Loop Earplugs
Looking for earplugs for concerts, traveling, sleeping or studying? Lets review several companies that make earplugs.
Loop earplugs are popular reusable earplugs designed for reducing noise while still maintaining sound clarity, often marketed for people looking for a balance between noise reduction and the ability to hear important environmental sounds.
If you are in the music business, then you should look into professional musician earplugs. They can be more costly, and they require ear molds from an audiologist, but many say they fit so much better than loop earplugs. Some claim that they all have the standard design of a silicon mold with a filter in it. Professional musician earplugs preserve music quality, it’s literally like turning down the volume on a sound system with no loss of fidelity.
For others, loop earplugs are especially useful for those sensitive to noise, attending concerts, traveling, or simply seeking a better sleep environment. Some people love that the loops feel much better in their ears. They still block the super loud noises and feel like the audio quality is good!
Key Features:
Noise Reduction: Loop earplugs typically offer noise reduction ratings (NRR) of about 18-30 dB depending on the model. This makes them effective for lowering background noise but not completely blocking it.
Design: Their unique circular shape not only provides a stylish look but also contributes to their ergonomic fit, ensuring comfort even during extended wear. They are designed to fit snugly inside the ear without protruding.
Models: There are a few different types of Loop earplugs to cater to various needs:
Loop Quiet: Offers higher noise reduction, aimed at sleep, travel, or focus in noisy environments.
Loop Experience: Provides a balanced sound reduction while still allowing users to hear speech and other important sounds, making them suitable for social events or live performances.
Material: Made from soft silicone, which is skin-friendly and comfortable. Some models come with multiple size tips for a custom fit.
Reusable: Loop earplugs are washable and reusable, making them a more eco-friendly option compared to disposable earplugs.
Accessories: Some packages include carrying cases and multiple ear tip sizes to fit a variety of ear shapes.
Who Are They For?
Concert-goers: They help in reducing loud music without distorting sound quality.
Travelers: They offer a comfortable solution for blocking out engine noise during flights or train rides.
Sleepers: Especially the Loop Quiet model, which can reduce disruptive noises at night.
Students/Workers: Can help people focus by lowering distracting background noises without completely isolating them from the environment.
Loop earplugs are widely praised for their comfort, design, and ability to balance noise reduction with sound clarity.
Professional musician earplugs
Professional musician earplugs are designed to protect hearing without compromising sound quality. They beat earplugs at walmart, or earplugs at target. Unlike standard earplugs, which often muffle sound, musician earplugs reduce volume evenly across frequencies. This means that music remains clear but at a lower, safer volume, helping to prevent hearing damage from prolonged exposure to loud environments, such as concerts or rehearsals.
Key features include:
Flat attenuation: They reduce sound levels evenly, ensuring the music’s tonal balance remains intact.
Custom-fitted: Some earplugs are molded to the musician’s ear for comfort and effectiveness.
Interchangeable filters: These allow musicians to choose different levels of sound reduction, depending on the environment.
Popular brands include Etymotic, and Alpine MusicSafe. They are used by a range of professionals from orchestral musicians to DJs to preserve hearing health while maintaining sound clarity.
Etymotic earplugs
Etymotic earplugs are highly regarded for their ability to protect hearing while preserving sound quality, making them popular among musicians, audio engineers, and concertgoers. Here’s an overview of their key features:
Select Types of Etymotic Earplugs:
ER-20XS (High-Fidelity Earplugs):
- These are designed to reduce noise evenly across all frequencies, so music and speech remain clear but at a lower, safer volume.
- They provide up to 20dB of noise reduction.
- They come in a universal fit with interchangeable eartips for comfort and a low-profile design.
- Ideal for musicians, concertgoers, and anyone needing hearing protection in noisy environments without compromising sound quality.
EtyPlugs (Standard High-Fidelity):
- Similar to the ER-20XS, but with a longer stem and slightly less compact design.
- They provide 20dB sound reduction, specifically tuned for musicians.
- They are known for their affordability and reliable protection in loud settings.
Custom-Fit Musicians Earplugs:
- These earplugs are custom molded to the user’s ears for maximum comfort and protection.
- They come with interchangeable filters offering different levels of attenuation (e.g., 9dB, 15dB, 25dB).
- The filters can be swapped out based on the specific noise level or environment.
Key Benefits of Etymotic earplugs:
Flat Attenuation: Unlike typical foam earplugs, Etymotic’s technology ensures that sound is reduced evenly across all frequencies, maintaining the clarity of music and speech.
Comfort: The earplugs are made from soft materials and are available in both universal and custom-fit options, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit for long-term use.
Durability: Etymotic earplugs are designed to be long-lasting and are made from high-quality materials that can withstand regular use in performance or noisy environments.
Etymotic earplugs are especially favored by musicians and audiophiles who want hearing protection without compromising sound fidelity. They are also used by people in loud work environments or anyone concerned about long-term hearing health.
Alpine MusicSafe earplugs
Alpine MusicSafe earplugs are a popular choice among musicians, DJs, and concertgoers who need hearing protection while maintaining sound clarity. These earplugs are designed to reduce harmful noise levels while preserving the quality of music and speech, making them ideal for both performers and listeners.
Alpine offers several types of MusicSafe earplugs, designed specifically for musicians, DJs, and concertgoers who need hearing protection while maintaining sound quality. These earplugs are built to be durable and can be used repeatedly. They come with a compact carrying case for safe storage and portability. Here are the main types:
Alpine MusicSafe Classic
– Includes two sets of interchangeable filters (medium and high attenuation).
– Provides 17 dB (medium) and 18 dB (high) noise reduction.
– Made from Alpine’s ThermoShape™ material, which molds to the shape of the ear for a comfortable fit.
– Designed for both musicians and concertgoers to protect hearing while allowing sound clarity.
Ideal for: Musicians, DJs, and regular concert attendees who need basic protection.
Alpine MusicSafe Pro
– Comes with three sets of interchangeable filters (White, Silver, Gold) for different levels of attenuation (low, medium, and high).
– Provides attenuation levels ranging from 16 dB (White) to 22 dB (Gold).
– More advanced than the Classic version, offering customized protection depending on the environment’s noise level.
– Includes an extra spare earplug, a carrying case, and cleaning accessories.
Ideal for: Professional musicians, DJs, sound engineers, and people frequently exposed to loud environments who need customizable protection.
Alpine PartyPlug
– Not specifically part of the “MusicSafe” line, but designed for concertgoers and party enthusiasts.
– Offers universal noise reduction (19 dB) without compromising sound quality.
– Made from Alpine’s ThermoShape™ material for comfort during extended wear.
– Comes with a handy carrying case.
Ideal for: Music lovers and concert attendees who want a straightforward earplug for general noise reduction without interchangeable filters.
Alpine PartyPlug Pro Natural
– Provides high-fidelity sound with flat attenuation across frequencies, similar to MusicSafe Pro.
– Reduces noise by 21 dB while maintaining the natural sound quality of music.
– Made with the AlpineThermoShape™ material for comfort and a snug fit.
– Includes a carrying case and cleaning accessories.
Ideal for: People who attend loud events but want to preserve the full music experience with minimal distortion.
Alpine MusicSafe FlyFit (Travel Version)
– Primarily designed for flying and travel but also useful for musicians or concertgoers.
– Contains special filters to reduce background noise and relieve ear pressure during flights.
– Comfortable for long-term use and made with Alpine’s unique materials.
– Reduces noise levels by about 17 dB.
Ideal for: Musicians who travel frequently and need protection in both music and travel settings.
Summary of Filter Levels:
White (Low Attenuation): ~16 dB
Silver (Medium Attenuation): ~19 dB
Gold (High Attenuation): ~22 dB
Alpine’s MusicSafe series offers versatile options to suit different needs, with the MusicSafe Pro being the most advanced due to its customizable filters and higher protection levels. Other options like the PartyPlug and FlyFit are geared towards general use but still maintain Alpine’s high standards for comfort and sound clarity.
Overall:
Many musicians and party-goers use to wear warehouse-style earplugs such as industrial ones, foam, and Eargasms. Those who have tried Loop wish they had bought them a long time ago, while others are very pleased with their Alpines and Etymotics. Some users also comment that Loops dampened the music too much at outdoor venues when you’re the back but work really well if sitting on the rails or indoors.