11 best earplugs for sleep, concerts and more, per experts
Sound is around us all the time.
Whether you’re jamming out with your earbuds, singing along during a concert, struggling to fall asleep beside your snoring partner, or diving into the deepest part of the pool for a workout. Not to mention, the lineup of New Year’s Eve parties and head-banging music festivals is just days away.
While many people decide to navigate the noises of life without much care, many experts agree that it’s important to pay attention to the amount of noise we are exposed to. Earplugs are a convenient and effective tool for protecting our ears from any damage that may be sustained through loud noises.
If you’re considering using earplugs, you probably have a few questions. You may be wondering when to use them and how long they can stay in your ears. Or, perhaps, you would like to learn a bit more about the different types of options for various occasions (sleep, swimming, shooting, etc.).
To make your shopping experience that much more seamless, The New York Post consulted an expert to answer some frequently asked questions and share recommendations for finding a pair of earplugs that suits your needs.
Hop down to our FAQ with him or keep scrolling to see our top picks.
Best Overall: 3M Ear Classic Earplugs
Pros:
- Comfortable for most ears
- Well-priced
- Can sleep with them
Cons:
- Might be easy to lose given the size and structure
3M is one of Resnick’s top picks. These all-around plugs have 4.6 stars on Amazon and have been used in a variety of contexts. One customer gave these to her special-needs daughter who is afraid of lightning, others say they have used them at work bartending, and for doing lawn work.
“Generic-fit earplugs for basic protection range from simple foam earplugs to moldable silicone plugs,” he explained. These affordable polymer foam plugs are comfortable, well-priced, and cover most ear protection needs.
Pros:
- Harder to lose, comes with a case
- Unique build, more stylish
- Good noise reduction
Cons:
- The unique shape might not be for everyone
Another top-rated brand, the Loop Quiet Earplugs, offers a noise reduction rating of 26 decibels and comes in six stylish colors. Most foam earplugs come in a tubular shape, but these ringed plugs mimic the ear shape and look of headphones.
If you’re looking for a more attractive plug, these are a fashionable, no-nonsense accessory that will still protect your ears from loud noises. They even come with a convenient carry case, so it’s easy to keep them safe and secure.
Pros:
- Very lightweight
- Can be used during sleep
- Stay in place
Cons:
- Not completely noise-canceling, but they do reduce noise
Many reviewers swear by these earplugs for a good night’s sleep. When looking for the right earplugs for sleep, it is key to find a pair that is comfortable enough to stay in your ears for hours at a time. Flents foam plugs are also extra-lightweight, so you’ll hardly remember they’re in your ears.
“I’ve been wearing earplugs for years due to my husband’s snoring. I will never use another brand as these are soft and cushiony and a little plumper than other types. They do the trick although I am still able to hear my dogs bark if something is amiss,” one reviewer noted.
Others pointed out that Flents earplugs are better for tossers and turners since they stay in place for longer periods than some other brands.
Pros:
- Can be split and bent to fit your ear
- waterproof construction
- Well-prices
Cons:
- May not block out all noise as well as some others
An alternative to foam earplugs, these silicone plugs are the best pick for someone looking for something that is moldable, without being made custom-fit.
You can bend them to perfectly fill the gap of your ear and split them as big or small pieces as needed — no need for any part of the plug to stick out of your ear. More bonus points: these plugs are BPA-free, washable, reusable, waterproof, and hypoallergenic. Simply clean with warm soapy water and reuse it many times.
Best for Concerts: Phonak Serenity Choice Music KM20
Pros:
- Advanced mesh tech for ventilation
- Acoustic filters
- Ideal for concerts
Cons:
- More expensive, but higher-quality
“It’s important to use earplugs in loud environments such as concerts because the structures of the inner ear are highly sensitive to damage from loud noise,” explained Resnick, who has given this brand his stamp of approval for use at loud venues.
The Serenity Choice earplugs are on the pricer side but they’re designed to make your concert experience safer, while still allowing you to enjoy the music. The acoustic filters are fitted with advanced mesh technology to ensure that the ear always remains well-ventilated.
Reviewers have given them loads of praise: “Phonak Serenity Choice Music earplugs provide clear music perception and nice mild attenuation,” one customer wrote.
Pros:
- Able to try both types of tips for a perfect fit and feel
- Multi-packs available
- Color-coded and easy-to-find
Cons:
- Some reviewers mentioned these are lower quality than others
“For generic-fit filtered earplugs, good for music quality, Westone makes a good line called TRU,” said Resnick. Can’t decide between silicone or foam tips? Why not try out both?
The Westone package comes with all five sizes of both the Star Silicone Eartips and True-Fit Foam Eartips, so you can find the ones that fit your ear perfectly and give the rest to the other members of your concert group.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Very comfortable
- Safe for swimming
Cons:
- Might be easy to lose given the design
Scared of Swimmer’s Ear? So are we. Swimmer’s ear is a bacterial infection typically caused by water that stays in the outer ear canal for a long period of time, providing a moist environment for bacteria to grow, according to the CDC.
Mack’s plugs are both snore-proof and waterproof and are said to reduce noise by 22 decibels. Trusted by experts far and wide (Resnick included), these plugs could help prevent swimmer’s ear and make your lap pool experience a bit more pleasant.
Pros:
- Different sizes for kids and adults
- Soft for kids
- Waterproof
- Come with a case
Cons:
- Mixed opinions on water retention
The WaterDam brand is uniquely designed with two-layer waterproof flanges to keep any water from leaking in, yet swimmers can still hear warning sounds from the environment or coach. Specific sizes are available for infants, toddlers, children, teens, women, and men, including small medium, and large ear users.
Reviewers have given them an average of 4.3 stars on Amazon. “These earplugs have really made our pool time fun and worry-free. I strongly advise any young swimmer to use this,” one impressed mother recommended.
Pros:
- Custom-fit
- Noise can be filtered
- High sound quality
Cons:
- No customer reviews are available
When it comes to shooting, Resnick has recommended considering custom-fit hearing protection.
“To shoot firearms without robust hearing protection is to invite certain hearing damage,” warned Resnick.
Shoppers should expect to pay a bit more for custom-fit plugs, but there are still plenty of others that offer ample protection. These EarzON Silicone Shooter Filter earplugs include specially designed acoustic filters that reduce high-intensity impulse sounds such as gunfire. These can be used at the indoor or outdoor range, as well as for hunting.
Pros:
- Ergonomic design
- Voice prompted for easy use
- Pairs with a free app to control the settings
Cons:
- Some mixed reviews on the Bluetooth feature
If you would like a high-tech, smart earplug, these are for you. Walker’s Rechargeable Silencer Earbuds come with a convenient USB charging dock with an integrated lithium battery for easy charging on the go or in the field.
These 24NRR buds feature a free app, so you can change the settings from your smartphone, and also have voice prompt functionality, sound-activated compression, dynamic wind noise reduction, and variable gunshot suppression. The set includes three sizes of Sure-Lock sizing fins and three sizes of foam tips for a customized, sealed fit.
Pros:
- Adjustable headband
- Best fit for kids
- Comes with a case
Cons:
- May take up more space than other earplugs
Both kids and adults need ear protection, but children’s ears are a bit more difficult to fit, explained Dr. Resnick. “For very young children it’s hard to get earplugs to fit well, so earmuff-style hearing protection that goes over the head is probably best,” he suggested.
BANZ is one of Resnick’s top brands for kid’s earmuffs. These are designed just for them — with an adjustable headband and soft earcups and help protect against damaging sounds from crowds and loud events. These are bigger than most earplugs, but they are still compact enough to slip into a diaper bag.
FAQ
Why should you wear earplugs?
Dr. Andrew Resnick has been a practicing audiologist for 26 years in his practice located in New York City. Resnick explains that it’s very important to use earplugs in loud environments, such as concerts.
“The structures of the inner ear are highly sensitive to damage from loud noise, especially with repeated exposure over time, and damage to the ears from loud noise, resulting in hearing loss and/or tinnitus, tends to be permanent,” he warns.
What are some other uses for earplugs?
Some people may consider using earplugs to improve their quality of sleep — especially if their partner snores, their neighbors stay up late, or there is nearby street traffic.
“Earplugs for sleep are more a matter of personal preference. If you have a partner who snores, or if the neighbors keep different hours than you do, you might want to consider it.”
Resnick noted that earplugs are also commonly used by swimmers who want to keep water out of their ears, or anyone who hunts or shoots firearms, to prevent hearing damage.
Who should wear earplugs?
According to Resnick, age doesn’t matter when it comes to protecting your ears.
“Anyone who attends concerts or other loud events (including sporting events) with any regularity should be using hearing protection,” explained Resnick. “No one is too young or too old to sustain damage to their ears from loud noise.”
What should you look for in a pair of earplugs?
Resnick notes that the most important aspect of an earplug is the fit; earplugs should be comfortable enough to be worn for long periods and should make a good seal in the ear canal. There are both generic-fit and custom-fit earplugs.
“Generic-fit earplugs have the advantage of being less expensive, but in order for them to protect your hearing you have to make sure that you know how to insert them properly,” Resnick explained. “Custom-fit earplugs, whether they’re simple solid plugs as would be used for sleeping or swimming, or filtered earplugs used for music fidelity, are made from silicone ‘impressions’ of your ears.”
The expert adds that concert-goers can also preserve the sound fidelity of music while still protecting their ears with types of filtered earplugs that allow for an even reduction of sound across the whole frequency spectrum.
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