People with Loud Leaky Headphones on The Train

alikazi on 17/01/2017 - 09:36
Last edited 17/01/2017 - 10:41 by 1 other user

So I take the Sydney trains everyday to and back from work like millions of others. My commute on the train is 1 hour long one way. Often I want to nap on the journey to catch some sleep that I usually don't get enough of. Sometimes I code on my laptop. And 3 out of 10 times there's at least 1 guy wearing headphones playing loud music destroying his ears and the headphones he's wearing "leak" sound. It sounds like someone's simply put on music without headphones. Some others watch TV shows in loud sound. Unsurprisingly, it ruins my sleep and concentration. I don't know if they have such low self esteem that they feel the need to show off like that.

I have at times asked them to reduce the volume. They always get defensive with me instead of understanding that they are being d**kheads. More often through I move to another cabin. But for me this is BASIC public decency. Who the hell are you to blast your s*it music in a public environment? It's the same as putting your feet on the seats and that IS prohibited and fined.

What I want to know is if causing noise pollution is prohibited in the trains as well and can attract fines/warnings? If yes then I have better reasons to be confrontational than just that they are being indecent in public. And I also want to know if you experience this and what do you do? I don't like to listen to music like most people on the train so there's no point telling me to just buy noise cancelling headphones.

Travel

Comments

  • siresteelhell on 18/01/2017 - 22:07
    +2

    LMAO at people now days, you are in a public place?? HELLO?…drive a car or take a taxi if u want to limit the noise from others….Like the person a while back complaining that the smell of their neighbours laundry detergent was upsetting their sensitive nose….LMAO get over yourself

    • alikazi on 19/01/2017 - 01:09
      -3

      Ok will you send me money so I can invest in a car because you don't like my expectations of basic decency from people? Oh that's my problem not yours? Ok if you don't like this post why don't you just ignore it? You are on a forum where people can express their thoughts HELLO? LMAO at people nowadays.

      • siresteelhell on 20/01/2017 - 00:36
        +3

        I always laugh when people post on forums for opinions on a topic, but really only want people to agree with them and back them up then get offended when someone disagrees..Ok if you don't like this post why don't you just ignore it? You are on a forum where people can express their thoughts HELLO? LMAO at people nowadays.

        • alikazi on 20/01/2017 - 08:50
          -4

          I know right? SOME people nowadays.

    • resisting the urge on 19/01/2017 - 16:03

      So the unnecessary, selfish emission of ugly noise is ok?

      Wake me up later this year when it's ok to:
      - Noisily flatulate with no smell
      - Secretly flatulate with plenty of smell
      … and the like.

      Such rebellious school children have joined these old favourites:

      • the egg-cracker
      • the take-away feaster
      • the sweaty, contagious sneezer
      • the drunk, compulsive puker
      • the graffiti artists from well-off homes spraying the AC intakes

      The rules follow the problems- it will only be a matter of time before eating and polluting in almost any way gets banned because of the poor behaviour of a few insensitive poseurs.

  • bobbified on 18/01/2017 - 22:07
    +5

    Get over it. It's public transport and you won't always get things the way you want it. If there's no loud headphones, the next thing you'll probably complain about is crying babies or people talking too loudly.

    But that doesn't mean you don't have options to move away from it.

  • TtiGeR on 18/01/2017 - 22:22

    One hour journey (one way) is pretty long.

    I feel less annoyed since relocation as I now travel just 15-20 mins on the train. (plus a bit more sleep in the morning and a bit more time with the family after work)

    I understand moving might not always be an option.

  • carwashhair on 19/01/2017 - 06:47
    +2

    Pushing this into a grey area - I also hate hearing people's headphones blasting on PT, yet occasionally i AM that person :s

    I was born with 40% hearing loss, so I basically don't know when my music is considered 'loud' for other people, only when they tell me. I don't intentionally blast my music, i wear NC headphones so my listening volume doesn't have to compete as much with external transport noise, and while I'm shocked the 4-5 times a year someone asks me to turn my music down (for the record, it's usually when playing a droning, distorted mid-frequency music), it's mainly because I'm lost in my own music/way of dealing with a commute, and also that I'm now THAT 'inconsiderate' person.

    I'm always mortified that I'm irritating someone else's commute, but unless I'm told I have no real idea, unfortunately, as my ears may not perceive sound frequencies the same way yours do.

    As for your situation, I would echo others in getting NC headphones - they really go a long way in helping shape your own soundscape/commute. I applaud you for asking people to turn down - it's hard to do and ideally you shouldn't have to, but not everyone might be aware/deliberately ruining their ears. Also, as above - quiet carriages will also help you here. Good luck with your commute - I'm doing nearly 2hrs each way and know that even an hour is tough.

    • John Kimble on 19/01/2017 - 08:34
      +1

      I have nothing to back this up, but I would think the majority of cases would involve inconsiderate/clueless/douchebag, not people with hearing loss like yourself.

      • alikazi on 19/01/2017 - 09:13

        Agreed.

    • alikazi on 19/01/2017 - 09:13
      +1

      Thanks for saying this.

  • Godric on 19/01/2017 - 07:46
    +3

    If you want decency on public transport then you might want to start driving into work

    • alikazi on 19/01/2017 - 09:37
      -5

      The cost to benefit ratio is too high.

    • gekiyasu on 19/01/2017 - 09:41

      ^^^ This. Or try cycling / ebiking. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/252976 Sometimes it even works out quicker. And no noise / smells / delays / agro of public transport.

      • airzone on 19/01/2017 - 13:13

        Not for an hours commute. That's like campbelltown or penrith distance.

  • DiscoJango on 19/01/2017 - 08:12
    +1

    You live in a world with 6 billion people, most situations will not go your way. It is not an ideal world. Deal with it.

  • Gronk on 19/01/2017 - 08:55
    +1

    Fear not, for I have the silver bullet you're seeking!

    30 mins to an hour before you board the train, knock back an Aussie Bodies HPLC bar - make sure you down the whole thing. Within an hour, I gaurantee you'll be laying down gas that will clear a whole carriage, problem solved!

    • alikazi on 19/01/2017 - 09:35

      Haha. That's a good backup plan. I will am going to try that bar to check its effects.

      • Gronk on 19/01/2017 - 09:46
        +1

        Pick a day / time when you're not going to be around people you care about, you have been warned ;)

  • cuteseal on 19/01/2017 - 09:36

    I haven't seen it mentioned, but the design of the headphones/earphones make a huge difference.

    Some are designed to be "open", which allow air and sound to pass through (both ways) and make them sound more airy. Some are designed to be closed, which don't leak as much sound but you don't get the perception of "space". In ears vs earphones vs headphones also make a difference, where the speakers/drivers need to be louder due to their position in relation to your eardrums.

    I'm very conscious about what my co-workers can hear especially in a quiet office environment so I read up on reviews and test out the headphones specifically for sound leakage before I buy them.

    On the train, I've got a feeling it's a combination of ignorance of the above, and also the need to turn up the volume to drown out the train noise which further compounds the issue.

  • tarken on 19/01/2017 - 09:57
    +2

    I had one guy play his music through a portal speaker and at high volumes.. Either that guy was trying to put people off or was high..

  • syousef on 19/01/2017 - 10:06
    -2

    A train isn't a public library. A couple of decades ago you wouldn't have been able to hear those headphones over the red rattler rattling. Get over yourself.

    I don't know what other people are like but if I use any kind of ear bud I get ear infections and those huge monstrosities that enclose and cook your ears are not a good solution either.

    Use to use the trains every day. Only person that ever complained about my leaky style headphones was quite intoxicated and smelling of alcohol at the time (which is actually illegal on the train). If I was going to complain about something it would be the smells. People farting in enclosed spaces. Love the idea of breathing in tiny particles of someone else's excrement.

    • ozbjunkie on 19/01/2017 - 10:17

      It's illegal to be intoxicated or smelling of alcohol on the train? Got a reference for that factoid?

      Sounds like you're one of those leaky headphone scrubs.

      • syousef on 19/01/2017 - 15:59

        http://www.sydneytrains.info/travelling_with/conditions_of_t…

        "Alcohol
        Consumption of alcohol or being in possession of an open container of alcohol is not permitted. Drunk and disorderly people are not permitted on stations and trains."

        • ozbjunkie on 19/01/2017 - 17:55

          Drunk and disorderly is different from intoxicated. Otherwise everyone Friday and Saturday night would be getting charged on masse rite?

        • syousef on 19/01/2017 - 17:58

          @ozbjunkie:

          Drunk and intoxicated are synonyms.

          And if you didn't get drunk from my post when I said "quite intoxicated" that is on you!

          Funnily enough Sydney Trains doesn't like having drunk people stumble off their platforms into the path of oncoming trains, or picking fights, or telling other passengers they don't know how much they love them.

        • John Kimble on 19/01/2017 - 18:23

          @syousef: intoxication encompasses more than just alcohol though.

        • syousef on 19/01/2017 - 18:38

          @John Kimble:

          My exact words above were "quite intoxicated and smelling of alcohol at the time". You didn't get "drunk" out of that? Are you trolling me?

        • John Kimble on 19/01/2017 - 18:43

          @syousef: Sorry, I was talking in general specifically referring to this bit:

          Drunk and intoxicated are synonyms.

        • syousef on 19/01/2017 - 18:47

          @John Kimble:

          http://www.thesaurus.com/browse/intoxicated?s=t

          intoxicated

          adj drunk
          adj extremely happy

          Synonyms for intoxicated

          • drunken
          • tipsy
          • blind
          • bombed
          • boozed
          • buzzed
          • inebriated
          • loaded
          • looped
          • muddled
          • potted
          • smashed
          • tanked
          • high
          • sloppy
          • three sheets to the wind
          • tied one on
          • tight
          • under the influence
          • unsober

        • John Kimble on 19/01/2017 - 18:55

          @syousef: Unsober!? Never heard of that one!

          Again I was just talking generally. Yes drunk usually means from alcohol and so does intoxication more often than not, but you can also technically be intoxicated by something other than alcohol… that is the point I was trying to make. :)

        • ozbjunkie on 19/01/2017 - 19:50

          @syousef:

          Drunk and disorderly, has to be together, drunk alone is not an offence. Not in NSW. In QLD and Vic you can be arrested for public drunkenness, but in NSW you have to be causing a disturbance.

          Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002. The New South Wales Act considers a person to be intoxicated if they are:

          behaving in a disorderly manner or in a manner likely to cause injury to the person or another person or damage to property; or
          be in need of physical protection because of intoxication.

    • John Kimble on 19/01/2017 - 11:02

      Love the idea of breathing in tiny particles of someone else's excrement.

      Bahaha, factually incorrect… unless people are farting naked and directly into your nose, you are not breathing in poop… And even then it's not technically poop…

      • syousef on 19/01/2017 - 16:03
        +2

        It depends on what you call excrement. If you include the aromatic compounds absolutely correct. If you're talking about bacteria yes nudity required.

        http://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/digestive…

        "A nurse who wondered whether her farts in the operating room were contaminating the environment prompted a microbiologist to study the issue. He asked a colleague to direct a fart toward two petri dishes 5 centimeters (nearly 2 inches) away — once with his pants on and once with his pants off. Overnight, the petri dishes that had been the target of the unclothed fart grew bacteria. A closer examination revealed the bacteria were typically found only in the intestines and on the skin. Turns out, if someone farts naked near your nose, you could actually inhale bacteria contained in airborne, bacteria-laden droplets of poop"

    • resisting the urge on 19/01/2017 - 16:27

      Maybe they don't like the noise leaking from your earphones?

      BTW: There are many closed earphones that are light on the head and encompass the ear entirely, they just have to be well designed. In past work I had to wear cans for days on end, and had no problems.

      Most headphones are designed to sell, not be used. That's why most of them come in packing worth more than the phones and sound really poor. Also why they keep making new models that sound just as bad as the previous ones.

      • syousef on 19/01/2017 - 17:43

        I see. So because something worked for you, it has to work for everyone. No.

        These are the only headphones I use after trying lots. There is better sound quality out there but these are very good and don't cook my ears nor infect them. They are durable. Some people find having the 2 chords with different lengths a problem and some can't get them to sit on their ears properly. I find them just about perfect…except noise isolation is not fantastic.

        http://www.philips.com.au/c-p/SHS4700_98/ear-clip-headphones

        I finally found something reasonably priced that doesn't cause me pain, risk damaging my ears or lump me with a medical bill and I have enough copies to last until the 3.5mm jack is no longer common or I die, whichever comes first. If the whispers escaping from these bother people I will turn them down if asked politely but I repeat a train is not a public library and not a quiet environment in the first place. My first copy were a gift from my brother and sister in law.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/01/2017 - 12:02
    +2

    HARDEN UP

  • John Kimble on 19/01/2017 - 12:03

    I think open plan offices are worse given you have to spend 8 hours a day there; especially when you have to sit next to the cranky old two faced office manager who complains/whinges/swears about almost any task she has to do, verbalises many emails she receives and types, has conversations with the sys admin guy 20 metres away…her attitude is so negative it sometimes wears down my morale; which isn't too high in the first place! Headphones are the only solution I can think of…approaching/confronting her will only result in me making an enemy (I assume)…she can't change her spots and even my manager said it would be a waste of time…

  • jellykingdom on 19/01/2017 - 12:09
    +2

    I'm surprised you find sound leakage that bad. What pisses me off on public transport is the people who decide its cool to play their music and videos WITHOUT headphones. Now THAT is really annoying

  • kasp on 19/01/2017 - 12:21
    +1

    Stop being a grump.

    Also sleeping in a public area is far bigger (profanity) act than people with a bit of noise leaking headphones. People should tap you on the shoulder and inform you of how much of a (profanity) you are being sleeping in a public area.

    • abb on 19/01/2017 - 14:16
      +1

      What's so bad about sleeping in a public area?!

      • syousef on 19/01/2017 - 16:20
        +1

        Maybe he only sleeps naked? ;-)

      • kasp on 19/01/2017 - 16:55
        -1

        Whats bad about a bit of headphone music?

        • abb on 20/01/2017 - 08:55

          Well it's an annoying noise that disrupts other people.

        • kasp on 20/01/2017 - 10:22

          @abb:

          So are people sleeping on the train. Heavy breathing/snoring and the fact they aren't alert so can't react or move to anything and generally take up more than 1 seat.

  • peterpaoliello on 19/01/2017 - 12:55
    +1

    Can't change the world, save your sanity and take on the suggestion of things you can do to protect your sanity without need for them to change their behaviour as you'll never win.

  • NickosFoivos on 19/01/2017 - 13:44
    +6

    You sound like an annoying person.

    You are on public transport. What do u expect? Not sure about Sydney trains, but OMG! I wish that was my biggest issue with the Mel trains.

    Either get a car or a noise cancelling headphones.

    • ronnknee on 19/01/2017 - 13:49
      +2

      Exactly this. OP is expecting some first class service on Sydney Trains.

  • OzzyOzbourne on 19/01/2017 - 15:30

    Police are bothered about apex gang crime, they certainly aren't going to enforce public decency.

    Your only hope for karma, would be if the police catch him slipping over the speed limit one day, since that's all they enforce.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/01/2017 - 16:02

    Public space
    No rules ever followed
    Just like apartment blocks / Shared Common areas
    Lazy people, dirty people, foul people, gross people
    can't change the facts of life

    I am moving once my lease is up, almost half tempted to leave a mess but I am better than that :)

    Furthemore to your point, if you don't like the train and its noises / people utlizing it
    Drive into work / Pay a premium in fuel / parking spaces to enjoy your environment

    Your complaint really isn't warranted granted a train has numerous people sitting in your chair everyday
    You want a first class service, expect to pay for it, possibly car pool with someone else into work?

    Complaining isn't going to change the circle of sydney public transport life and you will find yourself in trouble annoying people about their slightly loud music

    I don't know about you but the trains were extremely loud just running along the tracks when I used to live in Sydney

    • resisting the urge on 19/01/2017 - 16:35
      -2

      @shawncro 222: Why should the OP drive when he could just turn to drink instead?

      That way there he'd stop complaining. A lot of people in this thread would be free to express themselves however they want.

      And, if he slowly poisons himself in private and dies alone, there's no way he could upset anyone else and the world would be a happier place, right?

      • alikazi on 19/01/2017 - 17:58

        Cheers!

        • resisting the urge on 24/01/2017 - 13:44

          @alikazi: No worries!

          But LOL, I must be right: See how many get so upset they down-vote that post without explaining why! ROFL

  • Jabba the Hutt on 19/01/2017 - 18:41

    What irks me is how small or poorly-placed the quiet car signage is.

    Order a 'Howard Leight sampler pack' from eBay or a safety gear store to try the various kinds of earplugs. Once you've decided what kind you like best, you can order them by the box full - far cheaper than buying earplugs from the chemist.

    I'm partial to the Max Lite, as it's low pressure and comfortable for extended use, yet more than adequate the block out leaky headphones provided they're inserted properly:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gajb4bOu4Rs

    Although you don't necessarily need to jam them in that deep (doing it as shown causes them to painfully bump against something in my ear canal).

  • clubberlang on 19/01/2017 - 23:06
    +1

    It's not leaking as such some people are idiots and refuse to wear headphones when listening to the music on their phone or whatever. It's really annoying as all phones come with headphones but they get off on everyone else hearing what their choice of music.

    In saying that OP I think you're a touch precious public transport is not a bedroom and if you want to sleep on it that is your problem it doesn't mean other people aren't allowed to talk to each other, take phone calls etc.

    Just yesterday on the train one guy was clearly drunk and was yelling out abuse at everyone that got on the train, you get all sorts on public transport and you do probably need to harden up a bit.

    • alikazi on 20/01/2017 - 23:17

      I don't know how to "harden up" my hearing. My ears pick up the unnecessary loud music. "Unnecessary" is the important bit.

  • Dogfight on 19/01/2017 - 23:41
    +1

    grow a pair OP
    he paid the fare just like you did, you dont have to tolerate him, you can sit somewhere else. same could be said about you when you snore on the train or your BO.

    if he chose to damage his hearing that's his problem.
    you`re just waiting to get punched in the face if you try to confront him.

    pressing the emergency button for someone who is talking loudly on the phone sounds extreme and should be treated as misuse.

  • ScroogeMcChicken on 20/01/2017 - 02:14
    +1

    The offender is probably wearing open ear headphones. I don't think people realise there are two different types of headphone designs (open or closed) and just buy what looks cool and is cheap. See here for an explanation of the differences https://lifehacker.com/open-and-closed-headphones-explained-…

    My suggestion would be to purchase closed noise cancelling headphones like the Bose ones suggested by others or if you find these too bulky purchase noise cancelling earbuds. Make sure you get the powered (active) type that have a battery as these will work whether plugged into a sound source or not.

    • alikazi on 20/01/2017 - 23:11

      Cool thanks for the input.

  • O15 on 20/01/2017 - 08:44

    You'd think someone sleeping on public transport should have greater concerns than leaky headphone.

  • signanddatehere on 20/01/2017 - 09:13
    +2

    one word for those commuters with loud music and leaky headphones 'INCONSIDERATE'.

  • phokati on 20/01/2017 - 09:31
    +1

    In my opinion "Its a Train" Its public and all variety of people would get on a train, Some play loud headphones music, Some chat continously, some laugh loud, talk loud. You shouldn't expect a daily commute train to be quiet.

    In all honestly I think the trains are much quieter for the number of people in the carriages. All they do is Head down sunk right into the mobile. How about having a real conversation to someone about anything but no the damn facebook videos…

  • Sowny on 20/01/2017 - 09:42
    -1

    I know how it feels. It's something the retards don't understand.

    My tip for you is, Always keep a water bottle with you in your bag or something. Whenever you fall into the same situation, take the water bottle, start sipping it, also spill it on them intentionally. They will move away..

    • Baebs on 20/01/2017 - 13:15

      take the water bottle, start sipping it, also spill it on them intentionally. They will move away..

      Sound advice right here.

      • scrimshaw on 20/01/2017 - 18:38

        Or you can start yelling "I'm so spuhsial!" while pulling the most retarded face you can possibly manage.

        Or casually ask them if they have a moment to talk about their lord and saviour, Nicholas Cage.

    • John Kimble on 20/01/2017 - 13:36

      I didn't know the OP was talking about cats!?

  • Excelsior on 20/01/2017 - 09:53

    This is the epitome of having first world problems. Lol.

    • John Kimble on 20/01/2017 - 10:27
      +1

      Disagree. Social retards/inconsiderate folk are an every world problem.

  • jacross on 20/01/2017 - 10:54

    Ear plugs are a thing. Who in their right mind doesn't know that ear plugs are a thing? You don't need to buy $100 noise cancelling headphones. You need to buy $4 ear plugs.

    Or sit in a quiet carriage.

    Like I agree with you that they are being rude but you sound like a helpless individual and I have very little patience for people like that. Particularly when it's helpless by choice rather than disability.

  • WaitAwhile on 20/01/2017 - 11:24
    +1

    In W.A. Transperth already has this covered under infringements. http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Using-Transperth/Infringemen…

    • If you use a personal audio device, always use earphones keep the volume low.

    This way you can always direct the transit guards to do there job if someone has loud music.

    Try and get the transport authority in your state to implement a similar rule and then you don't have to deal with the noise makers directly.

    • alikazi on 20/01/2017 - 23:08

      This is good. I am going to chase up on this. Thanks.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/01/2017 - 11:44

    Move closer to the city.

  • darkchoc on 20/01/2017 - 13:04
    +1

    http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/5-Pair-Safe-Soft-Foam-Ear-Plugs-Tap…

    Roll these between your fingers, place in your ear, enjoy silence. $2 well spent

  • peterpeterpumpkin on 20/01/2017 - 14:15

    Just remembered the Twilight Zone episode "A Little Peace and Quiet" - https://youtu.be/nezoHhdVOUU

  • dirtykent on 20/01/2017 - 14:23
    +1

    1st carriage should be a quiet carriage. Maybe someone can get a petition going.

  • Findo on 20/01/2017 - 15:05

    Harden up buttercup. It's public transport, get a car if you want to ride in silence.

  • bargdebarg on 20/01/2017 - 20:22
    +1

    People are f|_|ck3d and need to be taught respect for other people in a public environment. However, other than glare at them I usually just ignore them and turn my music up a bit (which is through excellent no leaky in ears!)

  • darkmattersunB6c0MV on 20/01/2017 - 20:48

    I usually travel in the quiet carriage.
    If someone is being too loud ( minor sounds excepted), I politely tell them that it is a quiet carriage, and point out the sign. Usually works.
    Ditto for loud earphones. People are usually reasonable.
    I make sure that my phone is on silent, and I NEVER use my surface pro on the train- I know the irritation of the taping keys. Also, I travel off peak, so less rush.

  • xoom on 21/01/2017 - 08:37

    i had to tell off a family talking loudly to each other while sitting in the 'quiet carriage'

    the sign was right above their seat.

    inconsidetate doesn't begin to describe people like these.

    • Jabba the Hutt on 21/01/2017 - 10:56

      the sign was right above their seat.

      One of the small, poorly-positioned signs circled on the right?

      https://i.imgur.com/3wGbOo1.jpg

      Might send my poorly-photoshopped suggestion to Sydney Trains :)

      • xoom on 21/01/2017 - 11:02

        sadly these signs could be as big as this and in bright flashing neons and the dingbats wouldn't see it.

  • SpotTheOzzie on 21/01/2017 - 08:52

    At work, at the pub, at social settings I'm an outspoken, usually loud, entertaining confident fellow but when I'm on trains something weird happens to me. I'll literally reject incoming calls so I'm not talking during the train parts of my commute even though I'm not in quiet carriage.

    On the Western Line we are usually packed in like sardines and I absolutely hate people loudly talking on trains more than anything but there always seems to be somebody talking that loud that the entire carriage can hear them speak. More often than not, and at the risk of someone playing the racist victim card, it's non-English speakers.

    Does anyone else go into their shell as well during the train rides?

    • John Kimble on 21/01/2017 - 09:11

      Yes, any public transport, but particularly buses and trains.

      Elevators and toilets too…still don't get people who talk or even make eye contact in toilets…why bro? Get in, get out! And don't take the urinal/cubicle next to me if they are all empty…sigh.

  • humbala on 21/01/2017 - 09:45

    Worst offender is the apple earpods, that leak so badly. The older version do leak too. Android phone normally comes with the 'in ear' design and generally leak a lot less

    • lostn on 21/01/2017 - 18:59

      All pack in earphones are trash and people who use them have no standards. They're almost as bad as the Beats! people. Only difference is these guys didn't pay hundreds extra for their trash.

  • iridiumstem on 21/01/2017 - 09:57

    Loud music, if it makes you feel any better, those would damage the ears as much as it bothers you?

    I agree that the person is not being considerate if he/she doesn't reduce the volume even after others tell him/her off, but it's a public transport and what more can you do?

    I think the easier way to solve the issue is for you to get an earplug, a decent in-ear earphone or a noise cancelling headphone. I don't think you'd need anything more than a good in-ear earphone or an earplug. Some in-ears can offer fairly good noise reduction (Etymotic research ones boast 35~42 dB noise isolation, if you can withstand sticking the entire thing into your ears).

  • lostn on 21/01/2017 - 18:58

    Even louder is when people talk around you. Lots of them. Happens more in the afternoon than mornings as people leave work/school together.

  • doznbay on 22/01/2017 - 10:54

    I've often thought about this, and have also had friends rant to me about headphone leakage and noisy passengers. I often come to the same conclusion though. It is not meant to be a quiet space, so I have no right to ask people to be quiet (with the exception of quiet carriages, which I don't know if they actually exist in VIC).

    Also (and more importantly), I am pretty sure 2 people have a conversation would be louder than headphone leakage, and I would never ask people around me talking to whisper.

    Moreover, I'm pretty sure the sound of the actual train roaring about is louder as well, and I have no issues with that.

    Lastly, if I'm really bothered, just put on some good isolating headphones and listen to some music at a comfortable volume and I can't hear much anyway. Just my 2c.

    • lostn on 22/01/2017 - 14:54

      If the OP can hear someone's headphone leakage, it must be a very quiet train. Normally the din of people talking on the phone, or talking to each other, announcements, traffic, doors opening, people getting on and off, already overpowers any headphone leakage.

      Headphones are not the loudest things to complain about, and as you said, it's a public space. You're not entitled to quiet.

      • xoom on 22/01/2017 - 16:17

        not exactly. there has been people out that are clearly putting the volume right up on their phone/music player. not sure why. im guessing they are trying to shut out the noises on the train not realising the sound is leaking out because they are not using a decent quality earphone/headphones. like ones with noise cancellation.

        with my bose qc35 i never have to turn up the sound past 50% because any higher and my ears will likely be ringing when i get home. 40 minute commute on the train.

        • lostn on 22/01/2017 - 18:19

          I don't think they're trying to shut out noise. The noise is too loud for them to hear what they're listening to, so they turn it up so they can hear it. I do that with in-ears. If the noise was less, they'd turn it down.

        • xoom on 22/01/2017 - 19:14

          @lostn: but thats just it. the surrounding area in general is so noisy. never noticed it till i started using my bose noise cancelling headphones.

        • lostn on 23/01/2017 - 17:59

          @xoom: I had a pair of QC20 which were great for blocking out noise.. until someone stole them. It happened the day after I criticized Bose products for being garbage (except in NC). Maybe it was the Bose god serving me a dish of karma, but I ain't buying another pair to replace it. Too damn expensive. $100 is the most I think they're worth. The audio quality was not amazing.

          You can buy audiophile grade over-ears for cheaper than a pair of QC20.

  • anastasiastarz on 25/01/2017 - 05:24

    Not as bad as people brushing their hair everywhere or spraying deodorant!

    • xoom on 29/01/2017 - 10:08

      Or clipping their toe nails.

  • sep1 on 25/01/2017 - 08:28
    +2

    You should tell them. They might not realise it is leaky. I just spent 20 minutes blasting heavy metal through my phone speakers on the morning train without realising (rebooted the phone with headphones plugged in and it was playing through both). Wondering why people are giving me strange looks. The only reason I stopped was because I felt the speaker vibration on my fingers. Great start to the day :p

    • alikazi on 25/01/2017 - 09:14

      There you go. People are telling me to suck it up while most people actually don't like it when this happens to them. Oh the hypocrisy.

      • [Deactivated] on 25/01/2017 - 20:22

        Oh the humanity, why why must this happen alikazi
        Ps. If you do see something leaking from headphones, it could be brains, and I know what your thinking….. yes…. zombies, just don't panic, their drawn to movement, you just have to make it to the door, slowly… Na he saw you.. run

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