Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I've had increasing sensory sensitivity over the last 5 years or so, and was finally diagnosed with PTSD and OCD on top of my existing anxiety and ADHD earlier this year. I found that listening to music in my AirPods while running errands or in loud stores was helpful, but didn't do what I really needed. I'm still unable to go to busy events and avoid errands on weekends. I also work in an elementary school, and can't do busy halls or assemblies. Even lunch time is a nightmare. I did some extensive research, and landed on Loop Experience (gold). I wanted to be able to hold conversations and hear students/peers, but drown out the louder voices and noises to help keep calm. I'm trying them out at work today in a few different environments. - In my office, I have a water pipe next to my desk where I can hear the workroom below and it drives me nuts when I'm trying to decompress- that hasn't been blocked out. There are some louder voiced folks that chat in the hallway that can be triggering, and those are only slightly dimmed. I feel like the sounds closer to me are more muted than the ones that are slightly farther away (desk to hallway), which is strangely selective. - Outside during arrival, sometimes the mad rush of students is overwhelming. Today, it was perfectly muted, and I could still chat with students and families. However, my voice and footsteps are amplified, which I can't tell yet if it's a bother. - DAY 2 CASE BROKE. I went to pick up the case after it was in for an hour or so on a lanyard and it opened and dropped my earplugs. I can't get it to close now, so I'll have to find a new case. *Constantly comes apart, not well made AT ALL. Thankfully every time it pops open it's been in my pocket or bag so I can put the loop and metal bar back in the hinge. I'll be sewing my own case to replace this. - Works great in big loud areas, still testing the hallway and loud solo voices. So far, I'm indifferent. The selective sounds that are muted are opposite of the ones I want muted but now feel amplified. I don't know if adding the mute accessory (sold separately on their site) would help, or upgrading to the Quiet plugs would be a better option. THREE WEEK UPDATE: - I use these DAILY now. They are great when I'm in noisy classrooms, recess, and while shopping or in grocery stores. - There have been some moments where I wish I had just a little more noise cancelling, or more specific things muted. However, these do a good job of muffling/softening daily background noise while still being able to hear if someone needs me or having conversations. - I've often found comfort using them when I'm just jittery or anxious, even if my surroundings aren't loud or particularly overwhelming. They allow me to just focus on my own thoughts and breathing rather than having extra stimulators. - They've been a game changer. Truly. They are NOT PERFECT, but they do really help someone whose fight or flight triggers can often be random!