I don't know about anyone else but I cannot read unless it's completely silent. Especially when it comes to academic journal articles. Most of them are so wordy and boring I often have to re-read sections twice before understanding the material, which becomes extremely irritating when you have to re-read something four times due to people yelling, slamming stuff, making random noises or just plain acting uncivilized. Yes my family is horrible!

Anyway, I used to wear earplugs which blocked out most of the noise except extensive yelling. Then it hit me what if I combine earplugs with those headphone ear protector people wear using power-tools or shooting guns? Long story short I went to the hardware store picked up a pair and now combined with earplugs I can block approximately 60-65Db of yelling - it's fucking GREAT!


http://solutions.3...+3294529207&rt=rud

this is a great idea if you're stuck inside for the day b/c of rain/snow. but alternatively you could just walk to the park (on a nice day), pick a tree to climb or sit near and get a ton of reading done that way as well.