Everyone reacts to noise differently. If you’re sensitive to noise, everyday life becomes a real challenge. If you have a sensitivity or even a medical condition, you know the struggle. From noisy traffic and bustling bars to loud neighbors and kids’ tantrums, it can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to feel limited by noise, and that’s why Loop Earplugs came onto the market.
Loop Earplugs reduce noise without blocking it out completely. Curious to learn more? We have a guide to explain everything you need to know about Loop Earplugs.
What Are Loop Earplugs?
Loop Earplugs is not a new brand, but it has only recently surged in popularity. It was founded by Maarten Bodewes and Dimitri O in 2016. They started with the Experience plugs, which were designed to reduce loud noises while preserving sound quality at events and festivals.
Now, Loop offers four different earplug models. The Engage plugs minimize noise while keeping you aware of your surroundings, and Engage Kids safeguard children’s sensitive hearing. The Quiet 2 plugs are ideal to completely block out sound; it doesn’t matter what you do — trying to sleep, work, concentrate, or simply enjoy some tranquility.
Read also: These AI Noise-Canceling Headphones Let You Choose Which Sounds to Block Out
How Do Loop Earplugs Work?
Loop Earplugs have a special design that uses a channel and mesh to reduce noise without fully blocking it. This means you still hear clear sound but at a lower volume. Unlike foam earplugs that completely block sound and make it hard to hear anything, Loop just reduces the noise. For example, it’s safe for things like waking up to an alarm.
Loop Earplugs come in different models, each offering a specific level of noise reduction:
- Engage: up to 16 dB (SNR)
- Engage Kids: 17-25 dB (SNR)
- Experience: up to 18 dB (SNR)
- Quiet: up to 26 dB (SNR)
The higher the decibel level, the quieter your surroundings will be.
These earplugs are officially tested and rated for hearing protection and feature soft-touch silicone tips in various sizes.
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Who Should Use Loop Earplugs?
With over a billion people exposed to loud noises that could harm their hearing and one in five people being neurodiverse, earplugs are becoming as essential as sunglasses.
Loop was originally focused on nightlife but has broadened its view. They now recognize the benefits for everyone, including those who are sensitive to noise, need better sleep, or work from home and need to concentrate.
Maarten, a co-founder, wanted to challenge the stigma around hearing protection. Earplugs are not just for those who are extremely noise-sensitive — they can also help with everyday issues like stress, migraines, hearing damage, and sensory overload. The company views their earplugs as lifestyle products.
How to Insert Loop Earplugs
Here’s a step-by-step on how to use Loop Earplugs:
- Hold the ring with your thumb and finger, then insert the earplug into your ear; the entire silicone tip must be inside.
- Twist the loop handle upwards or clockwise to create a secure seal in your ear.
- Make sure the earplug feels snug and comfortable.
- Use the QR code on the packaging to access video tutorials for detailed insertion instructions if needed.
The Loop Mute accessory, which gives an additional 5 dB of noise reduction, is also easy to use. Just hold it with your thumb and finger and press it gently into the middle of your Loop Earplug.
Each pair of Loop Earplugs comes with four sizes of flexible silicone tips: extra small, small, medium, and large. To switch sizes, hold the ear tip between your thumb and index finger, then push and twist it onto the earplug’s stem until it fits snugly. For the silicone tips, pull the flexible part backward before attaching it to the earplug’s stem.
Features and Best Uses for Different Loop Earplugs
Each kind of Loop Earplug has its own unique features. Here’s a summary of what each type provides:
Loop Quiet
- Colors: White, black, violet, mint, and limited edition shades
- Best for: Sleep, concentration, travel
Loop Quiet earplugs are highly effective in reducing noise, so they're ideal for sleeping, focusing, or traveling. Their soft silicone material provides comfort, even for side sleepers. They also provide excellent noise reduction, which makes them useful for drowning out loud sounds like airplane engines or snoring.
Loop Experience
- Colors: Gold, black, silver, rose gold
- Best for: Music events, motorcycling, focus
These are designed for music lovers and those in noisy environments; plus, you get a stylish look with metallic loops. They effectively reduce noise while maintaining sound clarity, so you’ll enjoy using them for concerts or busy commutes.
Loop Engage
- Colors: Clear, dusk, green, rose
- Best for: Noise sensitivity, conversation, office use
These earplugs are made for environments where noise reduction is needed, but you still want to stay aware of your surroundings. They balance noise reduction with the ability to hear conversations and important sounds. Overall, great for work or social settings.
Loop Switch
- Colors: White, black, pink, blue
- Best for: Versatile environments
The Loop Switch is a versatile 3-in-1 product with adjustable settings for different noise levels. It allows users to switch between Quiet, Experience, and Engage modes, giving you great flexibility for various situations throughout the day.
Which Loop Earplugs Are Best for Concerts?
As you might have guessed from above, the Loop Experience earplugs are the best ones for concerts. The Loop Switch is also a great option, as it offers adjustable settings to match different noise levels.
Where to Buy Loop Earplugs
Looking to get your hands on Loop Earplugs? Here’s where you can find them:
- Buy directly from the Loop website for the full range and latest options
- Amazon
- CVS
- Walmart
If these retailers aren’t available to you, consider checking with your local online retailer or Amazon equivalent.
How to Clean Loop Earplugs
Loop Earplugs are simple to clean, but some require a bit more care:
- For the Loop Quiet model, just wipe them with soapy water and a damp cloth. Since they’re made from silicone, they can be submerged in water without any issues.
- For Loop Engage and Loop Experience, avoid soaking them because it might damage the internal filters. Instead, clean them by gently wiping the ear tips and earplugs with soapy water and a damp cloth.
To maintain hygiene, it’s a good idea to replace the ear tips every 3-6 months. You can find replacement ear tips in multipacks on the website.
What Are the Downsides?
Even though Loop Earplugs help reduce loud noises while maintaining some clarity, talking to others can still be tricky. Voices sound muffled, and you might need to be close to have a clear conversation. Sometimes, you might also speak too softly because you can’t gauge the surrounding noise well.
Getting a perfect seal with Loop Earplugs is sometimes challenging, too. It takes practice to insert them correctly, and achieving a consistent fit might require some adjustments.
Finally, Loop Earplugs can get pricey. The Quiet model starts at $25, and the Experience and Engage models are $35 each. With new colors regularly released, buying multiple pairs can cost between $50 and $75. If you want to save, consider choosing a versatile color matching your outfits.
What’s the Verdict?
Helen Wilson-Beevers from The Independent tested Loop Experience earplugs over a few months to check their comfort and how well they reduce noise. The review covered their use at home and while out and about. She found that the earplugs were comfortable, with the silicone tips fitting well and not causing any issues. Overall, she called them a practical and stylish choice for under £30.
The Good Housekeeping tested Loop Quiet 2 earplugs over three weeks with a group of people sensitive to noise or who struggle with sleep. Reviewers found the Loop Quiet 2 earplugs trendy, comfy, and great at cutting out noise. They said they’re just perfect for sleeping, traveling, and dealing with loud places.
Shannon Garlin, the reviewer from Today, struggles with noise and has tried various earplugs, and she found Loop Quiet earplugs to be the best solution. She was impressed by the earplugs’ secure fit and design. The silicone material felt gentle, and the customizable sizes worked well. After using them for a year, the reviewer found she slept better and thought the earplugs were a smart buy for anyone struggling with noise.
In summary, despite a few small issues, most people are very happy with this product.
