Hearing protection is among the most overlooked musical gears, and that's why the best concert earplugs are very important because long-term exposure to loud noise and sound can result in damaged eardrums leading to hearing loss. They are most important for musicians who rely on their ears for all sorts of things, from keeping the audience in tune to ensuring instruments sound the way they want.
Since the most challenging task is usually finding the best, we have curated a list of some of the best concert earplugs, with each listing its pros and cons. This article has also included a buying guide to help you through the decision-making process.
Contents
1. Decibullz - Custom Molded Earplugs
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Decibullz is one of the most recommended earplug in the market because they are custom-molded and solve the issue of not getting the right size. Even though they take up a lot of work because you will have to boil and mold them to your ears, they protect your hearing against high noise levels and a slightly clear sound than other universal fits in the market.
Decibullz - Custom Molded Earplugs reduce noise up to 31 dB, which is better than foam ear-plugs and performing as great as electronic muffs. It features a triple flange attached to the thermoplastic section, which after heating in warm water it turns pliable and is moldable to your ear shape.
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Cons
2. Eargasm High Fidelity EarPlugs
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Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs are one of the most comfortable and functional ear-plugs in a three-tier design. They are made from plush silicone, which is very comfortable to wear while offering utmost durability. Thanks to the design, they can be easily slid in and out of your ears without causing you discomfort, and they have an inner filter with a blue shade that prevents any mask wax from building up during use.
This Eargasm pair is also equipped with a handy pullout feature at the rim's top that makes it easy to remove and comes with two ear sizes that you can choose from. The silicone earplugs harbor a smart attenuation filter that limits the levels of what comes through so you won't miss a beat and has a noise reduction rate of 21dB. It also has a waterproof rubber seal that protects them from moisture, and on top of it all, the soft silicone is sweatproof, non-toxic, hypoallergic, and flexible.
Pros
Cons
3. Alpine MusicSafe Pro Earplugs
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Alpine MusicSafe Pro is the best concert earplug in the industry, where the company has made a name for itself in ear and hearing protection. They are suitable for most applications, and they feature interchangeable filters that guarantee different levels of noise attenuation depending on the situation. It features a patented AlpineThermoShape material, and the material usually softens according to the body heat, taking the perfect shape of your ears.
This has to be among the best concert earplugs because they come in three different sound reduction filters, including 16, 19, and 22dB, all of which outlast damaging external sounds. The package also features a carrying case, a cleaning fluid, and a cable that keeps them safe together, making this earplug an attractive package.
Pros
Cons
4. Vibes High Fidelity Earplugs
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Vibes High Fidelity Earplugs are the best concert earplugs because they lower the decibel levels up to 22 dB without sacrificing the overall sound of our music. These earplugs come with a glass-clear outer shell that mainly focuses on reducing incoming volumes and uses special filters to fine-tune specific frequencies instead of blocking the sound completely.
Thanks to the hypoallergic materials, these plugs are extremely comfortable with the tips resting within the canal, and they are available in three different sized tips. These concert earplugs are ideal for any musician looking for a pair that will offer decibel reduction but at the same time be low profile as they stay inside the ear. They are low profile thanks to the outer tubular handles, which are transparent and offer more discretion than most models in the market.
Pros
Cons
5. EAROS ONE High Fidelity Acoustic Filters
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EAROS ONE is the best concert earplugs for any musician searching for a medical-grade alternative to earplugs. These plugs boast a full set of features and feature patented Serpentine Soundbore design designed by MIT engineers and features medical-grade materials. Thanks to the design, musicians can enjoy full frequency with low intensity. Combining it with the acoustic filter, they are guaranteed to hear everything as it should be heard while offering maximum hearing protection.
Not only does EAROS ONE reduce the volume to acceptable sound levels, but it also an ideal choice for high decibel environments thanks to the streamlined shape that follows the natural contour of a musician's ear canal and perfectly covers it. The only downside might be the design makes it hard to wear for some users, but once you figure it out, you will fully enjoy the decibel reduction of these plugs.
Pros
Cons
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Earplugs for Concerts
1. Type of ear-plugs
There are many available options for earplugs when it comes to earplugs, and when making a selection, making the ones you choose caters to your needs. Different earplugs usually have different volume attenuation and frequency, and using any earplugs may not give you enough ear protection. On the other hand, you find the common earplugs in most hardware stores, and they are not the best because they might affect the clarity and quality of music you will hear.
However, during live performances or concerts, you should get specific earplugs meant for concerts because they balance clarity and attenuation. The best earplugs like high fidelity make you feel like your environment has lowered their volume, and all you can hear is your music. Avoid earmuffs or foam earplugs if you don't want to block sound and muffle everything around you, but they make an excellent choice for sleeping but are not the best for music or being aware of your surroundings.
2. Attenuation & Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
Attenuation usually stands for the number of decibels that have been reduced when one is wearing earplugs. Every item has two numbers in the attenuation category/ The first number is usually the manufacturers' specific reduction rating in decibels. The other is the Noise Reduction Rating, a standard formula derived from a standard formula.
Because you are getting the best earplugs to protect your ears, ensure you do exactly that and check the rating with an average music concert being around 100 dB. Opt for reduced earplugs that range between 15db and 20db with a normal conversation hanging around 60 dB, which is quite safe for your ears.
3. Universal fit versus moldable fit and custom fit
It is wiser to pick universal fit earplugs because they have silicone or foam tips on the plugs and are meant to be suitable for everyone and also, any top-grade silicone is quite easy to clean. On the other hand, the custom-molded earplugs are not plugged and play, and they have to be heated first, then allow them to cool down to safe temperature and then be shaped like your ear and allow them to harden. These moldable earplugs are made of soft, sticky stuff, making them a bit hard to clean. There are ear-plugs with a flange design that are simple to use and have a universal fit because they sit against the ear canal and provide plenty of hearing protection.
Lastly, there is the custom fit that an audiologist can make, and they are perfect because they are shaped exactly like your ear. However, keep in mind that with ear growing for the rest of our lives, you have to get them customized again after several years, and this can make them expensive because of the expensive process.
4. Comfort, Fit, and Sizing
Since you are at a concert or live performance and enjoying music for a few hours, you should get earplugs that will be comfortable to your ears the whole time. Custom-fit earplugs are the best concert earplugs for offering maximum comfort because they have the shape of your ear, but they can be quite expensive. If you find the custom-fit price too high for you, the second option would be the universal earplugs made to adjust to anyone's ear and fit everyone.
Additionally, how well the earplugs fit will determine how much noise they seal out and how comfortable they are to wear. Even with manufacturers offering a universal fit, the ear canal is different, with some people having on the extreme ends either having unusually large or small ear canals. If you fall under the category, you should purchase your pair in a special sizing because the too-small ones might not seal the noise properly, and the large ones may fall off-putting too much pressure on your ear and causing inflammation or soreness.
5. Stylish or Plain
This might be a minor point to some, but one of the main reasons people don't wear earplugs is that they feel they don't match their style, and this is a valid reason for people interested in fashion. If you want fancy-looking earplugs, then opt for elegant earplugs, but if this is not a significant factor for your choice, you can choose plain ones.
6. Price
Price varies depending on which type of earplugs you go for, with the cheapest being foam earplugs that cost below $10. The universal earplugs cost between $10 and $40, which is dependent on which brand you will choose to go for and the type of universal earplugs you will buy. The most expensive pair of earplugs are the custom earplugs because of making them, the materials used, and the number of people who usually work on them.
Therefore, depending on the budget you are working with, you can get earplugs comfortable to wear, protect your hearing, and fully satisfy your needs.
7. Usage Life
Most high fidelity earplugs are reusable, but materials, even the top-grade silicone used for the ear tips, can degrade over time, and it's important to check what the manufacturer has indicated to be the product's usage life online before making your purchase. Opt for the maximum usage life to avoid replacing your ear-plugs every so often, but this will also have to match your budget.
8. Replaceability/Reusability
How easy it is to replace your earplugs is another factor you should consider before buying the best earplugs for concerts. This is crucial to know because some manufacturers design their music earplugs with replaceable filters and ear tips. In contrast, others manufacture the earplug to be fully disposable when the ear tips show signs of wear and tear.
The replaceable or reusable earplugs are the more expensive ones. The parts are usually sold exclusively with the manufacturers; therefore, before making your purchase, check how available replacement parts and how much they will cost you. However, the replaceability is harder with custom-made ear-plugs because you will have to go back to an audiologist and repeat the whole process and pay a high price while at it.
9. Storage
Storage is important because it helps avoid losing the best earplugs for concerts quickly when not in use. Some earplugs come with a carry case that is not too big and can fit either in your keychain or your pocket but not too small that you can easily lose them.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are foam earplugs good for concerts?
Foam plugs are an ideal choice for musicians who need protection for a short period of time because they are not the most comfortable but will not damage your eardrums because they don't reach deep into your ear.
2. How can I protect my hearing at a concert?
By finding the best hearing protectors to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. They will limit the exposure you will get to potentially damaging sounds. This will ensure your ears are protected from loud music.
