Plenty of patients come to me with noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus caused by loud sound exposure. I've seen the devastating effects this condition can have on people's lives. 

It's essential that we take good care of our hearing, and there are many ways to do this. That’s where earplugs come in. Comfortable, versatile, and necessary for protecting your ears, earplugs are a must-have accessory for any music lover, motorcyclist, or power tool user. 

But they're not just for noisy activities—earplugs can also help you focus, sleep better, and even provide sensory comfort for those on the autism or ADHD spectrum. 

As an audiologist, I'm all about protecting your hearing while enjoying life to the fullest. That's why I put Loop Earplugs to the test. These colorful, cylindrical earplugs are made of soft silicone and come in exciting colors like Rose Gold and iridescent. 

First, why wear earplugs?

Earplugs are the ultimate solution for individuals seeking to safeguard their hearing from the detrimental effects of loud sounds, akin to a superhero's ability to hear. Prolonged exposure to sounds exceeding 80 dB or intense sounds for brief durations can lead to hearing damage.

Certain activities, like attending concerts, engaging in motorcycling, or utilizing power tools, are easily identifiable. Nevertheless, engaging in any activity that surpasses or equals 80 dB possesses the capacity to inflict harm, making the utilization of hearing protection a commendable choice.

Activities That Require Earplugs:

1. Concerts
2. Motorcycles
3. Power tools
4. Heavy machinery
5. Some kitchen blenders

Loop for focus and sensory management

Earplugs can be a valuable tool for enhancing focus and concentration. Many individuals who experience sensory overload due to conditions such as autism or ADHD have found that earplugs effectively help them manage their symptoms. In environments like open-plan offices or noisy coffee shops, where it can be challenging to concentrate, earplugs can make a significant difference.

By wearing earplugs, distracting sounds are muted, allowing individuals to direct their attention towards their tasks. This enables them to tap into their full potential and unleash their productivity. For those who thrive in quiet environments, earplugs offer a sanctuary amidst the chaos of a bustling office or workspace.

During the pandemic, Loop's brand gained popularity as more people found themselves sharing office or study spaces with family and friends. This increased demand for earplugs as individuals sought ways to create a more conducive environment for work or study.

Don't forget sleep

Loop's low-profile design ensures maximum comfort for side-sleepers. Additionally, their wide range of noise reduction options caters to the needs of every type of sleeper. By using Loop earplugs, you can effectively block out the city's noise, pesky neighbors, or any other disturbances that may be preventing you from getting the rest you deserve. Sleep is a crucial component of your overall wellness, and with Loop earplugs as your reliable companion, you can enjoy uninterrupted and rejuvenating sleep.

What should I look for in good earplugs?

Here are questions I had before my Loop review:

1. Are the earplugs comfortable enough to wear for extended periods? 
2. How long will the earplugs last?
3. How can I maintain the earplugs to keep them in tip-top shape?
4. Do they distort the sound of music? 
5. Importantly, how much noise do they block out? 

When selecting earplugs, it is important to consider additional factors. One such factor is the ease of use. It is preferable to opt for earplugs that do not require constant struggle or adjustment during insertion. Additionally, it is advisable to choose earplugs that come with a convenient carry case, allowing for easy portability when on the move.

Unboxing, Testing, and Notes

The packaging of the Loop Earplugs is visually appealing with its vibrant and cute design. Upon opening, the experience is akin to that of a pop-up art card. The earplugs are made of soft silicone and are cylindrical in shape, fitting snugly in a small and compact case. 

The Rose Gold Experience earplugs and iridescent Engage earplugs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. The stem design ensures ease of insertion and removal, while the earplugs themselves are comfortable to wear.

Sound Reduction and Quality

After conducting tests on loud music, everyday sounds, and traffic noise, it was found that both Loop earplugs effectively reduce sound levels. However, it is worth noting that Loop Earplugs do not completely eliminate all sound, which can be advantageous for individuals who require auditory awareness or desire an optimal live music experience. This is made possible through the implementation of unique filters by Loop, which allow for even sound transmission and preservation of sound quality across all frequencies.

My Verdict

The Experience earplugs left a lasting impression on me with their exceptional sound quality and unparalleled comfort. I put them to the test by listening to music and watching TV, and was pleasantly surprised by their ability to reduce volume while maintaining clarity. The Engage earplugs also proved to be effective in reducing background noise while improving speech understanding.

Unboxing the earplugs was a delightful experience that brought back childhood memories. The packaging includes a variety of silicone ear tips to ensure a perfect fit, which is crucial for optimal performance.

These earplugs are the epitome of style, functionality, and convenience, making them a must-have for anyone who loves music or dislikes noise. Maintenance is a breeze, simply wipe away any debris with a cleansing wipe or Kleenex and replace the ear tips every three to six months, which can be conveniently purchased from Loop.

Pros

1. Fun color offerings
2. Stylish product design
3. Range of sizes for silicone ear tips (for a perfect fit)
4. Easy maintenance

Cons

1. Amount of hearing protection might not be enough for some heavy-duty settings.

The Experience earplugs, with an NRR of 18 dB, may not provide sufficient noise reduction depending on the level of sound exposure. However, Loop offers a variety of alternatives to address this issue. 

For instance, their Quiet earplugs have an NRR of 27 dB, and they also provide an additional "Mute" add-on that can enhance the effectiveness of the earplugs by 5 dB. It is commendable that Loop offers these options, allowing users to personalize their earplugs according to their specific requirements.