Guides

Plain guides on choosing gadgets, apps, money products and services, plus health guides such as protecting your hearing. Each number links to the place it was published.

General · November 9, 2026Best Laptops for Engineering Students: Specs That MatterFind the best laptops for engineering students by major and workload, with RAM, GPU, CPU and storage specs from university and vendor requirements for 2026.11 min read
Hearing & audio · November 7, 2026Decibels and Damage: How Loud Is Too Loud?Sound becomes risky from about 85 dBA over 8 hours, and every 3 dB louder halves the safe time: 100 dBA is safe for under 15 minutes a day.10 min read
Hearing & audio · November 7, 2026Disconnections: Hearing Loss, Isolation and WellbeingUntreated hearing loss is linked to loneliness, depression and dementia. The 2024 Lancet Commission ties 7% of dementia cases to hearing loss.9 min read
Hearing & audio · November 7, 2026Hearing Protection for MusiciansMusicians report tinnitus at about three times the rate of non-musicians. Filtered earplugs, lower monitor levels and yearly hearing tests cut the risk.9 min read
Hearing & audio · November 7, 2026Noise and Hearing Loss: The Problem ExplainedLoud noise kills the inner ear hair cells that never grow back. WHO says over 1 billion young people risk this permanent but preventable hearing loss.10 min read
Hearing & audio · November 7, 2026Take Action: How to Protect Your HearingKeep volume under 60%, stay below 80 dB on average, wear earplugs at gigs, step back from speakers and rest your ears. A practical checklist with sources.10 min read
Hearing & audio · November 7, 2026Tinnitus: What Causes Ringing in the Ears and What HelpsTinnitus is sound with no outside source. About 14% of adults have it, usually with hearing loss or noise damage. CBT, sound therapy and hearing aids help.10 min read
Hearing & audio · November 7, 2026Which Earplugs Should You Use? A Guide to Hearing ProtectionFoam plugs suit most noise, filtered plugs suit music, earmuffs suit young kids. Real protection is often half the NRR on the box, so fit matters most.10 min read