When I looked at the reviews I was skeptical since most aren't great. Then, I looked specifically at reviews by adhd, people with autism, and people with sensory issues. It convinced me to give them a try since my OT had suggested them to me for my sensory processing disorder. I think when most people put them in they are expecting some kind of lessening or complete removal of certain sounds. They don't do that, and don't claim to. What they DO is cut the sharp edges off of certain sounds and make it easier to focus on sounds right in front of you rather than the ones in the background. The background noise is still there but it's less distracting and therefore less overwhelming. For me, I noticed an immediate difference but it is subtle. Some people apparently take a few days to really notice. I think it depends on the type of sensory issues you have and what you're expecting from them. They aren't loops, they dont let you turn down the volume of things but they also dont give you the underwater sound that Loops do. These aren't earplugs as you think of them... they just change how the sound reaches the eardrum and filters out the worst of the electric hums, sharpness of tapping, squishiness of chewing... and tunes your ears to what is in front of you more than whats behind. For me, this was a miracle so nice that I cried when I put them in and was able to be out of my bedroom around people without panicing. Worth the money.