Hears Review: Don't Buy High-Fidelity Earplugs Before Reading This!

New overview explains NRR vs. SNR, realistic attenuation expectations, and common use cases-concerts, sleep, commuting, and noise-sensitive settings-based on publicly available specifications.

Disclaimers: This article contains affiliate links to the Hears offer page. If you purchase through these links, a commission may be earned at no additional cost to you. This compensation does not influence the accuracy or integrity of the information presented. This is not medical advice - consult a qualified healthcare professional before making hearing health decisions.

Hears in 2026: A Consumer Guide to High-Fidelity Earplugs, Noise Reduction Ratings, and Everyday Listening Clarity

You saw the ad. Earplugs that claim to reduce harmful noise without making everything sound like you are listening through a pillow. Naturally, you did what anyone would do - you Googled "Hears earplugs review" to find out if they actually deliver or if this is just another product with slick marketing and underwhelming results.

That is exactly why this article exists. Not to push you toward a purchase, but to give you the honest, detailed breakdown - including where the brand's claims hold up, where they need context, and where you should verify for yourself - so you can decide whether Hears are the right fit for your ears, your lifestyle, and your specific situation. Whether that is concerts, sleeping next to a snoring partner, managing noise sensitivity at work, protecting your hearing as a musician, or just surviving daily life in a world that keeps getting louder.

Here is everything you need to know heading into 2026.

Check out the current Hears offer

What Hears Actually Is (And What It Is Not)

Before anything else, let's get the fundamentals clear - because this determines whether Hears even makes sense for what you need.

Hears are high-fidelity hearing protection earplugs. They are not hearing aids. They are not electronic noise-canceling devices like AirPods Pro. They do not amplify sound, they do not require batteries, and they are not marketed as medical devices. Their purpose, according to the brand, is to reduce the volume of harmful environmental noise while maintaining the natural clarity and quality of the sounds around you.

The brand's own analogy is that Hears work like a volume knob for the real world. Instead of blocking sound entirely the way foam earplugs do, Hears use what the company describes as a patented high-fidelity attenuation filter system. According to the Hears offer page, the filter reduces noise by up to 20dB while preserving approximately 93% of natural sound quality.

An important technical note on that 20dB number: The offer page references "up to 20dB" reduction. However, according to the Hears brand website (hears.com), the product carries an NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) of 13dB under ANSI testing standards. The difference matters. NRR is the U.S. standard used for OSHA workplace compliance calculations. SNR (Single Number Rating), used in European testing, typically produces a higher number for the same product. When the brand says "up to 20dB," this likely references the SNR measurement. For U.S. readers evaluating workplace hearing protection needs, the NRR of 13dB is the more relevant figure. Both numbers describe the same physical product - the difference is the testing methodology. If this distinction matters for your use case (particularly occupational noise), verify the current specifications on the brand's certification page at hears.com.

The company states that Hears were developed in collaboration with audiologists and hearing protection specialists, and that the core technology actively reduces sound vibration energy - what the brand describes as a filter that mimics a second eardrum - rather than simply blocking the ear canal.

It is worth noting that high-fidelity earplug technology as a category is well-established in hearing protection. Several companies offer products built on similar design principles. What differentiates one from another comes down to specific filter design, comfort, fit options, attenuation ratings, durability, and price.

Why This Category Exists: The Problem With Getting Louder

To understand the appeal of products like Hears, you need to understand the problem they are designed to address - because it is bigger than most people realize.

Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent, cumulative, and far more common than people think. According to the World Health Organization, over one billion young adults globally are at risk of permanent hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports that approximately 15% of American adults aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing. The delicate hair cells in the inner ear do not regenerate once damaged by excessive noise exposure.

The Hears offer page notes that just 2 minutes of exposure at 110-115dB - levels common at concerts, sporting events, and increasingly in daily urban life - can contribute to permanent damage. But the risk extends far beyond concerts. Car horns, subway systems, power tools, crowded restaurants, open offices, motorcycle wind noise, even children's toys - modern life exposes people to more sustained noise than previous generations experienced.

The problem has never been awareness. The problem has been that existing solutions felt impractical. Foam earplugs muffle everything - music sounds terrible, you cannot hear the person next to you, and the disconnected feeling makes most people pull them out within minutes. Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds are bulky, battery-dependent, expensive, and socially conspicuous. Custom-molded earplugs from an audiologist work beautifully but typically cost $100-$300+ and require an office visit.

So most people do nothing. They attend concerts, work in loud environments, commute through noisy cities, sleep next to snoring partners, and hope for the best. That is the gap that high-fidelity earplugs - including Hears - are designed to fill.

This is general hearing health information based on published research from WHO and NIDCD. Individual hearing protection needs vary. Consult a qualified healthcare professional if you have specific concerns about your hearing health.

How the Hears Filter Technology Works

According to the brand, here is what is happening inside the earplug:

  • The Attenuation Filter: The company describes a patented filter designed to reduce harmful noise. As noted above, the offer page states "up to 20dB" (likely SNR), while the brand's certification page lists an NRR of 13dB (ANSI). Real-world attenuation varies widely with fit and conditions. Some workplace estimation approaches apply a conservative adjustment - often shown as (NRR - 7) / 2 for A-weighted noise - which would yield approximately 3dB for an NRR 13 product. Do not treat any single-number rating as a guaranteed reduction for your specific situation. For recreational use - concerts, restaurants, commuting - the subjective reduction is typically more noticeable than conservative workplace calculations suggest, because real-world perception depends on frequency distribution, seal quality, and environment, not just a single number. The key point: these are designed to meaningfully reduce volume, not eliminate it.

  • Sound Quality Preservation: Unlike foam plugs that compress and muffle all frequencies indiscriminately, the brand states that Hears maintain the natural balance of sound. According to the offer page, the filter preserves approximately 93% of natural sound quality - meaning music should retain its richness, voices should remain intelligible, and environmental cues should stay recognizable. You hear everything; you just hear it at a lower volume.

  • The "Second Eardrum" Mechanism: The brand describes the filter as advanced membrane technology that imitates a second eardrum, actively diminishing sound vibration energy rather than simply blocking the ear canal. According to the company, this is what enables the sound clarity that distinguishes high-fidelity earplugs from conventional hearing protection.

  • Comfort and Fit: Each Hears package includes four ear tip sizes to accommodate different ear canal shapes. According to the company, the design is ergonomic enough to stay secure during activity and comfortable enough for extended wear including sleep. The clear, low-profile construction sits flush with the ear - the brand describes them as virtually invisible.

  • Durability: According to the brand, Hears are constructed from body-safe, hypoallergenic, sweat-resistant materials designed for extended reuse. Each package includes a premium carrying case.

These descriptions reflect the brand's claims about their technology as published on the offer page and brand website. The performance descriptions in this article have not been independently verified.

Where People Are Actually Using Hears: Use Case Breakdown

This is where a general "earplug review" becomes specific to your life. The brand markets Hears as a single solution for multiple situations. Here is how each use case stacks up based on what the product is designed to do:

Concerts, Festivals, and Live Music

This is the flagship use case for the entire high-fidelity earplug category. If you go to concerts - whether that is stadium tours, intimate club shows, EDM festivals like EDC, multi-day events like Coachella or Bonnaroo, or loud local bar gigs - you are regularly exposing your ears to 100-120dB sound levels. According to general hearing health guidelines, sustained exposure above 85dB poses risk.

High-fidelity earplugs like Hears are designed to bring those levels down while letting you hear the music with more natural balance than foam plugs provide. For regular concert-goers heading into festival season 2026, this is the most relevant use case to evaluate.

The practical question: Will you still feel the energy of a live show? Based on how attenuation works generally, yes - volume is reduced, not eliminated. The intended difference versus foam plugs is that vocals, instruments, and bass should retain their natural balance rather than collapsing into indistinct muffled noise. Individual experiences will vary based on venue acoustics, your position, and the quality of fit you achieve.

Sleep and Snoring

If your partner snores and you have tried foam earplugs, you already know the problem - they are uncomfortable for side sleepers, they fall out, and they muffle your alarm clock. The brand positions Hears as a more comfortable alternative for overnight wear, with the low-profile design described as allowing side sleeping without the earplug pressing into the pillow.

Realistic expectation: Earplugs reduce snoring volume; they do not eliminate it. A loud snorer can exceed 90dB. With the NRR of 13dB, the real-world reduction brings that down meaningfully but not to silence. If you need near-total quiet, white noise machines or combination approaches may be worth considering alongside earplugs.

Noise Sensitivity, Sensory Overload, and Focus

This is a rapidly growing use case that many earplug brands underserve. People with noise sensitivity - whether related to sensory processing differences, conditions like misophonia or hyperacusis, or simply a lower tolerance for environmental chaos - often find that everyday situations like crowded stores, busy restaurants, open offices, airports, and family gatherings become overwhelming.

The appeal of high-fidelity earplugs for this group is that they reduce stimulation without creating isolation. Foam plugs muffle everything and create a disconnected, underwater feeling that can be just as uncomfortable as the noise itself. According to the brand, Hears let you hear conversation and stay engaged while bringing the overall volume to a more manageable level.

Important note: Noise sensitivity can be a symptom of various underlying conditions. If noise sensitivity significantly impacts your daily life, consult a qualified healthcare professional - specifically an audiologist or ENT specialist - for proper evaluation. Consumer earplugs are not a medical intervention for diagnosed conditions like hyperacusis, misophonia, or tinnitus.

Musicians, DJs, Drummers, and Sound Professionals

If you play music, your hearing is your instrument. Foam plugs are not an option because they destroy the tonal balance you need. Custom-molded musician earplugs from an audiologist are ideal but expensive. High-fidelity earplugs like Hears occupy the practical middle ground - more affordable, reusable, and designed to maintain sound clarity across frequencies.

According to the offer page, Hears are described as trusted by touring musicians and sound engineers. For drummers, guitarists, vocalists, and DJs who practice and perform regularly, the flat attenuation approach - reducing volume more evenly across frequencies rather than disproportionately cutting highs - is the critical feature to evaluate in this category.

The practical question for musicians: Whether the attenuation level meets your specific needs depends on your environment. Band practice in a garage may exceed 110dB; a DJ booth at a club is similar. Evaluate the NRR of 13dB (per the brand's certification page) against your specific exposure levels. For musicians who need higher or more precise attenuation, custom-molded options or adjustable-filter models may be worth considering.

Travel, Commuting, and Daily Urban Life

Airplane cabin noise typically runs 80-100dB, depending on the aircraft and seating. Subway platforms can spike above 100dB. City streets with construction and traffic regularly exceed 85dB. If you commute daily through these environments, the cumulative exposure adds up over years.

Hears are positioned as a carry-everywhere solution - the included carrying case makes them pocketable - for reducing daily noise exposure without the bulk and battery dependence of electronic noise-canceling earbuds. The passive design means they work regardless of battery status and require no Bluetooth pairing.

Parents, Restaurants, Bars, and Loud Workplaces

Parents with young children know the reality - crying, screaming, and the general chaos of birthday parties and sporting events can be genuinely loud. Bartenders, restaurant servers, and baristas work in sustained noise environments every shift. According to the brand, Hears reduce these environments to more comfortable levels while keeping you able to hear conversation, orders, and the sounds you need to do your job or engage with your family.

Each use case above describes scenarios in which high-fidelity earplugs are commonly used. Individual experiences with Hears specifically will vary based on fit, environment, and personal hearing characteristics. This article does not guarantee specific protection outcomes for any use case.

Hears vs. the Competition: How It Compares

If you are researching Hears, you are probably also looking at Loop, Eargasm, Etymotic, Alpine, and other options. Here is how the main categories and specific competitors compare based on publicly available information:

Hears vs. Loop Earplugs

Loop is arguably the most recognized brand in the high-fidelity earplug space right now, offering multiple product lines (Experience, Engage, Quiet, Switch) typically ranging from approximately $25-$55 depending on model. Both Hears and Loop are passive high-fidelity earplugs without electronics.

Based on publicly available product information, Loop offers multiple products positioned for different use cases. Hears positions a single product as versatile across situations. Loop emphasizes fashion-forward design with visible colored rings. Hears emphasizes invisibility and discretion. Pricing is broadly comparable at the single-pair level. Loop publishes SNR and NRR ratings per model; Hears lists NRR 13 on its certification page.

Hears vs. Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs

Eargasm is well-established in this space, particularly on Amazon, with products typically ranging from $30-$40. Both Hears and Eargasm target the concert-going market as their primary use case. Eargasm emphasizes their aluminum shell design and publishes an NRR rating. Compare published attenuation specifications directly when evaluating.

Hears vs. Etymotic ER20XS

Etymotic is one of the original names in musician-grade hearing protection, widely recommended by audiologists. The ER20XS typically runs approximately $20-$25, making it the budget option in the category. Etymotic's reputation in the audiology community is strong. For buyers prioritizing clinical credibility and an established track record, Etymotic is an important comparison.

Hears vs. Alpine PartyPlug / MusicSafe

Alpine is a European brand with a long track record. Their PartyPlug and MusicSafe Pro lines are popular in Europe and increasingly in the U.S., typically priced $15-$30. Some Alpine models offer interchangeable filter options allowing users to adjust attenuation level - a feature worth considering if you need flexibility across different noise environments.

Hears vs. Foam Earplugs

Foam plugs (3M, Mack's, Hearos foam) cost pennies per pair and typically offer higher NRR ratings (25-33). But they muffle sound indiscriminately, are uncomfortable for extended wear, and are single-use. If your only goal is maximum noise blocking, regardless of sound quality - such as in industrial construction - foam may be more appropriate and better meet OSHA requirements. If sound clarity matters, high-fidelity earplugs are the category upgrade.

Hears vs. AirPods Pro / Electronic Active Noise Cancellation

Different tools for different jobs. AirPods Pro and similar ANC earbuds use electronic processing to cancel noise, require charging, cost $200+, and are conspicuous. They work well for solo activities like commuting, flying, and focused work, but are not designed for situations where you want to hear the environment at a lower volume - like concerts, conversations, or parenting. Hears and ANC earbuds serve complementary, not competing, purposes.

This comparison reflects publicly available product information. Specific performance claims for competitors have not been independently verified for this article. Compare published specifications - particularly NRR and SNR ratings - directly on each brand's website before purchasing. Pricing was approximate as of February 2026 and is subject to change.

See current Hears pricing and availability on the offer page

Hears Pricing and Bundle Options

Important note on pricing sources: Hears products are available through the Hears offer page (buyhears.com, in partnership with GiddyUp) and on the official Hears brand site (hears.com). Pricing and bundle structures may differ between the two. The pricing below reflects the Hears offer page specifically. Always verify current pricing on both sites before ordering.

According to the Hears offer page:

  • 1 Pair: Listed retail price of $49.99, currently offered at approximately $39.99 (a savings of approximately $10).

  • 3 Pairs (Buy 2, Get 1 Free): Listed at approximately $99.98, down from a stated retail value of $149.97. The offer page states this bundle includes free shipping.

  • 5 Pairs (Buy 3, Get 2 Free): Listed at approximately $149.97, down from a stated retail value of $249.95. The offer page states this bundle also includes free shipping.

The multi-pair bundles are positioned for gifting or keeping pairs in multiple locations - car, nightstand, office, travel bag, gym bag. According to the brand, each pair includes four ear tip sizes and a premium carrying case.

Pricing context within the category: At approximately $40 for a single pair, Hears sits in the mid-range of the high-fidelity earplug market. Etymotic ER20XS typically runs approximately $20-$25. Loop Experience runs approximately $35-$45. Eargasm runs approximately $30-$40. Custom-molded options from audiologists start around $100-$150 and go significantly higher.

All prices mentioned were based on publicly available information at the time of publication (February 2026) and are subject to change without notice. Pricing and bundles may vary between the Hears offer page and the Hears brand site. Always verify current pricing before purchasing.

Who Hears May Be Right For

Hears May Align Well With People Who:

  • Attend concerts, festivals, or live events and want hearing protection designed to preserve sound quality: If you have avoided wearing earplugs to shows because foam plugs ruined the music, high-fidelity earplugs directly address that frustration. Whether you are heading to Coachella, standing front row at a club show, or attending weekend sporting events, this category is designed for that experience.

  • Need a comfortable, reusable daily noise management solution: If city noise, open-office environments, commuting, or general noise fatigue affects your quality of life, a durable pair of high-fidelity earplugs carried in your pocket or bag provides on-demand volume reduction without the bulk of headphones.

  • Experience noise sensitivity or sensory overload in social situations: If crowded restaurants, family gatherings, airports, or busy public spaces feel overwhelming, Hears are designed to reduce stimulation without the isolation and muffled feeling of foam plugs - the goal being that you stay present and engaged at a more comfortable volume.

  • Want to help protect their hearing while playing or practicing music: If you are a musician, DJ, or drummer who needs to hear accurately while reducing volume exposure, high-fidelity earplugs are the accessible alternative to expensive custom molds.

  • Sleep next to a snoring partner and have given up on foam plugs: If foam plugs are too uncomfortable, fall out, or muffle your alarm, a more ergonomic, low-profile design may be worth trying.

Other Options May Be Preferable For People Who:

  • Need maximum noise attenuation for industrial, construction, or shooting environments: With an NRR of 13dB (per the brand's certification page), Hears prioritize sound quality over maximum blocking. If you work in environments where OSHA's occupational noise exposure standard (29 CFR 1910.95) requires hearing protection, verify that the NRR meets your employer's requirements. For firearms, which generate 140-170dB impulse noise, dedicated shooting-rated protection with significantly higher NRR is generally necessary.

  • Have diagnosed hearing loss and need amplification: Hears reduce volume. If you need sounds to be louder, not quieter, hearing aids prescribed by an audiologist are the appropriate solution.

  • Want electronic active noise cancellation for commuting or focus work: If your primary need is eliminating droning background noise through electronic processing, ANC earbuds serve that function. Hears are passive - they reduce sound proportionally rather than targeting specific frequencies electronically.

  • Need near-complete silence for sleep: If your goal is maximum quiet rather than volume reduction, foam plugs with higher NRR ratings or dedicated sleep earplugs designed for total blocking may serve you better, though at the cost of sound clarity and comfort.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying

  • How often am I exposed to noise levels above 85dB (concerts, commuting, workplace, events)?

  • Is sound quality important in the situations where I need protection?

  • Have I tried foam earplugs and abandoned them because of comfort, muffling, or fit issues?

  • Would I realistically carry and use earplugs if they were comfortable, discreet, and reusable?

  • Is my primary need volume reduction with clarity, or maximum noise blocking regardless of sound quality?

  • Do I have workplace hearing protection requirements that specify a minimum NRR?

Your answers help determine whether high-fidelity earplugs like Hears match your specific needs or whether a different category of hearing protection makes more sense for your situation.

Realistic Expectations and Important Limitations

No hearing protection product works perfectly for every person in every situation. Here is what to keep in mind:

  • Noise reduction is not noise elimination. Hears reduce volume; they do not create silence. In loud environments, you will still hear significant sound - just at a reduced level. Calibrate expectations accordingly.

  • Fit determines performance. The effectiveness of any earplug depends on achieving a proper seal in the ear canal. The four included sizes help, but ear canal shapes vary widely. An improperly sealed earplug provides significantly less reduction regardless of its rated attenuation. Take the time to experiment with different tips and insertion angles.

  • Understand the attenuation numbers. The offer page states ‘up to 20 dB.' The brand's certification page lists SNR 20 dB and NRR 13 dB; these are different standards for attenuation. Check the certification page for the measurement most relevant to your use case. For extreme environments like shooting ranges, heavy construction, or industrial machinery, this level may not meet safety requirements. Check OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910.95) if your primary use is occupational.

  • This is consumer hearing protection, not a medical intervention. If you are experiencing hearing loss, persistent ringing in your ears (tinnitus), or any change in hearing, earplugs are not a treatment or solution. Consult an audiologist or ENT specialist for proper evaluation. Hearing protection is designed to help reduce future noise exposure, not address existing conditions.

  • Environmental awareness trade-off. Wearing any hearing protection reduces your ability to hear warning signals, approaching vehicles, and other safety-relevant sounds. Be thoughtful about situations where full auditory awareness is important - crossing streets, cycling, operating machinery, or caring for young children.

Regardless of any earplug, the most reliable strategies for hearing health are to limit exposure time in loud environments, increase distance from sound sources when possible, and take breaks during extended noise exposure.

Individual experiences vary based on fit, ear anatomy, environment, and usage patterns. Nothing in this article guarantees specific protection outcomes. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized hearing health guidance.

The 100-Day Guarantee

According to the Hears offer page, orders placed through that site are covered by a 100-day money back guarantee. The company positions this as a way to try the product in your real-world environments - concerts, sleep, work, travel - before fully committing.

Refund and return timing, shipping costs, and eligibility rules depend on the checkout site and its current policy. Review the refund policy and terms on the site you purchase from before ordering, as terms may differ between the offer page and the brand site.

Before ordering, review the specific guarantee terms, conditions, and any requirements directly on the site you are purchasing from - terms may differ between the offer page and the brand site.

According to the Hears offer page, orders are covered by a 100-day guarantee. Review the latest refund terms, timeframes, and conditions before purchasing, as terms are subject to change.

How to Get Started

If you have decided that high-fidelity hearing protection makes sense for your situation, here is how the process works:

  • Step 1: Visit the Hears offer page or the official brand site (hears.com) and select your preferred option.

  • Step 2: According to the offer page terms, orders generally ship Monday through Friday and may ship the same day depending on processing time."

  • Step 3: When they arrive, try all four ear tip sizes to find the best seal and comfort for your specific ears. A proper fit is essential to performance - do not skip this step.

  • Step 4: Test them in your actual environments. According to the offer page, the 100-day window gives you time to try concerts, sleep, commuting, and daily use before making a final decision.

About the offer page: According to the BuyHears.com website, the site represents a partnership between Hears and GiddyUp, described as a curator of innovative products. The site states that purchasing there is buying directly from the Hears inventors. According to the brand, a portion of every purchase goes to the Hearing Health Foundation to advance hearing protection research.

Get started with Hears

Final Verdict: Is Hears Worth It in 2026?

The Case for Hears

The high-fidelity earplug category addresses a real, well-documented problem - and Hears sits in a practical position within it. More affordable than custom-molded audiologist earplugs. More durable, comfortable, and sound-preserving than disposable foam. More discreet and battery-free than electronic ANC earbuds. According to the brand, the combination of patented attenuation technology, four ear tip sizes, a carrying case, and a 100-day guarantee creates a low-risk entry point for anyone who has been meaning to take hearing protection seriously but has not found a solution that fits real life.

For the health-conscious crowd heading into 2026 with self-improvement intentions - the same people investing in fitness, better sleep, and long-term wellness - hearing protection fits squarely in the "protect what you have" category. And with festival season approaching, the timing is relevant for concert-goers who want to be prepared before Coachella, Bonnaroo, and summer tour season rather than after their ears start ringing.

Considerations to Weigh

Evaluate Hears against named competitors in the category - Loop, Eargasm, Etymotic, Alpine - based on your specific priorities. Compare published NRR and SNR ratings directly. The NRR of 13dB (per the brand's certification page) serves most recreational and daily-life situations well but may not meet requirements for high-noise occupational environments under OSHA standards. The company is based in Amsterdam, which may affect shipping times and return logistics for some buyers.

Pricing and terms may differ between the Hears offer page and the official brand site (hears.com). Verify current pricing on both before purchasing.

As with any earplug, individual fit and comfort cannot be guaranteed before trying them. According to the offer page, the multi-size tip system and the 100-day window are designed to address this.

The Bottom Line

Hearing does not come back once it is damaged. The question has never been whether reducing noise exposure matters - it is whether you will actually use the protection you buy. If foam plugs failed you, if noise-canceling headphones feel excessive, and if custom molds are outside your budget, high-fidelity earplugs like Hears represent the practical middle path that most people will actually carry and wear.

According to the brand, that is the exact problem Hears was designed to solve. The 100-day window, per the offer page, gives you the opportunity to verify that for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hears Legit?

According to publicly available information, Hears operates through both an official brand site (hears.com) and an offer page (buyhears.com) in partnership with GiddyUp. The company lists a physical address in Amsterdam, Netherlands, provides customer support via email ([email protected]), and the offer page states a 100-day guarantee. The brand publishes certification information including NRR and testing standards on hears.com. As with any online purchase, review the company's terms, refund policy, and certification details before ordering.

What Is the Actual Noise Reduction?

The Hears offer page states "up to 20dB." The brand's certification page on hears.com lists an NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) of 13dB under ANSI testing. SNR (the European standard) typically produces a higher number than NRR for the same product. For U.S. workplace compliance purposes, the NRR is the relevant figure. For recreational use - concerts, sleep, commuting - either measurement indicates a meaningful volume reduction while preserving sound clarity compared to foam plugs.

Can I Wear Hears While Sleeping?

According to the brand, Hears are designed to be comfortable enough for overnight wear. The low-profile design is intended to sit flush with the ear to reduce discomfort for side sleepers. Individual comfort varies based on ear anatomy and sleeping position.

How Do Hears Compare to Loop Earplugs?

Both are high-fidelity passive earplugs in a similar price range. Based on publicly available product information: Loop offers multiple product lines for specific use cases; Hears offers a single versatile product. Loop emphasizes visible, fashion-forward design; Hears emphasizes invisibility. Both include carrying cases and multiple tip sizes. Compare published NRR and SNR ratings between the specific models you are considering.

Are Hears Suitable for Musicians?

According to the offer page, Hears are described as used by touring musicians and sound engineers. The high-fidelity attenuation approach - reducing volume more evenly across frequencies - is designed to preserve tonal balance. Whether the NRR of 13dB meets your specific rehearsal or performance needs depends on your noise environment. For musicians needing higher attenuation or more precise frequency control, custom-molded options or brands like Etymotic that specialize in musician-grade protection may be worth comparing.

Do Hears Help With Tinnitus or Hearing Loss?

Hears are consumer hearing protection earplugs designed to help reduce noise exposure. They are not a treatment, therapy, or medical intervention for tinnitus, hearing loss, hyperacusis, or any other hearing condition. If you experience tinnitus, hearing loss, or any hearing health concerns, consult a qualified audiologist or ENT specialist for proper evaluation and guidance.

What Is the Return Policy?

According to the Hears offer page, orders are covered by a 100-day money back guarantee. Refund and return timing, shipping costs, and eligibility rules depend on the checkout site and its current policy. Review the refund policy and terms on the site you purchase from before ordering, as terms may differ between the offer page and the brand site.

Are Hears Available on Amazon or Other Retailers?

The Hears offer page (buyhears.com) encourages purchasing directly rather than through third-party retailers. The brand also sells through hears.com. If you find Hears on Amazon or other marketplaces, verify authenticity, pricing, and guarantee coverage, as third-party resale may affect warranty terms and eligibility for the 100-day guarantee.

Can Hears Be Used for Shooting Sports or Construction?

With an NRR of 13dB (per the brand's certification page), Hears are designed to prioritize sound quality preservation for recreational and daily-life use. Firearms generate 140-170dB impulse noise, and construction equipment can sustain levels above 100dB. For these environments, hearing protection with significantly higher NRR ratings is generally recommended, and OSHA's occupational noise exposure standard (29 CFR 1910.95) may specify minimum protection requirements. Hears may supplement but should not replace rated occupational hearing protection in high-noise industrial settings.

What Is the Difference Between NRR and SNR?

NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) is the U.S. standard measured under ANSI testing protocols. SNR (Single Number Rating) is the European standard measured under EN 352-2. For the same physical product, SNR typically produces a higher number than NRR because of differences in testing methodology. The Hears brand site explains this distinction in their FAQ. For U.S. workplace hearing protection compliance, NRR is the relevant standard. For general consumer use, both numbers indicate the relative attenuation the product is designed to provide.

See the current Hears offer

Contact Information

For questions before or during the ordering process, according to the company's published information, Hears offers customer support:

Disclaimers

  • Editorial Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or professional hearing health guidance. The information provided reflects publicly available details from the Hears offer page (buyhears.com), the Hears brand site (hears.com), competitor websites, and general hearing health research from WHO and NIDCD. Always verify current terms, pricing, specifications, and certification details directly with the respective brands before making purchasing decisions.

  • Professional Medical Disclaimer: This article is educational and does not constitute medical advice. If you are experiencing hearing loss, tinnitus, ear pain, or any hearing-related health concern, consult a qualified healthcare professional - specifically an audiologist or ENT specialist - before relying on any consumer hearing protection product. Consumer hearing protection earplugs are not a substitute for professional hearing evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment, and are not medical devices designed to treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Do not change, adjust, or discontinue any medical treatments without your physician's guidance and approval.

  • Results May Vary: Individual experiences with hearing protection products vary based on factors including ear anatomy, fit quality, the acoustic characteristics of your environment, duration of use, consistency of use, and individual hearing health. Attenuation ratings (NRR 13dB per brand certification; "up to 20dB" per offer page, likely SNR) represent standardized test results and may not reflect the exact reduction experienced by every individual user. Not all users will have the same experience.

  • FTC Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to the Hears offer page. If you purchase through these links, a commission may be earned at no additional cost to you. This compensation does not influence the accuracy, neutrality, or integrity of the information presented. All descriptions are based on published information from the Hears offer page, the Hears brand site, and publicly available research.

  • Pricing Disclaimer: All prices, discounts, and promotional offers mentioned - for Hears and competitors - were based on publicly available information at the time of publication (February 2026) and are subject to change without notice. Pricing and bundle structures may differ between the Hears offer page (buyhears.com) and the Hears brand site (hears.com). Always verify current pricing on the site you intend to purchase from before completing your order.

  • Publisher Responsibility Disclaimer: The publisher of this article has made every effort to ensure accuracy at the time of publication based on publicly available information. We do not accept responsibility for errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided. Readers are encouraged to verify all details - including product specifications, attenuation ratings, certification standards, pricing, and guarantee terms - directly with Hears and their healthcare provider before making decisions.

SOURCE: Hears

Source: Hears

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Tags: concert safety, earplug technology, hearing health, hearing protection, noise reduction


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Marketing By Kevin is an SEO consulting and services provider out of Homewood, Illinois. Our approach is to lead with a customer-focused approach in the form of value-based content that aids our target audiences in their buying decisions.

Marketing By Kevin
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Homewood, IL 60430
United States