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Introduction

Personally, I’ve always had a certain level of noise sensitivity – one that can present as more or less tolerant, depending on how I’m feeling that day. Some days, I want nothing more than to listen to my favourite music at high volumes while other days, I can’t even have the radio on while driving as the incessant chatter of the hosts will really irritate me. On another note, sometimes, I work from home while other times, I work in an open plan office with lots of other people. Some days I don’t mind the buzz of others while other days, I’m so busy that I just need to get my head down and concentrate.

Around a year and a half ago, I purchased my first set of Loop earplugs and, more recently, have placed another order with them. Given their popularity, I wanted to create this post to unpack what I really think about them along with the pros, cons and whether I feel they’re genuinely worth it.

Unboxing Loop Earplugs

My first set of earplugs were the original Switch ones. I chose these as you are easily able to flick the dial and move to a different level of noise suppression. Loop earplugs come in 4 levels – Dream, Quiet, Experience and Engage, their noise suppression abilities being highest at Dream level and lowest at Engage. Mutes are also available (small pieces of silicone that can be inserted into some of the models to boost sound reduction). Switch combines Quiet, Experience and Engage on a dial on the plugs themselves. I personally went with this model as I wanted to be able to switch between the various settings as needed:

Engage mode – this is useful for being able to focus in a work meeting if people were chatting around me in the office. The brand state that this offers 16 dB (SNR) of background noise reduction.

Experience mode – this can be used when heading out to bars or performances where there is loud live music. Noise is reduced by 17dB (SNR) while keeping music clear but at a safer volume.

Quiet mode – this is for blocking out the world when I don’t feel like listening to anyone or anything to do deep work or relax with a craft activity. This offers 24 dB (SNR) of noise reduction.

The boxes are similar for all of the products I’ve tried from Loop, including the Loop Link – a strap designed to hold your loops when you aren’t wearing them. While I enjoy the simplicity of the packaging, part of me wishes it was slightly more premium feeling given the price point of the products inside. The cardboard is fairly thin rather than being a solid box and the flap doesn’t completely close when reclosing it, despite needing to hang onto it to store the spare ear tips in the other sizes.

My Experience with Loop Earplugs

Loop Switch Review

My experience with the Loop Switch range spans both the original version and their more recent, second edition. My immediate thoughts on putting them in was how loud my own breath and chewing/swallowing sounds were. At the time, I was on a lunchbreak at work when the delivery arrived so I decided to use them while finishing my lunch – perhaps this was an error on my part but I wanted to mention it as I understand many people consider these for a wide range of noise sensitivity issues, including eating noises. Throughout the afternoon, I used them while working and had no issues with comfort, hearing phone calls (when in Engage mode) and found my concentration was considerably enhanced, even when the only sounds while working from home was the washing machine and cars going by in the street outside.

Later that evening, Mike and I went on our usual evening walk so I decided to use them here too. I noticed a significant reduction in traffic noise – it was still there so I felt safe and aware in my surroundings while crossing roads (which I am glad of as I don’t feel it would be sensible to be completely numb to sounds around you while navigating busy streets) but cars and trucks were no longer deafening to the point of irritation.

As time went on, I was able to try them at a range of social events such as busy pub trips and the work Christmas party. I’m pleased to say that I had zero ringing in my ears the next day. I had always associated the ringing in the past with overindulgence of drinks with friends but, after using Loop earplugs, I realised it was the level of sound around me that was the culprit.

One issue I keep encountering however is that I struggle to regulate the level of my own voice while wearing Loops. Given that my ears are blocked by the plugs, my own voice sounds extremely loud, so I begin to speak far more quietly. Friends have found it to be a challenge to hear me, especially in crowded surroundings. A hidden plus of this however is that I no longer have a sore throat the next day as I’m now not trying to shout above the crowd to be heard.

In terms of the difference between Switch and Switch 2, the brand claims that the Switch 2 has an ‘upgraded design’ that  ‘improves noise reduction in Quiet mode, while maintaining clarity in Experience and Engage modes’. They are also slightly smaller. Personally, I haven’t noticed a great deal of difference in the performance between the original and new version, but I do find Switch 2 to be more comfortable during long sessions of wear. I also enjoy the new design as they blend in more easily with jewellery.

Loop Dream Review

Previously, I had been using these earplugs as I’ve always liked to still be able to hear a small amount of noise throughout the night – while using silicone earplugs (where the entire ear canal is completely blocked and very little sound can get through), I’ve tended to feel claustrophobic. Despite overall enjoying my previous choice of earplugs, I would still find my ears would feel slightly sore when side-sleeping, so I was interested to try Loop Dream.

Loop Dream feature a foam tip which feels very similar to some old earphones I used to own. I found them to be really comfortable overnight although I’m not 100% sure on which ear tip size I personally need. I normally use a medium size with the Switch range but, due to the shape (more oval compared to the rounded silicone tips on the rest of Loop’s products), I found the Dream plugs felt it took longer to get them properly situated. Though, once in, they remained in place.

Pros of Loop Earplugs

Nights out are far improved – my biggest pro for Loop earplugs is how much my nights out have improved. I love that my ears are no longer ringing yet I can still enjoy whatever music is playing or being performed. I also find my concentration during conversations to be better as I’m now not being swallowed up in the background noise of a venue.

Comfort – headphones have been a challenge for me for a long time in that I struggle to find anything I’m comfortable wearing for several hours at a time. Loop have remained comfortable, even when I’ve been forced to sleep in my Switch earplugs (not designed for this but they were all I had to hand during a really loud storm).

Style – while the original Switch range didn’t have the same level of style as the Switch 2 offering, I still feel that all of their options look good and emulate something cooler than just everyday earplugs or other hearing protection options on the market.

Certified – Loop earplugs are certified and comply with PPE legislation (please check with the laws relevant to your situation however as particular industries may differ). This makes me feel more confident that not only is the product quality but that I’m doing something positive for my hearing health while using them.

Cons of Loop Earplugs

Cost – I feel I often mention cost as a con of many products/services I review but I truly feel that this is a factor. The Loop Switch range is a 3-in1 product which naturally increases the price to just shy of £55 but their other offerings are also a fair investment (from just under £20 to just under £45 with special editions incurring higher prices again). Bundle deals are available to help to make the investment more affordable.

I distract myself – this may seem like an odd statement, but I find Loop earplugs more difficult to use in quiet settings – for example, when doing focused work or at the office. The sound of my own breathing, footsteps or when sipping a drink/chewing gum is really intense to me. This has led me to wear regular headphones with quiet background music/a podcast on for these scenarios and reserve Loop for louder situations.

Conclusion – Are Loop Earplugs Worth It?

In my opinion, Loop earplugs are worth it but, you need to be clear on why you want to use them. If nights out leave you with ringing ears and fuzzy hearing the next day, I’d highly recommend using them. However, if you’re sensitive to the sound of your own body and struggle with this while using regular noise cancelling headphones, it may take some time to get used to Loop during quieter scenarios like the office.

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