Are Loop earplugs the secret weapon for managing anxiety?
In a world that is getting increasingly louder, being able to manage the noise anytime, anywhere, sounds like a dream. Whether it's a busy rush hour tube, a packed shopping centre (especially given the January sales rush), a two-hour gig, or a fun (albeit chatty) office, it can feel like the decibels just keep on rising. And sometimes, you just want quiet.
Enter; the era of ear protection. Not only are people looking for alternative ways to block out the noise, but they're also - rightly - more concerned about looking after their hearing. Experts say noise over 85dB can damage your hearing and with concerts often having noise levels of over 110dB, going to gigs unprotected could be seriously damaging your ears.
Plus, with better visibility around neurodiversity like ADHD and Autism, taking steps to manage sensory issues is finally becoming less stigmatised.
What are Loop earplugs?
If you're after a product that provides the same noise-cancelling qualities as traditional over-the-head ear defenders or earplugs, but your outfit requires something more discrete and stylish, this is where Loop earplugs come in. They look a bit like earphones, but can’t connect to your phone or anything else that plays music - the point is to bask in the quiet, after all.
But the additional perks? Loop earplugs don’t just eradicate the noise. Instead, the plug changes the shape of your ear canal to alter the way you hear (but don’t worry, they only do that while they’re in, and your ear bounces right back afterwards). That means, depending what your goal is, you can choose earplugs that either reduce, filter, or block out noise. There’s even a quiz on their website to help you get the best earplugs for you.
How to insert Loop earplugs
The ring design - or perhaps more fittingly - the loop, is your first port of call for insertion. All you need to do is take this loop between your thumb and index finger and secure it in your ear. Once it feels like it's not going to budge, turn it clockwise, as this will fasten it comfortably until you're ready to remove them. Then repeat for the other ear.
Do Loop earplugs work?
As a lover of metalcore music and as someone with dyslexia - which can cause sensory overload similar to ADHD and other neurodiversities - I’m often in loud spaces and, frankly, a little overwhelmed. Noise-cancelling headphones have been a game changer for my anxiety levels, but while they’re amazing for commuting, they’re less useful in places where I want to be able to hear what’s going on… just a bit quieter.
While earplugs serve their purpose, I've grown frustrated at how often they fall out of my ears. So, I decided to try out the new Loop Switch. Which, unlike the brand's other designs, allows you to choose what level of noise reduction you want, without having to change earplugs. You can switch between Quiet Mode (25 dB reduction), Experience Mode (21 dB reduction), and Engage Mode (17 dB reduction) just by rotating the dial on the loop itself.
Switch
In theory, this all sounds great. But do they work in the real world, you ask? To answer this burning question, I put mine to the test at several different venues. First, a concert on Experience Mode where I was impressed at the level of noise-dampening while still being able to hear. I was able to enjoy everything going on around me - just without my ears ringing at the end. They also stayed put despite how much I was jumping around. Impressive.
Next, I tried out Engage Mode at a protest march. While it definitely helped reduce noise levels, it was maybe a little too effective and I struggled to be able to hear what was going on near me, despite still being able to hear the overall noise at the event. Although Loop says Engage mode ‘take[s] the edge off while keeping speech clear for easier conversations’, I couldn’t really hear my own voice while wearing them in this mode, which made conversations tricky. Overall though, I’d still say they helped keep me from getting overwhelmed in a loud setting, but sadly they also hindered my ability to have conversations or hear what was going on close to me.
Finally, Quiet Mode was put through its paces in our office. This mode offers the most noise reduction, but unlike noise-cancelling headphones, doesn't completely block out noise. This setting worked perfectly for when I wanted to focus on my writing but still hear when my boss was talking to me. Or importantly, when my colleagues started chatting about the latest must-watch on Netflix.
Quiet 2 Ear Plugs
Loop Dream Earplugs
Link Safety Connector Cord
Experience 2 Ear Plugs
Are Loop earplugs good for sleeping?
It's a resounding yes on this. I slept in my Loop earplugs a few times; when I was rudely woken up by building works on weekend mornings, and once on a flight. Because Loop earplugs sit flush in your ears, you can lie comfortably on your sides and not even feel them. They blocked out nearly all of the sounds outside and I was able to catch some valuable extra ZZZs. Bliss.
On the flight, I could still hear some of the plane noises – even on Quiet Mode – but they were still much comfier to sleep in than my noise-cancelling headphones, and made it much easier to doze off.
Are there different types of Loop earplugs?
Yes! There are nine different types of Loop Earplugs, all offering different noise-cancelling benefits. So, when looking to purchase your earplugs, it's best to look into the qualities of each so you can make a more informed decision. The different types include:
Switch 2 - This has three noise relief modes all rolled into one earplug.
Dream - What if it says on the tin, really. The Dream earplugs are designed for 'side-sleeping comfort and powerful noise reduction.'
Quiet 2 - These ones are designed for focus, napping, and travel.
Quiet 2 Plus - Basically an upgrade from the Quiet 2, these earplugs offer extra noise reduction on demand.
Experience 2 - If loud concerts are a little too much for you, you might want to try the Experience 2. They don't dampen or reduce the quality of the music, they just make it easier to endure.
Experience 2 Plus - Like the Quiet 2 Plus, these earplugs also offer extra noise reduction on demand.
Engage 2 - These noise-filtering earplugs are designed to make socialising and parenting a lot easier. There's also an upgraded Engage 2 Plus version.
Engage Kids 2 - Specifically designed for kids between six to 12, these noise-filtering earplugs help with 'learning, playing and growing.'
Final thoughts
Overall, my Loop earbuds were comfortable, looked sleek, and stayed put no matter what I was doing. They’re definitely going to be coming with me to every gig and have become a staple in my work bag for office days. (While several of my friends keep theirs on their keys without issue, I’m not sure I trust the closure of their storage case as much. And at £54.95, you don’t want them falling out on the train.)
They’ve meant I can be out in noisy places like shopping centres without getting anxious or overwhelmed for much longer, while still being aware of my surroundings. I can keep them in my ears for hours without them hurting or becoming uncomfortable and dial up my zen - depending on where I am or what I’m feeling - without having to fumble about with different earplugs. And that, for me, is a win.
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