Earplugs for Concerts

Earplugs for concerts turn the volume down while keeping the music clear. They have an acoustic filter that lowers the volume roughly evenly across the bass and the treble, so you hear vocals, guitars and drums clearly, just quieter. Ordinary foam earplugs, on the other hand, mostly cut the treble, and the music behind them sounds muffled. Filter earplugs work for concerts, festivals and clubs, as well as for the rehearsal room and the stage. Here you'll find Alpine MusicSafe and PartyPlug, Fender, Hearos, D'Addario, Minuendo, Etymotic and Vibes models, plus earplugs for musicians from Zildjian, Vater, Ibanez and Blackstar.

How much attenuation do you need for a concert, a festival or the rehearsal room?

According to the manufacturers, the hi-fi earplugs on this page reduce sound by roughly 12 to 22 dB. That is enough for most concert and festival goers: you still hear all of the music, just quieter, and your hearing stays protected. If you play in a loud band, sit behind the drums or stand close to the speakers, choose stronger attenuation. Hearos Rock N Roll offer 27 dB and the disposable foam plugs Fender Concert Foam 32 dB.

If the volume changes during the evening, adjustable attenuation is worth it. You can switch D'Addario dBuds between two settings, about 12 and 24 dB. You can set Minuendo Lossless smoothly from roughly 7 to 25 dB. Alpine MusicSafe Pro come with interchangeable filters of different strengths, so you can use the same pair in the audience and in the rehearsal room.

What should you look for when choosing earplugs for concerts?

• Size and seal: the filter only works when the earplug seals your ear well. Alpine PartyPlug come with ear tips in three sizes (S, M and L).
• Discretion: clear versions such as MusicSafe Pro Transparent or PartyPlug Transparent are almost invisible in the ear.
• Reusability: silicone and thermoplastic earplugs with a filter last for many concerts. Most come with a case, and some Alpine models also have a key ring.
• Kids: earmuffs are a better choice for children at a concert; you'll find them in the hearing protection for kids category.

Earplugs for sleeping, swimming or noisy work are in the Hearing Protection category.