Loop Earplugs Review: Are you looking for earplugs that reduce noise while letting you stay connected to your surroundings? Loop Earplugs might be just what you need. These earplugs offer:
- Versatile options: Quiet, Engage, Experience
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Stylish design with many color choices
However, they might not be the best for extreme noise reduction and could be tricky to put together at first.
Noise-induced hearing loss is a growing issue, especially among younger people. Traditional foam earplugs can protect your ears but often ruin the experience by muffling sounds too much. Loop earplugs aim to strike a balance, offering protection without sacrificing sound quality. With their unique design and multiple color options, they have become a popular choice.
I’m Ben Trapskin, creator of Yawnder. I’ve tested various sleep and wellness products, and I’m here to share an in-depth review of Loop Earplugs. Let’s dive in.
What are Loop Earplugs?
Loop earplugs are designed to provide hearing protection without compromising on sound quality or style. Founded in 2016, Loop has quickly become a popular choice for those looking to reduce noise while staying engaged in their surroundings. The brand offers a variety of earplug types, each custom for specific needs and environments.
Types of Loop Earplugs
Loop offers four main types of earplugs: Quiet, Engage, Experience, and Switch. Each type is designed with a specific use case in mind.
- Quiet: These earplugs offer up to 26 dB SNR (14 dB NRR) and are ideal for sleeping or situations where you need maximum noise reduction.
- Engage: With up to 16 dB SNR (10 dB NRR), these are perfect for social gatherings where you want to reduce background noise but still engage in conversations.
- Experience: These provide up to 18 dB SNR (7 dB NRR) and are designed for concerts and festivals, allowing you to enjoy music at a lower volume.
- Switch: This versatile option lets you switch between different noise reduction levels (17 dB, 21 dB, and 25 dB) using a lever on the earplug.
Loop also offers Plus versions of the Engage and Experience models, which add 5 dB of noise reduction. You can convert any pair of Loop earplugs into a Plus version by purchasing a mute accessory.
Design and Fit
Loop earplugs are crafted from smooth silicone material, making them comfortable and easy to wear for extended periods. The unique “loop” design fits snugly around the natural crevices of the ear, providing a secure fit that stays in place, even during sleep or physical activity.
Comfort and Secure Fit
The earplugs come with multiple tip sizes, ensuring a custom fit for different ear canals. This adaptability makes them more comfortable than traditional foam earplugs, which can often feel intrusive. The silicone material is soft, reducing the risk of irritation and making them suitable for people with sensitive ears.
“They’re much easier to take out and put into my ears than regular earplugs, which I feel like fall out of my hands constantly,” says NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz.
Reusable and Easy to Clean
Unlike disposable foam earplugs, Loop earplugs are reusable, making them a more sustainable choice. They can last up to five years with proper care. Cleaning is straightforward: simply wash them with soap and water every three to four uses to maintain hygiene.
Style and Color Options
One of the standout features of Loop earplugs is their stylish design. Available in a wide range of colors, they look more like jewelry than traditional earplugs. This makes them an attractive option for public use, as they blend seamlessly with your style.
In summary, Loop earplugs offer a balanced approach to noise reduction, combining comfort, style, and functionality. Whether you need them for sleep, social gatherings, or concerts, there’s a Loop earplug designed to meet your needs.
Next, let’s dive into evaluating the noise reduction capabilities of these earplugs.
Evaluating Noise Reduction Capabilities
Loop Quiet earplugs are designed for sleeping and maximum comfort. They provide up to 26 dB SNR. This level of noise reduction is ideal for blocking out disruptive noises like traffic, snoring, or loud neighbors. Many users find them effective for achieving a quieter sleep environment. The silicone material ensures they fit snugly and comfortably, staying in place throughout the night. Unlike traditional foam earplugs, Loop Quiet earplugs are reusable and easy to clean, making them a sustainable choice.
Loop Experience earplugs are custom for concerts, festivals, and other loud events. They offer up to 18 dB SNR, which is lower than the Quiet model but sufficient to protect your hearing while still allowing you to enjoy music and conversations. These earplugs excel in environments where you want to reduce the volume but not miss out on the experience. They are particularly praised for maintaining sound quality, making them a popular choice among music lovers. The sleek design and various color options add to their appeal, making them both functional and stylish.
Loop Engage earplugs are best for social gatherings and environments where you need to communicate. They reduce noise by up to 16 dB SNR, which is enough to take the edge off background noise without isolating you from conversations. These earplugs are perfect for those who are noise-sensitive but still need to stay engaged in their surroundings. They are comfortable for extended wear and come with multiple tip sizes to ensure a secure fit. Like the other Loop models, they are reusable and easy to clean.
Performance in Different Environments
Loop Quiet earplugs offer 26 dB SNR noise reduction, making them a solid choice for sleep. They’re designed to be comfortable and stay in place throughout the night. Unlike foam earplugs that can irritate the ear canal, Loop’s silicone tips are soft and less invasive. Users have reported that these earplugs are particularly effective in blocking out common nighttime disturbances like snoring or traffic noise. However, they might not be the best for extreme noise environments.
For music and concerts, Loop Experience earplugs reduce noise by up to 18 dB SNR. They allow you to enjoy the music without the ear-ringing aftermath. Unlike foam earplugs, which can muffle sound, Loop Experience maintains sound quality, making it a preferred choice for audiophiles.
Loop Engage earplugs are designed for everyday environments like grocery stores, cafes, and subways. They offer 16 dB SNR noise reduction, which is enough to take the edge off background noise without isolating you completely. This makes them ideal for people with noise sensitivity, ADHD, or autism who need to reduce overstimulation but still stay engaged with their surroundings. Loop earplugs are praised for their secure fit and comfort. They stay in place during various activities, including fitness classes. The multiple tip sizes ensure a snug fit for different ear shapes.
Pros and Cons of Loop Earplugs
Pros
Versatile: Loop earplugs cater to various needs. Whether you want to sleep better, enjoy a concert, or reduce daily noise, there’s a Loop model for you. For example, the Loop Engage earplugs are ideal for environments where you need to block some background noise but still want to converse.
Comfortable and Secure Fit: The silicone material and multiple ear tip sizes make Loop earplugs comfortable and secure. They fit snugly without causing discomfort, even during sleep or exercise. NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz noted, “They’re much easier to take out and put into my ears than regular earplugs, which I feel like fall out of my hands constantly.”
Good for Noise Sensitivity: Loop earplugs are great for those with noise sensitivity, including people with ADHD or sensory disorders. They help reduce overstimulation without completely blocking out important sounds.
Stylish: Loop earplugs come in various colors and have a unique design that looks almost like jewelry. This makes them more appealing to wear in public compared to traditional earplugs.
Affordable: Priced between $25 and $35, Loop earplugs are relatively affordable for reusable earplugs. They also come with a 100-day return window and a 2-year warranty, adding value to the purchase.
Cons
Less Noise Reduction: Loop earplugs offer less noise reduction compared to some other earplugs on the market. For example, the Loop Engage provides up to 16 dB SNR, which is lower than many foam earplugs that can offer higher protection levels.
Attachment Difficulties: Attaching the tips to the earplugs can be tricky, especially for the Quiet model with its rubbery base. It requires patience and steady hands to get the tips on correctly.
Not for Extreme Noise Environments: While Loop earplugs are excellent for moderate noise reduction, they are not suitable for extremely loud settings. If you need maximum hearing protection, other earplugs with higher noise reduction ratings might be better.
In summary, Loop earplugs offer a versatile, stylish, and comfortable solution for various noise reduction needs, but they may fall short in extremely loud environments and can be challenging to set up.
Frequently Asked Questions about Loop Earplugs
Do Loop Earplugs really work?
Yes, Loop Earplugs do work, but it’s important to understand their purpose. They are designed for noise reduction, not complete noise-canceling. This means they reduce the volume of sounds around you rather than blocking them out entirely. For example, the Loop Quiet earplugs provide up to 26 dB SNR of noise reduction, which is ideal for sleeping and focusing. Many users, like those who reviewed them on various platforms, found them effective for reducing disruptive noises while still allowing them to hear important sounds like alarms.
When compared to foam earplugs, which often provide higher dB reduction but can feel uncomfortable and overly isolating, Loop earplugs offer a balance of comfort and moderate noise reduction. This makes them suitable for daily use, sleep, and environments where some level of awareness is necessary.
How do Loop Earplugs work for ADHD?
Loop Earplugs can be particularly beneficial for individuals with ADHD or noise sensitivity issues. The Loop Experience earplugs, which reduce noise by up to 18 dB, use an acoustic channel with a mesh filter. This design helps reduce overstimulation from background noise while still allowing important sounds, like conversations, to come through.
This feature is crucial for people with ADHD because it helps them focus by minimizing distracting noises without completely isolating them from their environment. Many users with ADHD and sensory disorders have praised Loop earplugs for their ability to reduce sensory overload while maintaining functionality in social and work settings.
Can you still hear with Loop Quiet earplugs?
Yes, you can still hear with Loop Quiet earplugs, but the sounds will be significantly reduced. These earplugs offer up to 27 dB SNR of noise reduction, which helps in creating a quieter environment for sleep and focus. However, they are not designed to completely block out all noises.
Users have found that while Loop Quiet earplugs reduce disruptive noises, they still allow some ambient sounds to filter through. This can be advantageous for those who want to lower noise levels without feeling completely cut off from their surroundings. For example, one reviewer mentioned that they appreciated not being immersed in complete silence, which allowed them to still hear their alarm in the morning.
Conclusion
At Yawnder, we know that finding the right sleep products can be a game-changer. That’s why we take our expert evaluations seriously. We dive deep into the details to provide you with unbiased reviews, ensuring you get the best products delivered right to your door.
Loop Earplugs stand out in our evaluations for their blend of comfort, style, and versatile noise reduction. Whether you need them for sleeping, attending concerts, or daily use, Loop earplugs offer a balanced approach to managing noise without cutting you off from the world.
Our team at Yawnder has tested various sleep products, and Loop earplugs have consistently proven their worth. They don’t just block noise; they improve your overall well-being by reducing overstimulation and helping you stay focused.
Ready to improve your sleep and daily comfort? Check out our expert-reviewed sleep products and get them shipped directly to you. Visit our sleep study page for more information and to find the perfect product for your needs.
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