We’ve all been there — trying to study with the constant chatter of roommates, the hum of traffic, or even the neighborhood dog that just won’t stop barking. Add ADHD and noise sensitivity to the mix, and focusing becomes even more of a challenge.
Fortunately, the right earplugs can get you back on track by dialing down or even fully blocking out unwelcome noises — so you can concentrate and study better.
Don’t know where to start? Check out our top picks for the best earplugs you can use to improve your study sessions, focus, and productivity.
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Table of Contents
The Best Earplugs for Studying
Loop Quiet Earplugs
Loop Quiet Earplugs are as stylish as they are effective. Known for their iconic loop shape and mid-level noise reduction, these reusable and aesthetic earplugs are one of the best options out there for students. Bonus: they come in 6 different colors and with a carry case!
Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplug
If you’re looking for affordable but reliable earplugs, then Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs are the ones for you. These earplugs are perfect for those long deep focus sessions, since they’re both comfortable to wear and effective in reducing noise. Love taking naps during study breaks? No need to take them — they’re soft enough to sleep with. Perfect for getting some quality shuteye between grueling study blocks. Since they come in bulk, you can easily leave a pair in each bag, or at multiple study stations to always have them on hand.
Flents Quiet Time Earplugs
If you’ve got larger ears, try Flents Quiet Time Earplugs. They’re larger and longer than usual foam earplugs, and are tailor made to drown out both mid-frequency noises (e.g. barking or cafe chatter) and high-frequency noises (e.g. crickets or chirping birds).
Etymotic Research ER20XS High-Fidelity Earplugs
As the engineering team behind the famous line of Etymotic earphones, it’s no wonder they know their stuff. That’s why the Etymotic Research ER20XS High-Fidelity Earplugs have gained a cult following for being a trusted brand of earplugs with decades’ worth of good reviews. Also, if you’re not a fan of earplugs that protrude outside the ear, these stemless earplugs are the pick for you.
Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs
Finding the right pair of earplugs that perfectly fits your ear often seems like an impossible mission. However, with Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs, you can customize and mold your earplugs to match your ear’s unique shape. Just drop them into boiling water and voilà — you can reshape them to your liking as often as necessary. No more crawling on the floor searching for fallen earplugs or dealing with ear pain after long study sessions.
Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs
After being featured on Shark Tank, Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs have become an increasingly popular option for anyone wanting to protect their ears from loud sounds — whether you’re a student, musician, or someone with ADHD. These earplugs are known for their near-invisible design and their ability to reduce sound evenly from low to high-frequency noise.
HearBLISS High Fidelity Women’s Earplugs
If you want to be “that girl” in class and are looking for earplugs that are specifically made for women, check out HearBLISS High Fidelity Earplugs. Typical earplugs usually have a bulky design — the quickest way to ruin a perfectly good outfit or hairstyle. These earplugs are perfect for women’s smaller ears, and even come with a compact designer travel case to fashionably clip to your bag or purse. Even better, it has a “never lost” guarantee, which gives you a free replacement if you lose an earplug.
Audree Soft Earplugs
Want to make a difference while using your earplugs? The company behind Audree Soft Earplugs donates a pair of earplugs to someone with a hearing challenges for each one you purchase. Be inspired by the fact that you were able to help someone in need on the other side of the world while using these square-shaped earplugs to stay in the zone while studying.
Earplugs for Studying FAQs
Can earplugs really help my study concentration?
Absolutely! Earplugs dampen distracting noise in your environment which helps you concentrate while hitting the books and reviewing your notes. Though ambient noise is effective while studying, too much loud noise affects your productivity. Using earplugs is the perfect way to stay focused by letting you study at a volume that you’re most comfortable with.
Why do earplugs help those with ADHD and autism?
Earplugs are a total game-changer for folks with sound sensitivities, especially if they have ADHD or autism. Since we’re constantly surrounded by various noises, many people get easily distracted and even overwhelmed by these sensory stimuli. Reducing the volume of background noise through earplugs helps lessen anxiety and improve mindfulness for anyone with sensory processing challenges.
What should I look for when choosing earplugs?
There really is no one-size-fits-all answer for choosing the best earplugs. As a general rule, go with a pair that’s in line with the amount and frequency of noise level you’re looking to reduce. After that, consider any other potential tradeoffs, like comfort, aesthetics, and compactness. For example, some earplugs are really good at blocking out noise, but can be quite painful when used for long periods. It’s all about finding the best possible combination of your features wish list.
Are there any alternatives to earplugs for studying?
If you’ve tried everything but still can’t find the right earplugs for you — you can try noise canceling headphones or even white noise machines. You can also try modifying your study environment as a whole, head to quieter locations like libraries, keep your door closed at home, and mute your devices to prevent distracting notification beeps and buzzes.
Which one of these earplugs for studying is your favorite? Have any more recommendations for the best earplugs on the market? Let us know in the comments below.
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