Sensory deprivation means the reduction or complete elimination of stimulation to one or more senses. While sight and hearing can easily be taken with blindfolds and earmuffs respectively, the other senses require much more effort. The result of short term sensory deprivation of more than one sense can be relaxing for some people while others experience it the same way as long term deprivation. Long term deprivation of multiple senses most of the time leads to one or more of the following: anxiety, hallucinations, aggression or depression. Deprivation of only one senses is sometimes used to increase sensations experienced by other senses.
The main way to block a persons vision are blindfolds. Tape is sometimes used but instead but it is painful to remove.
The purpose of visual deprivation is usually to keep the subject guessing what is going to come next. Most people with blocked vision report an increase in their ability to listen.
Most people consider hearing deprivation as very ineffective when done alone. This is why this form of deprivation is usually combined with other forms of deprivation. Isolation tanks are used to block hearing and vision for relaxation purposes.
Taking the sense of touch usually takes more effort than sight and hearing deprivation. Oven mittens or other thick gloves are usually used for the hands. Multiple layers of thick clothing can be used for the rest of the body.