The Best Earplugs for Studying: A Look at Your Best Options

Look, we understand. You are a student and you can’t find a quiet spot for the life of you. You’ve searched cafes, libraries, abandoned hallways, and locales that are supposed to be relatively noise-free, and yet all you stumble into are rooms full of loud voices, active devices, noisy activities, and so much more. Whether you are trying to study for a huge test, write an important essay, get some reading done, or otherwise, it seems that (these days) there is nowhere to be found that will provide you with the noiselessness you need.

Luckily, there’s a tool for that. Perhaps you’re scared off by the huge, clunky option of industrial-grade earmuffs. They work, but they look a little… noticeable, and not in a good way. Besides this, not everybody wants to wear a significantly-sized piece of equipment on their heads for long periods of time– and that’s totally fair.

Some people suggest sticking in headphones and putting on your favorite music, but this advice is also quite counterintuitive, isn’t it? If you are the type of person who finds noises distracting, it is very possible that the last thing you want is music playing into your ears while you are taking on any kind of project that requires absolute focus.

So, what’s the solution?

How about noise-cancelling earplugs for studying?

They are perfect for those who need some assistance with concentration but don’t want to listen to music or wear clunky earmuffs around their campus.

Unlike their larger counterpart, earplugs manage to clear away most all of the sounds in your surrounding environment, providing ideal conditions for getting some work done. All of those frustrating distractions will be tuned out as your focus zooms in on whatever complex task your education requires of you.

Now, there are tons of options on the market, and you may not share an exact taste with our list. In the end, we all have our own preferences, and that is totally fine. However, there are definitely a few categories we have used to determine the quality and helpfulness of the various earplug options on the market that we think you should consider, as well!

First of all, don’t choose anything that you find uncomfortable! Even though your top priority may be cutting out sound, to do so while creating physical discomfort yourself is basically solving one problem by creating another one, which in this case is totally unnecessary! From our research, we have learned that a lot of earplugs manage to cancel sound without sacrificing your personal comfort, and you should not settle for anything less than this. Whether you take the word of this article regarding which brands offer this ideal balance or go out searching on your own terms, make sure that comfort is a top priority.

All this being said, there is nothing worse than noise-cancelling earplugs which actually fail at their task of cancelling noise. And yes, such a thing does exist on the market and is, in fact, more common than you might imagine. Do not fall for the trick of buying earplugs that don’t do the job you need them to. Most reputable brands will rank their product on something called the ‘noise reduction rating’ (or NRR) and this is indispensable information to consider when choosing your future earplugs!

Aesthetics. Obviously, the element of style is not nearly as important as the other two categories listed above, but let’s not pretend that it’s not a natural thing to consider. Don’t choose a color that you can’t feel good about wearing. Earplugs often stand out more than you would imagine, so make sure you feel comfortable wearing the color and shape around campus and town.

Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs

Defying expectations, these extremely soft and cozy earplugs actually manage to earn an NRR rating of 32 dB. To put that in perspective, this number is higher than a lot of industrial-strength ear muffs. Furthermore, these USA-made earplugs are extremely comfortable. You can use them for studying in the day-time and then also use them while attending concerts, travelling, doing loud chores such as mowing the lawn, or whatever else you may require noise-cancellation for.

Many doctors and hearing professionals recommend Mack’s, so we can endorse them with confidence. They claim to be the #1 doctor recommended earplug on the market and the “ultra-soft” foam does not disappoint in terms of comfort.

They come in packs of 50 pairs and promise “ultimate comfort” and “extreme protection.” We highly recommend Mack’s and we’re not alone. Go ahead and look at the online reviews for these foam lifesavers if you still need to be convinced– thousands have reviewed this product with immense gratitude.

It is generally recommended to restrict your usage of a single pair for about one week, so the pack of 50 pairs should last quite a while. Plus, the price is right! If you are looking for disposable foam plugs, you won’t do much better than Mack’s.

EarPeace HD Concert Ear Plugs

Alright, so these are a little pricier, but they justify their cost with reusability, endurance, and general product quality! Although the NRR is under 30 dB, these silicone earplugs are high-quality and will last for years of consistent usage. As you may be able to tell by their name, they are designed originally to be worn for preventing hearing damage at loud concerts, but they work exceptionally well for studying as well. Generally, they can be purchased for under $30, so the cost is by no means extreme. In fact, if you are the type of person who uses such things often, the investment will pay itself off quite quickly in relation to buying multiple containers of Mack’s.

Howard Leight Super Leight Earplugs

Boasting an exceptional noise reduction rating, these bright pink earplugs have become iconic in their own way. They are shaped to fit elegantly into your ear and come in packs of 10 pairs. Chances are you have seen these for sale at live music shows before, but they are also excellent when it comes to studying, considering their NRR is through the roof considering their size and price point.