Are Loop Earplugs Worth It?

Why I Finally Tried Loop Earplugs

I never thought I’d get to the age where noises are either too loud, or too quiet. I spent years ruining my ears at night clubs and concerts because who thought about hearing loss at 20? Well, I’m not deaf (yet) but I do want to preserve what I have left. I still LOVE concerts, this year I’ve already seen Ben Barnes, Austin Giorgio, Tim Schou, Livingston, Lights, and Keith Urban. 6 concerts in six months? Damn. My poor ears!

I was at a friend’s kid’s birthday party when a Dad pulled out this little case. I immediately asked, “Are those Loop Earplugs?” which sparked a massive discussion about them: whether they worked, whether they were worth it, etc. It was a great conversation starter! He was using them for the high-pitched kid-squealing at the party (which I was kind of jealous of). Did this conversation entice me to make the splurge? You bet.

Loop Engage 2 vs Loop Experience 2: What’s the Difference?

I got the Engage 2 Plus and the Experience 2 Plus. I have used the Engage 2 Loop earplugs around the kiddos, but I found they dulled the noise too much for my own comfort level around them. Being able to hear myself is distracting, too, so I need to get used to that effect. That’s the one thing I do dislike about earplugs, not just the Loop Earplugs – the loudness of MY internal stuff (breathing, eating, talking). It all sounds so weird (and loud).

Testing Them at Real Concerts

But for concerts, they are great for focusing and improving sound quality, PLUS I don’t leave a venue with my ears ringing. I received them in time to use them at the Livingston (Danforth Music Hall), Lights (HISTORY), and Keith Urban (Budweiser Stage) concerts, all very different in music genre and venue.

Personally, I found that Experience 2 is almost too quiet. They cancelled out too much of the crowd, so it felt like I was the only one singing (which I know isn’t true, but it’s a weird thing only to hear yourself). In that regard, I do prefer using the Engage 2 earplugs more. It took a little trial and error to find a fit that didn’t bother me, but I got them to the perfect fit. Note to self: Don’t try to fit them when you have a cold.

Outdoor venues are a different experience entirely. Keith Urban at Budweiser Stage sounded incredible with the earplugs in. I have a love/hate relationship with that venue’s sound quality, but everything came through clearly: guitars, vocals, the crowd. It actually made me appreciate how talented he is live.

He is such a genuinely nice guy – he walked from the stage up to in front of the lawn section. He had a stage set up there, played a few songs so they had a front row seat, and then SIGNED AND GAVE AWAY HIS GUITAR. I can’t get over that. It’s literally the nicest thing I’ve ever seen an artist do.

What I’d Actually Recommend

As much as it’s personal preference, I think that the Engage Earplugs are probably the best choice overall. They offer solid coverage for all events.

Final Thoughts: Are Loop Earplugs Worth Buying?

Between concerts, kids, and everyday noise, I’ve started thinking a lot more about protecting my hearing.

J x