After 100 Concerts, These ‘Cool’ Earplugs Are My Forever Concert Companion for Sound Quality and Ear Health

I've been to over 100 concerts. From the decibel-shattering Taylor Swift's Eras tour to smaller, more intimate, 30-person shows, you name it, and I've probably seen it. But after seeing Harry Styles at Madison Square Garden and being unable to hear my partner for a full hour after the show, I knew it was time to prioritize hearing care. Leaving the concert with my ears muted felt like walking through a fog, and I knew I needed to do something to prevent the ringing and possible hearing damage later in life.

This began a journey of finding and testing earplugs that would work for me, my concerns, and my ear shape while trying to fight the pressure I felt of looking uncool at concerts. Now is the time to do it; research shows that unsafe listening practices from loud entertainment venues can place over 1.3 billion young people at risk of hearing loss worldwide. Still, few are doing anything to prevent it. The CDC found that more than four out of five reported "never or seldom" wearing a hearing protection device when attending a loud event. Enter, the Loop Experience 2 earplugs, which are "cool" plugs you won't mind rocking out in. Read on for my full review.

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What are the Loops Experience 2 Earplugs?

When I started my search, I needed something specifically designed for concerts and loud events, which led me to the Loop Experience 2.

Loops Experience 2 Earplugs — $35.00

Includes 1 set of earplugs, 4 sets of silicone ear tips, and a carrying case.

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The Experience 2 earplugs are designed for nightlife and live events, offering up to 17 dB of noise reduction without impacting sound quality. What sets them apart is their focus on both function and aesthetics. With a sleek, discreet design available in multiple fun colors, they combine hearing protection with a fashionable look. They include four sizes of silicone tips to ensure a perfect fit, offering all-day comfort and stability even during movement. They're also reusable and easy to clean, making them a sustainable choice.

Why I love them

I was looking for something that would fit my ear shape, not be too noticeable as I did worry about being judged for wearing them, and would allow me to hear the music while also being able to talk with the people I would go to concerts with. The Experience 2 encapsulated everything I was looking for, and allowed me to have an enjoyable and protected concert experience.

My first experience with the Loop Experience 2 earplugs was at a 5-hour electronic DJ set, where I knew they would be put to the test with heavy bass and loud sound systems. I first listened to part of the show without them in and then listened to the rest with the Loop Experience 2 in my ears. The difference was tangible. Once I picked the right size from the package, I easily fit them into my ears, and the underlying baseline felt muted but resonated. When the show was going on, I noticed I could have conversations with those around me, while still blocking out heavy decibels that might damage my hearing. One thing that also stood out to me was the size of the case—it's small enough to fit in nearly every bag I have, so I can always carry them with me.

What I don't love about them

Having never used earplugs to sleep or wear them to concerts, it was definitely a new feeling having them in my ears. I will be the first to admit that having something in your ears for a prolonged period does take some getting used to. The Experience 2s are unlike your typical earplugs, however; the soft gel tips make for a comfortable wearing experience. While the Experience 2 did a good job of filtering out background noise, it also filtered out the audience interactions, which can sometimes make you feel like you're missing part of the concert. The average user might also need to follow instructions to make sure you have the perfect fit and they stay put, but the materials do a good job of explaining how to achieve this.

Final thoughts

The verdict? Loop's Experience 2 earplugs come in handy for concert sound reduction that doesn't dull the sound of the music or limit your ability to participate in conversation, so you can't go wrong with integrating them into your concert-going experience, especially if you're beginning to take your ear health more seriously, or go to as many concerts as I do.