I never realized how much the quieter sounds bothered me until I started wearing earplugs at home

I've always been sensitive to loud sounds and get overwhelmed easily by loud environments. Recently, I started wearing earplugs for a while after getting home from outings. I suddenly realized how relaxed they made me feel. I live in an apartment complex, so I can hear my neighbors sometimes. And traffic, dogs, lawnmowers, and so on. Sometimes I watch TV with the sound off and subtitles on with the earplugs in. It has become my new way of relaxing after getting home.