Everyone loves going to concerts to see their favorite artists perform. It’s such a wild, out-of-this-world experience: we get to see our favorite artists or bands on stage, we get to have a good time, and we most likely are joined by friends and family members who are just as excited about the experience as we are.
However, some safety issues people face when they go to concerts. Aside from the security issues, you can face when thousands of people surround you, hearing loss is another issue you might face that you haven’t thought about before.
We all know how important it is to avoid exposing ourselves to loud noises as much as possible. When we listen to music, we’re told to keep the volume down on our headphones so that we don’t have to deal with ringing ears or other problems with our ears over time.
Top 7 Earplugs for Concerts
Concert Earplug Reviews
The hearing never recovers once damaged, so prevention is key. People who work in noisy environments, such as aviation, construction sites, or factories, understand this and wear their hearing protection religiously.
Even the musicians on stage wear earplugs.
Those of us who typically spend our days in front of a computer aren’t quite as experienced in protecting our hearing. So when the weekend hits and we head off to a concert to relax, our hearing is the last thing on our minds, and we want to unwind and listen to the music.
Let’s take a look at the best earplugs for concertgoers. That way, the next time you head out to relax and take in some music, you don’t have to put your hearing at risk or compromise your experience.
EarPeace is a brand known for making high-quality earplugs, and these are a great option for concertgoers and clubbers. They deliver crisp and clear sound while protecting your ears.
Many people prefer them because they come with 3 different filter sets, so you can customize the noise protection you want. The filters offer Medium, High and Max with 17dB, 20dB or 26dB.
With the convenient attenuation filters you can enjoy audio clarity and noise reduction of loud sound waves which may damage your hearing.
You can choose which pair to wear while you are at the concert. The difference lies in the level of sound reduction. If the concert is not particularly loud, such as going to a bar or somewhere more private, you don’t have to worry about using the louder version of the earplugs to listen to music. However, if you are going to a typical concert at a stadium, you will use the Max filters.
These EarPeace earplugs also come with a handy carrying case to ensure you will have them handy when it’s time to put them in or swap out pairs. They’re also clear, which means they won’t be very noticeable, which is nice. These noise-reduction silicone earplugs are great for all different uses, and the silicone material will provide great protection and a comfortable fit.
Pros
- Made from hypoallergenic silicone.
- Comes with 3 filter sets, so you can customize the hearing protection (17dB-26dB).
- They are small, discreet, and nearly invisible.
Cons
- Some users prefer earplugs with three flange design, over Earpeace's dual flange design.
These Eargasm high-fidelity earplugs are considered some of the best for concerts. You have most likely heard of Eargasm before regarding how high quality their earplugs are. Many people especially like the brand since it has specially made earplugs for everyone, including musicians, construction workers, and pilots.
With every pair of Eargasm high-fidelity earplugs, you get a good amount of hearing protection, enabling you to listen to music or partake in other activities without damaging your hearing or facing the risk of doing so. So using earplugs doesn’t have to be a hassle anymore.
The Eargasm smaller ears earplugs are perfect for small ear canals, they fit multiple ear sizes to allow anyone to enjoy music.
One of the best things about the Eargasm earplugs is their carrying case. It is designed to be shorter than any competitor’s cases for easier carrying in your pocket or purse. Unfortuneatly they don’t come with a neck cord.
If you are a concertgoer, this will be especially convenient because you won’t have to rummage through your bag to find the earplugs when you go to a concert. Going to a live concert is a fun experience, and having this carrying case to keep your earplugs in is a great way to make the experience even more convenient.
This may seem small, but you’ll appreciate it when you are headed to a concert and then a night on the town. These have a proprietary attenuation system that provides excellent clarity but only an NRR of 16dB (up to 21dB), so they may not be appropriate for louder venues.
They are clear and won’t stand out when worn at a concert. They also incorporate a small tab into the design for easier insertion and removal. The Eargasm smaller ears earplugs will fit any ear canal.
Pros
- These are high fidelity earplugs that preserve sound quality.
- Made with hypoallergic soft silicone.
- Comfortable, discreet and lightweight. They are also reusable.
Cons
- The 16dB-21dB NNR rating might not be high enough for some users.
- Most expensive on the list.
Similar to the Eargasm earplugs, the Live Music earplugs are also made from soft hypoallergenic and safe silicone. In addition, they have a triple flange design and cone-shaped tip so that you can easily put them on and take them out.
The LiveMus!c earplugs will protect your hearing while retaining music and voice clarity, so you can enjoy your music event without feeling like you’re missing out. We love these as the best earplugs for concerts.
Another reason why you’ll like this product is that it delivers a very high noise reduction rating. You get two pairs, one has a 21dB, and the second has a 27dB NRR, which is considered higher than most models on the market. They also suit motorcyclists, shooting, and people working in heavy industries.
These LiveMus!c earplugs are reusable and can be used for around 6 months of continuous usage, after which you’ll need to replace them. They also come with a portable carrying case, so you can bring them wherever you go and keep them protected.
Pros
- You get two pairs offering 21dB and 27dB NRR, so you can choose between a medium or high protection.
- They are reusable and will last 6-12 months of frequent usage.
- Made with hypoallergic soft silicone.
Cons
- You get only one size tips, so you need to be sure that it's the right one before ordering.
The Loop Experience Pro earplugs win the award for being the most stylish on our list. They have a unique design that doesn’t make them look like you’re wearing earplugs. There is only a ring showing from your ear canal, which you can buy in either: silver, rose gold, black or red color.
The Loop Experience earplugs are rated high fidelity and designed to preserve sound quality while protecting your hearing at 20dB. Another reason why many people choose this product is that they come with four ear tips: XS, S, M, L. This means you’re sure to find the tips that best fit your ear canal and seal properly when you put them on.
Loop earplugs also come with Loop mute filters, to completely block sound from the inner ear. Many have also used these earplugs to fall asleep.
You also get one keychain carrying case to attach to your belt loop and take them everywhere with you. So whether you’re going to a live music venue, riding your motorcycle, a sporting event, a construction site, or just about anywhere you need to protect your hearing, the Loop Experience Pro earplugs are a great option to consider.
Pros
- Unique, stylish and discreet design.
- Come with 4 size ear tip sizes: XS, S, M, L
- Reusable high fidelity earplugs.
Cons
- Not clear if they are made from hypoallergenic material.
Another entrant on the best earplugs for concerts list with interesting technology is the Decibullz custom molded earplugs. Decibullz Custom earplugs have a unique moldable earpiece that can be heated and then formed to your ear.
Custom-fit earplugs are a good choice for people with unique ear canals because they will be more comfortable to wear. These foam earplugs are a great option if you seek comfort AND noise reduction above everything else. The pre-molded earplugs form to your outer ear shape
This connects to a tip that goes into the ear and has three sets of triple flange tips and one set of foam tips for in the ear canal that can be interchanged to find the right fit. These have an outstanding NRR of 31.
The high-fidelity model provides flat attenuation in loud situations, the thermoplastic noise reduction is great for live music venues. Most earplugs for concerts are silicone noise reduction, which is not as effective as ones molded to your ear shape.
So if you are a heavy metal fan or go to many shows at loud venues, these may be the best earplugs for you. The high NRR means that even the loudest of concerts will have noise levels brought down to a level that will be safe for your hearing.
The downside is that the basic custom earplugs are not designed with the other products’ attenuation features, so the custom earplugs might not be the best for musicians. However, hearing protection is probably more of a concern than sound clarity in a loud concert, so this may be the way to go.
Pros
- Custom molded earplugs, which you can reuse.
- Provides high protection at 31dB NRR.
- Comfortable to wear and provides custom fit.
Cons
- The are sensitive to heat, so if you leave them out on a hot day, they'll get soft and you'll need to remold them.
Vibes earplugs are a well-known brand of earplugs for concerts. The high-fidelity acoustic filters come with 3 sets of ear tips, a small carrying case and reduce overall noise by 22dB. The silicone tips come in 3 sizes making these universal earplugs that will fit any ear canal.
Minuendo earplugs are one of the most expensive reusable earplugs for concerts on our list. But most earplugs don’t come close to the quality and features of this model. The adjustable attenuation allows you to fine tune and reduce noise without changing filters. Most other earplugs for concerts only have interchangeable filters.
They claim to be “lossless” which means the sound quality doesn’t diminish when you wear earplugs for concerts.
Flare Audio has created the Flare Audio Isolate earplugs. The silicone noise reduction of the high-fidelity earplugs will reduce noise while providing even listening throughout the frequency spectrum. This way, music sounds just as it should but with a lower volume.
They are extremely comfortable in the ear canal with memory foam tips. The soft foam tips can be purchased separately to keep these reusable earplugs for a long time.
Concert Earplug FAQ:
What are the best earplugs for concerts?
The best part is that there is a broad range options to choose from if you are looking for the best earplugs for concerts. Of course, two people will have different preferences, depending on your personal preference. Later, we will discuss some important factors you should consider when choosing a pair of noise-reduction earplugs.
Many people want to use a pair of custom earplugs that will reduce sound but enable them to hear still what’s happening around them. So, none of the options on this list will do much for noise filters.
Are Foam Earplugs good for concerts?
We had to go through this, and foam earplugs are less effective for ears with extended wear. The disposable headphone is intended to protect hearing, but another problem is how it blocks sound. It’ll mean you’re experiencing lower sounds.
You might also have to keep a spare pair with you, as soft foam earplugs can get dirty or lost. You may want to use foam earplugs with a neck cord.
Do high-fidelity earplugs help at concerts?
Yes, they do! The fact is that you should always be using some ear protection when you expose yourself to loud noise or volume levels. This is the case no matter whether you are going to a concert, shooting practice, a construction site, or anywhere else where you might be exposed to loud noise levels.
Noise-reduction earplugs are designed to be comfortable to wear without compromising on quality. You want to make sure you choose custom earplugs that will get you the noise reduction you need depending on the volume levels.
The average volume levels at concerts are between 110 and 120 dB, and exposure to a volume above 70 dB can cause hearing damage over time, with 120 dB causing immediate hearing damage.
Are there any earplugs that block all noise?
If you don’t want to hear what is happening around you, you must get a pair of sound-blocking earplugs. However, this isn’t the best option if you listen to music at a live concert because people want to hear still what is happening around them (although considering how loud concerts are, you may still be able to do this with your earplugs).
The earplugs on this list are noise-reduction earplugs, bringing the volume levels down to safe levels for your hearing.
One option from our list is Loop earplugs, which feature Loop Mute filters that block all noise.
How can I protect my hearing at a concert?
The answer is simple; wearing a pair of custom earplugs! People want to listen to music without facing the severe consequence of damaging their hearing.
It is important to get a pair of good-quality earplugs that are comfortable and fit well so that you can wear them for long periods of time and not have to worry about the uncomfortable fit.
We don’t recommend using over ear earmuffs, as they are bulky and don’t use passive filters but electronic noise compression.
Hearing Damage from Loud Noises:
However, what happens when we go to concerts, where the volume we are exposed to is much louder than what we normally are exposed to in our daily lives? The fact of the matter is it is important to protect your ears even when you go to a concert.
It might sound overrated, but you have to protect your hearing at all costs to avoid facing hearing loss. Unfortunately, the matter is that most hearing loss people face ends up being irreversible, so you’re stuck with it forever.
Therefore, it’s always recommended that you protect your hearing in some way when you are exposed to loud noise levels.
Thankfully, hearing protection during a live concert doesn’t have to be strange or awkward, so you don’t have to worry about suffering hearing loss any longer. Many venues give out free earplugs, usually foam plugs, to reduce noise, but they make the sound muffled.
There are plenty of high-fidelity earplugs that were designed specifically for the concert-goer. So now, you will be able to enjoy concerts as usual but without damaging your hearing.
There are plenty of reusable earplugs on the market that are comfortable to wear while providing ear protection. In addition, most of the universal earplugs go inside your ear canals, meaning that no one will even see them in your ears, so you don’t have to worry about how you look.
If you’ve been wondering about the best earplugs for concerts, you’ve come to the right place. This article will tell you everything you need to know about wearing earplugs while going to concerts, including what goes into choosing the best high-quality earplugs, what features you need to consider, the material, and so much more.
We’ve all had the experience of leaving a concert with our ears ringing. But, unfortunately, that ringing is a sign of hearing loss, and you should avoid it at all possible costs.
We’ve also compiled a list of the best earplugs for concerts that musicians and concert-goers alike should consider.
What should I look for in a pair of concert earplugs?
This is perhaps one of the most important questions on this list, and you must check all these different factors when choosing the best earplugs for concerts. We test earplugs for concerts based on their sound quality, comfort and overall protection.
Here are some of the most important features you want to look for:
Noise reduction rating
Often referred to as NRR, the noise reduction rating is the most important factor you need to consider when purchasing a pair of custom earplugs. Concert ear protection lies in how high the NRR is. The higher the NRR, the more protection the earplugs will provide.
The average concert is between 110 and 120 decibels, whereas constant exposure to volumes above 70 decibels can cause hearing damage over time. Therefore, you want to ensure that you find a pair of good reduction earplugs with an NRR of at least 20 or 30. The higher, the better.
These custom earplugs are made to reduce the sound levels to a level that won’t damage your hearing but will still enable you to enjoy the music. Another option to consider are high-fidelity earplugs.
High fidelity is different from sound blocking because you still will be able to hear sound clearly, but the sound will be at a safe level for your ears. Plenty of high-fidelity earplugs are on this list and are best for musicians.
Attenuation Filters
Many earplugs for concerts come with adjustable attenuation, which is done with interchangeable filters in the silicone tips. Filtered earplugs allow music lovers to still hear music clearly, but reduce the noise to a safe level without muffled sound.
The best earplugs for concerts should allow you to hear clear sounds and be protected from sudden noises. High-fidelity filters also allow for full frequency spectrum range.
Material
You should also consider the material your earplugs are made of. The material needs to be comfortable to wear while still protecting your hearing. Some of the best materials on the market include silicone and foam.
Soft foam earplugs are among the most popular because they provide the perfect fit as they go in your ear canal, but they are not made to last a long time. They provide decent protection, but you will only get a few uses.
However, silicone earplugs are the most popular since they stay in your ears, provide lots of protection, and can last a long time. People particularly like silicone earplugs for their longevity and ease of cleaning.
Remember that silicone earplugs are more expensive than foam earplugs, but generally, people like silicone earplugs better. However, remember that soft foam earplugs have a more custom fit, whereas you have to pay attention to the individual sizes with silicone earplugs.
The material largely depends on personal preference, so make sure you understand whether you prefer silicone or foam earplugs.
Fit
Another important factor to consider is fit. Finally, you want to ensure that your earplugs provide the perfect fit. It is great to have a pair of earplugs that are comfortable to wear for long periods without compromising your hearing.
Comfortable earplugs come in all materials and sizes, and the high-quality options are the most comfortable. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do about the size of your ear canals, but luckily, you can often choose between two sizes or more when you want a pair of hearing protection earplugs.
If you have larger ear canals, you don’t need to worry- many custom-fit options on the market will fit well. However, if you have smaller ears, you might be able to get away with using earplugs made for children.
Children need hearing protection, so they can find the best children’s ear protection for concerts. In addition, some people want to choose a pair of custom-fit earplugs because regular sizes don’t fit.
It is generally easier to find this in foam earplugs. Many of the options on our list come in two sizes or more. In all, it’s generally a good idea to choose earplugs that come in two sizes.
Price
Depending on your budget, people might consider price an important factor when choosing a pair of hearing protection earplugs. Although earplugs should not break the bank, the saying ‘you get what you pay for’ has some significance.
It is a good idea to get a pair of earplugs that might be a little more expensive, but that come from a good, reputable brand so that you know you will be getting a high-quality pair. In general, price is not something you should be concerned about, but the price is a factor you should consider.
Conclusion
No matter what concert you are going to, or if you value hearing protection or sound clarity more, there is a product on this list of the best earplugs for concerts that meets your needs. The music world’s biggest brands and music production hardware brands recommend these earplugs.
Our number one recommendation is the EarPeace Concert Ear Plugs, made from hypoallergenic silicone. They come with 3 filter sets, so you can customize the hearing protection you get according to the event you’re going to. They offer a 17dB – 26dB noise reduction rating. They are small and discreet and come at a great price.
No matter what product you settle on, ensure you wear them regularly and correctly because no earplugs can protect your hearing if they aren’t used much.