Preserving Your Hearing
Few things are better than seeing your favorite artist live in concert. But did you know that prolonged exposure to noises louder than 70 decibels can begin to harm the internal structure of your ear, and lead to tinnitus and damage inner parts of your ears? Before heading to your next concert, consider investing in a pair of quality earplugs.
Unlike foam earplugs which reduce the sound quality and are single-use, the earplugs are designed to reduce the amount of noise your ears are exposed to by 15–30 decibels without degrading the quality of the sound.
6 of the Best Concert Earplugs
1. Fender - Vibes Hi-Fidelity
Fender’s Vibes Hi-Fidelity earplugs are ideal if you are looking for a sleek, discreet design that can effectively reduce the noise your ears are exposed to by up to 22 decibels. Fender is a brand that’s known for its commitment to quality music and great user experiences, and that’s apparent in the design of these earplugs.
The silicone surrounding the earplugs ensures they remain comfortable over prolonged periods, making them ideal for days spent moving between stages at festivals. They reduce noise exposure without muffling the sound, which means you can still enjoy top-quality music without the potential risk of damaging your hearing.
For $25 these earplugs are an excellent choice. They do sell out quickly, so you may have to join a waitlist before you can get your hands on your own pair.
2. Loop Experience Earplugs
If you are eager to find stylish, sleek earplugs, then the Loop Experience earplugs are your best bet. They are available in a variety of colors and could easily be mistaken for a piece of minimalist jewelry. With silicone tips that are available from extra-small to large, you’ll have no problem finding the correct, comfortable fit. These earplugs also come with their own case so you can safely store them between concerts.
This model can reduce noise by 18 decibels. However, with the Loop Experience Pro, you can add extra pieces to the plugs that reduce the noise by a further five decibels. These earplugs are a great choice for style and comfort, but if you enjoy louder rock and heavy metal music, you may need something more substantial.
At $34.95, these earplugs are one of the more expensive options.
3. Groundshaker High-Fidelity Earplugs
The Groundshaker High-Fidelity earplugs are an excellent choice, regardless of your preferred genre of music or venue. The multiple flanges create a highly effective and comfortable seal in the ear canal, muting the noise without interfering with the quality of the sound. They were designed to adapt to a variety of noise levels, reducing noises below 600Hz by 10 to 20 decibels, midrange by 20 to 35 decibels, and frequencies above 1000Hz by 45 decibels.
These are comfortable earplugs and are ideal whether you go to pop concerts or heavy metal shows. And, they’re easy to insert and remove, all for an affordable price.
4. Etyomic Research ER20 High-Fidelity Earplugs
Similarly to the Groundshaker earplugs, the Etyomic Research ER20s are comprised of multiple flanges, effectively blocking high frequencies while sitting snugly in the ear canal. The level of noise reduction increases gradually, starting at ten decibels at 100Hz and increasing to 45 decibels at 1000Hz. This makes for a smooth, authentic listening experience.
These earplugs come with a handy case and a neck cord, reducing the risk of losing them. At $25, they sit in the middle of the market. The only downside to these earplugs is that the size of the flanges is not adjustable, making it harder to find the perfect fit.
5. Alpine MusicSafe Pro Earplugs
There are plenty of things to like about the Alpine MusicSafe Pro Earplugs. Not only are they produced by one of the leading brands in hearing protection products, but they are designed to be adaptable to their users’ needs. These earplugs come with three different filters, allowing you to adjust the noise attenuation they deliver. Whether you are watching the main stage of a festival or catching a lesser-known act in a small indoor venue, these earplugs will be great.
While these earplugs do impact music definition at times, they are one of the best ways to protect your hearing for the long term. Currently, they are being sold for $29.99.
6. D’Addario Dbud Volume Adjustable Earplugs
At $54.99, the D’Addario Dbud Volume Adjustable earplugs are the most expensive on the list, but not without good reason. They come with a slider function, allowing you to switch between 11 and 24 decibels of noise attenuation without sacrificing sound quality. They are exceptionally clear and come with a chord that allows you to clip them together and wear them around your neck.
These earplugs are better suited for a concert than a festival, as they can become a little uncomfortable after a prolonged period of wear.
The Sound of Safety
Don’t sacrifice your hearing for the thrill of experiencing live music. Protecting your ears will allow you to continue enjoying concerts and festivals for years to come and keep your hearing in great condition.
Learn how you can find concerts using Spotify.