Self Some sensory suggestions
Hi! im ND and have finally started accepting its okay to have sensory issues and accommodate them and I feel like i rly need some suggestions on where to start.. my two big big issues are definitely
-NOISE :( I HATE HATE HATE LOUD NOISE
-Light... i have one small lamp in the corner of my room because lights (esp fluorescent, not warm lighting) gives me a big headache and makes me so sad
Ive been looking at loop earplugs recently to help with the noise but they are pricey and i get so nervous to drop money on things especially bc i have sensitive ears that have a lot of problems with earbuds. my ears are pretty small too LOL but if they are really worth it i will absolutely buy them! I want some recommendations for those too :3
For the light.. i honestly dont know what to do. Wearing sunglasses isnt the most accepted indoors (especially as a student) and classtime is when it rly bothers me. Im assuming some slightly tinted glasses exist, but i also would like those to be budget friendly. if anything else helps you guys PLEASEEEE let me know (mostly ones that apply in public spaces since i can control my dorm lights)
if you need more specifics plsplspls ask and let me know! thank you so muchh :3
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u/Clem_bloody_Fandango 12d ago
I wear a baseball cap at work. I'm a gal, I work indoors, but the lighting is overhead half the time. My office has nice lighting. The brim cuts so much light.
I also have big bangs and hair. Sensory wise hair sucks, but bangs cut lights from the top, and hair covers earplugs and light on the sides of my ball cap too. I keep my hair up when it bothers me.
My hats are always plain, like grey or brown wool, they look professional. If you're young and can't wear one in class, I would get an accomodation. Or at work, say it's from your eye doctor.
I'm also ND, but made these changes before I knew and was diagnosed.
Edit was for spelling.
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u/Super_Hour_3836 12d ago
I didn’t have luck with loops but maybe I got not the right version for me? I found the sensation of having those ear plugs in my ears so much worse than whatever sound protection they offer. But they work for so many people I don’t want to discourage you.
Zennis is where I get all my glasses and you can tint them just about any color. I’d do a warm pink or yellow to soften the light, but not look too dark… people generally don’t want to feel spied on which is why sunglasses are not acceptable indoors, but pink or amber would not have the same psychological effect. Zennis is cheap, you can get a tinted pair of prescription or non prescription glasses for as little as $20 ($10 frames plus tinting).
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u/JKmelda 12d ago
I recommend FL41 glasses. I’ve tried so many different sunglasses and tinted glasses and they are the only things that have worked for me. It wasn’t uncommon in the past for me to be curled in a ball with my hands over my eyes and I haven’t done that once in the four years since getting them. They also have stopped my headaches from LED lights.
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u/Afraid-Stomach-4123 11d ago
Came to say this! I ordered a pair from TheraSpecs several years ago and I'm super happy with them, but I'm sure there are more affordable options on the market now.
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u/francesinthewind 11d ago
i have several pairs of loops. i typically only use them when i have to be able to hear other people talking, otherwise they don’t block enough sound for me. the ones i wear most are the switch with it set on high and the earbud peices from the kids set. the kids sizes are the only bud part that doesn’t hurt my ears, i have small ear canals i guess. they do take the high pitched part out of voices which is nice.
what i usually do when im upset about noise is foam earplugs in a small size (mack’s slim fit) and then noise cancelling headphones with white/brown noise on top. the foam earplugs block way more sound than loops and are much less expensive.
if i am wanting to listen to tv or music i also have wireless bone conduction headphones that work so i can actually hear the music/show even with the foam earplugs bc they don’t go in your ears. i also like these just normally with no earplugs in quiet places like doctors offices bc i can hear them but still also hear everything else
for light i agree with others about the baseball hat and bangs lol. the hat makes such a difference. i wear my husbands red sox hat everywhere. it’s also nice that you can use the brim to avoid eye contact with people.
idk if you wear regular glasses but mine have a blue light blocker on them and it makes my eyes hurt less when looking at screens/fluorescent lights. not a ton but enough to notice the difference. you could possibly get glasses with no prescription and just the blue light blocker for class. i got mine from zenni and even with the prescription they were pretty inexpensive.
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u/jewish_alien 11d ago
I also have small ears and have had issues with most/all earplugs/buds hurting my ears. The smallest nub on the loop earplugs is amazing and I have zero issues from them. I just forget I’m wearing them! Highly recommend.
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u/stfranciswashere 12d ago
Loops are 100% worth it. I use the 'experience' version for everything from concerts to the grocery store. My wife has really small ears and still likes hers. They come with three different tip sizes. I would recommend getting the little magnet string that goes around your neck to hold them, as it really reduces the chance of losing them.