A practical guide to choosing an earplug
What are the possible reasons that would awaken you from a deep night’s rest? A noisy neighbourhood, a snoring partner, a late-night party, etc., you name it, and the list goes on. However, we are not here to discuss any of that. We have a curated guide on which and how to choose earplugs for an unhindered good night’s rest.
- What are the different types of earplugs you can choose for sleeping?
There are two kinds of earplugs available in the market. Both work efficiently well, the choice of which is entirely up to you.
- Silicone/foam earplugs
They are the classic and original earplugs, similar to the ones aircraft services provide for in-flight travels.
The design of these earplugs makes them fit and snug into your ear canal, making them comfortable to use. Generally, these earplugs use silicone or foam material, making them ideal for sleeping.
These earplugs are also relatively affordable. They come in different shapes to fit in different ear canal sizes. The noise reduction ranges from 20-30 dB. However, it does not shun outside noise completely but works excellent for noise reduction.
- Electronic earphones/earplugs
These are the modern version of earplugs. They are a pair of earphones that come with Bluetooth connectivity and are rechargeable. It comes with soft ear cushions that make them comfortable to plug in the ear.
Another cool feature is that it comes with a pre-loaded library of ambient music or sounds for a calming sleep experience. You can also synchronise with an app on your phone and add the music genre of your choice. If you have to wake up early, you can also set the alarm to it.
They are in the higher price range, but they are of excellent quality and last forever.
- What to look for before buying an earplug?
- Rate of noise reduction
First thing, you want to check the rate of Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). 20dB stands at the lowest reduction rate, while up to 35dB is a considerably good NNR.
- Size and material of the earplug
The material and size of the earplug are vital to determine the comfort of its usage. Foam and silicone are great options for soft and comfortable use. You need to consider the size of the earplugs according to the size of your ear canal.
- Storage and battery life
Traditional earplugs with a good storage box ensure not losing them frequently, as they are small. On the other hand, electronic earplugs with lasting playback battery life are an excellent feature.
Scroll through to check our best picks for Australia’s best earplugs for sleeping
TaoTronics hybrid earphone
Two main reasons why it is an excellent earplug option for sleeping is:
- They come equipped with a high-performance quality of active voice cancellation – up to 40 dB (decibels) of noise. Therefore, there is less interference of any noisy outside background.
- Another vital feature is its ambient mode, where it does not entirely shun outside sound. It, therefore, helps you hear when your alarm goes off or for any emergency crisis when sleeping.
Pros
- Advanced and ultra-smooth Bluetooth connectivity.
- Excellent clarity of sound frequencies.
- Great sound blocking ear plugs for sleep.
Cons
- The battery life can sometimes be an issue.
Silicone earplugs by Deep Sleeps
These soft silicone material earplugs have a design base making them for use primarily during sleep.
One unique feature of this earplug is that it creates a custom fit for all ear canal shapes and sizes. Therefore, efficiently eliminating and reducing any noise from the outdoor/indoor environment.
It comes in a six-pair box, and it is among the most durable earplugs. That is because these earplugs are reusable and washable. It lasts for a long time, but with time, it can experience wear and tear. You can discard them off immediately if it starts to crumble.
They are also easy to maintain, and it comes with a handy travel box container. In addition, it makes for a great gifting purpose to friends and family.
It is an ideal choice for light sleepers.
Pros
- Soft and easy to plug in the ear.
- Very durable – washable and reusable.
Cons
- The noise-blocking rate is a little low.
Silicone putty earplugs by Earjobs
These types of earplugs are relatively new among most traditional earplugs.
The most beautiful thing about this silicone putty earplug is that it readily moulds into the ear. There is no need to worry about the size or unique shape of your ear canal.
Because of its unique moulding ability, it creates a watertight consistency seal around the ear. Thus, it reduces background noise up to 22 SNR (signals to noise ratio).
They come in a pack of 3 pairs in an appealing green shade, along with a travel carry case.
Pros
- Self-fitting, soft and comfortable.
- Easy to use, reusable.
Cons
- It tends to crumble on frequent washing.
Foam earplugs by Deep Sleeps
Another variant of earplugs by Deep Sleeps is an ideal option for sleeping peacefully.
It comes in an innovative feature of expanding after plugging it in for a more apt fit. The foam is of soft material, and it is non-irritant to the skin.
The noise reduction rate of this earplug is at an astounding rate of 37 dB. Hence, making it ideal to sleep peacefully even in the busiest and noisiest streets/neighbourhood.
It comes in a box of 20 pairs and an additional travel case to carry a pair of earplugs. They are also washable and reusable.
Pros
- Quick expansion to fit after plugging in.
- Value for money.
Cons
- The expansion does not retain over time.