In my twenties, I made a terrible mistake that nearly destroyed my hearing. I attended countless concerts in small venues that had excessively loud PA systems. Sometimes I remembered to grab a pair of cheap foam earplugs from a gas station beforehand, but more often than not, I didn’t bother. Luckily, I never ventured into the pit, so standing at the back of the room may have saved me from severe damage. I now have mild tinnitus, but no hearing loss, and as I approach 40, I can still fully enjoy music.
However, in my thirties, I became more aware of the importance of protecting my ears at concerts. Now, unless it’s an outdoor show, I always wear earplugs. The problem with generic foam earplugs is that they completely block the ear canal, resulting in muffled and dull sound, making it hard to appreciate the nuances of the music. Many companies have tried to address this issue by offering filtered audio options that provide both hearing protection and good sound quality. Sennheiser recently launched its SoundProtex earplugs as a solution.
These earplugs are made of soft and flexible medical-grade TPE, free from irritants for sensitive skin. Unlike disposable earplugs, they can be rinsed and reused. The package also includes a small pouch to keep the plugs organized. The SoundProtex earplugs come in regular and Plus versions, each with three sets of cone-shaped ear tips in various sizes. The level of decibel reduction can be adjusted by swapping out round acoustic filters. The regular version comes only with a full-block filter, while the Plus version includes low-, medium-, and high-blocking filters. The appropriate filter depends on the activity, with different noise reduction ratings for each level of decibel reduction.
Sennheiser doesn’t disclose the decibel reduction value for the full-block filter. However, the goal is to create an airtight seal to minimize noise as much as possible. While wearing the earplugs, you can still hear higher frequencies to maintain awareness of your surroundings and carry on conversations.
I tested the SoundProtex Plus earplugs at a recent Thrice concert. These earplugs provided a superior experience compared to generic foam ones. They were also comfortable to wear for extended periods. Although the earplugs did dampen the high and low frequencies, it didn’t significantly affect the overall sound quality. Instead, it made the listening experience more enjoyable and protected my hearing from the excessive volume.
One downside is that the earplugs didn’t facilitate conversations as well as Sennheiser claimed. I had difficulty speaking to the bartender and understanding my wife with the earplugs in. So, for conversations, the low-block filter is recommended, but that compromises the level of protection.
The SoundProtex earplugs have a pull tab on the outside, making them easy to remove. This feature provides peace of mind.
The price of the earplugs may deter some people. The SoundProtex is priced at $39.95, while the SoundProtex Plus is $79.95. In comparison, a box of foam earplugs costs $3.49. However, there are other alternatives available on the market, such as Eargasm’s earplugs, which offer similar features at a lower price. Loop’s line of earplugs is another option for concert-goers.
Overall, Sennheiser’s SoundProtex Plus earplugs are a comfortable and customizable solution for hearing protection at concerts. The ability to adjust the level of noise blocking enhances the listening experience for frequent concert attendees. However, individuals who only use earplugs occasionally may not need the customizable features and can opt for a more affordable option. Regardless, using earplugs specifically designed for live music events is a significant improvement over foam plugs and crucial for protecting your hearing.
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Alex Smith is a writer and editor with over 10 years of experience. He has written extensively on a variety of topics, including technology, business, and personal finance. His work has been published in a number of magazines and newspapers, and he is also the author of two books. Alex is passionate about helping people learn and grow, and he believes that writing is a powerful tool for communication and understanding.
