Loop Earplugs: Review from a Professional Musician

Loop Earplugs: Review from a Professional Musician

As a choral director and professional musician, preserving my hearing has always been paramount. Losing or deteriorating my hearing could significantly impact my career, making it essential to take proactive measures to protect my ears. My journey in this regard began in high school when I started using earplugs, experimenting with various types over the years.

Last year, during a Black Friday sale, I decided to try Loop Earplugs, a product that had garnered attention for its unique design and functionality. To my surprise, they exceeded my expectations, impressing me with their effectiveness. In this article, we’ll explore the world of Loop Earplugs, examining how they enhance musical experiences while safeguarding our most precious asset—our ears.

Let me just say it: loop earplugs are expensive. It’s not uncommon for music tech and tools to cost a pretty penny, but that doesn’t diminish the fact that I had to think long and hard before making the purchase. I researched, talked to friends who had tried them, and ultimately slept on this decision for about a week before making the plunge. After using them consistently for five months (and counting), here is my opinion about these versatile earplugs.

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Are Loop Earplugs worth it?

Overall, Loop Earplugs are my favorite form of ear protection as a professional musician. They are an essential part of my everyday carry; I use them on my commute, in loud restaurants, for sleeping, and even just in conversation with people who talk loud. I love their look, and as someone who uses them more than the average person, I don’t find myself embarrassed to pull them out because they look like jewelry. And y’all already know, I am quite the fashionista.

In this article:

• An Overview of the Design and Functionality
• Integration into daily life / Use cases
  • Loop earplugs are essential in my gigging toolkit and everyday carry.
• How they affect music perception
  • Do Loop Earplugs affect the perception of music dynamics?
  • Are they suitable for instrumentalists and vocalists?
• Why ear protection matters
• FAQ

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An Overview of Loop Earplugs: Design and Functionality

There are three different versions: Quiet, Engage, and Experience. There is an all-in-one version called Switch that allows you to switch between all three modes mechanically; this is the one I got, and I’ve been very happy with it.

What you get in the box: The box for my Loop Switch included the earplugs themselves (left and right), four sets of silicone tips, and a tiny carrying case that fits on a keychain.

Sound levels: The brand describes the three different sound levels as “Engage, Experience, and Quiet,” but I like to think of them as Low, Medium, and High. Engage reduces sound by 17dB (low), Experience reduces it by 21dB (medium), and Quiet reduces it by 25dB (high).

Material design: According to their website, it is made from hypoallergenic ABS plastic with an NCVM coating and polyoxymethylene (POM). As a user, this is the one area I thought this product fell short in. The plastic feels cheap, and for what you pay, I thought they would have a more expensive feel. It wasn’t enough to deter me from using them, but it is just something to be aware of.

Durability: I’ve been using this product daily since November 2023 and have not had an issue with its durability. They may be small, but they aren’t dainty! If they ever break on me, I will update this section. Until then, I am happy with the durability.

Comfort: These are the most comfortable earplugs I’ve tried. I have had the “they were so comfy, I forgot I was wearing them!” experience with these. 

The carrying case: I think it’s worth mentioning that I’ve had trouble getting my earplugs to fit back into the case well enough for it to snap close. If you don’t align each part perfectly, the case will close but not snap securely. It seems that the case is not big enough or something. Whatever the design flaw, I hope they can fix it for a more seamless experience.

Use Cases for Loop Earplugs

Okay, so they’re pretty great, but in what circumstances? Context is very important when deciding what product to use. Here are the different ways I use these earplugs in order of frequency.

Sleeping: living on a busy street outside Washington DC, the traffic noise is loud. When I don’t use earplugs, I wake up multiple times a night from engines revving and honking. Thankfully, my Loops are the most comfortable earplugs I’ve ever tried for sleeping. I’m a side sleeper, and these don’t disturb me at all.

It is important to note that I would use earplugs for sleeping even if they weren’t Loops. If you aren’t used to sleeping with earplugs, you might feel claustrophobic by having these little things stuffed in your ears. No one loves that experience. When I say I love loop earplugs for sleeping, that is in the context of the other options I’ve tried for blocking out noise. Loop wins.

Daily commute: Walking along the busy street mentioned above is much more enjoyable with my Loops. I can actually hear myself think with them in! In addition to walking, I also use my Loops on the DC Metro [link to my article]. They are strong enough to block out the extra noise but still allow me to hear announcements from the attendants overhead.

In loud restaurants: this is really where I noticed the life-changing power of these earplugs. I am easily overwhelmed in noisy environments, especially when I’m there for a long(ish) time or trying to focus on work, my thoughts, or a conversation. The Loops gave me an immediate quality of life boost.

In conversation with loud people: Have you ever felt overstimulated when conversing with someone who essentially is screaming at you? I used to, too. It used to stress me out so bad, especially when I was in a confined space (like a car) and couldn’t escape or take a step back. Being able to pop in these earplugs and still have a conversation was like opening a whole new world.

During gigs: If you gig in loud environments like bars, nightclubs, stadiums, or enclosed spaces like pit orchestras, these earplugs are absolutely essential. You can pop them in and still do your job while not compromising the future of your ears. Worried about how it’ll affect your ability to interpret/hear music as you perform live? More on that below.

Effects on Musical Perception

This was a massive concern for me; I needed to hear as clearly as I would without these earplugs to perform with them. In the first few months, I’ve tested them in performance; here’s what I’ve found.

Instruments: These earplugs did not negatively affect instrumental playing (in my case, trumpet and viola). They allowed me to hear myself and the musicians around me at a softer volume.

Music dynamics: Specifically, the gradient of going loud to soft was a concern. Would I play or sing too loud compared to those around me just because I wore earplugs? The people I gig with have reported that my dynamics are the same as always, whether I’m wearing the earplugs or not. There was no adverse effect, not even in my recordings. Whether this is due to muscle memory as a professional, I do not know. All I know is that it doesn’t affect my ability to perceive louds and softs.

Vocal singing: There is no negative effect on amplified vocals (using a microphone, for example). However, for acoustic voices, I have noticed that I cannot manipulate vowels/consonants as clearly as a director. As a performer, this is fine, but when it is my job to fix the singing of others, I’ve found that I cannot wear these earplugs.

Purchase your Loop Earplugs here!

Why ear protection matters

At its core, hearing health is about preserving our overall quality of life. The ability to fully engage with the world through sound enriches our experiences and enhances our enjoyment of everyday activities. By prioritizing regular hearing screenings, adopting healthy listening habits, and seeking timely treatment for hearing loss, we can safeguard this precious sense and enjoy a higher quality of life for years to come.

In conclusion, hearing health is not a luxury—it’s a cornerstone of our well-being. From fostering social connections and preserving cognitive function to safeguarding our safety and enhancing our emotional well-being, the importance of hearing cannot be overstated. By recognizing the value of good hearing health and taking proactive steps to protect our ears, we can ensure that the symphony of life resonates with clarity and joy for future generations.

Recent research has uncovered a strong link between hearing health and cognitive function. Studies suggest that untreated hearing loss may accelerate cognitive decline and increase the risk of conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. When the brain struggles to process sounds due to hearing loss, it can divert resources from other cognitive tasks, leading to mental fatigue and impairments. Addressing hearing loss early on can mitigate these risks and preserve cognitive function as we age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which version should I get?

I recommend getting the Switch so that you can have all three earplugs in one and choose which works best for each situation. If you’re solely going to use these for gigging, you’d be okay with just getting the Loop Experience.

Do they work for ALL scenarios?

Well, no—you’ll need much stronger ear protection to operate a firearm or ride a helicopter. They are also not waterproof, so I wouldn’t recommend swimming with them.

Can I drive with my Loop Earplugs in?

Some states may prohibit the use of devices such as Loop while driving. Check your applicable driving and traffic laws before driving with your Loop earplugs.

What are Loop Earplugs?

Loop Earplugs are innovative, high-fidelity earplugs designed to protect your hearing while maintaining sound clarity. They feature a unique acoustic channel and filter system that reduces noise levels without sacrificing audio quality.

How do they work?

Loop Earplugs use advanced acoustic filtering technology to lower the volume of sounds entering your ears while preserving their clarity. They accomplish this by evenly attenuating frequencies across the hearing spectrum, ensuring that music and speech remain clear and natural.

Are Loop Earplugs suitable for musicians?

Yes, Loop Earplugs are ideal for musicians and music enthusiasts who want to protect their hearing during performances or concerts without compromising sound quality. They allow you to enjoy music at safer volume levels while still hearing all the nuances of the music.

Are Loop Earplugs comfortable to wear?

Loop Earplugs are designed with comfort in mind. They feature soft, hypoallergenic silicone ear tips that provide a secure and comfortable fit. Additionally, their low-profile design makes them discreet and easy to wear for extended periods.

Can Loop Earplugs be used for other activities besides music?

Loop Earplugs are versatile and can be used in various noisy environments, such as sporting events, festivals, construction sites, and even during sleep, to block out snoring or ambient noise.

How do I clean and maintain Loop Earplugs?

Loop Earplugs can be cleaned with mild soap and water or a designated cleaning solution for silicone ear tips. It’s essential to regularly clean your earplugs to prevent the buildup of dirt, wax, and bacteria, which can affect their performance and hygiene.

Are Loop Earplugs waterproof?

While Loop Earplugs are water-resistant and can withstand light splashes and sweat, they shouldn’t have prolonged exposure to water, such as swimming or showering. It’s best to remove them before engaging in water-related activities.

Are Loop Earplugs customizable?

Loop Earplugs come with multiple interchangeable ear tips in different sizes, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your ears. Additionally, they offer customizable sound attenuation options to suit your preferences and environment.

Can Loop Earplugs help with tinnitus?

While Loop Earplugs are not explicitly marketed as a treatment for tinnitus, many users find relief from wearing them in noisy environments. By reducing overall noise levels, Loop Earplugs can help alleviate the discomfort associated with tinnitus.