in the UK, 10 million people have hearing problems, partly caused by exposure to excessive noise. Earplugs remain one of the best solutions to remedy this. Do you also need them to sleep better, or to protect yourself from noise pollution during your leisure activities? Discover our guide and our selection of the best earplugs of the year.
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Our selection
"Alpine PartyPlug earplugs effectively reduce noise while preserving sound quality. They're also comfortable and easy to carry."
"Mack's has the best pair of earplugs for flying, without a doubt. Priced like no other, Flightguard earplugs are comfortable and won't hurt your ears."
"Eargasm earplugs use innovative attenuation filters that reduce noise evenly to maintain the full spectrum of sound while protecting hearing."
"Hearprotek earplugs are perfect for musicians, DJs, drummers and concert goers because they reduce noise without completely sealing out the music or the environment around…"
Alpine PartyPlug earplugs effectively reduce noise while preserving sound quality. They're also comfortable and easy to carry.
10,36 £ on AmazonAlpine PartyPlug earplugs, available in four colors and certified to EN 352 - 2, are perfect for attending music festivals and concerts without exposing your hearing to harmful sounds. Their patented Alpine Acoustic Filter reduces noise levels by 19 dB, while preserving the quality of the music. And when it comes to comfort, these reusable earplugs, made of patented, hypoallergenic Alpine ThermoShape material, won't cause you discomfort.
And to make sure you don't lose them when you go out, they come with a small carrying case that slips easily into your pocket or bag. Note that a special tool included in the box allows you to insert them easily. We recommend these earplugs for their uncompromising quality and attractive price.
Mack's has the best pair of earplugs for flying, without a doubt. Priced like no other, Flightguard earplugs are comfortable and won't hurt your ears.
9,61 £ on Amazon
Eargasm earplugs use innovative attenuation filters that reduce noise evenly to maintain the full spectrum of sound while protecting hearing.
47,96 £ on AmazonEargasm describes its earplugs as high-fidelity models, meaning that thanks to a revolutionary attenuation filter technology, music or voices will not be muffled like with foam earplugs. Eargasm earplugs offer a noise reduction of approximately 21 dB. This means you can continue to engage in the activities you love while reducing the risk of hearing loss.
Here you have two pairs of earplugs in different sizes. You can choose the size that best fits your ears. Finally, we note that Eargasm earplugs come with a premium aluminum carrying case.
Hearprotek earplugs are perfect for musicians, DJs, drummers and concert goers because they reduce noise without completely sealing out the music or the environment around it.
12,79 £ on AmazonHearprotek earplugs are small, flexible and made from soft, hypoallergenic, non-toxic silicone. Thanks to their unique ergonomic design, Hearprotek earplugs comfortably adapt to the shape of your ear canals for a more natural fit. This model is able to block out background noise without muffling voices or music.
The special feature of these earplugs is that they are washable with a little warm water and soap.. This kit includes two sizes of earplugs with a noise reduction rating of -20 dB, an aluminum case, a carabiner and a user manual.
Any specific needs?
Your guide :
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| The best | LOW COSTS | TOP OF THE RANGE | Excellent | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
7/10 |
9/10 |
8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Alpine PartyPlug
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Bouchons d'oreilles Mack's Flightguard
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Eargasm earplugs
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Hearprotek earplugs
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Alpine PartyPlug earplugs effectively reduce noise while preserving sound quality. They're also comfortable and easy to carry.
|
Mack's has the best pair of earplugs for flying, without a doubt. Priced like no other, Flightguard earplugs are comfortable and won't hurt your ears.
|
Eargasm earplugs use innovative attenuation filters that reduce noise evenly to maintain the full spectrum of sound while protecting hearing.
|
Hearprotek earplugs are perfect for musicians, DJs, drummers and concert goers because they reduce noise without completely sealing out the music or the environment around it.
|
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Noise reduction index
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'-19 dB
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'-26 dB
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'-21 dB
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'-20 dB
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Material(x)
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Silicone, foam
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Silicone
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Silicone, foam
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Silicone
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Number of pairs included
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2
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1
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2
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2
|
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Weight
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40 g
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30 g
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91 g
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40 g
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Dimensions (L x W x H)
|
10 x 8 x 2.52 cm
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11.1 x 7.9 x 1.9 cm
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9 x 8 x 2 cm
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10.16 x 8.13 x 2.54 cm
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The effectiveness of an earplug is measured by its ability to reduce the noise level in a given environment. The IRB noise reduction index or SNR value is expressed in decibels, and generally ranges from 20 to 40 dB. An earplug that offers a higher level of noise protection will be needed in a very noisy environment.
The choice of your earplugs also naturally depends on the purpose for which they are intended. You will need a particular model or a different level of protection depending on whether you want to attend a music concert, visit a noisy construction site, or protect yourself from ambient noise while you sleep.
Since you will be using your earplugs for several hours, they must be comfortable. Comfort is thus part of the quality criteria of a particular model. In particular, it must be able to adapt to the shape of the ear canal while being hypoallergenic and soft.
The
anti-noise equipment must comply with the hearing protection standards in force. The EN - 352 - 2 standard only concerns earplugs.
Earplugs are divided into two categories: those without filters and those with filters. The latter are called active earplugs. Filtering earplugs are capable of filtering out certain frequencies while adjusting the sound volume to ensure the user's hearing comfort.
To ensure that your earplugs are effective and comfortable, they must be properly fitted. Here are the proper steps to follow when placing disposable earplugs:
Placing a reusable plug is different:
Remember to stand in front of a mirror to make it easier for you to do it and to make sure the operation is successful.
To maintain your reusable silicone earplugs, use the cleaning wipe provided, or alternatively, a soft cloth soaked in soapy water.
It is important to protect your hearing against the numerous noise aggressions that can be encountered in certain very noisy environments, such as music concerts, nightclubs, or construction sites. Without adequate sound protection, there is a real risk of hearing loss, tinnitus and even deafness. The risk can be aggravated by several factors such as the duration of exposure to noise, the sensitivity of the person or his distance from the sound source.
The intensity of the noise level determines whether or not hearing protection is required, as well as the type of protection. Earplugs are recommended from 80 dB onwards, knowing that an 8-hour exposure to 85 dB of noise is already a danger to hearing. Concerts can generate noise levels of up to 100 or 120 dB, which makes the use of earplugs indispensable. The aim is to reduce the noise level to about 70 to 80 dB, which is what earplugs with filters are capable of doing.
Working on a noisy construction site also requires the use of hearing protection, which is often mandatory, depending on the exposure and the noise level. While earplugs can be effective, some situations require the use of more appropriate products, such as noise-cancelling headphones. This is the case for construction sites where the noise level is between 100 and 130 dB. Beyond that, a combination of these two types of protection may be essential.
Finally, earplugs are recommended if you are looking for silence, for example to ensure a better quality of sleep, or to improve your concentration at work. Note also that you may need this type of hearing protection if you ride a motorcycle to reduce wind noise.
To better guide you in your choice, discover the main types of earplugs which differ by their material of manufacture, or by their mode of use.
Made of foam, disposable earplugs are designed to be used occasionally and discarded after one use. Economical, they are a quick solution for sound protection. However, they distort sounds and are less protective, making them unsuitable for users who are exposed to high sound levels and need to preserve the quality of the sounds they hear.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Who are they for?
If you are using power tools for DIY, or entering a noisy area, disposable foam earplugs can provide good sound protection. They are also effective for sleeping well at night or for better concentration.
Made of
silicone or other quality material, reusable earplugs have an acoustic filter that eliminates harmful frequencies to the ear while ensuring good sound intelligibility. With proper care, they can last for years.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Who is it for?
If you go to concerts or festivals regularly, choose reusable earplugs. They will provide good sound protection while preserving the quality of the sounds you hear.
Most famous through the Quies brand, wax earplugs have the advantage of being hypoallergenic and perfectly fitting the shape of the ear canal. For better comfort, they soften once they are put in, and create a light lubricating film in the ear canal, so the user barely feels them.
Benefits:
Disadvantages:
Who is it for?
If your sleep is often disturbed by ambient noise, wax earplugs or earplugs are recommended for you.
Disposable earplugs are sold in sets. Some come in packs of 10 pairs, others in hundreds of pairs. For personal use, it is best to choose the smaller packs. Disposable earplugs with an integrated dispenser, which can hold up to 400 pairs, are intended for professional use.
Earplugs are one of the most effective forms of personal protection against noise. Their role is to protect the eardrums by reducing noise by about 30 dB. They are usually made of wax, silicone or foam, and all have the same noise protection performance. You can wear them on a plane, while sleeping, on a construction site, etc.
Earplugs also prevent hearing loss or damage. However, this type of hearing protection can create heat and moisture in the ear, which promotes the growth of bacteria. Also, if you have sensitive ear canals, wearing earplugs too often can damage them.
It is a hearing protection that falls under the category of personal protective equipment. The earmuff is often used by employees in the manufacturing industry and other sectors. It performs electronic processing to analyze and reduce the frequency of noise, and can produce almost total silence. Their use provides maximum hearing protection.
In addition, earmuffs protect against the effects of prolonged exposure to noise. Simple earplugs cannot do this. However, like any product, it also suffers from some drawbacks. These types of headphones can completely isolate you from your surroundings, which is dangerous in crowded places or on the road. In addition, these hearing protectors can produce whistling effects in the ear.
Both types of hearing protection are effective in their own way. Earmuffs are very useful for protection against noise pollution in the workplace. In order to take care of your hearing system at night, the use of earplugs will perfectly meet your expectations.
To protect yourself from noise
Bars, discos, the sound of household appliances, the vacuum cleaner, the lawnmower, screaming children... On a plane, on a train, in the middle of a concert... All this often prevents you from going about your business, working or resting. Earplugs are an excellent way to protect yourself from these different types of noise.
For its comfort and practicality
They are comfortable to wear throughout the day. They are designed to fit the ear canal perfectly. Made of good quality material, the earplug does not irritate the inside of the ear. You can wear them in noisy environments while communicating with your loved ones. Practical, earplugs are easy to put in and simple to clean. They are inexpensive accessories compared to other anti-noise devices.
To stay focused
When you have colleagues with a sharp tongue or neighbours who like to listen to loud music at dozens of decibels, it's impossible to work well. Earplugs allow you to eliminate these noises so that you can focus entirely on what you are doing. This is one of the reasons why musicians, photographers and construction professionals use them.
For choice of use
This little device is available in two models: the disposable version for one-time use and the reusable option for specific situations that can last up to a week.
For a good night's sleep
Nothing beats a quiet environment to enjoy a restful and relaxing sleep. The bedroom does not always guarantee this much sought-after tranquility. With this device, you don't have to wait for anything and you can easily find deep sleep. Since noise has a negative impact on the proper functioning of the body, it is best to protect yourself from all types of noise at night, which can prevent you from being productive during the day.
In our opinion, the best brands of ear plugs in 2022 are :
Alpine is a Dutch company specializing in the design, production and distribution of hearing protection. Its products are frequently awarded for their quality and performance, including the Red Dot Award. The Alpine earplugs we offer in this comparison are known to be safe for your health.
Since 1918, this brand has been a leader in the design of natural wax earplugs. Quies products are known to be comfortable and ideal for prolonged wear without affecting health. And Quies' long life experience in this field demonstrates the brand's reliability.
Mack's® is the most doctor-recommended brand of earplugs in the United States, with a variety of products designed for sleep, travel, music, swimming and overall noise reduction. Since 1962, its original Mack's® Pillow Soft® silicone earplugs have held the number one position worldwide. This has allowed them to be the "company" that leads the retail hearing care industry.
EarPeace has become the leading brand of hearing protection for live entertainment, motorsports and safety since 2010 with its newest SXSW creation featuring hi-fi. These are the state of the art earplugs that many young people are looking for for their hearing protection.
Loop earplugs are the first earplugs that actually fit the ears. They stay inside and create a good seal and a comfortable feeling. Since its inception, this brand has combined design, style and health. This has earned it the best reviews for many years now. This brand is of high quality and reliable.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Clean your earplugs regularly
To prevent bacteria from growing on their surface, clean your earplugs regularly. Use a soft cloth with soapy water, but never a harsh product.
Don't always use your earplugs when you sleep
It
is advisable not to wear your earplugs every night. This is because earwax must be able to drain naturally. If you use your earplugs consistently, your ears may become infected.
Do not push your earplugs too far into the ear canal
When
you insert them, make sure you don't push your earplugs in too far to make them easier to remove
.
Don't leave your caps visible
You
also need to make sure your earplugs are securely in place. To do this, they need to be invisible from the front. If they are visible, they may simply fall out.
Remember to disinfect your reusable caps
Beyond
cleaning them with soapy water, disinfect your earplugs with alcohol or a disinfectant. This will eliminate any risk of ear canal infection
.
The best earplugs depend on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide to find out more.
No, your earplugs will not prevent you from hearing your alarm clock because they are not designed to block out all sounds.
Very often sold in batches of up to several hundred pairs, disposable foam earplugs cost about 5 cents per pair. They are economical and suitable for regular use or in a professional environment.
A pair of reusable earplugs, often made of a quality material such as silicone or thermoplastic, cost between 10 and 20 euros depending on the brand.
If properly cared for and placed in the case after each use, reusable earplugs can last up to 4 years. It also depends on how often you use them.
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