The earplugs are made from two different types of silicone; one for the rigid inner core, the other for the soft seal rings. They do not contain any latex. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Earplugs may be thermoplastic, silicone, foam, or wax. Shapes and sizes also vary. People may wish to consider the following when purchasing earplugs: Yes, these dual-purpose earplugs are designed to provide both noise and water protection. Remove the cord from the earplugs (with firm tug) before using for water activities or where there is a risk that the cord may get caught up during use. Do not use these earplugs for sleeping. Use only as directed. Some people report earplugs falling out if they toss and turn all night. Proper insertion helps minimize this issue.No. Keeping your hands and ears clean and dry prior to handling/applying the earplugs will help prolong the useable life of the earplugs. Size and shape: Many earplugs fit most ear canal sizes and shapes. However, some companies tailor products specifically for different ear canal sizes. A person can consider trying less expensive earplug options for size before opting for a more expensive brand if they are unsure of the size of their ear canal. Certain materials, such as foam, may be easier to mold to a person’s ear. The skin-coloured foam is great too as the colour is inconspicuous. This makes them a better choice to wear in public than some of the brighter coloured alternatives. It is believed that the earplugs slow down and/or decrease the effects of the in-flight air pressure changes, thus allowing the ears more time to respond and equalize. As mentioned above, another manner by which the earplugs help is by lowering the noise levels in the cabin allowing the user to rest, thus helping combat the effects of jet lag. The benefit of this rest is twofold in that is also helps calm and relax the “tense” flyer, thus allowing them to equalize more effectively. If you are suffering from an ear health condition, we recommend you consult an E.N.T. (ear, nose, and throat doctor) before flying while using the earplugs. Are there any additional application tips to help me get an airtight / watertight seal with the earplugs?

Arttawejkul P, et al. (2020). Effect of nighttime earplugs and eye masks on sleep quality in intensive care unit patients.

Conclusion

Like all foam earplugs, they are not reusable. The foam loses its rebound after a few uses and won’t fit as snugly. Reusing them also increases bacteria buildup.

Foam earplugs are moldable and may have a higher average NRR. However, silicone products are more likely to be reusable, making them less expensive in the long term. Are loop earplugs better than foam earplugs? It is believed that the plugs slow down and/or decrease the effects of the pressure changes, thus allowing the ears more time to respond and equalize. As mentioned above, another manner by which the plugs help is by lowering the noise levels in the cabin allowing the user to rest, thus helping combat the effects of jet lag. The benefit of this rest is twofold in that is also helps calm and relax the "tense" flyer, thus allowing them to equalize more effectively. If you are suffering from an ear health condition, we recommend you consult an E.N.T. (ear, nose, and throat doctor) before flying while using the earplugs.

Noise Reduction Ability

The slow expansion of the memory foam gives you plenty of time to properly insert each earplug. Within just a minute or two, they’ll completely regain their full size and seal. We recommend these earplugs for anybody who is looking for a great sleeping earplug. However, they can also be used in other situations, such as for study, work, travel, relaxation and loud events