GADGET GURU

T3's top physicist waves his Geiger counter at your problems

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JAMES, VIA EMAIL

How do I cope in loud environments?

A few options here, so let's go down the sliding scale depending on just how loud and environmental we're talking. The ultimate in ear bafflement is probably the professional safety ear muffs from Decibel Defence (£50), which claims they chop out 37dB of pressure. That seems high - most over-ear protection tops out at closer to 30dB - but Guru isn't about to risk another visit from the council by testing them. If you're looking for in-ears, Mrs Guru recommends the SnoreCalm Plus Foam Ear Plugs (£5 for seven pairs), which also carry a noise reduction rating of 37dB and mean she only has to sleep two rooms away from GaGu rather than four.

The obvious next step is active noise cancellation, which isn't quite the same thing and isn't altogether great at dealing with sudden spikes in volume. Get something with both good passive and active cancelling - the £399 Sony WH-1000XM6 are (obviously) astonishing, and the second-gen Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (£300) are the most capable buds since Guru made friends with those builders.

Most over-ear protection tops out at closer to 30dB - but Guru isn't about to risk another visit from the council by testing this

If it's more a case of reducing sound, you could wear your headphones or buds with the ANC switched off, or pick up something a bit more discreet. Mrs Guru swears by the Loop Switch 2 (£55). They're adjustable, and functionally cut down the amount of sound that reaches your ears. Guru himself favours the Flare Audio Calmer (£15) which aren't adjustable, but are basically invisible beyond the little dangly bit that helps you pull them out.

GRAHAM TROOPER, BEDFORD

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