Noise-Cancelling Earplugs, a Guide
Noise-cancelling earplugs are essential devices for protecting ears against noise disturbances. They are used in various contexts, ranging from industrial environments to musical events (festival, concert, stage, etc.), including sleep, DIY, motorsport, travel, and study. Here is an overview of the different types of noise-cancelling earplugs available on the market.
Extra-Aural Noise-Cancelling Earplugs
Extra-aural noise-cancelling earplugs, as their name suggests, are designed to be worn outside the ear canal. These devices include headsets or muffs that cover the entire ear. Although less invasive than intra-aural plugs, they may be less comfortable to wear for long periods due to their size and bulkiness.
Earplugs for Babies and Children
Noise-cancelling earplugs for children are adapted to the smaller size of young auditory canals. They are often used to protect children's ears in noisy environments, such as during shows or sports events. These plugs are often colorful and made from soft materials to ensure optimal comfort.
My Personal Opinion
ALWAYS use them when the volume is above 80dB. Perfectly adapted for children, the "baby" versions even have a headband to avoid pressure on babies' fontanelles.
Price
- About 30 € per pair
Advantages
- Infinitely reusable
- Suitable for small ears
- Soft and comfortable
- Sound quality preserved
- Conversations audible
Disadvantages
- Variable protection
- Impossible to sleep with
- No discretion
Renowned Manufacturer
- Alpine (manufactured in the Netherlands)
Construction Earplugs
Construction earplugs are specially designed for noisy industrial environments. They offer maximum protection against loud sounds, often exceeding 85 dB, which is common on construction sites. These plugs are usually made from robust materials and are often combined with noise-cancelling headsets for additional protection.
My Personal Opinion
Easy to find in DIY stores.
Price
- About 30 € per pair
Advantages
- Infinitely reusable
- Sound quality preserved
- High protection
- Conversations audible
Disadvantages
- High protection
- Impossible to sleep with
- No discretion
Renowned Manufacturer
- Alpine (manufactured in the Netherlands)
Intra-Aural Earplugs
Intra-aural earplugs are inserted directly into the ear canal, offering a more intimate barrier against external noise.
Foam Earplugs
Foam earplugs are among the most common and affordable. They are made of memory foam that expands to fit the shape of the ear canal, providing excellent noise sealing. They are disposable and suitable for single-use and/or short-term use.
My Personal Opinion
Disposable, so to be excluded unless it's the only option. Rarely do people wear them correctly: you need to roll the plugs with your fingers, insert them into the canal, and wait for the foam to expand back.
Price
- About 0.50 € per pair
Advantages
- Affordable
- Good seal
- Quite discreet
Disadvantages
- Disposable (polluting)
- Poor sound quality
- Feeling of isolation
- Conversations difficult
- Can irritate
- Easy to lose
Wax Earplugs
Often mistakenly called "Quies balls," after the renowned manufacturer, wax earplugs are a popular solution for those seeking effective and comfortable hearing protection, especially during sleep. Made from natural or synthetic wax, these plugs are malleable and easily adapt to the shape of the ear canal, creating an effective barrier against external noise.
My Personal Opinion
Quickly disposable, so to be excluded unless it's the only option.
Price
- About 1.50 € per pair
Advantages
- Affordable
- Good seal
- Hypoallergenic
- Quite discreet
Disadvantages
- Quickly disposable (polluting)
- Poor sound quality
- Easy to lose
Silicone Earplugs
Silicone earplugs are reusable and offer good noise protection. They are often more comfortable than foam plugs and are available in several sizes to better fit the ear canal. Silicone is also hypoallergenic, reducing the risk of irritation.
My Personal Opinion
Ideal in my opinion. Perfect quality/price ratio. They come in all styles and colors. A cord is often provided to prevent loss. Often offered with filters of different attenuation levels and multiple sizes of interchangeable tips.
Advantages
- Reusable (>100x)
- Sound quality preserved
- Comfortable
- Hypoallergenic
- Often very discreet
- Washable
- Conversations audible
Disadvantages
- Easy to lose without a cord
Price
- About 30 € per pair
Renowned Manufacturer
- Loop Earplugs
- Alpine (manufactured in the Netherlands)
Custom-Molded Earplugs
Custom-molded earplugs are made from an impression of the user's ear, allowing them to fit perfectly. They offer superior noise protection and are very comfortable to wear for long periods. These plugs are often used by musicians, motorcyclists, and workers exposed to high noise levels for extended periods.
My Personal Opinion
Almost ideal: Expensive, a bit large, too rigid for my taste. Often offered with filters of different attenuation levels.
Price
- About 130 € per pair
Advantages
- Infinitely reusable
- Sound quality preserved
- Perfect fit
- Very comfortable
- Washable
- Conversations audible
Disadvantages
- High cost
Conclusion
The choice of noise-cancelling earplugs largely depends on the intended use and the level of comfort sought. For extremely noisy environments like construction sites, extra-aural construction earplugs are essential. Foam and silicone earplugs are affordable options for general use, while custom-molded plugs offer the best protection and comfort for professional or frequent use.
Whatever your need, it is crucial to choose earplugs that fit well and are comfortable to ensure effective and long-lasting protection against noise disturbances.
♥ - Joseph SARDIN - Fondateur et Sonothécaire de BigSoundBank.com et LaSonotheque.org - Contact
