Life-Changing Product Review – Flare Audio Calmer Earbuds

Back in 2020 I saw an advert on Facebook for some magical earbuds that supposedly helped reduce stress levels for people with Misophonia (annoying chewing noises, anyone?) and sensitive hearing in a “subtle, but potentially life-changing way”. Like most people, I was sceptical of such claims, especially on a Facebook ad.

But when I looked at the comments, I was surprised to see how many people with sound sensitivities love these. Everyone in the customer reviews I read noted these earbuds make them more relaxed, and filter disruptive noise around them to a more manageable level. So with my sensitive hearing and hatred of loud bangs, I thought I’d try some for myself.

Two years later I’m writing this article about how I’ve spent over £300 on earbuds for myself and my family, something I never imagined I’d say in my lifetime. But why?

Well, here’s my experience with the Flare Audio Calmer Earbuds and how they improved my quality of life.

What are Calmer Earbuds?

Flare Audio’s Calmer earbuds are small, discreet, and comfortable soft-touch durable silicone ear devices. They are designed for sensitive hearing protection from auditory triggers and sound sensitivity. Unlike traditional earplugs or other stress-reducing earplug alternatives, they’re very discreet. Plus, because they aren’t powered like headphones, you won’t need to download an app or pair them with your smartphone.

These discreet ear devices also don’t block out all annoying sounds. But that’s a good thing. Their patent pending technology is designed to block unwanted energy in the form of sound waves. These frequencies trigger sound sensitivities such as Misophonia, auditory processing difficulties, and even hearing conditions such as Tinnitus.

But that’s a good thing, as the goal isn’t to reduce volume, but to reduce stress levels. They let you go about your everyday life with fewer environmental noise stressors and harsh noises. By blocking out the stressful frequencies – not volume – you can still hear everyone around you.

It’s only a subtle difference, but it’s enough to take the edge off the most irritating background noises, turning them into nice, pleasant sounds!

How do Calmer Earbuds Help Sound Sensitivities?

When we concentrate our attention on something, it becomes easier to focus on other things. When we relax our mind, we become more aware of everything around us. That is why meditation helps you to calm down and think clearly, and the Calmer earplugs offer a way into that mindset by removing the most distracting frequencies from everyday sounds by reshaping your ear canal.

It’s suspected those of us who are hypersensitive to loud, annoying noises have an evolutionary trait which has been passed down through generations. We have developed these sound sensitivities as a survival mechanism when we were hunting animals and needed to be able to hear predators coming at us.

In a connected, modern world, this has proven to be much more of a hindrance than a help, often triggering stressful fight-or-flight responses and a hatred of sound. So those of us with noise sensitivity can enjoy earbuds like these to reduce the body’s stress response that comes from background noise and put our minds in a more relaxed state, avoiding sensory overwhelm in the process.

The clear, translucent Calmer earplugs are the most popular hearing devices for a discreet fit

First Impressions – Designs and Sizes

The Calmer range comes in recyclable packaging as an eco-friendly cardboard packet, with a mesh carry pouch and a handy user guide.

The buds themselves are made of silicone and are small, but in a good way! The earbuds take an oval shape and have an antenna-like durable stem at the end of the earbuds to allow easy removal.

They come in three sizes – Kids size (which now comes in a Kids Secure model with lanyard), mini size, and standard size, so there’s something for everyone. My daughter’s 8 and she wears the kids ones, her mum wears the mini and I wear the standard size. They also come with a number of accessories. You can shop accessories here and find some that match your style!

What I Like

Where do I begin? I can’t begin to stress (no pun intended!) how much these earbuds changed my life when I first tried them back in 2020. Here are three main things I love about Calmer earbuds:

They Actually Work!

It’s easy to be sceptical about a product that claims to remove unpleasant sounds, and reduce stress responses such as sensory overwhelm that come with being an Autistic person or having noise sensitivities. But in reality, the Calmer earplugs have to be heard to be believed!

The way they’re designed means I can have them in while wearing my noise-canceling headphones. That way when I’m playing videogames I can immerse myself in high definition sound without being triggered by the usual stressful sounds that make me jump in video games.

It’s important to remember that they work best when you don’t realise you have them in – It’s only when you take them out that you realise how relaxed you are! Which leads me onto my next point.

Flare Audio Calmer come in a wide range of sizes and colours!

You Forget You’re Wearing Them

The soft silicone earbuds are so comfortable I forget I’m wearing them all the time. I usually wear them for most of the day and then a couple of hours per night. Sometimes I sleep with them in becase I forget to take them out! But I see that as a testament to how comfortable they really are and how good they are at blocking out the distracting harsh frequencies.

Speaking of which, if you’re worried about losing them when you take them out, Flare Audio sell an aluminium capsule accessory of different sizes that fit on your keychain. That way you can take them out while you’re out and about and not worry about misplacing them!

They’re Excellent Value for Money

Coming in at just under £20 in the UK and $30 in the USA, the Calmer buds are a bargain. Whatever your use case, you’ll make that money back in ways you can’t imagine.

Maybe you’re more productive at work and get more shift hours, or you get better grades at college since you can focus better. Or if you’re like me, fewer environmental sounds and bursts of noise mean you’re happier wearing them. I don’t overeat for comfort as much as I used to because I’m more relaxed wearing them, so I’m saving money there too!

The Only Downside

If your ear canals are different sizes like mine, you may find that one earbud fits nicer than the other.

For me, this isn’t a huge issue on the Calmer range since they’re soft and flexible enough to accommodate this. But on the Pro version I do have some issues with my right ear over extended periods of time, so I only wear those for two-three hours at most.

Of course, this will vary from person-to-person, and they do offer a very generous 100-day returns guarantee. But I can’t fault the original Calmer range otherwise. They work like an absolute dream and I love how they are so discreet unlike regular earplugs.

Calmer and Music

Some users have reported that they use Calmer earbuds to enhance the audio of their favourite artists. While I never bought them for boosting audio quality and the overall listening experience, nor did I notice a significant difference, they haven’t hindered my audio experience.

Then again, I often listen to amateur recordings through high-end headphones, which sit over the top of the earbuds with comfort. So even with loud music in my ears, these are still very comfortable and enjoyable!

For enhanced music quality and if you’re ultra-sensitive to noise, go for the Calmer Pro!

Flare Audio’s Returns Policy is a Deal-Breaker

Flare Audio have created an effective solution for filtering irritating noises whilst still hearing speech, making these a must-buy. But what if they’re the wrong size?

One of my biggest gripes with products like this is when companies give you a measly return window for health and safety reasons. But not Flare Audio, who are so convinced you’ll enjoy the Calmer experience they offer an incredibly generous 100-day returns policy with excellent customer service.

That’s key, because all Flare earplugs take some getting used to (as well as finding the right size for you, of course). Many Autistic people struggle with tactile sensory issues too, so the returns policy is a deal-breaker.

Do note as well that you need to give them time to work, beyond how they feel in your ears. It’s natural to expect immediate results, but that’s not how they work. I found that it took me a day or two to really familiarise myself with any differences in noise, and now I can’t stop wearing them. It’s an amazing product and I can’t recommend them enough. They truly have changed my life and improved my relationship with my family!

Get 15% off Flare Audio’s life-changing range of earbuds today and let them change your life like they have changed mine!