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Yes! I've taken to wearing huge studio headphones on the subway. They do a fantastic job of blocking the horrible screeching noises of the R train, and also stop strangers from talking to me.

I just can't wear big headphones like this walking around in public. It's not because I think they look ridiculous (although, they kind of do) but because for some reason I get very nervous not being able to hear ANY of the noise around me. On the subway I always wonder if I'm missing some important announcement (I know, I know, odds are if it's that important I'll notice the people around me reacting). If I'm walking on the street I always wonder if I'm missing a car horn or a bicycle bell or something else. Maybe I'm paranoid? :)

Yes, bluestar, you are paranoid. lol love it.

I don't think you're paranoid, bluestar. I know two people who've been mugged while they were obliviously listening to their walkmans (that dates these episodes, doesn't it?)... The thing about it was that they were so incredibly surprised at what was happening - in broad daylight, they didn't hear a thing until the person was literally upon them. In one case, that person gave up listening to music in public so that they could hear those subtle cues of movement around them. Not that hearing well stops a mugging, but at least it's not as freaking surprising.

Still... I'm tempted by the thought of saving my hearing by wearing this protection in the subway - but how are they received by the general public? I haven't seen anyone but the train conductors wear these.

Sea - as far as how the big headphones are received, nobody looks twice. People see so many weirder things going on on the subway and midtown streets all the time. And Bluestar, I would agree that it probably isn't a good idea to wear them at night, or in more deserted areas like the park. The morning commute feels jammed pack and pretty safe though, as long as I keep one eye fixed on my purse, as usual.

I used to wear little ear buds at work, but people would never know that I had headphones in and would start to talk to me and I would never here them. Now I where big audiotechnic headphones when I am trying to "get into the zone" at work. . when I really don't want people to bother me. . works great!

I do agree though with Bluestar, I rarely wear headphones at night or much in public. I feel very closed off without being able to hear what is going on around me.

Sea, save your ears and a lot of money by using the small foam earplugs that are sold in hardware stores, instead of industrial ear protectors. They do a great job of blocking out the worst of the noise, without cutting off hearing 100%.

I've been thinking of trying that, brooklyn-em. Much easier to carry around, too! (And I could try them in some of the insanely noisy restaurants I go to - as you say, you can still hear people talk to you.) Thanks for the extra push to actually try this out.

im vain. i wont wear them cause they will mess up my unruly mop of curly hair. ..that and sometimes the curls get stuck. and nothing says *funny* like a girl in trying to pull they headphones out of her hair.

i got those lil bose in ear ones. works great for now..