When it comes to the best hearing protection for musicians and audio engineers, hearing loss is a serious concern. This is why choosing one is essential, especially when exposed to loud sounds for an extended period.
Long-term exposure to a typical concert at a decibel level of roughly 100db and above can irreparably damage our eardrums, diminishing our hearing ability.
There’s also the possibility of acquiring tinnitus, a ringing in the ear that doesn’t go away. Even at the suggested mixing level of 83dB, you may only listen briefly before ear strain sets in.
While conducting non-essential tasks such as arranging or editing, giving your ears a break with some high-fidelity earplugs allows your ears to concentrate on critical listening.
Musicians and performers alike have long avoided hearing protection, such as earplugs, since conventional foam earplugs used in construction projects degrade sound quality. The sound they perceive is frequently muted and unpleasant.
Earplugs created for musicians, on the other hand, attenuate sound as equally as possible throughout the whole frequency spectrum, resulting in a sound that is practically identical, albeit quieter.
Why Should Musicians Wear Earplugs?
If you’ve ever attended an artist’s performance or concert, you’ve definitely observed that they’re using earplugs. Perhaps you’ve seen it on tv shows like The Voice. Have you ever wondered why they do this?
Extremely big speakers and amplifiers are frequently found on and around the stage. In summary, there is a lot of noise, and the volume is excessively loud.
Earplugs are used by singers who want to listen to themselves to avoid singing out of tune. In-ear earplugs are another name for earplugs. This is a pair of custom-made earplugs with a built-in speaker.
In addition to singers who primarily utilize in-ear monitors, there are a plethora of other musicians who do not use in-ear monitors but benefit immensely from earplugs.
This is because making music generates loud noise, which might damage hearing. Everyone can use earplugs to avoid hearing loss, whether a DJ, a violinist in the orchestra, or a guitarist on a stage. Either conventional earplugs or tailored earplugs are available.
Best Earplugs for Musicians
Many fantastic products are available that can offer great ear protection. Choosing the best earplugs for musicians can prove to be a challenging process as there are a number of factors to consider, such as noise reduction ratings, size, and comfort.
Some of the best hearing protection available for musicians are:
Let’s look at these in further detail:
8 Best Hearing Protection for Musicians Reviews
1. EAROS ONE High-Fidelity Acoustic Filters for Musicians
Key Features:
- Proprietary soundbore technology
- Developed with former Director of MIT’s Acoustics & Vibratory Lab
- Comfortable medical-grade silicone construction
- Includes two different tip sizes
These earplugs for singers are great for filtering noise and manage to lower the decibel level of whatever you are listening to without muffling or distorting the sounds.
EAROS are expertly engineered to recreate the sound according to your ear’s natural shape, allowing for superior clarity and protection. The earbuds have a noise reduction rating (NRR) of 17 dB and use a seal deep within the ear for better sound fidelity.
With their focus on fidelity and comfort, the EAROS ONE high-fidelity earplugs deliver effective protection without sacrificing sound quality for musicians.
Their expert audio engineering deserves their consideration among the best hearing protection options for musicians wanting studio-quality sound.
2. Hearprotek High Fidelity Concert Ear Plugs
Key Features:
- 20dB noise reduction rating
- 2 sizes of soft silicone earplugs
- Low-profile, nearly invisible design
- Portable aluminum case with carabiner
Hearprotek Music earbuds effectively reduce overall volume while shutting out background noises. These foam-based plugs prevent any muffling of the sound and have a noise reduction rating of 20 dB.
The silicone noise reduction buds are designed for comfort and also implement a discrete design, making them hard to spot. A case is also provided with earplugs for easy storage.
The Hearprotek High-Fidelity earplugs allow musicians to protect their hearing from excessive loud volumes without compromising sound quality.
Their 20dB noise filters strike an ideal balance for reducing decibels while maintaining the fidelity and nuance essential for performance. Their quality and comfort deem them a great choice among the best hearing protection options for musicians.
3. Alpine MusicSafe Pro High Fidelity Music Earplugs for Concert & Sound Reduction
Key Features:
- Interchangeable filters in 19dB and 22dB noise reduction levels
- Retains high-fidelity sound quality
- Award-winning Dutch design
- Storage case, neck cord, and cleaning spray included
Alpine Musicsafe Pro Earplugs have been designed to maintain high-quality sounds without compromising on safety whatsoever.
These earplugs come with three sets of filters, all with a different NRR, the lowest of which is 16 dB, followed by 19 dB, and finally 22 dB.
These silicone noise reduction buds are made from hypoallergenic materials and are certified by both US & EU regulations. This product is designed and produced in the Netherlands.
The Alpine MusicSafe Pro high-fidelity earplugs are specially planned to preserve musical detail while protecting hearing for musicians.
Their customizable noise filtration makes them our choice for the best hearing protection earplugs for musicians who want to maintain audio quality while on stage.
4. Earasers Hearing Protection for Musicians Medium
Key Features:
- Innovative V filter
- Reduces average up to 19dB
- Soft silicone shapes
- Open canal design a
This sound reduction solution manages to deliver the full spectrum of sound while providing protection. These earbuds are practically invisible and can be reused.
Earasers are designed for comfort and do not cause any sweating, itching, or tickling. They have an average NRR of 13 dB, and due to them being flat frequency response earplugs, they have a peak NRR of 19 dB.
The EARasers high fidelity earplugs are specially engineered to preserve sound quality for musicians’ needs.
Their innovative V filter technology provides crucial hearing protection while maintaining the nuances in instrumentation that musicians rely on to perform their best. This makes them our top choice as the best hearing protection for musicians.
5. Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs for Concerts Musicians
Key Features:
- Attenuation filters provide up to 21dB
- Two sizes of soft, hypoallergenic silicone earplug shells
- Low profile, nearly invisible design
- Waterproof aluminium carrying case
High-fidelity earplugs shield your ears from dangerous noise levels while allowing you to hear everything around you clearly. Achieve up to 21 dB of sound reduction (NRR 16 dB), so you can lower your risk of noise-induced hearing impairment, tinnitus, and stress.
These are some of the best earplugs for musicians as they use attenuation filters to reduce volume and noise. Eargasm plugs are made from hypoallergenic silicone and fit normal to larger ear sizes.
Upon purchase, you also receive a waterproof aluminum case. Some of the music world’s biggest brands, such as Metallica and Lollapalooza, make use of these earplugs.
The Eargasm High Fidelity earplugs are specially engineered to preserve sound quality for musicians who need protection from loud stage volumes.
Their innovative attenuation filters lower decibels to safer levels while maintaining audio fidelity across the spectrum. Top marks for effectiveness make them our choice for best earplugs for singers.
6. EarPeace Concert Earbuds Reusable High-Quality Earplugs
Key Features:
- Interchangeable filters in Medium, High and Max
- Clear sound with reduced decibel levels prevents ringing ears
- Ultra-soft, lightweight silicone material shaped
- Invisible low profile design once inserted properly
- Includes small and standard-size earplugs
Like custom-molded earbuds, these musician earbuds provide in-ear sound protection while seeming to disappear in your ear.
The expert earbuds are compact and low-profile, making them inconspicuous noise-cancelling devices. These concert earplugs can be easily removed thanks to the little tab.
The high-quality noise-cancelling earbuds come with a machined aluminum container with two compartments and a keychain clasp, allowing you to transport and keep your musician-grade earbuds secure and clean effortlessly.
You also get three filter sets that give 17-26dB sound reduction for your music event and sound insulation needs.
The EarPeace Music earplugs allow musicians to protect their hearing without compromising their ability to hear well on stage.
Customizable levels of sound filtration strike an ideal balance for reducing decibel levels while maintaining audio fidelity. Their specialized design makes them a top choice as the best hearing protection for musicians.
7. Loop Quiet Sound Reduction Earplugs
Key Features:
- Soft silicone material for comfort
- 26dB noise reduction rating
- Comes with 4 sizes of ear tips to fit most ear canals
- Carrying case included
- 9 Different colors
Loop Quiet earplugs can suppress noise by up to 26 dB, allowing you to sleep better at night. They’re ideal for sleeping, meditation, and working with increased focus and concentration.
These plugs are available in four sizes, and the loop fits naturally into the inner ear. The trendy earplugs are made of extra-soft silicone material, so you don’t feel any irritation in your ear canal.
No discomfort or suffering, just uninterrupted quiet time. Due to the silicone base, they can stay in place very easily. These silicone noise-reduction plugs are reusable and washable.
The Loop Quiet earplugs offer a budget-friendly option for those looking for general noise reduction in everyday environments.
With their focus on comfort and noise isolation rather than sound fidelity, they are likely not the best choice for musicians who still need to hear vocals, instruments, and monitoring mixes on stage clearly.
Musicians would benefit more from the EarDial HiFi earplugs or other similar high-fidelity options better optimized to their audio needs.
8. EarDial HiFi Earplugs Invisible Sound Protection for Concerts
Key Features:
- High-fidelity noise reduction filters
- Soft, comfortable silicone material
- Discreet, low-profile design
- Compact aluminum carrying case
- The mobile app tracks sound exposure levels
These HiFi earplugs
allow you to listen to loud music and converse while protecting yourself from damaging sounds. Wearing these earplugs is extremely discrete, as they are almost entirely transparent. The silicone tips are hypoallergenic and soft enough to wear for hours comfortably.
Wearing earplugs can often mean losing them; however, these come with a compact aluminum case that can be decorated with a luminescent sticker. A mobile app accompanies these buds, serving the purpose of monitoring the sound levels around you.
The EarDial HiFi earplugs are an excellent investment for musicians looking for pro-level hearing protection optimized for stage and studio use. Their high-fidelity sound filters strike the ideal balance between protection and audio quality.
The Bottom Line: Best Earplugs for Musicians Reviews
If you are a musician who is constantly in a studio or performing where there are extremely loud noises, you should consider investing in some best musician earplugs that suit your needs.
Failure to do so may have dire consequences, such as a loss of hearing and ear complications. Musician earplugs can filter external sounds and ensure your protection. Make sure you protect your hearing before your next big gig!
FAQ
What is the best hearing protection for musicians?
The best hearing protection for musicians are high fidelity or “musician’s” earplugs. These are designed to lower dangerous decibel levels while preserving sound quality so musicians can continue hearing nuances in vocals, instruments, and monitor mixes.
Top-rated music earplugs include brands like Etymotic, EarPeace, EAROS, and EarDial, all providing hearing protection optimized for performing artists.
What do musicians wear to protect their hearing?
Many musicians opt for specialized high-fidelity earplugs engineered to provide hearing protection with minimal interference in sound quality.
Key features include customized noise filtration, hypoallergenic and comfortable materials for extended wear, discreet low-profile designs, and portability like carrying cases.
Are foam earplugs good for musicians?
Basic foam earplugs are generally not ideal for musicians as they muffle a range of sound frequencies, making it difficult to hear vocals, instruments, and monitor mixes clearly.
Musicians are better served by high-fidelity earplugs using advanced attenuation filters that lower decibel levels while preserving sound quality across frequencies.
Do musicians’ earplugs work?
Yes, high-fidelity musicians’ earplugs are proven effective at lowering dangerous noise levels by specific decibel amounts while retaining sound quality.
What are the best earplugs for drumming?
Protecting hearing is critical for drummers due to their proximity to loud percussion. Some top-rated earplugs drummers rely on are EarDial HiFi, with specialized filters to hear nuanced beats, and EarPeace plugs, optimized for drummers with carrying cases.