Silent movies first hit our screens towards the end of the 19th century, and they quickly took the world by storm. Though the movies being shown have evolved greatly over the years, a trip to the theater remained the people’s top choice of entertainment for decades, only really starting to tail off somewhat with the arrival of the first home television sets. That’s not to say the humble cinema doesn’t still attract many enthusiasts, however – and here’s hoping the gradual reopening of society post-lockdown will spur renewed appreciation and support for them in the years to come!
The Modern Cinema Experience
In modern times (prior to the disruption of the coronavirus pandemic), the cinema has become a particularly popular choice for dates – whether the couple are stepping out together for the first time or have been happily married for years. Of course, there are all sorts of reasons to visit a movie theater, not least because of a passion for film and the unique, cinemagoing experience you just can’t quite recreate at home, no matter how hard you try.
It’s true that many homes are now designed with viewing habits in mind, but not only are HD TVs and quality surround sound systems an expensive investment, there’s nothing that can fully compete with the immersive atmosphere of a movie theater. After all, there are many factors that contribute to the experience of a trip to the cinema – from the buzz of fellow excited moviegoers, to the boom of the speakers, even down to the smell of freshly made popcorn!
Cinemas also benefit from the sheer variety they can offer in comparison to a simple night in at home: from an ever-changing lineup of the latest big film releases and indie gems, to a host of tasty drinks and snacks.
Excess Noise at the Movies
While the scale of the visual and audio quality on offer at a movie theater is the biggest draw for many people, for others, it can contribute to a feeling of sensory overload. Those with misophonia (hypersensitivity to sound) may even feel that they simply cannot risk a trip to the theater at all.
Being aware of the problem, however, means you can take pre-emptive action to protect yourself, so you needn’t miss out on the fun. A pair of earplugs can be worn discreetly, dampening the impact of the noise that may otherwise bombard you in the theater.
Even those without particular sensitivity issues can benefit from the ability to block out distracting background noise – be it the crunch and rustle of snacks, the slurping of drinks, the chatter (or snoring!) of fellow, less considerate viewers, or the commotion of those bustling back and forth from the restroom throughout the screening.
Earplugs in the Cinema
It may seem strange, but there are many people who already choose to wear earplugs in cinemas and suchlike for the very reasons mentioned above. It is also common for the staff at cinemas to utilize them, since long-term exposure to high noise levels can have detrimental effect on our health and hearing.
Luckily, the earplug market is constantly evolving to reflect the best advancements in design, efficiency, and comfort, meaning there are options to suit the needs of every individual. It is now possible, for example, to purchase hearing protectors specially designed for babies (suitable from 3 months onwards). This means family days to the cinema that may previously have seemed impossible can still be enjoyed, with the baby able to nap in peace, undisturbed by the noise of the movie. Earplugs are also an excellent option for many people (of all ages) living with autism. Since they are often particularly prone to sensory overload, the cinematic experience may prove daunting, but with the right plugs, they needn’t miss out entirely.
Choosing the Right Earplugs
While there are specially tailored options for use during the likes of swimming or motor sports, it’s something far simpler that is required in this instance. You can reach for a pack of classic disposable earplugs (Multi10 or Tube, HASPRO 1P Foam) if you’re looking for the fastest, most affordable solution, or opt instead for any of our moldable or custom made-to-measure products if you prioritize the perfect fit.
