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Best Ear Plugs?
- Thread starter tmandudeguy
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I can only study with earplugs in. These are the best I have used http://www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/CVS-Superior-Soft-Foam-Earplugs?skuId=857158
I've used multiple brands and all of CVS's variations are the best.
I've used multiple brands and all of CVS's variations are the best.
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You're allowed earplugs in the MCAT testing center? All they have are those horrible headphones at the one over here. I find the ones made of silicone block out sound the best, but they're a challenge to put in. Good Luck!
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I've been using these on a near nightly basis:
http://www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/CVS-Foam-Earplugs-Advanced-Protection?skuId=317536
They block out just about everything and significantly dull everything that they don't block. There were some similar looking earplugs that are a brand name that are sold in CVS as well, but I can't remember the name. They worked just as well if not better, but also made my ear ache after wearing them for several nights.
http://www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/CVS-Foam-Earplugs-Advanced-Protection?skuId=317536
They block out just about everything and significantly dull everything that they don't block. There were some similar looking earplugs that are a brand name that are sold in CVS as well, but I can't remember the name. They worked just as well if not better, but also made my ear ache after wearing them for several nights.
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but they have to be sealed at the test right
I tried a few different kinds and like the Leight Sleepers by Howard Leight the best. They are yellow and pink. Got them at Walgreens.
I recommend buying a few different kinds and testing them out to see which you prefer. It's worth it, trust me. I hated wearing earplugs but they are necessary for this test, so just find ones that are comfy and functional.
I recommend buying a few different kinds and testing them out to see which you prefer. It's worth it, trust me. I hated wearing earplugs but they are necessary for this test, so just find ones that are comfy and functional.
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I've never used Ear Plugs before and my MCAT is in a week. So I bought these today just to see how they are, and WOW, these are great. Easy to put in, kept all compressed while I put them in. Amazing sound reduction and not as uncomfortable as I would expect.
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Why would you say they are necessary? Is it that loud in the testing center?
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The door opening and closing is extremely annoying. I highly recommend earplugs if they allow. I feel bad for the people facing the door AND getting seated first.
Do you have a Shopper's Drug Mart where you are?
I have been buying ear plugs from there forever and they are great.
They are bright orange and the base is wider then the part that goes in your ear. They are really soft so you squeeze as much as you can and then pop them in and allow them to expand. I find that they totally block out everything (my brother plays guitar).
But yeah, as everyone else said, make sure they are sealed and brand new.
I have been buying ear plugs from there forever and they are great.
They are bright orange and the base is wider then the part that goes in your ear. They are really soft so you squeeze as much as you can and then pop them in and allow them to expand. I find that they totally block out everything (my brother plays guitar).
But yeah, as everyone else said, make sure they are sealed and brand new.
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Are they allowed to refuse you use of your own earplugs if they don't violate a regulation?
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This. My test center pre-emptively told me I wasn't allowed to write anything during the tutorial or NDA, which I know is allowed since we had a big thread on that exact issue just a week or two ago. I didn't really care since I think that spewing equations down on paper during the tutorial is pointless, but the point is that you should expect to have to deal with some arbitrary rule changes.
As for earplugs, they seemed kind of annoyed that I brought my own, or at least annoyed that I brought a jar of 50 (it was the only pack I could find that was obviously sealed, all the 5 or 10 packs had no way to tell if they had been opened or not). They didn't even seem to notice or care that it was sealed either.
hi - just giving my 2 cents here so feel free to do whatever makes you feel comfortable -
at my test center the headphones provided blocked a LOT of noise so if you don't normally study with earplugs I don't necessarily think it's the best time to start now, especially considering they provide you with decent headphones - earplugs are, at least for me, pretty uncomfortable after a little while so if you're like me they would probably be more of a detriment than a benefit during your test
that being said, if you do choose to bring them - make sure it's an unopened package so they don't give you any hassles (i think technically you are only allowed them if it's an unopened package actually so be prepared for that)
at my test center the headphones provided blocked a LOT of noise so if you don't normally study with earplugs I don't necessarily think it's the best time to start now, especially considering they provide you with decent headphones - earplugs are, at least for me, pretty uncomfortable after a little while so if you're like me they would probably be more of a detriment than a benefit during your test
that being said, if you do choose to bring them - make sure it's an unopened package so they don't give you any hassles (i think technically you are only allowed them if it's an unopened package actually so be prepared for that)
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I brought my prepackaged box in and the lady looked at me like I was nuts and told me to take two out and that was fine. I would get a prepackaged box every center is different and thats what the MCAT essentials states that you must have an unopened box.
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I think I'm going to bring a full printed copy of the official testing regulations to my test... This is absurd...
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So you're telling me I'll have to buy two separate packages of earplugs? One to take some practice tests with some, and then another unopened package for test day? 
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New here but thought I'd chime in.
Your test center should provide you with earplugs. It may also provide you with headphones, which you can and should wear in addition to the earplugs. This is what I did and it helped considerably.
But, bring an unopened pair of earplugs just in case. Look for comfort and noise reduction.
I also highly recommend taking advantage of the provided breaks so you can give your ears and head a respite. They'll be sore from the earplugs and headphones.
I did not bother with earplugs while taking practice tests. If you've used them before (for construction, mowing, etc.) you shouldn't have any problem with them while taking the test.
Your test center should provide you with earplugs. It may also provide you with headphones, which you can and should wear in addition to the earplugs. This is what I did and it helped considerably.
But, bring an unopened pair of earplugs just in case. Look for comfort and noise reduction.
I also highly recommend taking advantage of the provided breaks so you can give your ears and head a respite. They'll be sore from the earplugs and headphones.
I did not bother with earplugs while taking practice tests. If you've used them before (for construction, mowing, etc.) you shouldn't have any problem with them while taking the test.
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My wife who is an Audiologist made a set of custom ear plugs for me. They are the kind that swimmers use. They aren't too expensive, 20-30 bucks maybe. But they clean up easily, last forever, and are super comfortable. I would contact a local ENT office that has audiologists on staff and I bet they can hook you up. Better yet head over to the Audiology boards on SDN and poke around, they can probably point you in the right direction.
