I was sitting in Think Coffee nestled on Mercer Street. Usually the quirky playlist playing in the background of the noisy cafe overrules any Ed Sheeran I try to play in my headphones. Usually I can't hear myself repeating my study notes over the giggle and cackle of college students seemingly in every seat. But on this Wednesday morning, I could.
The quirky playlist was still quirky and a little bit too loud; the college students were still college students and seemingly in every seat; but I didn't have my small earbuds that I normally had. The main difference? I was wearing ISOtunes Noise-Isolating Earbuds.
These earbuds aren't just earbuds and honestly put any device I have ever used to shame.
"ISOtunes™ and ISOtunes™ PRO are tested and approved in accordance with ANSI S3.19-1974 specifications. As such, they meet OSHA and NIOSH requirements to be used as hearing protectors in the workplace.
The result is the first-ever Bluetooth earbuds proven to block outside noise, allowing you to appreciate your music in peace and quiet, no matter how loud your environment is" (ISOTunes).
Not only do they help in noisy study environments for the average college student just trying to get a 4.0 GPA, but they also are approved and rated for hearing protectors in workplaces like construction sites. ISOtunes is designed to be highly effective in very loud environments with a noise reduction rating average of 26, by the EPA standard. All that matters once you put these earbuds in is your music and what you want to hear.
Also, they are operated through Bluetooth, bypassing any annoying wire differences with the ever-changing technology around us (looking at you, iPhone 7).
Another cool feature? You can pause and restart music simply using magnets on each end of the earbuds.
So now that you can actually hear your music, these earbuds also make sure to do your music justice. They deliver a precise, natural sound with rich tenor and deep bass.
Living in New York, the sense of piece and quiet isn't something I'm used to. Especially on the subway.
But during an extra long commute home from work one night, I decided to try the earbuds out- to see if they withstand the 6 PM rush crowd trying to board the N and R train at Times Square. And they did. All of a sudden I was transformed into my personal world of my sound, when I wanted it; how I wanted it.
It didn't matter that the person next to me was watching a Tasty video on Facebook or playing Kanye West with no headphones. It didn't matter that the subway screeched out of Times Square, headed south. It didn't matter that the cries of a tired child echoed throughout the dirty subway car. It didn't matter because all I heard was my music. I was finally in control of all of the extraneous variables that could be bothersome or stressful.
If you're an introvert, these are the earbuds for you. It takes back the lack of control of our environment we normally don't have access to. Who knew earbuds could make you feel so powerful and so.. yourself?
You can buy your own pair and see for yourself here.