Earplugs · Music
Earplugs for parties and concerts: with a filter, made to measure
- We come to you: at home or at work.
- We take an impression: of the ear, during the visit.
- We send it by post: the earplugs are posted to you.
Why wear earplugs at a party or concert?
According to NIDCD (NIH), loud noise can damage hearing, whether the exposure is short or long and repeated. Among the activities that raise the risk, NIDCD lists playing in a band and loud concerts. The damage usually builds up gradually, so it is easy not to notice it. Loud noise can also cause tinnitus: ringing, buzzing or noise in the ears.
NIDCD recommends using earplugs or other protective devices during noisy activities, and moving away from the noise when it cannot be reduced. The NHS also recommends using ear protection when you are near loud noise.
RNID, a British hearing health charity, adds three simple habits for concerts and festivals:
- Earplugs throughout the event. It is worth keeping a spare pair in your bag, in case one gets lost.
- Keep away from the speakers. The closer you are, the greater the risk.
- Regular breaks. Leave the noisy areas for about five minutes every hour.
What is the difference between a filtered earplug and a foam earplug?
RNID describes earplugs designed for listening to live music, with filters that lower the loudness without muffling the sound, and notes that for music they are much better than foam earplugs. The table summarises the main differences. With any ready-made earplug, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
| Foam | Ready-made, with a filter | Custom, with a filter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How the music sounds | Usually muffled | Meant to lower without muffling | Meant to lower without muffling |
| How it sits | Squeeze it, insert it into the canal, and it expands | In fixed sizes | According to the shape of your ear, in flexible material |
| Repeated use | Usually replaced, according to the manufacturer | According to the manufacturer's instructions | For repeated use, with cleaning according to the instructions |
| Usually suits | An occasional event, when you need a solution right away | People who found a size that is comfortable | Regular outings, playing music and working at events |
| Availability | Right away | Right away | After the impression and preparation |
RNID points out that at many venues you can ask for earplugs at the bar or the information desk. If you forgot your own earplugs, a simple earplug is better than none at all.
An overview of all types of earplugs: Earplugs: types and how to choose.
Who is a custom filtered earplug for?
- People who go out a lot to parties, concerts and festivals and want a regular pair in their bag.
- Players, singers and DJs. Details on the page Earplugs for musicians, DJs and events.
- Sound, lighting and production crews, and staff at halls, bars and clubs. For businesses: Earplugs for event hall staff.
- People whose ready-made earplugs move, fall out or press after a few hours.
An earplug made to measure is not guaranteed to feel right from the first event, and we do not commit to how music will sound with it. If something does not sit well, contact us. Options for adjustment and refitting are checked case by case. What to do if the earplug is uncomfortable
How is a custom filtered earplug made?
- A conversation to understand the need. For what use, how many times a month, and what matters to you to hear.
- We come to you by appointment, at home or at work, and take an impression of the ear. What to prepare before the visit · About taking an impression
- The earplug is prepared from the impression, with an acoustic filter. The preparation time is given after the impression is taken, so it is worth getting in touch early before a festival or a tour.
- The earplugs are sent to you by post.
How to look after a filtered earplug
- A regular case in your bag. An earplug left in a pocket or on the table gets dirty and lost easily.
- Cleaning only according to the instructions. Clean the earplug and the filter only as explained in the instructions you receive with the earplug.
- A personal earplug stays personal. Do not pass it to another person.
- Do not fix it yourself. If the earplug moves, presses or has changed, do not cut or sand it. Contact us.
- A spare pair. In suitable cases, it can be ordered from the stored impression. Reordering earplugs
More: Care and hygiene of a custom earplug
And what about an in-ear monitor (IEM)?
An in-ear monitor (IEM) is an earphone that delivers the mix to a musician on stage. It is not an earplug. Ordering a custom IEM from a maker abroad? We take the ear impressions the maker needs. Ear impressions for custom IEMs (in Hebrew)
More questions: Earplugs FAQ · Articles and guides about earplugs
Sources
The health information on this page is based on the following sources (checked on 03.11.2026). It is general information and does not replace an examination by a doctor.
- RNID — How to protect your hearing at music festivals
- NIDCD (NIH) — Noise-induced hearing loss
- NHS — Hearing loss
English version: 4 November 2026 · Written by the G-Sound editorial team. The information is general; the type of earplug and its use are decided case by case in conversation.
More in English
Frequently asked questions
Questions about earplugs for parties and concerts
Will I hear the music with a filtered earplug?
Earplugs with a filter are meant to lower the loudness of the music without muffling the sound, and RNID notes that for music they are much better than foam earplugs. We do not promise how music will sound with a particular earplug and we do not give values. Tell us what matters to you to hear, and we will check with you what suits.
What is the difference between foam earplugs and music earplugs?
A foam earplug is mainly meant to lower noise, and with music it usually sounds muffled. A music earplug, with an acoustic filter, is meant to lower the loudness and still keep the music clear. Ready-made filtered earplugs are available, and with us also a custom filtered earplug made from an impression of the ear.
When is a custom party earplug worth it?
When you go out a lot to parties, concerts or festivals, play music or work at events, or when ready-made earplugs move, fall out or press. A custom earplug is made to the shape of your ear, for repeated use.
How long should I keep the earplugs in at a party?
For the whole time you are near loud music. RNID also recommends keeping away from the speakers and taking regular breaks from the noisy areas, about five minutes every hour.
What do I do if my ears ring after a party?
According to NIDCD, loud noise can cause tinnitus, ringing or buzzing in the ears, which sometimes passes and sometimes persists. If the ringing does not go away, or if there is a drop in hearing, see a doctor. According to the NHS, a sudden loss of hearing after very loud noise needs urgent attention.
What is the difference between a party earplug and a musician's earplug?
Both are custom earplugs with an acoustic filter that we make. The earplug is ordered for the main use you describe to us: parties and concerts, playing music, DJing or working at events.
Do I need to come to you for an impression?
No. We come to your home or workplace, take an impression, and the earplugs are sent to you by post. The service is nationwide, by appointment.
Please do not send sensitive medical information in a message. We go over the relevant details on the phone.
Going out a lot to parties and concerts?
Tell us where you use earplugs and what matters to you to hear, and we will arrange an impression. 26 years of experience in the hearing field. Service nationwide, by appointment.
055-3333338G-Sound is an authorized marketer of Philips hearing aids.