How to Pick the Best Earplugs for Concert
Getting earplugs for concerts might seem counterintuitive. You’re at the concert to hear music, after all. The reality is that concerts are often too loud, with the average being between 110dB to 120 dB. Almost double a normal conversation which is at 60dB. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that is enough to cause immediate damage to the ears when endured for a long period of time. So, if you are an avid musician or a frequent concert-goer who also cares about safety, wearing earplugs is a must. Unfortunately, for rock-n-roll fans, finding earplugs to help them preserve their hearing can be difficult. Just about any product that blocks out sound won’t work here – you’d still want to hear the artists! That’s why, you should always go for something that allows you to still accurately hear the music while staying at a safe listening level. To start, here are the key factors you need to know to be able to enjoy concerts with earplugs on safely:
Alpine PartyPlug Pro
Key features
NRR: 18 dB Material: AlpineThermoShape Size: Universal Accessories: soft storage pouch, wearing cord, and cleaning spray
The Alpine PartyPlug Pro earplugs are our top-of-the-line pick due to their unique material and filter. These provide uniform attenuation and low-to-no music distortion. However, understanding NRR isn’t as straightforward as subtracting the NRR from the ambient noise level to estimate the dB level your ears will actually experience. That is because NRR ratings (as advertised) are usually on the optimistic side and determined in an ideal environment under highly controlled conditions. Real people in the real world wearing earplugs in dynamic situations often don’t get the laboratory results. That’s why some organizations like, OSHA and NIOSH, do their own rating, referred to as a ‘derating’. Derating essentially considers real world limitations to arrive at a hearing protection level HPDs can realistically offer. This is calculated using a specific formula, depending on the organization you follow. But, let’s suppose that you are wearing earplugs properly. What level of NRR would you want? Luckily, the solution lies in this familiar phrase, “There’s an app for that!” Both Sound Meter (Android) and Decibel X:dB (iPhone) let you detect ambient dB levels. Play music at a level comfortable for you and check the dB rating. Subtract this number from 120, the average concert dB level, to get your minimum NRR rating. You may also wish to target your adjusted dB rating to the length of the concert. Audiologists have recommended maximum dB ratings for various listening times as follows:
15 Minutes: No more than 100 dB. 50 Minutes: No more than 90-95 dB. 120 Minutes: No more than 85 dB.
Among these types, there are those that are specifically made for each activity. Some hearing protection devices are great for mowing or shooting, but won’t work well with concerts. This is because regular earplugs cut out high frequencies excessively and generally block out too much sound, making it impossible to hear what the band or artist is playing. Fortunately, there are specialized earplugs for musicians and concert attendees. Compared to foam, they have lower attenuation, which dulls the force and power of the music. Add to that the high-fidelity acoustic filters these earplugs utilize that allow concert-goers to enjoy music clearly while preserving their hearing. This means you’ll still hear the music at a reduced dB rating, but without the muffled ‘blurry’ quality foam earplugs give. This works quite like a funnel – by reducing the amount of sound and air that comes into your ears without actually blocking out specific frequencies. It generally results in a smooth, flat attenuation across all frequencies. So, instead of blocking out the bass or trebles, which most earplugs do, these simply turn down the volume of all sounds. Naturally, you don’t want to be uncomfortable throughout this time. Not to mention, dealing with any lingering agitation from ill-fitting or uncomfortable earplugs. Picking the right hearing protection, including earplugs, depends largely on the size, material, and form. As they go deep into the ear canal, size is a significant factor to pay attention to. Similar to how we buy shoes for our unique foot sizes, everyone has a unique ear size and shape. Since it isn’t practical to sample many individual earplugs to get a comfortable fit, prioritize buying earplugs with many ear tip options. And while you’re out looking for the ideal pair of earplugs, use the three-step talk, tap, and listen approach to check if the earplugs have the desired fit and seal. Given these changing cultural sensibilities, modern earplugs now come in various colors and levels of shininess. Like earrings, they can complement an entire look or take on an eclectic look of their own. Lastly, some people want earplugs to be practically invisible. This can be for a variety of reasons, from a fashion perspective to a perceived stigma of wearing earplugs in public. The invisible aesthetic can be acquired by picking earplugs made of transparent materials and smaller design. Here are some signs that your earplugs need replacement:
Noticeably Reduced Noise Reduction: If this happens after a few months of owning the earplugs, it probably isn’t that you are at louder concerts or having ear problems. Discoloration: As silicone ages, what was once white or clear turns yellow due to exposure to the sun and resulting oxidation. While this is usually cosmetic, it can lead to degradation in extreme cases. Tears: Look for even the slightest tearing and structural damage that can reduce the quality of your earplugs. Changes in Texture and Flexibility: Like wear-and-tear and discoloration, texture changes are also signs that your earplugs are losing structural integrity.
Luckily, our suggested best earplugs for concerts are price-effective enough for a couple of pairs each year. Let’s get into those now: The material used, Alpine’s proprietary AlpineThermoShape, does what it says on the tin. It adapts to your ear shape naturally after warming up. In this way, you can get a custom fit without the hassle and expense of an ear fitting. Another bonus of the material is that it is very ‘hypoallergic’. It doesn’t have silicone, latex, or any colorants or plasticizers that might cause some people allergies. The linear filter creates an even balance of sound coming through the earplugs, no matter what part of the spectrum that sound is from. Where some earplugs will mute dull high-pitched shrieks or deep bass beats, this filter will keep them intact relative to other sounds. In other words, you can expect even performance across the sound spectrum. When compared to the original PartyPlug earplugs, you’ll be able to see a big difference in overall quality. The originals didn’t have the linear filter or some other cool accessories you’ll see with the PartyPlug Pro earplugs, like the addition of cleaning spray or a carrying cord. Overall, the PartyPlug Pro earplugs have something for everybody and should be a safe universal choice for most concert fanatics. However, the one-size-fits-all approach of their ear tips may not work for everyone. Those with larger ear canals might find that the warping affects the quality or doesn’t give the fit they want. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs
Key features
NRR: 15 dB Material: Soft silicone & ABS plastic Size: Small, Medium & Large Accessories: hard case
The Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs have a smooth, bulbous insert of soft silicone that attaches to a long, clear plastic stem. As a result, they are just as easy to pull out of your ears as they are to put in. Both actions should feel comfortable and slick, not putting any pressure or friction on the insides of your ears. When in a concert environment, the Vibes tend to reduce the volume of the loudest noises while not interfering too much with quieter, local noises. You should still be able to talk with friends easily while wearing them. The Vibes come with three sets of tips, sized as small, medium, and large, and are suitable for people of all ages. The stem is long and largely transparent, providing reduced visibility without sacrificing ease of removal. However, one takeaway is that they have mixed performance in the deeper pitches. Interestingly enough, they work quite aggressively on most deep sounds, but not the deepest ones. This is most noticeable in concerts and songs that rely heavily on bass notes to carry the music, which may sound strange or distorted. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Hearprotek High Fidelity Concert Ear Plugs
Key features
NRR: 20 dB Material: Silicone/foam, & ABS plastic Size: Standard & small Accessories: Aluminum case w/ carabiner & Neck cord
The Hearprotek High Fidelity Concert Ear Plugs provide high protection, 20 dB NRR, without costing much. Designed to quieten noise but not eliminate hearing altogether, they are perfect for concerts when budget matters. The curved design keeps them quite comfortable. A wide, flat stem on the outside of the earplugs makes removal easy, even for those with wide fingers. Since the earplugs are transparent and entirely curved to fit up next to the sides of your ears, they are very discrete. Included is a storage bin with a carabiner and neck cord. However, perhaps because of the low price, the earplugs themselves and the neck cord can break easily, with just a few tugs. If you choose to go with this, make sure to handle them with extra care, CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Loop Experience Pro Earplugs
Key features
NRR: 18 or 23 dB Material: Silicone/foam & ABS plastic Size: XS, S, M, L Accessories: Loop Mute filters, carrying case
The Loop Experience Pro Earplugs come as a 14-piece set with many parts to mix and match. It is all of these parts that make the Loop Experience Pro so customizable, so let’s take a look at them one by one:
4 sizes of silicone ear tip pairs: The sizes range from extra-small to large, so you’re likely to find something that will fit you best. 3 sizes of foam ear tip pairs: For foam, the sizes only go from small to large. 2 colors of loop mute filter pairs: The loop mute filters are what make the Loop Experience Pro so cool! Just pop them into the outer loop of your earplugs to reduce the sound by an extra 5 dB.
Obviously, the big draw of the Loop Experience Pro are the loop mute filter inserts. Visually, they look like they would do absolutely nothing to reduce incoming sound, but they do work. Just fit them into the outer ring to reduce noise; no battery or electric parts required. From a design perspective, they look like a ring in your ear. Depending on your comfort levels with having other people perceive you as being pierced, this can either be a pro or a con. If you want to go bold though, use the white loop mute filter to add high-contrast pizazz. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
EarPeace Concert Earplugs
Key features
NRR: Choose between 11, 14, and 19 dB Material: Hypoallergenic Soft Silicone Size: Small or Medium Accessories: 3 filter sets and an aluminum case with a keychain clip
The EarPeace Concert Earplugs are made of soft silicone that slides in and out of the ears very smoothly. There is no hard plastic or scratchy surface to damage your ears. Additionally, the soft silicone won’t push too firmly against the edges of your ear canal, reducing total pressure in the ears. Beyond just being soft, we also appreciate the semi-transparent material the earplugs are made of. They also happen to be hypoallergenic. You can choose what level of noise reduction you want with the three filter sets rated ‘medium’, ‘high’, and ‘max’ for 11, 14, or 19 dB reduction, respectively. The filters are meant to be slid into or out of the earplugs and can be inserted quite effortlessly, thanks to the soft silicone. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Eargasm Smaller Ears Earplugs
Key features
NRR: 15 dB Material: Hypoallergic Soft Silicone Size: Small & Extra Small Accessories: Waterproof aluminum case
The Eargasm Smaller Ears Earplugs are made specifically for people with smaller ears. In fact, they work best for people that have the smallest 20% of ear canals. A nice byproduct of their small size and clear silicone build is that they are nearly invisible when worn. The blue filter on these devices sits inside them and is dark enough not to attract much attention, as it snugly fits deep in the ear canal. One drawback of the Eargasm earplugs is that they get slippery when wet. At a hot summer dance-fueled rock concert event, you’re likely to get sweaty. Once this happens, you’ll find yourself having to periodically readjust your Eargasm earplugs for maximum effect. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
EAROS ONE
Key features
NRR: 17 dB Material: Medical-grade ABS plastic and TPE Size: Small & Large Accessories: 2 sizes of ear tips and a carrying case
The EAROS ONE are high-fidelity acoustic filters that work well for musicians. They use a special soundbore that replicates the inner ear structure to provide a better seal and overall attenuation without any discomfort. The filters, made of thermoplastic elastomers, provide 17 dB of NRR while maintaining sound clarity. When in loud concert settings, using the EAROS ONE will allow you to talk to your bandmates clearly while not getting the full deafening roar of the act happening on stage. This can help you feel comfortable and in control of your own environment. Aesthetically, the EAROS ONE mimic earbuds to some degree. They are black with a copper-colored diagonal running across the outside, which gives off a classic rock feel. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
EarDial HiFi Earplugs
Key features
NRR: 11 dB Material: Hypoallergenic Soft Clear Silicone Size: Universal Accessories: Compact aluminum case with keychain and optional glow-in-the-dark stickers
The EarDial HiFi Earplugs are tiny, thinly built, and practically invisible. If you’re looking for the perfect earplugs for a friend that finds using them embarrassing, these are your best choice. While many earplugs have parts that are transparent, the inner filter parts are usually opaque or have a darker color. Not so with the EarDial HiFi earplugs, which are transparent throughout. Everything from the stem to the earwax protection valve in the deepest parts of your ear are made with soft, hypoallergenic silicone. Moreover, we really like the EarDial companion app – available on the Play Store and App Store – for its straightforward approach to ear safety. The app allows you to record local sounds and tells you how long you’ll be safe in that environment with your EarDial earplugs in. It even has a list of phone models to calibrate to, thus enhancing accuracy. One of their highlights is the low 11 dB NRR rating. While this could be a negative for some, they make the perfect earplugs for concerts that are just a tad too loud. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
