The Loop Quiet earplugs are more like typical earplugs in that they reduce noise by 25 to 27dB, which Loop calls a 'medium' noise reduction.

With Loop Quiet and Loop Experience earplugs you get a range of. silicone ear tips to try and choose from. (Image credit: Becca Caddy)

Calmer removes the resonant effect of the Concha by using a tiny waveguide inside our ears. The Concha is the small shell shape that connects to our ear canal which normally resonates mid frequency sounds. They come in two sizes, both of which boast a tiered, nodule design, and are particularly well-suited for small ear canals. Plus, they’re made of silicone, which is a bonus for anyone with allergies or sensitivities. The earplugs have a stem on the end that makes insertion and removal a breeze. However, this stem can also make them somewhat uncomfortable for people who sleep on their sides. But I use them as earplugs on the underground sometimes, with no music playing, making use of the noise cancellation. Because the crowds and just the sound of the train moving can sometimes be overwhelming," she says." Now, the Calmer system is small, and if you fit them the wrong way you could end up losing them down your ear canal a bit too easily. Those who have concerns that they might be too big or too small for your size of the ear should rest easy as I found them very simple to fit so long as you insert them the right way.

If you normally find earplugs cumbersome, irritating, and uncomfortable, then you may want to give the Hearprotek Sleeping Ear Plugs a try. We found these soft and flexible earplugs among the most comfortable on our list. Not only do they gently contour to your ear canals, but they also don’t cause irritation, even after hours of wear. Yes, they can help during the day and night. Wearing earplugs can reduce the irritation, stress and pain some people with auditory sensitivity experience regularly.It’s safe to sleep with earplugs every night as long as they are used correctly, Dr. Harris says. But you need to be aware of the risk of wax impaction, as well as the impact wearing earplugs may have on allergies. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before wearing them on a regular basis. The Concha is the small shell shape of the ear that connects to our ear canal which normally resonates mid frequency sounds. Calmer, which has no electrical components, decreases resonance by using a tiny waveguide inside our ears that removes the effect of the Concha. By easing this resonance, Calmer dampens down the most common alert-triggering shrill noises, such as ring tones, dogs barking, tube train announcements and sirens. Mid frequency sounds have none of their normal ‘painful’ aspects. Less tinny and hissy, instead, everything you hear sounds like you are in a recording studio, allowing the wearer greater calm and reduced anxiety levels. Instead of living in a constant state of alert, Calmer literally ‘calms’ your environment in a subtle but potentially life-changing way.