Is there anything wrong with wearing ear plugs at the theatre?

[user1471867483]

I have very sensitive hearing and have always disliked anything too loud. When I go to a concert/musical theatre I wear very discreet earplugs, but I get mocked with, "Going to the theatre and having to wear ear plugs. What is wrong with you"?

I don't have a problem with wearing them, but I do have a problem when people comment. I love concerts/theatre and it doesn't ruin my fun to wear them. So, why do people think it's so uncool? I even have to wear cotton wool in my ears to sleep as my hearing is extra extra sensitive and anything/everything wakes me up.

Of course it’s fine. No-one will even notice.

There’s nothing wrong with it at all. There’s actually quite a big market these days for earplugs to wear at live events - just look at the success of the Loop ones.

People are very rude if they’re mocking you. Arseholes. I’d probably give them a Paddington stare while pairing it with the MN classic phrase “did you mean to be so rude?”

Who is mocking you? Because they're a twat. It's absolutely fine and I'm sorry someone in your life has made you feel otherwise.

My mum 😥. She hates my timidity and sensitivities.

I have used musician ones for years. I have never had anyone make nasty comments.
Or maybe I couldn't hear them😊

Seriously, it is none of their business.
Ignore them.

No judgement here OP, but if you're using conventional earplugs have you tried these: https://www.loopearplugs.com/? I've heard good things about them softening sounds but still keeping them audible.

Your Mum is the problem, not the ear plugs.

Wear them all the time: block out your Mum

Well tell her that her genes caused your hearing sensitivity so back off. Do you have to spend this time with her? She sounds very unpleasant.

Err even musicians and stage technicians can wear some to protect their hearing..i wear them in cinema and theatre because it's too loud for my enjoyment it feels painfully loud and gives me a headache. I had people look but I guess they were curious.i don'r care if they think I look silly.

Tell her to mind her own bloody business. I wear Loops at the cinema because it’s always too loud and then sound of popcorn crunching and bags rustling drives me nuts. Nobody else is entitled to any sort of opinion on that.

That’s nasty.

If she mocks you for wearing them again, suggest you reply “yes, you’re right mum, I need to get some better ones because I can still hear you with these ones in”.

I've never gone to any event where there is live music and speakers, without wearing ear plugs.
I mean, who can see them?

Even if you wear your hair away from your ears, earplugs can be very discreet and I'd wonder at the odd person who'd not only notice at a concert, theatre, or other event, but have the temerity to comment directly!

My hearing is very good, and I won't compromise that for anything!

Oh love. I could hear a lifetime of you being dismissed and ridiculed from those two sentences. I'm sure this isn't the only time she makes you feel like this.

I imagine you've been conditioned from childhood to think that she is right on this, and that you are being 'weird' and 'difficult'. But you aren't. She is completely wrong. No one else will notice, and if they did they wouldn't care. It doesn't affect anyone else.

I went to the cinema recently and as soon as the adverts started I couldn't bear the volume. It was literally making the auditorium and my seat vibrate. It's so unnecessary and excessive. The first 10 mins or so of the film were the same and I found it really uncomfortable but I adjusted to it eventually.

But if it's a theatre performance (not a musical) which is mostly going to be dialogue, surely if you put earphones in you won't be able to hear it properly? That's got to be more annoying that it being a bit loud.

Mock her back tell her it's her fault and her shitty genes and if she looks hurt tell her it's a joke. You don't have to accept what she says..tell her how you hate her rudeness or callusness or self consciousness at the expense of her child'd comfort. Fight back.

Going to the theatre and having to wear ear plugs. What is wrong with you

Who is telling you this repeatedly?? To come across multiple idiots who tell you the same would be incredibly unfortunate.

Im a musician and everyone who cares about the longevity of their hearing wears earplugs, whether on stage or in audience. Maybe not always at a theatre show but always at a music gig.

Some earplugs have different hearing options, some let you hear conversations but dulls out other noise. It's not total silence necessarily. I have the Loop earplugs.

I use transparent silicone earplugs and they’re very discreet. I make sure I wear my hair down and they’re hardly noticeable.

That's good to know, I might look into those. Thanks.

I've been known to wear mine when it's loud. Your mum sounds horrible, sorry.

It wouldn't surprise me if she was responsible for most of them