How to choose the correct decibels for your earplugs?

Earproof offers filters with attenuation ranging from 10 to 25db.

Lots of people find it difficult to choose the correct attenuation.

Understandable, because what should you take into account and what are the consequences of 5db more or less? We described various common situations that fit certain attenuations. But still your personal situation is leading, your hearingcurve and hearing threshold can have an impact. Just like your preferred type of music or party habits.

Did you know that you hear music BETTER with filters?

Most people believe that earplugs are primarily used to protect the hearing. But filters reduce the pressure on your eardrums making it easier for them to move. Of course this only works when you have high-quality music filters with a flat attenuation on the whole frequency.

A third advantage of using earplugs in loud sound environments is that you can keep your concentration because loud sounds make you tired.

The main characters of Earproof, the 10, 15, 20 and 25db filters, are each described in the below piece

Hopefully this makes choosing the right attenuation easier. Base your filter on your main activity(s). If they differ too much, consider buying 2 sets of filters. You can exchange the filters in all Earproof earplugs.

If you’re still unsure, call or e-mail us or come to the office where you can test the various filters LIVE.

10db filters 

situation

listening to acoustic music without concessions on audio quality

(background)noise where you want to have some attenuation while talking and listening are your main activity

for people with sensitive hearing


musicians

acoustic musicians and vocalists, teachers


jobs like

teachers, for example indoor sports, dentists, flight attendants


activity

acoustic performances, a restaurant with very bad acoustic, theater or cinema


protection

10db is no certified hearing protection!

takes down approximate 10db of the original sound

15db filters 

situation

for amplified sound environments where you also want to communicate


musicians

DJ’s who preform 2-3 hours and need to be aware of the sound pressure

for onstage playing with your amplified instrument in a band


jobs like

production people who use a porto-adaptor for communication


activity

concert, theater or cinema with amplified sounds


protection

the minimum hearing protection for music that reaches the limit of 103db (on average)

for a period of 2-3 hours

mainly in the back of a venue or relative far from the music installations. or an outdoor event

reduces approximately 15db of the original sound

20db filters 

situation

most used protection for loud music, hearing people is still possible but talking gets more difficult from this attenuation and upwards


musicians

for drummers, dancers and other live performing artists who are used to wear hearing-protection


activity

dancing a whole night on dance music, listening to many performances a day on a festival


protection

standard hearing protection for music that reaches the limit of 103db (on average)

for a period of max 5-6 hours

mainly in the middle of a venue or to the music installations

reduces approximately 20db of the original sound

25db filters 

situation

this attenuation gives you maximal protection with an optimal audio experience

an option for people with damaged ears like tinnitus


jobs like

production workers and horeca staff who need to be concentrated over the whole evening

painters, builders and other professions which are daily exposed to loud sounds, it will maintain their hearing over the years and they are still able to hear the radio


activity

front row ravers, concerts of heavy metal & hardstyle


protection

high hearing protection for music that reaches the limit of 103db (on average)

for a period up to 8 hours

some standing in the front near the box. Or small venues with poor music installations

reduces approximately 25db of the original sound


Read more on How loud is to loud.