In today’s world of constant noise and loud music, it’s surprising that my hearing is still intact. As a member of the Discman and iPod generation, I spent countless hours with headphones on, tuning out the world. And let’s not forget about all the concerts I’ve attended over the years. From obnoxiously loud punk shows to shooting photos at concerts right in front of blaring speakers, my ears have been exposed to high levels of sound. Despite all this, I have managed to avoid significant hearing damage. Occasionally, I may experience a faint tinnitus ring, but it quickly fades away. However, I don’t want that ringing to become a permanent part of my life. So, even though it may have taken me too long to realize it, I am now making a conscious effort to wear hearing protection at concerts and other loud events.
When it comes to earplugs, foam ones are a cheap and easily accessible option. You can find them at any pharmacy or buy them in bulk online for under $10. While they do provide some level of protection, they can also diminish the quality of the sound and rob live music of its clarity and precision. If you want to safeguard your ears and still enjoy the full experience of a concert, it’s worth investing in earplugs that focus on preserving the fidelity of the music.
One such option is Sennheiser’s SoundProtex earplugs, priced at $39.95. The package includes three sizes of triple-flange ear tips that fit deep into the ear canals and two sets of filters that go into the center of the tips. One filter is a “full block” filter that completely deadens any noise, perfect for situations where you want near-total silence. The other option is the “mid” filter, which includes an acoustic filter membrane and sound-dampening mesh. This filter is ideal for concerts, plane travel, and other scenarios where loud noise is present but you still want to enjoy the music.
Sennheiser also offers a “Plus” version of the SoundProtex earplugs, priced at $79.95. This version includes two additional filters that allow for different levels of noise to pass through. While having more options may seem appealing, it can also make the process more complex. Personally, I prefer the simplicity of the two-filter route. However, if you’re concerned about everyday noise and want to reduce the decibel levels without completely blocking them out, the “light” filters that come with the SoundProtex Plus can be a good option.
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When fitting the SoundProtex earplugs, I found that the large-size tips worked best for me, as I typically use large-size tips for earbuds. These tips are made from hypoallergenic TPE material, ensuring comfort and safety. Despite going deeper into the ear canal than earbuds, you don’t have to worry about them getting stuck or causing any harm. After the concert, you can simply rinse them off and they’ll be ready for your next event.
During a recent concert where I tested the SoundProtex earplugs, I was shooting photos of the band Dave Matthews Band at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens. This is not the acoustic-oriented DMB of the past; it’s a full-band setup with electric instruments and loudspeakers. Standing directly in front of the stage speakers for an extended time can be uncomfortable and potentially damaging to the ears. Sennheiser claims that the SoundProtex earplugs are designed to preserve the overall audio balance of a concert and allow enough higher frequencies for a normal conversation. I can confidently say that nothing sounded muffled or stuffy with these earplugs, unlike with cheap foam ones. I had no trouble understanding people once I was done shooting and joined the regular audience.
While wearing earplugs can slightly diminish the vitality and punch of a concert, it’s a small price to pay for protecting your hearing. Some people choose to wear earplugs for most of the show but remove them for a favorite song or two to fully experience the power and intensity of the performance. However, leaving them in at all times is the best course of action. I have attached the SoundProtex carrying pouch to my keychain so I always have them on hand when needed.
Priced at $39.95, the SoundProtex earplugs may seem expensive, but they are on par with other brands that prioritize fidelity in their hearing protection products. Some people have also experimented with using noise-canceling earbuds like AirPods Pro for hearing protection. While these can be effective for everyday scenarios, I would be cautious when using them at concerts. Earplugs have a deeper and more secure seal, and companies must adhere to stricter standards and thoroughly test for decibel attenuation.
Regardless of the type of earplugs you choose, even basic foam ones are better than nothing. If you, like me, have been slow to adopt the habit of wearing earplugs, this summer concert season is the perfect time to start taking better care of your ears and protecting the hearing you have.
Photography by Chris Welch / The Verge
