The best earplugs for musicians 2022

We all think our ears are invincible, but unfortunately, that isn’t true. In fact, with over a billion people aged 12-35 years old losing their hearing due to exposure to loud music and other excessive sounds, it’s crucial that musicians in particular pay special attention to protect their ears for the long-term. So whether you’re a DJ, drummer, guitar player or studio musician, this list of the best earplugs for musicians will help you make more informed decisions for your hearing.

Why do we all struggle with hearing protection?

One common misconception about earplugs is that they completely block out the sound around you, leaving it muffled and expressionless. Luckily for us, technology has come a long way. These days, a pair of quality earplugs will allow you to enjoy floor tickets to a rock metal concert or playing Fortissimo on your violin, without reducing the quality of the sound you experience.

Important audio terms

First things first, let’s make sure we understand some of the key terminologies when it comes to selecting the best earplugs for musicians.

• High fidelity
  Fidelity measures how accurate an electronic system can reproduce a sound from its input signal. For example, a high-fidelity sound system will reproduce sound that is accurately close to the original. This explains why high-fidelity earplugs are often the most popular choice amongst musicians. A good pair of high-fidelity earplugs should allow you to maintain the quality of the original sound while reducing sound levels.
  
  
• Flat frequency
  Flat response means what comes in goes out. Neutral and uncolored frequency response within the human hearing range – which may not necessarily sound good as it is subjective. Flat attenuation is an equal reduction in sound across frequency. This means you won’t end up with an imbalanced sound that has too little bass, or too much treble.
  
  
• IEM in-ear monitor
  The key difference between IEMs and earbuds are that IEMS are inserted into the ear, whilst the latter are placed on the outer ear. Since they’re placed inside the ear canal, they offer higher degree of sound isolation. IEMs are commonly used by musicians to listen to their music while they are playing on stage.

Some factors to consider when picking your ear protection

• Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
• Sound quality
• Comfort and fit
• Appearance
• Battery life (if any)

Our top picks for professional high-fidelity earplugs:

As mentioned, high-fidelity earplugs are the ideal option for musicians who would expect to have little to no loss in the quality of the sound they hear. With these earplugs we’ve picked, musicians can play and enjoy music without experiencing muting, muffling, or distortion of higher frequencies!

1. Minuendo Lossless Earplugs

These are our favorite for a reason. The emphasis on precise material use and minimal design keeps these earplugs light and comfortable for all-day wear.

Minuendo uses membrane technology that mimics nature and behaves like a second eardrum. For earplugs with attenuation, the attenuation is normally fixed. Minuendo lossless earplugs’ uniqueness comes with its built-in attenuators, which allow you to easily switch the attenuation.

This technology is completely passive, which makes Minuendo earplugs very convenient and practical to use. The level of attenuation ranges from 7dB to 25dB, so you can easily switch between more or less sound depending on your situation. No other bluetooth earplugs exist that have this stepless variability.

Key features:

• Adjustable attenuation from 7-25dB
• Variable passive Hi-Fi filter
• Sleek design for everyday wear
• Comfortable for long durations of use
• Includes 11 sets of eartips for you to fit your perfect fit
• Price: $169

2. Decibullz Custom Molded Professional High Fidelity Earplugs

This company specializes in remoldable earplugs and have been making custom earplugs for years.

Decibullz aims for “true, tuned, and flat attenuation that reduces loud noises evenly across all frequencies to safe levels.” These custom molds are popular amongst music professionals and those who expect high sound accuracy.

Key features:

• Accurate passive reduction
• True custom fit
• Full clarity of sound
• Price: $99.99

3. ER-20 High Fidelity Earplug | Etymotic

Etymotic Research was the first company to ever look into noise-isolation high-fidelity in-ear earphones way back in 1991. Today, they remain one of the leading brands when it comes to noise isolation. These earplugs are not only for musicians but for a variety of other professionals.

Most Etymotic earplugs are made for different professions and use cases. For musicians, these earplugs  enhance the music experience and allow them to hear their own instrument.

Key features:

• Low cost, ready-fit
• Sound quality is mostly preserved
• Reduces approximately 20dB
• Standard fit fits majority of users
• Price: $13.95 to $24.99

4. Etymotic Research MP9-15 MusicPRO Electronic Earplugs

These Etymotic earplugs are great for music performers and directors. Simply flip a switch to get either 9dB or 15dB hearing protection. The MusicPRO 9-15 are active earplugs restores sound that is lost when the eartips seal off the ear canal. It comes with a neck cord, batteries, protective case, perfect for musicians on-the-go.

Key features:

• Switch between 9dB or 15dB
• Active attenuation
• Enhances soft sounds
• Assortment of eartips

Price: $299.99

5. Alpine MusicSafe Pro Earplugs

The brand name includes the word music thats how we know its dedicated for musicians.

AlpineAcousticFilters only attenuate harmful sounds. Communicate with your bandmates at a normal level even with your earplugs on. The only negative with earplugs at a lower price range is that you can only reuse it for a specific number of times – 100 times to be exact.

– 3 high-fidelity Gold (22 dB), Silver (19 dB) and White (16 dB)
– Comes with a handy case, cleaning spray and carrying cord
– Silicone free

Price: $22.99

6. EarDial HiFi Earplugs – Invisible High Fidelity Hearing Protection

If you are looking for earplugs that you can wear comfortably for hours, you can check EarDial. Made out of soft hypoallergenic silicone, it’s comfortable and extremely discreet. It comes with a very low profile design – short stem and high-transparency color.

Key features:

• Invisible smart earplugs
• High fidelity, precise noise filtration
• Soft hypoallergenic silicone
• Compact aluminium case
• Companion app
• Price: $33.99

Soundbrenner is a company dedicated to helping musicians stay focused on what truly matters: their music. By creating innovative devices, such as Soundbrenner Pulse and Core, our goal is to deliver the best possible practice experience for musicians. Click here to find out more.

Got a question about Soundbrenner wearables? Reach out to us at [email protected]dbrenner.com, we’re happy to help!