Unfortunately, not all earplugs are built equally – anyone who has used a disposable set of foam plugs can attest to that. Also, what earplugs are right for one musician may not be suitable for another. With that in mind, there are three key things I look for when searching for the perfect pair of earplugs.
Fit: First up, it's how the plugs fit in your ear. Get this wrong, and you'll end up with a set of plugs that, at best, are extremely uncomfortable to wear and, at worst, don't do their job correctly. The majority of earplug manufacturers supply tips for various sizes of ear canals, so be sure to try them all to see which is right for your ears.
Noise reduction: The level of noise reduction you require is very much dependent on how loud your band is, the size of stages you play and your own personal preference. Be sure to pay careful attention to the NNR (noise reduction rating) of each set of plugs before making a purchase. I typically look for plugs that are rated 17dB or higher. My personal set is 28dB, but I play in a very loud punk band.
Reusability: Lastly is reusability. I'm not interested in single-use earplugs – God knows we don't need any more rubbish going to landfills! For me, I'm looking for a set of plugs that are easy to clean in between uses, and if the filters can be removed so as not to damage them, that would be even better. On that note, it's very important to clean your earplugs thoroughly after use to avoid the risk of pesky ear infections.