EmailBest Reviewed
Earplugs
- Best earplugs for sports, outdoors or work Howard Leight MAX *Est. $30
- Best earplugs for indoor use Hearos Ultimate Softness *Est. $15
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Best earplugs for indoor use
- Very soft and comfortable
- Good at blocking household noises
- Fairly expensive
- Loose fit
- Not good at blocking constant, loud noises
The best reviews of Hearos Ultimate Softness earplugs come from two mainstream sources - the online magazine Slate.com and The Wall Street Journal - which compare Hearos plugs to the competition for everyday noise attenuation. We also consult the motorcycle enthusiast site Obairlann.net.
Hearos Ultimate Softness earplugs are over six times more expensive than a competing brand, Howard Leight MAX, when bought in bulk (*est. 75 cents per pair vs. 12 cents per pair); reviewers say they don't fit as snugly as MAX plugs and they have a slightly lower noise reduction rating of 32 decibels compared to the MAX plugs' 33. Despite all of that, though, experts say Hearos Ultimate Softness plugs make up in softness and comfort for what they lack in economy and firm fit, and they do an excellent job blocking out everyday household - or next-to-household - sounds. These aren't heavy-duty earplugs, however; if you need to block constant, loud noises - say, because you're a motorcyclist or work outdoors with power tools - you'll probably be better off with Howard Leight MAX.
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Our Sources
1. Slate.com
In this thorough roundup, Ulrich Boser rates eight earplug brands and types for effectiveness, comfort, durability and value. Only two perform above par: Howard Leight MAX, which Boser says did an "excellent job of reducing sound" and are easy to use, and Hearos Ultimate Softness Series, which are just as effective as the MAX plugs, but even softer.
Review: The Sound of Silence: Sussing Out the Ear-Plug Market, Ulrich Boser, May 17, 2005
The Wall Street Journal's "Cranky Consumer" tries out five brands of earplugs, pitting them against "unmuffled motorcycles, emergency sirens, television at normal volume, barking dogs and a rooster." Her top pick is Hearos, because of their softness: "They fell out more than the others, but I was less likely to pull them out because of discomfort."
Review: The Sounds of Silence: Testing Earplugs, Cynthia Crossen, Mar. 9, 2006
In this impressive roundup, motorcycle enthusiast Johnston rates 14 brands of earplugs according to four criteria: packaging, expansion speed, pressure and comfort. His top-rated brand is Moldex PuraFit, followed by three Howard Leight brands: LaserLite, MaxLite and MAX.
Review: Earplug Survey, Ian Johnston, June 24, 2005
4. Amazon.com
About a dozen users give Hearos Ultimate Softness high scores. A small number of people wished they blocked more noise.
Review: Hearos Ultimate Softness earplugs, Contributors to Amazon.com
Earplugs Runners Up:
4 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
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Moldex Pura Fit Earplugs, No Cords - 200 Count
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