Etymotic High-Fidelity Earplugs, ER20XS Standard Fit, Polybag Package, 1 pair

These are my go-to for concerts. They reduce the volume and maintain the original sound as much as possible unlike the other earplugs I have tried. Only downside is it's definitely not the most comfortable earplugs.

### Buyer Review: Etymotic Research ER20XS-SMF-P EarplugsI recently bought the Etymotic Research ER20XS-SMF-P earplugs, and they’ve exceeded my expectations.- **Comfort**: The soft material and various tip sizes provide a snug fit, perfect for long use.- **Sound Quality**: They reduce volume without sacrificing clarity, ideal for concerts and loud environments.- **Noise Reduction**: With a 20 dB NRR, they effectively protect my hearing from harmful noise levels.- **Durable**: Made from quality materials, they're built to last and easy to clean.- **Great Value**: Considering their performance, they’re worth every penny.If you need earplugs that balance protection and sound quality, I highly recommend the Etymotic ER20XS-SMF-P.

While these are "high-fidelity" compared to foam ear plugs, they definitely diminish clarity and alter the frequency balance of the sound heard through them.This variant of the style are identical in construction and sonic parameters to the Etymotic Saf-T-Ear contractor ear plugs as far as I can tell.Both versions of this ear plug offer better detail and acuity than closed foam plugs, while being almost as comfortable, even for extended use, they also reduce noise enough to make using power equipment or listening to an amplified concert much safer than without protection (though going strictly by noise reduction rating, most foam plugs are rated for significantly better attenuation than these are).I'd suggest the contractor version that comes with several different tip sizes and types, as the best value and the most likely to offer long term comfort. The "medium" tips supplied with this set fit me well, but some people may need larger tips for a good seal in the ear canal.

I‘m 72 years of age and somehow developed hyperacusis (extreme and painful sensitivity to certain sounds) over this past year and it‘s literally driving me nuts. An ENT specialist told me bluntly that there’s nothing that can be done for me. So I went online and found a support group for those of us suffering from hyperacusis. A product recommended on the site was the Etymotic High Fidelity Ear Plugs. So I ordered a pair in desperation. I‘ve been using them a couple weeks now and they are very effective at protecting me from the sounds I’m most sensitive to. With a little moisture placed on the plugs, they insert easily into my ear canal. They are comfortable once inserted. I am able to adequately hear my wife‘s voice and carry on a conversation, listen to music, and hear traffic sounds around me, though with a muffled quality.. I do feel sometimes like I’m hearing sounds while submerged underwater, but it‘s far better than being exposed to sounds that cause me to feel like I’ve been shocked with an electric cattle prod.

These do work well and reduce the overall volume with pretty good clarity, as they’re supposed to. However, I have difficulty getting them to “seal” correctly in my ears and agree with others that they can be uncomfortable compared to other earplugs.If I push them in too far, they don’t block anything for some reason. If I pull them out too far, they don’t work either. There’s a sweet spot like halfway in where I can get them to seal, but then they feel like they could fall out. With other earplugs, I can usually control the blockage with depth. A little bit in equals a little bit of blockage. All the way in equals full blockage. So it’s kind of odd. I’m a size medium in everything and got the “standard fit.” It could be a sizing issue, but I don’t think I would be able to get a larger size in my ear. I think it’s more a flaw in the structure of the rubber seals, as they are very thin and flimsy.Overall, I’m not very satisfied. They work for now, but I will need to find something better. It may just be a case of them working well with certain people’s anatomy and not so well with others.

I had these and loop earplugs to try. The loop ones were too muffled, but these were perfect. I could hear others (as much as you can during a concert), and the music was completely clear. See Pic, I was second row close to def leppard, and could hear everything but I didn't end up with a migraine at the end of the night like I did my last concert. Ear plugs stayed in place perfectly, I never had to adjust them. My ears are picky with earbuds, but these were really comfortable. The only thing I noticed with a couple songs left was one ear started to itch - probably cause i was sweating. 100% recommend. I'm never going to a concert without these again. Also, not getting paid or anything for this review - just my honest experience.