Factors to Consider

Sometimes it’s difficult to know whether to use ear plugs or white noise (aka sound machine) to block noise.  Since I feel like I am the guru of all things noise-related, I thought I’d throw out some pointers.  You’re welcome.  (By the way, if you’re not sure, check out this article on what white noise really is.)

• Consider the noise you’re trying to block.  Is it within the room you are in, or is it from an external source?
• What are you trying to do?  Work?  Relax?  Sleep?  Manage tinnitus?
• How long do you need coverage?  30 minutes?  A couple hours?  All day or night?
• Do you want silence or something else to listen to?
• Are you sharing your space with someone else or are you flying solo?

How to Know Whether To Use Ear Plugs or White Noise

The answers to those questions will largely determine whether to use ear plugs or white noise.

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  The Sonet is a great choice for work or sleep.

  If you are trying to block a noise from within the same room, it kind of depends.  Let’s say you are sharing a bedroom with a small child who coos or moans, or an adult who snores.  Dependent upon your level of noise sensitivity, you could go either route.  I usually use both- a white noise generator to block consistent sounds (snoring) and ear plugs to block less predictable sounds (crunching sheets).  Sharing a room to sleep is the one time I consider ear plugs.

• If you are trying to block an external noise (barking dog, neighbor’s crying baby, car horns, weather, etc), then white noise is the way to go.  Ear plugs can be uncomfortable and downright painful if you have sensitive ears, and a white noise generator can easily handle outside noises.
• If you are trying to work, I suggest a The Sonet for its superior ability to cover unwanted distractions.    If you are trying to relax, I like a sound machine with nature sounds, but those without birds.  I like a nice, smooth sound, such as a waterfall or waves lapping.  If you are trying to sleep, you could go with ear plugs or a sound machine (see above points).  If you are managing tinnitus, ear plugs will only add to the discomfort and frustration.  A sound machine with sound therapy is definitely the route to go.
• I also think the amount of time you desire coverage is important to consider.  If you want a specific period of time, why not go with a white noise generator that has a timer?  That way you can relax or take a nap for a specific amount of time and the lack of noise can serve as an alarm or a reminder to move on.  However, if you are looking for all-night coverage, you can use ear plugs instead.
• If you desire silence, while ear plugs kind of just dull your ability to hear, they would provide “silence” more than a sound machine by very nature of their construction.  On the other hand, many people prefer a little noise to keep their brains slightly occupied so they can rest or even fall asleep faster without worrying or becoming anxious.
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  The Sound Oasis Travel System

  If you are sharing space with someone, you will want to ask them if they mind a white noise generator.  If they do, ear plugs would be a better option.

Hopefully, the tips have given you some insight as you choose between ear plugs and white noise.  And, if a sound machine isn’t in your budget,  here’s a free white noise generator.  If you are in the market for a sound machine, my personal favorite is the Sound Oasis Travel.  You get all the perks of nature sounds in a small, portable package at an affordable price.

Back in April, we wrote about questions to ask yourself when trying to decide whether working from home would be a good option for you. Recently, I came across an article by Ana de Silva that talks about the benefits of telecommuting, so I thought I’d share some of the highlights of that with you as a follow up to the previous post.

Lower Costs for Employers

Reduced office costs
Fewer people in the office results in lower office bills: less coffee to provide, fewer paper clips to stock, fewer phone calls to pay for, less toilet paper to buy and so on.

Reduced health insurance costs
Employees who have more flexibility in their schedules tend to be happier people because they may arrange their schedule to include running errands, taking care of their children and getting enough rest and exercise.  Happier employees = healthier employees = lower health insurance costs.

Lower Costs for Workers

Less fuel and other car expenses
Working from home will save you money on fuel and put less wear and tear on your car.

Lower child care expenses
Although working from home you’ll still need to dedicate the same amount of time to work, you can still be the person who will drop off and pick up your children after school, take them to the doctor or even watch out after your toddler for half of the day.  But most importantly, the time you spend with your children is priceless, which brings us to the next section.

Personal Reasons To Work from Home

Spending time with your children
Thirty five hours per week at work (40+ for Americans) plus commuting time all adds up to time not spent with your children.  Both you and your children will be happier if you spend more time with them.  But you can always ask your children what they think.

More time for oneself
You may put the time you spend commuting towards your hobby, favorite sport, studying or other experience more enriching than attacks of road rage and smelling the armpits of that guy in the metro who’s never heard of deodorant.

Increased productivity
When employees have more time to be with their families or to do things for themselves, they’re happier people.  Happier people are less stressed out and are less likely to make mistakes.  Happier people are more productive, which leads to more work done and more money saved.

I would also add a couple more points.

Less money spent on professional wardrobe

If you don’t have to go in to work, then its okay to wear your jeans, tshirt, and crocs all day.  You’d just need to purchase a few outfits for when you do need to go into the office.  (That was a test, by the way. There is never a need to wear crocs unless you are gardening.)

Fewer Distractions

If you are working from home, then you won’t need to find ways to block out your coworkers annoying voices. However, you would have to be careful not to let other things distract you.

If its possible with your job, working from home can make a lot of sense (and cents!) both from your standpoint and your employers. If you haven’t already, ask yourself a few questions to see if it could be an option for you.