Subj : Re: Eliminating distractions while programming
To   : comp.programming
From : Randy
Date : Mon Jul 18 2005 12:41 pm

rex.eastbourne@gmail.com wrote:
> I'm sitting in a very noisy office right now (multiple people talking
> about recent posts on Slashdot). I just can't focus on my project. What
> do you folks do to fix this situation? Music distracts me, and earplugs
> don't do enough. I've seen drummers wear headphones that apparently
> block sound very well. What are these called? I couldn't find any on
> Froogle.
> 
> Unable to concentrate,
> 
> Rex

Why not wear ear canal phones (which shut out most noise) and then
listen to a continuous white noise MP3, or something like ocean surf?
That ought to drown out the ambient roar in the same way a fan does.

Noise canceling headphones do exist, but they're designed to drown out
constant sound like rain, tire whine, engine or wind roar, etc.
Irregular sounds will still penetrate their algorithms (which is
generally a good thing).  These are available from stereo stores or even
construction equipment suppliers.  Just search the web for "noise
canceling".

    Randy

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