Earplugs for musicians and concerts
Live music, rehearsal rooms and clubs regularly go past 100 dB. Filtered earplugs turn the volume down evenly, so the music still sounds like music, just safely quieter. For musicians, DJs, sound engineers and anyone who loves gigs.
The music you love can cost you.
Musicians are at higher risk of hearing loss and tinnitus than the general population, and so are people who regularly go to gigs and clubs. A typical concert near the speakers can reach 100 to 110 dB, a level at which damage can begin within minutes.
Ordinary foam earplugs reduce high pitches far more than low ones, so music sounds dull and muffled, and many people take them out. Filtered earplugs are designed to reduce sound evenly across the frequencies, keeping the balance of the music and the clarity of speech.
These are signs your ears were overloaded. They usually settle within a day or two, but repeated episodes add up.
Lower filters suit acoustic sessions and quieter gigs, higher ones suit drummers and loud stages.
Choosing musicians' earplugs.
- Off-the-shelf filtered earplugs: affordable, reusable and widely available. A good starting point for gig-goers and occasional players.
- Custom-moulded musicians' earplugs: made from an impression of your ears, with interchangeable filters. More comfortable for long sessions and a more consistent seal.
- In-ear monitors: for performers, they replace loud wedge monitors, so you can hear yourself at a lower volume. Keep the monitor level as low as you can.
Choose the filter by the loudness of what you play. Drummers, brass players and anyone on a loud stage usually need more reduction than acoustic players or singers.
Safer listening at gigs.
- Wear earplugs from the start, not when your ears already hurt.
- Stand away from the speakers. Moving back a few metres makes a real difference.
- Take breaks in a quieter area every hour or so.
- Give your ears at least a day of quiet after a very loud night out.
- Keep headphone volume at or below about 60 percent, and use noise-cancelling headphones so you are not turning up the volume to drown out background noise.
In the UK, the HSE publishes guidance for the music and entertainment sector called Sound Advice, which is worth reading if you work in music.
Look after the ears you play with.
A full test gives you a record to compare against in future, which matters if music is your living.
Yearly tests show whether your protection is working, before any change affects your playing.
Tinnitus is common among musicians. Assessment and advice are part of every hearing test.
If you already have hearing loss, modern hearing aids can include music programs with a wider, more natural sound.
Frequently asked questions.
Much less than foam earplugs. Filtered earplugs reduce sound more evenly across the frequencies, so music sounds more natural, just quieter.
As a guide, around 9 to 15 dB for acoustic sessions, singers and quieter gigs, and around 25 dB for drummers, brass and loud stages.
If you play or attend loud music regularly, many people find them more comfortable and consistent. Off-the-shelf filtered plugs are a good, affordable start.
It usually fades within a day or two. If it lasts longer, or keeps happening after gigs, get your hearing tested.
Yes, at high volume for long periods. Keep the volume moderate, take breaks, and use noise-cancelling headphones so you do not need to turn it up.
Check your hearing between gigs.
A free hearing test in our Birmingham clinic, or £50 at home.
Noise-induced hearing lossTinnitusHyperacusisHearing protection guideHigh-frequency hearing loss
Written and clinically reviewed by our HCPC registered audiologists. Last reviewed: 15 October 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your hearing or your ears, book an appointment or speak to your GP.