that can help.