The Earpeace – noise reducing earplugs, but not yet for kids

Paul Banas

13 years ago

I received an Earpeace, a pair of noise reducing earplugs a few weeks ago. The Earpeace are an addition to the field of earplugs for adults to cut down the noise while outside or at a loud event such as a concert. They attempt to lower the overall volume while not muffling sound the way foam earplugs do. Independent tests (Michael and Associates) put reduction of sound pressure at 75%. EarPeace delivers 11+ to 17+ decibels of protection. This means that 80% of people will get more than 11 decibels of protection and 20% of people will get more than 17 decibels of protection.

In my tests at a loud concert, I found that they do decrease volume, but to my ear, there was some loss of crispness in the sound though I was still able to enjoy the music and to relax knowing I wasn’t killing what is left of my ears. I wish they made these for smaller kids since we often take our kids to concerts in the parks where the decibel level is just really painful for young ears.

These make a thoughtful gift at $12.95.

You can find more details at EarPeace: http://www.earpeace.com/

For kids, you might consider the Peltor Kids Earmuff or a new one from BabyBanz. This is the kind of noise protection the pros wear at construction sites and the soundless headphones you often see kids wearing at concerts. They provide noise reduction of 22 and 21 Db respectively, but also importantly, are light enough to stay on a baby or small child who wouldn’t wear other earplugs.

I feel guilty every time we take our kids to a loud concert. It’s easy for adults to think it’s not too loud, while actually allowing damage to little ears. For $20-$30 you can protect your ears and theirs as well.

POSTSCRIPT: I went to see Mission Impossible, Ghost Protocol, last night. It reminded me that earplugs and noise reducers are not just for concerts. I’m going to start carrying them in my jacket so I have them when I go to the movie theater as well.

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