Boo Radley wrote:
Will they still block external sounds if I wear earbuds underneath, with the wires protruding?
They won't totally block all external sounds (even with earplugs) but it definitely deadens most of them. I believe the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is around 30dB. If you can find a store to try them on first that is definitely the best route. Everyone is so different in their sensory sensitivity it's hard to guess what will work sometimes.
To give you an example, I work at home so I wear the ear muffs to muffle barking dog sounds and screaming kid sounds (don't worry, my wife is watching our kids). I add the foam earplugs to the mix when I really need quiet and the ear muffs fit over them just fine. The combination of ear plugs with ear muffs makes it where noises have to be pretty loud (and close by) to get through.
I've never worn the ear muffs with earbuds but that might lessen the effect or at least the suction over your ears (with the wires sticking out). It also might be uncomfortable (depending on your level of sensitivity) having the wires pressed into your ears and/or head. The ear muffs are foam filled but it still squeezes your head fairly tightly.
You might try visiting a sporting goods store and seeing if they have them in the Hunting or Shooting Supplies section.
