Keep it quiet;
Go to an area with the lowest level of background noise possible,in group situations have the fewest amount of people possible in a group situation,ask people to take it in turns talking. Close the door if possible in a busy area eg.office.
Background music on low;
Use the background music on low using headphones to reduce,blockout intermittent noise,people on the telephone or office conversations etc.
Ear plugs/ noise counceling headphones;
Ear plugs or ear protectors can be brought in a hardware store or online. You can use them to block out any distracting noise. You can buy good quality headsets or noise counceling headphones they can be extremely beneficial at reducing or blocking out noise without music playing. People may interrupt you less if you have headphones on/in.
Use a filter;
After an acquired brain injury some people develop tinnitus. You can get ear filters/hearing aids themselves are provided by audiologists. The type you will require will depend on your hearing test results to see what discrimination (the ability to hear the spoken words in the mist of background noise) “by filling out some of the background noise you can hear better even though you are hearing less.”
Clutter:
Eliminate clutter in your work space as clutter is very distracting for me mind as well as making it harder to find documents etc.set up your work space to minimise distractions these distractions include windows,the fridge,busy walkways at home or at the office. Face your desk to the wall instead of a window or hallway.
Redirecting your focus:
Practice redirecting your focus to get back on task if you find your mind wondering through practice it can be improved. Talking to your self saying “stay focused ” this will help in many everyday situations.
Phones:
- Turn on the answering machine
- Don’t answer your phone when trying to get work done.
Some information in this blog is taken from the book: The Brain Injury Survival Kit [Paperback] [2008] 1 Ed. Dr. Cheryle Sullivan MD