Hearing loss affects one in eight Americans. Untreated, hearing loss can often lead to depression, social isolation, cognitive decline and more. While there are some causes of hearing loss that are difficult to avoid, including trauma, head injuries, genetics, and illnesses, there are some preventable factors, like exposure to loud noises. The best way to prevent hearing loss is through the use of protective devices, like the three ear protectors we’ve included on our list.
The Pro Fo Sho 34 dB Ear Protection headset is perfect for those who want to block out loud noises, whether it’s at the shooting range, while using a lawnmower, or when working with heavy machinery. This headset also works for anyone with auditory sensitivities, including children and adults.
The Vibes Reusable High Fidelity Ear Plugs are specially designed to ensure the listener is protecting their hearing while still enjoying the noises around them, perfect for concerts, movie theaters, and live sporting events. These earplugs also work for people with auditory sensitivities who don’t want to completely block out sound, but slightly lower the volume on the outside world.
We also include the more traditional version of earplugs with the Mpow Foam Earplugs, which can be used on construction sites, when sleeping, or when using small machines around the home. Comfortable, lightweight, and hygienic thanks to their one-time use design, the Mpow are great to have on hand in offices, at schools, and in the home.
Protect yourself and help lower anxiety caused by auditory sensitivities with these great ear protectors.
1. Pro Fo Sho 34 dB Ear Protection
The highest hearing protection ratio earmuffs, the Pro Fo Sho 34 dB Ear Protection headset offers industrial-grade sound reduction.
Pros: Designed for use at the shooting range, on construction sites, in warehouses, and while using heavy machinery, the Pro Fo Sho are compact, durable and lightweight, making them comfortable enough to wear for hours on end. The ear protectors come with a carrying case and a 90-day no-risk money-back guarantee, giving users the ability to test them out.
Cons: The ear protectors muffle sound but do not block it out completely.
2. Vibes Reusable High Fidelity Ear Plugs
Reduce audio up to 22db with the Vibes Reusable High Fidelity Ear Plugs, perfect for use at concerts or at public events.
Pros: The Vibes are an environmentally friendly alternative to foam earplugs, with the reusable earplugs coming with a convenient carrying case. More comfortable than traditional foam earplugs, the Vibes are made with cutting edge attenuating filters that lowers volume without affecting fidelity, perfect for concerts or live sporting events as well as for people with auditory sensitivities who still want to be able to hear their surroundings, but at a lower volume. The earplugs have an outer shell made of glass, making the silicone plugs discrete. The hypoallergenic earplugs come in three sizes for a comfortable fit.
Cons: The Vibes are designed to lower volume but enhance the sound, so they’re not ideal for use when sleeping or trying to completely block out noise.
3. Mpow Foam Earplugs
Affordable and perfect for large groups, the Mpow Foam Earplugs provide an impressive level of noise reduction with a safety rating of 32 dB.
Pros: The one-use Mpow Foam Earplugs are great for light sleepers and those who want to block out loud noises in public places, on airplanes, or create a quiet environment for working or studying. The Mpow are designed to be used once and discarded, with 60 pairs in one container providing a hygienic option for large groups or those who don’t frequently use earplugs. We like that the Mpow come with a handy carrying case large enough for one pair, with an attached ring that can fit on a keychain.
Cons: Unlike the first two options, the Mpow aren’t reusable. The Mpow aren’t strong enough to be used at a gun range or around heavy machinery like the Pro Fo Sho.