Yes, the World Is Actually Too Loud. Here's How to Protect Your 👂 (Encore)

Lauren Dragan, Wirecutter’s longtime senior writer covering headphones and audio equipment, walks us through the health issues linked to noise pollution, how to find out if you’re exposed to too much noise, and specific ways to reduce sounds at home, while commuting, or in noisier situations (like concerts or parties).

Lauren shares her favorite 🎧, from noise-canceling headphones to sleep headphones. And she recommends specific ear muffs and ear plugs for adults, kids, and babies 🐣. Lauren also reveals how to use various frequencies of noise—like brown or pink noise—to block out irritating sounds that may be bothering you.

Products we recommend:

Gear to help you monitor sound levels 🔉:

• Apple Watch with sound meteringApple Watch Series 10 () and Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) ()

• An app for any phone to monitor sound levelsNIOSH Sound Level Meter ()

Everyday protection options for your ears 🎧:

• Earplugs for concerts or other loud momentsLoop Experience 2 () or Loop Switch ()

• Noise cancelling earbudsSony WF1000XM5 ()

• Noise cancelling overear headphonesBose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 ()

• Noise Isolating tips for most earbudsComply ear tips ()

Headphones for sleeping 💤:

• AcousticSheep SleepPhones Wireless ()

• Soundcore sleep A20 ()

Protecting little ears 🚼:

• Earmuffs for babiesEms for Kids Baby Earmuffs ()

• Earmuffs for kids and teensMuted Earmuffs ()

• Earplugs for kids and teensLoop kids ()

• Noise cancelling headphones for kidsPuro Sound Labs PuroQuietPlus ()

Lauren loves:

• Bearaby Cotton Napper ()

Additional reading:

• The 4 Best NoiseCancelling Headphones of 2024  ()

• The 3 Best Earplugs for Concerts of 2024  ()

• NoiseInduced Hearing Loss in Kids Is a Growing Problem. Here’s How to Protect Little Ears. ()

Lauren Dragan (mailto:lauren@wirecutter.com)

Instagram/laurendragan ()

Bluesky/‪@laurendragan.bsky.social‬ ()

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram/wirecutter ()

Threads/@wirecutter ()

Twitter/wirecutter ()

Facebook/thewirecutter ()

TikTok/wirecutter ()

Timestamps

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

#Wirecutter

#TheWirecutterShow

#Podcast

#hearing loss

#headphones

#earbuds

#earplugs

#HearingHealth

#NoisePollution

#NoiseCancelingHeadphones

#HearingLossPrevention

#AudioTech

#SoundHealth

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› ()