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Whether you’re on stage, in the crowd or at home trying to sleep, earplugs are an instantaneous, safe and affordable fix for protecting and preserving your hearing, along with quieting down the outside world.
While most equate wearing earplugs at concerts, you should also consider a good pair of earplugs for sporting events like the Super Bowl. Noise levels at stadiums can reach up to 130 decibels, which is way louder than a normal environment (for contrast, most rock concerts top out at 120 decibels).
What that means: you should be packing a pair of earplugs with you to help protect your hearing.
Are Earplugs Reusable?
These days, savvy concert-goers and event attendees are swapping cheap, disposable earplugs for reusable ones. Traditionally made as foam or wax plugs, disposable options were reusable for a few nights before starting to get gross and ineffective. But a reusable pair can last a lot longer, and they’re washable, too.
Typically, these plugs are made from silicone, a soft and bendable material that contours to any ear and has a low risk of irritating skin. You’ll also be significantly reducing the amount of environmental waste generated from plastic wrappings, containers and disposable plugs.
Many earplugs are designed so that it’s easy to swiftly take them out when needed and so that they don’t get stuck. Similarly, a neck cord is included with some pairs, which makes it easier to pop them out of your ears.
If you’ll be traveling, most include a little case to keep them safe on-the-go, too.
What Can Reusable Earplugs Be (Re)Used for?
Sleeping: This one’s the most obvious, and generally what most people use them for. A comfortable pair might help you fall (and stay) asleep, preventing outside city sounds and any indoor noise of loud family or roommates from waking you up. They also work great for meditation.
Studying and Working: If you have trouble focusing, or are easily distracted, these are a quick way to block out the sounds around you when concentration is key. Also if you work a loud industrial job (or even at a noisy office), the difference is immediately noticeable, cutting way down on machinery droning but still being able to hear your coworkers.
Swimming: A good waterproof pair can keep water out and stay in securely for all your laps. You’ll want a rubber seal on these, too, for an extra barrier against water.
Concerts and Sporting Events: Most earplugs aren’t fully soundproof, and for concerts, that’s a good thing. You’ll still be able to hear the music, just not at deafening levels that could cause damage to your eardrums. This helps in preventing hearing loss, and preserving your ears for the long haul, allowing you to enjoy more concerts in the future.
If you’re getting a pair specifically and only for live music, there are plenty designated just for this, and sometimes have the options for different settings to gauge the ideal amount of sound you hear. These are often made with a multi-tiered design to secure it inside.
