Let me tell you some things I know about managing misophonia with earplugs – it’s something that can really make a difference in day-to-day life.

When you have misophonia, things like someone chewing or clicking a pen can trigger such intense reactions that it’s hard to stay focused or comfortable. It’s incredibly frustrating and can make simple activities like having lunch with colleagues or working in an open office feel overwhelming.

That’s where earplugs come in – they’re such a helpful tool for taking back some control over your sound environment. You can easily keep them in your pocket or bag, and pop them in whenever those trigger sounds start becoming too much. The trick is finding the right pair though, since there’s quite a range out there.

What to Look for in Earplugs for Misophonia

• Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): The NRR indicates how much sound the earplugs can block. For misophonia, a moderate reduction (20–30 dB) is often sufficient to mute triggering sounds without isolating you completely.
• Comfort: Since misophonia sufferers may wear earplugs for extended periods, comfort is crucial. Look for materials like soft silicone or memory foam that adapt to your ear’s shape.
• Discreet Design: Low-profile or invisible earplugs are ideal for those who prefer subtlety, especially in public or professional settings. I actually don’t think you should be embarrassed by or ashamed of this problem because I think alot more people have it than we think, but if you are trying to just handle the problem without calling attention to it, I totally get it!!
• Filtered Sound Options: High-fidelity earplugs with filters allow you to reduce specific noise frequencies while still hearing speech or environmental sounds clearly.

The Best Earplugs for Misophonia

1. Loop Quiet Earplugs

• Why They’re Good: Loop Quiet earplugs are designed specifically for noise sensitivity and feature a sleek, comfortable design. Made from soft silicone, they provide up to 27 dB noise reduction and come in multiple sizes to ensure a perfect fit.
• Best For: Daily wear, sleep, or work environments.

2. Etymotic Research ER20XS High-Fidelity Earplugs

• Why They’re Good: These earplugs are engineered for situations where you need to reduce noise without distorting speech or music. The filters lower volume evenly across frequencies, making them great for managing misophonia while staying socially engaged.
• Best For: Concerts, social gatherings, and workplaces.

3. Flare Audio Calmer

• Why They’re Good: Rather than blocking sound entirely, Flare Calmer uses a unique design to reduce the harshness of sounds that can trigger misophonia. These earplugs soften specific frequencies, creating a more tolerable listening environment.
• Best For: Reducing trigger sounds like chewing or tapping without isolating you.

4. Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Putty Earplugs

• Why They’re Good: These moldable earplugs are highly customizable and offer excellent comfort. They conform to your ear shape, creating a reliable seal that effectively blocks unwanted noise.
• Best For: Sleep, travel, and general noise reduction.

5. Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs

• Why They’re Good: Decibullz offers a custom fit by allowing you to mold the earplugs to your ears at home. With a high NRR of 31 dB, they provide excellent protection against loud or triggering sounds.
• Best For: High-noise environments, long-term wear, and personalized comfort.

6. Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs

• Why They’re Good: Vibes are designed for reducing noise while maintaining clarity, making them ideal for people with misophonia who want to stay connected to their surroundings without being overwhelmed. Their clear design is also very discreet.
• Best For: Social situations and professional settings.

7. Hearprotek Sleep Earplugs

• Why They’re Good: Specifically crafted for sleep, these earplugs feature soft silicone and a low-profile design for comfort throughout the night. They effectively block out background noises like snoring or traffic while remaining gentle on the ears.
• Best For: Nighttime use or travel.

8. Custom Earplugs from Your Audiologist

• Why They’re Good: Audiologists can create earplugs that are custom-molded to your exact ear shape, ensuring a perfect fit and maximum comfort. These custom earplugs can be designed with noise filters tailored to your specific needs, such as reducing triggering frequencies while allowing necessary environmental sounds.
• Best For: Long-term use, extreme noise sensitivity, or individuals who want a highly personalized solution.

How Earplugs Can Help with Misophonia

• Reducing Trigger Sounds: Earplugs dampen or filter the specific noises that trigger misophonia, helping you stay calm in situations that might otherwise cause distress.
• Creating a Safe Space: Using earplugs can provide an immediate sense of relief and control, making environments like offices, classrooms, or public transportation more manageable.
• Improving Focus: By blocking out distractions, earplugs can help you concentrate on work, studies, or hobbies.
• Encouraging Relaxation: Earplugs create a quieter environment, promoting relaxation and helping to reduce stress levels in overwhelming situations.

Tips for Using Earplugs for Misophonia

1. Start with a Comfortable Fit: Test different sizes or materials to find the earplugs that suit you best.
2. Use High-Fidelity Options for Social Settings: If you need to hear conversations while blocking triggers, opt for filtered earplugs like Etymotic ER20XS or Vibes.
3. Clean and Replace Regularly: Keep your earplugs clean to avoid irritation or infection, and replace them as recommended by the manufacturer.
4. Combine with Other Tools: For maximum relief, pair earplugs with additional strategies like white noise machines, headphones, or mindfulness techniques.