Flare Calmer Kids – Ear Plugs Alternative – Reduce Annoying Noises Without Blocking Sound – Soft Reusable Silicone – Blue

Product Information

This is mostly down to personal preference. If you simply want more quiet, earplugs are your best bet.

The SleepPhones consist of a soft fleece headband containing two small speakers that sit against your ears, plus a Bluetooth receiver unit. The electrical components can all be removed, and you can simply throw the headband in the washing machine when it needs freshening up. If you live an a warmer climate, you can opt for a band made from a lighter, breathable fabric instead.They aren't wireless headphones, so you can't stream your own music or podcasts, but that makes sense when you see just how tiny they are. Instead, you transfer your chosen audio effects to the Zenbuds through Amazfit's mobile app. There's a huge range of options, from rainfall through to snoring kittens, so you're bound to find something that helps you nod off. The Flare Calmer earplugs stand out from the rest as they're not designed to reduce noise drastically but reduce noise frequencies that are most likely to cause stress. People who have hyperacusis (the proper term for noise sensitivity) may find everyday sounds louder than other people do. Then some might feel irritated by sounds now and again or find it difficult to focus when they’re in crowded or noisy spaces. The ‘Mid’ filter is not quite so good for sleeping, since it intentionally lets more sound through. It’s designed for gigs and other noisy environments where you want to hear without damaging your hearing. (Again, I found this gave me super eavesdropping powers in the office.) They’re very easy to swap out and like the plugs can be cleaned with a cloth or in warm water. Because we all experience sound differently – even two neurodivergent people or those with the same hearing difficulties – it’s challenging to find the right solution.

Earplugs are especially helpful for light sleepers or people who live in cities, says Manan Shah, MD, a board-certified ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT). Earplugs can be particularly helpful for anyone who works night shifts or travels frequently. Even those who struggle with insomnia may find earplugs handy since they minimize distractions and allow you to nod off more easily.Foam earplugs are the cheapest option and being soft, they’re reasonably comfortable for sleeping in. However, as a porous material they’re a fertile breeding grown for bacteria, so you have to replace them regularly. You just pop them in your ears, with no app or Bluetooth involved. The result isn’t silence but a kind of cloud-like calm where you can clearly hear voices and high-pitched sounds such as ice cubes tinkling in a glass, but low-frequency sounds like snoring are tuned out. It was quite eerie the first time I tried it. Without the QuietOn earbuds, I could hear the whole neighbourhood. With them in, anything beyond the bedroom wall was simply gone. These are my favorite options to wear during the day when I need to focus but don’t want to listen to music, when I’m feeling stressed and want to dampen sensory overload and when I’m on a busy train or bus. I can hear speech, I can hear myself speak, but everything feels quieter. However, if you want to be able to switch between sound and silence easily, the best noise-cancelling headphones might be worth your money.

Conditions such as misophonia aren’t terribly well understood at present, and we still have so much to learn about neurodiverse conditions. As matters improve, this understanding will filter across to product design and development. These Howard Leight by Honeywell Laser Lite earplugs are both affordable and effective. They come with a noise reduction rating of 32 decibels, which is pretty impressive for such an inexpensive pair. Plus, the unique contoured shape of the earplugs means they are easy to insert and stay put even when sleeping on your side. Even if an earplug does happen to fall out—which is unlikely—the bright colors make them easy to spot in the bed or on the floor.If you normally find earplugs cumbersome, irritating, and uncomfortable, then you may want to give the Hearprotek Sleeping Ear Plugs a try. We found these soft and flexible earplugs among the most comfortable on our list. Not only do they gently contour to your ear canals, but they also don’t cause irritation, even after hours of wear.

If you’re looking for ultimate sound reduction, read our best earplugs for sleep guide. This features noise-cancelling earplugs and earplugs that promise (almost) silence. Flare or Loop earplugs are both great for reducing noise. But which one is right for you will depend on your level of sensitivity and what you want to use them for, as they work a little differently.

What's more, audiophiles might not be happy with the loss of resolution in high frequencies. However, their ease of use make them a great companion for a night of live music if you're sensitive to loud sounds but don't want to miss out. Shelby Harris, PsyD, DBSM, licensed clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine and director of sleep health at Sleepopolis