Besides, I don't want to always be wearing headphones while I'm coding. I do enjoy quiet and peace while working, without needing my head and ears wrapped.
Another issue with ADHD isn't just being distracted, but also getting back to work after being disrupted. It's easy to talk about getting into the zone, but for someone with ADHD, it's even more challenging. Since I've started medication, I've seen firsthand the dramatic difference.
This isn't meant to say you are wrong. Closed-ear headphones do help, and they are just one thing I use. But alone, they simply don't come close. Open-offices are a challenge.
Did you have similar problems in College? That is, if you get distracted from homework assignments (say, friends are bugging you to go out), then it would take you much more time to get back at it again?
It happens to me all the time. It takes me a lot of time to finally force myself to do some assignment, and if I go out, I might waste almost the a whole day afterwards just trying to get into "the zone" again... Unfortunately, the meds are giving me side effects (increased heart rate).
Yes. And it was a struggle. I always chalked it up to procrastination. As a 33 year old learning you've had ADHD and OCD all your life, it kind of freaks you out. They say not to do it, but you can't help but think of what you could have done had you been properly diagnosed. Instead, they tell me I need to focus on what I have accomplished in spite of my condition (which, to be completely fair, is nothing that I can complain about).
> Unfortunately, the meds are giving me side effects (increased heart rate).
Try something different? =)
That's because it's speed, an amphetamine.
For example, every day I took 8 o'clock classes. Every day. I'd also try to get all my other classes over by noon.
I was getting back to the dorm right when my friends were waking up. I did most of my studying while they were at class.
This does prevent you from having the "up-all-night" thrill of being in college, but I often found a nap between 4 PM and 6 PM was enough to get me through most evenings. And because I had already studied, I didn't feel guilt about not doing my work.
I summarized it a few years ago if you don't have a copy handy: http://rohanradio.com/blog/2010/08/12/one-song-on-repeat/
Those effectively eliminate auditory ADD in an open environment. Nothing has been more effective than these for me.
The Shure does not use active noise cancellation like the Bose, but I think it is more effective simply because it fits snugly in your ear like a set of ear plugs. (It's also more uncomfortable because of that.)
Note that earplug use can cause earwax buildup. There are a bunch of home remedy's that can help. Talk to your doctor about options.
Happened to me twice before I ditched using in-ear headphones at work.
With noise cancelling for when someone decides to vacuum the office or finds out it's a nice day to use a power drill