If you talk to most people about the essential things every DJ needs, you’d be surprised just how rare it is that they’d include something like “earplugs”. At first glance, earplugs seem like such a strange inclusion for any DJ gear list.
After all, if you’re a DJ, aren’t you trying to hear loud music?
Why would you want to put the best DJ earplugs in your ears? Two words. Hearing protection.
Well, the reality is that, while you do want to have access to the music, you also want to make sure your ears don’t get damaged in the process. Ear plugs allow you to retain your ear’s health and thus keep you performing for years without worrying about literally skipping a beat.
Best DJ Earplugs: Our Overall Choice
The Decibullz Custom-Molded Earplugs are our best DJ earplug option. They offer superior noise-canceling thanks to an improved fit due to them being molded into your ear and are easier to insert than standard silicon plugs, the molded custom earplugs design means you are not constantly messing around trying to find the best fit in your ear.
Top DJ Earplugs – Best, Premium & Value
Below, we’ll take the time to check out some of the best high-fidelity earplugs currently on the market while also giving you some tips on the best hearing protection models in loud environments
Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs (Editor’s Pick)
You can’t put a price on hearing protection, and high-fidelity custom earplugs and if you are regularly visiting loud environments with loud noises, you really should invest in a good quality pair of ear plugs, regardless of the price.
At the end of the day, loud noises hurt hearing, It really is that simple.
For us, the Decibullz custom molded high-fidelity earplugs work very well and are the best overall all-rounder. They are effective for loud clubs and festival environments. However, they are not as discrete as the clear silicon earplugs options over there, but they are easier to insert and remove.
They work well and they have a filter that goes inside them. You can then filter out different levels of noise, and this is perfect for clubs, festivals, and raves because you can reduce the harmful noise while still being able to hear people.
An effective advantage of the Decibullz high-fidelity earplugs is that the molded design means that they never get lost in my ear canal, which can be a problem after a few beers!
What We Like:
- Easy to Shape
- Easy to Insert & Remove
- Provide great hearing protection
What We Do Not Like:
- The plastic cap sticks out
- Not very Discrete
Read this next: How Can A DJ Avoid Tinnitus? (Protecting DJ Ears)
Decibullz Custom Molded Percussive Filters (Premium Pick)
One of the better, but more expensive, earplug options out there, the Decibullz custom molded percussive filters have a foam muff body that allows for as close of a perfect fit to your ear canal as possible.
These high-fidelity earplugs have an added frequency filter that helps ensure your hearing stays as crisp and as clear as possible. They have an NRR (noise reduction rating) of 31dB which is pretty on par with most other foam earplugs.
That said, while their reduction is still at the same noise reduction, it’s managed to have much higher sound quality insulation than most silicone plugs, making them great for just about any activity or environment, whether it be DJing on stage, working at a festival event, or even out clubbing.
The Decibullz ear plugs come in multiple colors, granting you a fair bit of variety. This does however make them difficult to hide or ignore when worn, something that may be an issue for DJs looking to have things a bit more low-profile.
Despite this, the Decibullz earplugs are very easy to put on, simply needing to be briefly soaked in hot water to soften before fitting in your ears.
This may be a bit of a process for some people, but the process is not only a lot easier than you’d expect, but it helps retain complete customization, something that very few alternative earplugs can claim.
What We Like:
- No Power Source Needed
- Snug & Form-Fitting
- 31dB Noise Reduction
- Can Be Remolded For Multiple Users
What We Do Not Like:
- Expensive
Read this next: Noise Cancelling DJ Headphones (A Big Yes or a Resounding No?)
Ear Buddy Foam Earplugs (Value Pick)
A super affordable foam plugs option that is soft and adjustable, the Ear Buddy Foam Earplugs will cover your entire ear canal, greatly reducing the amount of exposed sound you’ll have to deal with when out and about.
Each bottle comes with 5 pairs of foam plugs and is even recommended by many ear doctors due to their impressive effectiveness.
They have a 28dB noise reduction rating, meaning most sounds can be reasonably ignored whether you’re DJing or going to the gun range. These foam plugs are also super easy to use, simply requiring a twist and push, moving to fit your ear canal size.
The foam ear plugs can also be used multiple times due to their antimicrobial properties as well as their ability to return to their original size after a few minutes of being pulled out of your ear.
While there are a few noise-reduction earplug options on this list with a bit better reusability, the Ear Buddy ear plugs are great when in a pinch.
What We Like:
- Super Breathable
- Resistant To Bacterial Microbes
- Affordably Priced
- Soft & Comfortable
- Even Doctor Recommended
What We Do Not Like:
- May Not Fit Everyone
Read this next: 12 Best DJ Headphones – Top Picks for All Budgets
Our Alternative Best Earplugs for DJs
If the three options above aren’t well-suited to you, there are still a host of quality DJ earplugs to choose from. Our team also highlighted the following options for those in search of the best hearing protection.
EarDial Ear Plugs
Meant specifically for DJs that expect to be around loudspeakers and other monitor devices.
The EarDial Ear Plugs offer a high-quality noise reduction filter that works to reduce the more harmful sound levels in a way that they are healthier and more bearable for human ears without harming the sound quality or clarity.
In addition to this neat feature, the EarDial ear plugs have a fairly low-profile design that makes them easy to hide and regard as virtually invisible due to their transparent body which meshes perfectly with your skin.
Essentially, these are a great option for those that don’t want others to know they’re wearing earplugs.
Made from a hypoallergenic silicon material, the EarDial earplugs are great for pretty much any ear regardless of allergies or skin conditions.
Not only that but they can be used for extended periods without worrying about chafing or discomfort.
In fact, the silicone material is so impressive that it can retain much of its shape even years after use, making them pretty much a one-time purchase compared to many other ear plugs that need constant purchases to maintain their shape.
What We Like:
- Good all-round Hearing protection
- High-Quality Silicone
- Maintains Shape For Year
- Low-Profile
What We Do Not Like:
- Low Noise Reduction Rating
Read this next: How To Clean DJ Headphones (Clean Leather Headphones PROPERLY!)
Radians CEP001-R Custom Molded Earplugs
Regarded as a more affordable noise reduction option to the Decibullz earplugs, the Radians CEP001-R offers incredibly soft and custom-fit earplugs that will sit in your ear and remain comfortable all day.
Made from non-toxic eco-friendly material, the Radians CEP001-R is hypoallergenic and completely safe for all listeners, no matter their existing allergies.
The earplugs come with an instruction manual that’s very easy to read and follow while the plugs themselves need very few adjustments (if at all) to properly fit in your ear.
They are made with a high-quality foam material that not only makes them great for wearing but also for keeping clean and washing.
This is great for many things, ranging from DJing, working in a nightclub environment, and festival security work to weekly clubbing.
In terms of sound reduction, the Radians can keep out sounds as high as 26dB. This means you can protect yourself from most noises in your environment without too many issues. In addition, the earplugs have a lanyard option, making the odds of losing or misplacing them much more difficult and less likely.
What We Like:
- Eco-Friendly
- Affordable
- Easy To Use
- Great for Noise Reduction
What We Do Not Like:
- Problematic For Smaller Ears
Read this next: DJ Headphones vs Normal (Who Wins?)
Best DJ Earplug Picks: Buyers Guide
Why Are DJ Earplugs So Important?
It may not seem like it at the moment, but DJs are exposed to a ton of different aggressive sounds and types of sound quality. This is true whether they’re in the studio just making music or out in the club performing it.
As a result of this extensive and prolonged exposure, it only makes sense that one’s hearing would progressively get worse and worse.
A great way to avoid this issue is by using earplugs.
Earplugs are essential for reducing sound overall while also helping isolate distracting sounds that aren’t needed for your performance, to begin with.
Are Electronic Earplugs Worth It?
Electronic earplugs are an interesting discussion piece due to the various outside factors that surround them. Primarily, it’s important to know whether you plan to perform for only a few hours or for several hours or days at a time.
If you’re only going to do a game or show up for a concert or two, there’s not a lot of reason to invest in a pair of electronic high-fidelity earplugs.
On the other hand, if you expect to perform for a longer period of time, it’s worth it to consider investing in a good set of electronic earplugs.
Can You Wear Earplugs When DJing?
When it comes to whether you should use earplugs when mixing music, it comes down to the type of headphones you’re using. In many cases, depending on the DJ headphones you’re using, they can be of a high enough quality that you may not need earplugs at all.
If you’re planning to use headphones and earplugs when mixing, be aware of the volume and sound frequency.
The better the earplugs are, the more powerful your headphones will need to be to ensure you hear enough to keep from missing a beat (literally!)
Standard vs Custom-Fit Earplugs
In one of the more contentious debates, many people wonder if there is a decided victory between custom-fit and more standardized earplugs.
On one hand, standard-fitting earplugs, as the name implies, offer a universal “standardized” fit that a wider variety of people can benefit from.
They are also more affordable compared to custom-fit and are able to better block out sound quality frequencies that can cause problems to your hearing.
The downside to standard earplugs is that they have a noteworthy drop in comfort level and can begin to chafe after being worn for a while.
This makes them only useable for relatively short bursts before needing to take a break and giving your ears a rest.
Custom-fit high-fidelity earplugs offer great noise reduction and a more selective but higher quality and comfortable fit.
This is due to it being made to fit your ear canal specifically. These are more expensive but can be worn for longer periods without nearly as much chafing after effect.
Where these have an issue is in their noteworthy appearance and lack of sound isolation. Simply put, if you’re a DJ and looking to keep a low profile, these are often going to be different colors and different shapes that immediately let people know that you’ve got earplugs in your ears.
On top of this, the sound isolation isn’t great, meaning you’ll likely have outside sound slipping in, effectively lowering their use if you plan on mixing or need as precise a sound as possible.
Foam Earplugs vs Silicone Earplugs
Just as standard and custom-fit earplugs are a huge topic of debate, so too are foam and silicone-material high-fidelity earplugs.
Over the years, silicone earplugs have become the popular choice due to their impressive comfort and completely transparent low-profile body. On top of that, silicone earplugs make a point of effectively isolating sound frequencies without dampening sound clarity or sound quality.
The downside to silicone is that, because of the material, it can’t handle sounds over 24dB, meaning that sensitive ears are going to suffer.
Just as well, they can be a bit more expensive compared to foam earplugs.
FAQs
Should DJs wear earplugs?
It is strongly advised for DJs to utilize earplugs while performing. DJs are frequently exposed to elevated sound levels during their work, which can have adverse effects on their hearing. Extended exposure to loud music and amplified sound systems can result in noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus, and other auditory issues. By using earplugs, DJs can effectively diminish the overall volume of the music without compromising its quality, safeguarding their hearing from potential harm and enabling them to pursue their profession for an extended duration without enduring long-term consequences.
How do DJs keep their ears safe?
DJs employ a variety of measures to safeguard their ears and maintain their hearing health. One important approach is the utilization of musician-specific or DJ-specific earplugs, which effectively reduce high sound levels while preserving sound quality. This enables DJs to enjoy their music while mitigating the risk of excessive volume exposure. Regular breaks during performances are also seriously advised, allowing their ears to rest and recover from prolonged exposure to loud music
How often should DJ earplugs be replaced?
The replacement of earplugs varies depending on factors such as the type of earplugs, frequency of use, and manufacturer’s recommendations. Generally, disposable foam earplugs should be replaced after each use or when they show signs of dirt or damage. Reusable earplugs, typically made from durable materials like silicone, can last for several months or even years if well-maintained. However, it is crucial to regularly inspect reusable earplugs for any signs of wear and tear and replace them if they no longer provide a secure fit or exhibit deterioration.
Best DJ Earplugs: The Verdict
Ultimately, as mentioned earlier, DJs are exposed to loud music, loud noises, extreme sound quality differences, and sounds that the human ear simply wasn’t meant to endure for long and prolonged periods. DJs need hearing protection.
Our Editorial pick for the best DJ earplugs is the Decibullz custom-molded Earplugs.
The longer you expose yourself to this as a DJ, the faster your hearing will go, effectively destroying your career as a DJ.
Instead of looking at high-fidelity earplugs as a neat add-on, it’s much better to see them as an investment in hearing protection and your career as a DJ or music producer.
