I have a 2 year old and a 3.5 year old, three dogs and guinea fowl, all of which are noisy and were on my last nerve. Loops definitely help stifle the noise and keep my blood pressure down. I can still hear my kiddos actual words so I can engage with them, though if they are trying to talk to me from the next room I can't quite make things out with the loops in. What I didn't realize is how much they also help take the edge off other everyday noises, like unloading the dishwasher! The crystal clear ones are very discreet, my husband often doesn't realize I have them in.