I am prepared to go to great lengths for Beyoncé. I’ll endure the Ticketmaster line, spend hours designing a mirror-tiled cowboy hat for just one event, and even take refuge in Soldier Field’s basement for three hours during a tornado. However, I will not jeopardize my hearing health. Concerts can produce noise levels between 95 to 110 dBA, significantly surpassing the 85-dBA limit recommended by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders for extended exposure. Beyoncé’s impressive vocals can certainly add to this.
Heeding the suggestions from the Beyhive on Reddit, I opted for Loop Earplugs at the first evening of the Cowboy Carter Tour in Chicago. Here are five reasons why I now advocate for them for anyone going to concerts or music festivals this summer.
1. They function effectively (possibly too well). Loop’s earplugs cater to a range of requirements, including sleep, noise sensitivity, parenting, events, and travel. I selected the Loop Experience 2, designed to preserve the quality of live music while diminishing harmful noise. The more expensive Experience 2 Plus features a Mute silicone insert for further noise reduction. I was amazed by how well I could hear Beyoncé and her band while the stadium sounds were nearly completely muted. Pulling out one earplug showcased the crowd’s volume, demonstrating the earplugs’ effectiveness. By the end of the night, my ears felt great, with no signs of tinnitus or headaches. My friend joked that I missed his comments mid-performance due to the earplugs’ effectiveness.
2. They appear stylish. Concerts, especially those with Beyoncé, are fashion-focused. The ring-shaped acoustic channels on Loop earplugs resemble daith piercings and seamlessly blend with earring collections, particularly in metallic shades. My silver Experience 2 set also comes in gold, rose gold, matte black, and limited-edition ombre and holographic designs.
3. They’re comfortable. I find it challenging to locate well-fitting earplugs and earbuds, but Loops fit perfectly and stayed comfortable all through the concert. The Experience 2 includes four sets of silicone ear tips for a personalized fit. I utilized the smallest size.
4. They include a keychain case. Loop Earplugs are small, making them easy to misplace. Luckily, they come with a carry case that attaches to a keychain and fits within my NFL-approved clear clutch.
5. They’re available with quick, free shipping on Amazon. Loop Earplugs can be found on Amazon with free next- or two-day Prime shipping. The Experience 2 is priced $4 higher on Amazon than on the Loop website, but the latter charges a $4.95 delivery fee for orders below $44. Watch for Black Friday sales, as Loops are usually discounted only during holidays. Loopearplugs.com provides a year-round 15% discount on a bundle of two pairs.