The best earplugs for musicians are designed to protect their hearing while still allowing them to hear their instrument and other instruments on stage clearly.
Finding the right pair of earplugs can be a challenge, but there are several options available that offer different levels of sound reduction and other features.
Today, we’ll be taking a look through the best earplugs available for musicians.
How do earplugs work?
Earplugs work by blocking or reducing the amount of sound that enters the ear, which can help to protect the ear from loud or damaging noise levels.
There are different types of earplugs available, including foam, silicone, and pre-molded earplugs, and they can vary in their level of sound reduction.

Why should I use earplugs?
Musicians should use earplugs because performing on stage can expose them to loud noise levels that can damage their hearing over time. The use of earplugs can help to protect musicians’ hearing by reducing the amount of sound that reaches their eardrums.
Additionally, some earplugs are designed to provide a more natural sound experience, which can help musicians hear their own instrument and other instruments on stage more accurately.
It’s crucial for musicians to protect their hearing as it’s an important aspect of their livelihood and passion.
These are the best earplugs for hearing protection at concerts and band practice:
- Etymotic ER20XS
- Westone TRU Universal WR20
- Alpine MusicSafe Pro
- Earasers Musicians Earplugs
- Hearos Xtreme Protection
- Moldex SparkPlugs
- Honeywell Howard Leight MAX Lite
- 3M E-A-R Classic
- Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs
- Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs
Etymotic ER20XS
When it comes to the best earplugs for musicians, the Etymotic ER20XS is a top choice. These earplugs offer a flat attenuation of sound, meaning they reduce all frequencies by the same amount, which helps musicians hear their own instrument and other instruments on stage more accurately.
This is especially important for singers and orchestral musicians who need to hear the different instruments in order to blend their own sound with the group.
Westone TRU Universal WR20
The TRU Universal WR20 earplugs are ideal for music enthusiasts and concertgoers. These earplugs are specifically designed to filter and reduce sound at loud music events while maintaining a natural and enjoyable listening experience.
The ergonomic design and environmental-friendly materials used make them comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. The advanced membrane filter technology minimizes the occlusion effect and preserves the full frequency range of the sound.
The earplugs reduce sound by 20 dB, making it safe to listen to music up to 105 dB for 8 hours, thus protecting your ears from damage. The package includes two large and two medium WR20 earplugs, two 20 dB acoustic filters, and a carrying pouch.
Alpine MusicSafe Pro
For musicians who need more flexibility, the Alpine MusicSafe Pro earplugs offer three different filter options, allowing musicians to choose the level of sound reduction that works best for them. They also have a comfortable, ergonomic design.
When it comes to the level of noise reduction, you have the option to choose between three different filter options: white filters which provide a low level of noise reduction at 16 dB, silver filters which provide a medium level of noise reduction at 19 dB, and gold filters which provide a high level of noise reduction at 22 dB.
Earasers Musicians Earplugs
The Earasers Musicians Earplugs are another great option, they mimic the natural response of the ear, meaning they reduce the volume of loud sounds while still allowing musicians to hear their own instrument and the other instruments on stage.
Hearos Xtreme Protection
Hearos Xtreme Protection earplugs are a great choice for musicians. They offer a high level of sound reduction and are made from a soft, hypoallergenic foam that is comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Moldex SparkPlugs
These earplugs offer a high level of sound reduction and have a unique, flange design that helps them stay in place. They are also made from a soft, hypoallergenic foam that is comfortable to wear.
Honeywell Howard Leight MAX Lite
For musicians who play in moderately loud environments, the Howard Leight Max Lite earplugs are a great option. These earplugs offer a moderate level of sound reduction, making them ideal for musicians who play in moderately loud environments.
3M E-A-R Classic
These earplugs offer a moderate level of sound reduction and are made from a soft, foam material that is comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They also have a tapered shape that helps them fit comfortably in the ear.
Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs
These earplugs are designed to reduce the volume of loud sounds while still allowing musicians to hear their own instrument and the other instruments on stage. They also have an interesting, triple-flange design that helps them stay in place.
Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs
For musicians who suffer from tinnitus, the Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs are a perfect choice. These earplugs are made from a soft silicone material. They also offer a moderate level of sound reduction and have a unique, flared design that helps them stay in place.
Conclusion
Overall, when choosing the best earplugs for musicians, it is important to consider the level of sound reduction needed, the comfort of the earplugs, and whether the earplugs preserve sound quality. Make sure to test different earplugs and select the pair that fits your needs the most.