I just want quiet...

[PamNY]

Surely the jackhammerers use ear protection? Constant jackhammering is one of the most annoying noises to tolerate.

We've been having neighborhood meetings about Occupy Wall Street -- they have a drum circle which goes on until 11 pm. Even with lots of normal city noise and construction, that constant drumming noise is making me crazy. It somehow penetrates and travels really well.

[westtexas]

I know exactly how you feel. Nothing gets me more irritable and cranky than noise. I have often wondered if I am sound sensitive because noises that don't seem to bother others really annoy me. Luckily my apartment is generally fairly quiet, although I wonder about my neighbors with all the random loud bumps that come from their end of the wall between us. Luckily I'm on the third floor so I'm the one vacuuming on others' ceilings.

I definitely put in for earplugs. When I had a very noisy and inconsiderate roommate a few years ago, it was the only way I survived. Basically, I put them in when I got home and didn't take them out until I left the house the next morning. I even showered in them so I didn't have to listen to her slamming doors and coughing (she was sick ALL the time) and generally making other small annoying sounds.

[Biciclista]

Jack hammerers are required to wear hearing protection per OSHA standards but that does not mean that it is enforced. It will lead to hearing loss.

[OakLeaf]

I pretty much don't leave the house without a pair of earplugs in my purse! You never know when you'll need them.

Hope things quiet down your way soon. Noise is so stressful.

A pair of moderately priced noise-cancelling headphones might be an option, too, if you need to be able to hold a conversation.

[Biciclista]

i can send you a set but you can buy them at the drugstore for pennies too. or dollars.. the new pennies.

[OakLeaf]

FWIW, the ones I use are the Hearos Ultimate Softness. They're rated NRR 32 and they're the only ones that don't hurt my ears so badly that the pain wakes me up.

Over the years, riding motorcycles and sleeping, my ear canals became very sensitive, and they haven't toughened up any now that I'm riding and traveling less.

[Pax]

FWIW, the ones I use are the Hearos Ultimate Softness. They're rated NRR 32 and they're the only ones that don't hurt my ears so badly that the pain wakes me up.

Over the years, riding motorcycles and sleeping, my ear canals became very sensitive, and they haven't toughened up any now that I'm riding and traveling less.

Same ones I use, got started with them on long motorcycle trips and now use them for all sorts of things. Good stuff!