I used to use construction 'headphones'. They do nothing but dampen outside noise - no music. It's a pretty good solution ... but a solution to a stupid problem because the right solution is more productive working conditions.
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> the right solution is more productive working conditions
Absolutely! To me what's most disturbing about "Just use headphones" is it's highly prevalent information-age companies but shows a deep _lack_ of understanding for the need for _focus_ and long periods of uninterrupted concentration essential for creative work.
Its not just information age companies, it seems to me that many people in general are ignorant of the concept that a distraction-free work environment is important. I'm at a company that has been around for 50 years, and they still stuff their engineers two at a time into small "offices" (without doors, with concrete floors). I can hear everything.
Hell, why aren't you just using construction worker ear protection and a horse blinders?
I've used construction headphones for maybe 5 years now, way better than noise canceling and they are cheap. These ones are the best:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009LI4K/ref=sr_ph?ie=UTF8&qid=14...
Some people will tease you about wearing them, but honestly by the end of most of my stays at Companies I've converted at least 3-4 people to using them.
Like the article states, listening to music reduces your cognitive abilities, I prefer absolute quiet. I find it almost beautiful like a great song to hear nothing but the clarity of my own thoughts.
Any comments on Peltor X4A? They are much thinner, but only reduce 27dB. Strangely in Europe they claim 33dB.
>Strangely in Europe they claim 33dB.
The standards of measurement are likely different. Measuring "volume" (sound pressure level) is a very tricky business.
I was thinking this exactly. You could easily use hearing protection equipment like what is typically used in construction. Also, you could sit with your back to the wall instead of to the heavily trafficked area.
However, it raises the question: "Should employees have to solve these problems?". Depending on the office size, a more private setting could be provided for the employees affected.
"you could sit with your back to the wall instead of to the heavily trafficked area"
In many offices, you can't just re-orient your desk or choose to move.
I'm picturing wearing my hard hat / facemask / ear protection setup in an office. It is OSHA approved for some occupations...
It certainly would be conspicuous.
I use these with low volume ear buds underneath. Nothing gets through the combination and the music volume can be very low and still easily heard, so hearing ins't affected.
Wow, I did not think of that. I tried noise canceling headphones and they made me a bit dizzy, but the last time I used construction ear protection I was fine. Thanks, if I ever end up in a cube farm again, I'll have to try that.
I have an office now and temp is my main problem since I am right next to the server room.
used these back in highschool while doing homework, took them straight out of my garage and put them on my desk. they work great