Musician ear plugs: benefits, types and tips

Person playing the electric bass

Musician earplugs serve as a shield for your hearing, safeguarding it from the relentless assault of loud music. Permanent hearing loss can result from even short-term exposure to excessive noise, making it imperative for individuals in the music industry to invest in these earplugs. Whether you are a professional musician, a dedicated music lover, a fitness enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys the convenience of hands-free calls and high-fidelity sound, musician earplugs have a role to play in your life.

Ear protection for musicians: the benefits of wearing earplugs

  • Protect your hearing: Musician earplugs can help to prevent hearing loss, which is a permanent condition. Even short-term exposure to loud noise can damage your hearing, so it's important to wear earplugs whenever you're around loud music.
  • Improve your performance: Musician earplugs can help you to hear yourself and your fellow band members more clearly, which can lead to better performances. When you can hear yourself accurately, you can play with more confidence and precision.
  • Reduce fatigue: Loud noise can be tiring, both physically and mentally. Musician earplugs can help to reduce fatigue by lowering the volume of sound. This can make it easier to focus on your performance and enjoy yourself more.
  • Prevent tinnitus: Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that can be caused by exposure to loud noise. Musician earplugs can help to prevent tinnitus by protecting your hearing from damage.

If you're a musician, it's important to invest in a good pair of musician earplugs. They're a small investment that can make a big difference in your hearing health and overall musical experience.

Do musicians wear ear plugs?

Yes, many musicians, both professional and amateur, wear earplugs designed specifically for their needs. These professional earplugs for musicians are crafted to protect their hearing while allowing them to maintain the sound quality essential for their performances. Whether it's live concerts, practice sessions, or studio recordings, musicians understand the importance of preserving their hearing health, and professional earplugs help them achieve that delicate balance between enjoying music and safeguarding their auditory well-being. These earplugs offer various features like flat frequency responses, comfortable designs, and customizable options, making them the go-to choice for musicians who want to prioritize their hearing health without compromising on the quality of the music they create or enjoy.

How much should you spend on earplugs?

While some earplugs may seem expensive, the benefits of higher-end options, including higher noise reduction ratings and comfort for extended use, are well worth the investment. Comfort and accurate noise reduction should be your top priorities when choosing earplugs. Experiment with different types—foam, silicone, fitted, and earbuds—to find what suits you best. Remember, your hearing is invaluable, so prioritize its protection.
Elderly couple looking at a tablet
Guide to earplugs and hearing protectors

Discover all the different types of earplugs and ear protectors according to their uses.

How to protect your ears

Choosing the right musician earplugs

Senior man wearing sunglasses and hat
1.Music lovers: ear protection for loud music

If you're a dedicated music enthusiast or a smartphone user, custom-fit musician earplugs provide the ideal solution. They allow you to take hands-free calls with crystal clarity and experience the full spectrum of high-fidelity sound. You no longer need to sacrifice your hearing for convenience; these earplugs are the bridge between auditory delight and responsibility.

2. For exercise and commutes

 

Custom-fit earmolds designed to fit over earphones are perfect for your workout sessions or daily commutes. Not only do they enhance your music experience, but they also reduce background noise, providing a sanctuary of sound during exercise and travel.

3. For professional musicians

 

In-ear monitors designed for musicians elevate your music to the next level. These monitors are crafted to eliminate feedback, lower on-stage noise levels, and reduce vocal fatigue. They are the go-to choice for professional musicians who need precision and clarity while performing.

4. For the true sound experience

 

Filtered musician earplugs are calibrated to balance all frequencies, ensuring a flat attenuation curve. This means you hear sounds accurately at a safe and comfortable level, making them perfect for musicians who demand an unaltered sound experience. These earplugs are available in three different levels of attenuation and fit comfortably deep within the ear canal.

Concert
5. Earplugs for drummers

Earplugs for drummers are specially designed hearing protection devices that cater to the specific needs of drummers who are exposed to loud sound levels during rehearsals and performances. These earplugs offer effective noise reduction while maintaining the clarity and fidelity of the music, allowing drummers to hear their instrument and bandmates clearly without risking hearing damage.

Understanding the characteristics

Musician earplugs are custom-made to offer long-lasting comfort. They come in a range of earpiece colors and cable colors, providing a personalized touch. Laser marking with your name adds an extra layer of personalization, ensurig that your earplugs are uniquely yours.n

Who should use musician ear plugs

Musicians

Musicians who perform at professional events, including live concerts, music festivals, and other venues with loud speakers, are strongly encouraged to use musician earplugs. Protecting your hearing in these environments is not just responsible; it can enhance your musical experience, bringing out the true clarity of your instrument and vocals.

Smartphone and MP3 player users

Smartphone and MP3 player users who wish to protect their hearing responsibly can also benefit from custom-fit earplugs. These accessories are compatible with most smartphones and personal music players, delivering hands-free calls and high-quality music.

Daily commuters and exercise enthusiasts

For daily commuters and exercise enthusiasts, custom-fit earmolds for earphones are the perfect solution. These earplugs enhance your listening experience and prevent earphones from falling out during physical activities.

Concert and festival lovers

For those who frequently attend concerts and festivals, specialized earplugs designed for these events offer optimal protection and sound quality. These earplugs are equipped to handle the extreme noise levels often encountered in live music settings, ensuring your auditory experience remains immersive while safeguarding your hearing. Look for earplugs with an NRR tailored to loud concert environments, filters designed for different music genres, and utmost comfort for extended use.
A woman with a yellow shirt perfoming a hearing test
Schedule a free hearing consultation

Take care of your hearing health now!

Visit the nearest store

The best earplugs for musicians in Australia

1. Earasers earplugs

Earasers are musician-focused earplugs designed for live performances. They provide a flat frequency response, preserving the nuances of sound while reducing overall noise volume.

Main features

  • Material: Silicone
  • Noise Reduction: 19dB
  • Ideal for live music
  • Comfortable design
  • Ensures accurate sound representation

2. Earos One earplugs

Earos One earplugs offer a blend of style and acoustic excellence, making them a great choice for musicians. These earplugs provide exceptional noise reduction while maintaining sound clarity and a wide frequency response.

Main features

  • Material: Silicone
  • Noise Reduction: 25dB
  • Specifically designed for musicians
  • Unobtrusive design

3. Loop earplugs

Loop earplugs offer a stylish and functional option for those who want to make a statement while protecting their hearing. With a noise reduction of 20dB and various tip options, they fit virtually anyone's ears and are easy to use.

Main Features

  • Material: Foam/Silicone
  • Noise Reduction: 20dB
  • Lots of different sizes
  • Easy to put in

4. Fender Musician earplugs

Fender Musician earplugs are the budget-friendly choice for musicians. These earplugs provide substantial noise reduction at an affordable price, making them ideal for gigging emergencies or as a backup.

Main Features

Material: Silicone

Noise Reduction: 27dB

Cost-effective option

Suitable for various musical scenarios

Comfortable and simple design

5. Decibullz earplugs

Decibullz earplugs offer a unique, customizable design, allowing you to mold them to your exact ear shape. These earplugs provide exceptional comfort and a high 31dB protection rating, making them perfect for loud shows with thundering bass.

Main Features

  • Material: Thermoplastic
  • Noise Reduction: 31dB
  • Moldable plug section for a custom fit
  • Great value for the protection offered
  • Ideal for lower-cost applications like earplugs

6. Alpine earplugs

Alpine MusicSafe earplugs are a musician's best companion, meticulously designed to cater to the unique needs of performers and music enthusiasts. These earplugs offer a flat frequency response that safeguards the intricacies of sound while effectively reducing overall noise volume. Crafted from soft and hypoallergenic silicone, Alpine MusicSafe earplugs prioritize your comfort, ensuring that you can enjoy music without compromise.

Main Features

  • Material: Silicone
  • Noise Reduction: 19 dB
  • Ideal for live music performances
  • Comfortable design for extended wear
  • Preserves accurate sound representation

Custom molded earplugs for musicias

Custom-made earplugs for musicians are individually crafted to fit the unique shape of each person's ear canal. Through a process called custom molding, an impression of the individual's ear canal is taken, typically using soft, hypoallergenic materials like silicone. This mold is then used to create a personalized earplug that matches the exact contours of the ear, providing a comfortable and secure fit.

These fitted earplugs for musicians offer adjustable attenuation options to reduce sound levels evenly across frequencies, preserving the clarity and fidelity of music while protecting the wearer's hearing.

Key considerations when selecting musician earplugs

Audiologist

When choosing musician earplugs, there are a few factors to consider:

  • Noise reduction rating (NRR): The NRR is a measure of how much noise earplugs reduce. Musician earplugs typically have an NRR of 20-30 dB.
  • Filter type: Musician earplugs often come with different filters that can be customized to different noise levels. Some filters are designed for specific types of music, such as rock or classical.
  • Comfort: Musician earplugs should be comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Look for earplugs made from soft, hypoallergenic materials.

You can find musician earplugs at most music stores, online retailers and hearing centres in Australia. It's a good idea to try on a few different pairs to find the ones that fit best and are the most comfortable for you.

Woman looking at her mobile phone
News, tips and remedies for your hearing health

Keep up to date with the latest news and advice on hearing health and hearing aids. Find out everything you need to know.

Hearing health tips

Tips for using musician earplugs

Here are a few tips for using musician earplugs:

  1. Clean your earplugs regularly: Earplugs can collect dirt and bacteria, so it's important to clean them regularly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning your earplugs.
  2. Insert the earplugs correctly: To get the best protection from earplugs, it's important to insert them correctly. Roll the earplug into a thin tube and insert it deep into your ear canal. Gently pull on the outer tab of the earplug to make sure it's secure.
  3. Replace your earplugs regularly: Earplugs can lose their effectiveness over time, so it's important to replace them regularly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for replacing your earplugs.

By wearing musician earplugs, you can protect your hearing and enjoy your music for many years to come.

FAQs about musician earplugs

Are loop earplugs good for musicians?

Loop earplugs can be a good option for musicians, especially those who perform in loud environments such as concerts or clubs. These earplugs are designed to attenuate sound while still allowing the wearer to hear music clearly and accurately. The loop design helps to keep the earplugs securely in place, making them ideal for musicians who move around a lot during performances. However, it's important for musicians to choose earplugs specifically designed for musicians, as they are designed to preserve the fidelity of the music while still providing adequate protection against loud sound levels.

What are the best earplugs for musicians?

The best earplugs for musicians are those specifically designed to attenuate sound while preserving the clarity and fidelity of music. Some popular options include:

  1. Etymotic Research ER20XS High-Fidelity Earplugs: These earplugs reduce sound levels evenly across the frequency range without distorting the music.
  2. Alpine MusicSafe Pro Earplugs: They come with interchangeable filters that allow musicians to adjust the level of attenuation to their preferences while maintaining the quality of sound.
  3. Westone TRU Universal WR20 Musicians Earplugs: These earplugs provide a flat attenuation response, meaning they reduce sound levels evenly across all frequencies, which is crucial for maintaining the natural sound of music.
  4. ACS PRO Series Earplugs: These custom-molded earplugs offer a high level of comfort and attenuation while preserving the clarity of music.
  5. Hearos High Fidelity Earplugs: These reusable earplugs are designed to reduce sound levels without muffling or distorting the music, making them suitable for musicians.

Ultimately, the best earplugs for musicians depend on individual preferences, ear anatomy, and the specific requirements of their performances. It's essential to try out different options to find the ones that provide the right balance between protection and sound quality for your needs.

Do musicians wear earplugs on stage?

On stage, musicians are often exposed to high volumes of sound, which can lead to hearing damage over time. To protect their hearing without sacrificing the quality of the music they create and perform, many musicians opt to wear earplugs specifically designed for live performances. These earplugs are engineered to attenuate sound evenly across frequencies, preserving the clarity of the music while reducing the overall volume level. By wearing earplugs on stage, musicians can safeguard their most valuable asset—their hearing—while still delivering top-notch performances.

How to clean musicians earplugs?

Cleaning musicians' earplugs is essential for maintaining their effectiveness and hygiene. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean them:

  1. Remove earplugs: Take the earplugs out of your ears carefully.
  2. Inspect for debris: Check the earplugs for any visible debris or earwax buildup. Use a soft-bristled brush or a dry cloth to gently remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the earplugs.
  3. Wash with mild soap: Fill a bowl with warm water and add a small amount of mild soap or detergent. Submerge the earplugs in the soapy water and use your fingers to gently clean them, ensuring that all surfaces are thoroughly washed.
  4. Rinse thoroughly: After cleaning, rinse the earplugs under running water to remove any soap residue. Be sure to rinse them well to prevent irritation to your ears.
  5. Dry completely: Use a clean, dry cloth to pat the earplugs dry. Ensure they are completely dry before storing them to prevent mold or bacteria growth.
  6. Disinfect: To disinfect the earplugs, you can use alcohol wipes or a solution of water and rubbing alcohol. Gently wipe the surface of the earplugs with the alcohol solution and allow them to air dry completely before using them again.
  7. Store properly: Once clean and dry, store the earplugs in their case or a clean, dry container to protect them from dust, dirt, and damage.

It's essential to clean musicians' earplugs regularly, especially if you use them frequently, to maintain their effectiveness and prevent ear infections. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and care to ensure the longevity of your earplugs.

Where to buy musician earplugs?

You can buy musician earplugs from various places, including:

  1. Music stores: Many music stores carry a selection of musician earplugs designed specifically for live performances. These stores often have knowledgeable staff who can help you choose the right earplugs for your needs.
  2. Online retailers: Websites like Amazon, Sweetwater, and Musicians Friend offer a wide range of musician earplugs from different brands. You can read reviews, compare prices, and find the earplugs that best suit your preferences.
  3. Audiologists or hearing specialists: If you're looking for custom-molded musician earplugs, you can visit an audiologist or hearing specialist who can take impressions of your ears and create custom-fit earplugs tailored to your specific needs.
  4. Concert venues: Some concert venues may sell musician earplugs at the merchandise booth or concession stand. If you forget your earplugs at home, you can often purchase a pair at the venue to protect your hearing during the show.
  5. Specialty stores: There are specialty stores that focus specifically on hearing protection products, including musician earplugs. These stores may offer a wider selection and more personalized service than general retailers.

No matter where you choose to buy musician earplugs, make sure to consider factors such as fit, attenuation level, and comfort to ensure you find the best earplugs for your needs.

With you on your journey to better hearing.

It's time to finally treat your hearing loss. Sign up for a free consultation with a licensed hearing care professional today to determine if you have hearing loss. It’s the start of your journey towards better hearing.

EarPros benefits:

  • it's 100% risk free.
  • best partner with more than 1.000 stores

Please use a valid US zipcode.

Please use a valid zipcode.

Thank you for submitting your request

We will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
Spiral staircase viewed from above, black and white

Hearing health

Sinus infection and dizziness

Read more
Male doctor holding a stethoscope

Hearing protection

Does noise-canceling protect your ears?

Read more
Grandfather walking with his granddaughter

Hearing protection

Ear defenders and ear muffs for newborns

Read more
Doctor fitting a hearing device for a female patient

Hearing aids

Cochlear implant: how much does it cost?

Read more