If you're really overwhelmed by loud places but still want to go to them..

[GleamingHeels]

I find it really painful to be in loud environments, like a gig, but I do want to go to one with my friends at New Year.

Are noise-cancelling headphones what I need? I can't cope with anything inside my ears, like earplugs or earbuds.

Do you have recommendations, also can you tell me how they work, can I hear anything at all with them on?

I feel a bit clueless, but I want to stop this limiting what I do

Ear defenders? Noise cancelling headphones are to listen to music without distraction.

Ah, probably that's what I mean @GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat, I haven't really attended to this issue in any way other than avoiding loud places

I use ear plugs and they tone it down to make the background more managable.

Ear defenders would do the same although more obviously.

Ear defenders are what you need - my dc use them.