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In an increasingly noisy world, our hearing is taking a beating, and for musicians, the loud sounds that make their work possible can also become an occupational hazard.
That risk has gained attention as BTS member V recently revealed he was receiving treatment for significant hearing loss while on tour, while DJ and producer Alesso spoke about tinnitus and its impact on his touring last year. Furthermore, Chris Martin, Dave Grohl and Neil Young are among the other artists who have opened up about the impact years of exposure to loud music has had on their ears.
While custom in-ear monitors (IEMs) can be an alternative to earplugs, they don’t suit every musician and music event. When you consider marching band performances, orchestra pits, mariachi bands, garage jam sessions and DJ sets, a good pair of earplugs is an appropriate choice, not to mention an affordable option to pricey custom IEMs.
When shopping for earplugs, you’re going to come across the term “dB” (decibels) a lot. This is the unit used to measure a sound’s loudness. To put this into perspective, the International Noise Awareness Day says the sound of normal breathing is 10 dB, while a normal conversation is 60 dB, making the dB levels below per earplug a useful indicator of how much noise they can reduce.
3 MODES
Loop Switch 2 Adjustable Earplugs
4K Bought This Month
Pro: Manual dial for adjusting modes
Con: Reviewers have commented on the case not being secure
Loop Switch 2 offers three levels of passive noise reduction, making it useful when your surroundings change throughout the day. Its dial lets you move between quiet, engage and experience modes, with a stated 20 to 26 dB SNR range. A slimmer design and four ear-tip sizes aim to improve comfort. The set also includes a protective carrying case. Loop is a popular choice among musicians and is even Harry Styles-approved, following his collab with the brand earlier this year.
BALANCED SOUND
Eargasm 21 dB Noise-Reduction Earplugs
15 Colors
Pro: They have soft silicone for comfort, and reviewers love that the case can attach to a key ring for easy access on the go
Con: They lack in-depth assembly instructions
Eargasm’s high-fidelity earplugs are designed to lower loudness while keeping music and speech relatively clear. They provide up to 21 dB of noise reduction, with a noise reduction rating (NRR) of 16 dB, and use filters intended to attenuate sound across frequencies. Two silicone shell sizes help with fit, while the included waterproof aluminum case makes them convenient for concerts, festivals and gigs.
INTERCHANGEABLE FILTERS
Alpine MusicSafe Pro High Fidelity Earplugs
3 Colors
Pro: Choose between three different dB ranges depending on the instruments you’re playing
Con: Not ideal for musicians who also dance on stage, as reviewers say they can fall out
The Alpine MusicSafe Pro gives musicians three interchangeable filter options rated at 16, 19 and 22 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). That makes it possible to choose different attenuation levels depending on your instrument, venue or position onstage. Its acoustic filters are designed to reduce loudness without heavily altering the character of music. The earplugs also come with a compact storage case.
INVISIBLE FITTING
Earasers 19 dB Noise-Reducing Earplugs
4 Sizes
Pro: Customers love the comfort and invisible feature, citing how nobody knew they were wearing them
Con: Their small size makes them easy to misplace when not in use, so it’s best to keep them safely stored in the case
Earasers are designed for musicians who want to reduce loud sound without losing the detail between different instruments. The manufacturer lists up to 19 dB of reduction at peak frequency, with an SNR of 14 and average attenuation figures that vary across frequencies. They use soft silicone and an ear-shaped design intended for extended comfort. A case and one-year warranty are included.
COMFORT FOR LONGER
Etymotic Earplugs 20 dB Sound Reduction
100+ Bought This Month
Pro: Comes with a neck cord for accessibility
Con: Some customers found that it took a bit of trial and error, ordering different sizes to find the right snug fit
The Etymotic ER20XS uses a tuned resonator and acoustic resistor to reduce sound more evenly while retaining speech and musical detail. The manufacturer rates them for up to 20 dB of sound reduction. Their low-profile, stemless design sits discreetly in the outer ear and can work under hats or other headgear. Each pair includes a neck cord and a carrying case.
CUSTOM MOLD
Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs, 31 dB Noise Reduction Rating
6 Colors
Pro: No need to guess your size, as they mold to the shape of your ear
Con: The custom molding process requires some patience and attention to detail to ensure the earplugs are shaped for a comfortable, secure fit
Decibullz takes a different approach by using heat-moldable thermoplastic pieces that can be shaped to your ears. With the included foam tips, the manufacturer lists a maximum 31 dB NRR, making these useful when stronger attenuation is needed. They can be reheated and remolded if the first fit is imperfect. The package includes multiple tip options and a carrying pouch.
ERGONOMIC DESIGN
ZovGemy 33 dB Noise Reduction Rating Earplugs
2 Colors
Pro: So comfortable that customers are sleeping in them
Con: Only two — very similar — color options available
ZovGemy’s reusable silicone earplugs are built more for general noise reduction than specifically for preserving musical detail. They claim up to 33 dB of noise reduction and come with four ear-tip sizes to help create a secure seal. Soft silicone is intended for extended wear, while washable tips and a snap-close case make them practical for traveling.
How We Chose the Best Earplugs for Musicians
To choose the best earplugs for musicians, we compared several popular models with at least a 4-star rating and/or a significant number of positive reviews from customers. We looked for noise reduction, sound quality, fit, comfort and features that matter when performing or listening to loud music. We reviewed each manufacturer’s stated noise reduction rating (NRR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) while keeping in mind that these ratings measure noise reduction differently. We also looked at features such as interchangeable or adjustable filters, multiple ear-tip sizes, low-profile designs and custom molds that can help create a better fit.
Since musicians need to protect their hearing without losing important musical details, we focused on earplugs designed to lower loud sounds while keeping music clear. We also compared practical details, including carrying cases, reusable or washable parts, warranties and included accessories.
Sophie Dunne is an e-commerce writer at Penske Media Corporation, writing across Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Rolling Stone, WWD, and Footwear News. Originally from Ireland and based in Los Angeles, she previously worked at Static Media as a writer and editor, covering entertainment, lifestyle, fashion, and travel. Her bylines have appeared in Women’s Health, The List, Women.com, Islands, Grunge, WebMD, and more. Before beginning her writing career in 2019, Sophie lived in Dubai for four years working as an Emirates cabin crew member. Having traveled to 71 countries with the airline, she began writing for an LA-based publication as a travel writer during her final year. Sophie has a degree in Humanities from Carlow College, St. Patrick’s (now South East Technological University) in her native Ireland. She studied English, history, philosophy, and psychology. Sophie mostly reports on entertainment merchandise and celebrity brand partnerships.
