our family has 6 people-4 teenagers, two adults. we also have 4 computers, and one tv which can double as a PC screen. so things are loud around here, to say the least. I wear shooters ear muffs a *great deal*, because of the racket of all the noise (yes, we have tried earphones for the other PCs, but you know how destructive kids are). i *thought* that getting headphones for myself would solve the problem.....i was wrong. while the sound quality is great, i can hear every single thing that goes on. as a disabled person, i cant just jump up and leave the room when things get irritating. i had so hoped that these headphones would solve the problem... they dont.if you live alone, they will be perfect for you.