Best Noise Cancelling Earplugs for Sleeping

Worth clearing up one thing first, because it saves people money.

There is no such thing as a noise cancelling earplug. Active noise cancellation works by generating an opposing sound wave, which requires electronics, a microphone and power. It is what noise cancelling headphones do, and it works best on steady low-frequency drone — aircraft cabins, air conditioning. It is poor at exactly the thing that wakes you up: sudden, irregular noise like a snore or a door.

What you actually want for sleep is passive attenuation — a physical seal. Done properly, it outperforms active cancellation for sleeping, costs less, needs no charging, and does not have a hard object pressing into your ear when you roll over.

Why foam fails at 3am

Foam is the default and it is a poor fit for sleep, for three reasons.

• It works loose. Foam relies on expanding against the canal wall. Jaw movement and pillow pressure back it out over a few hours, which is why it is often on the sheet by morning.
• It hurts on your side. A foam plug sticking out of the canal gets pressed inwards by the pillow.
• It blocks the wrong things. Foam attenuates high frequencies well and low frequencies poorly. Snoring is largely low frequency, which is precisely what gets through.

What actually works for a snoring partner

A custom-moulded sleep earplug is cast from your own ear, so it sits flush, does not protrude into the pillow, and holds a complete seal all night. Because the seal is complete rather than approximate, it deals with the low-frequency energy in snoring far better than a foam plug does.

Sleep filters are chosen for comfort and consistent blocking rather than maximum attenuation — enough to lose the snoring and the traffic, not so much that you sleep through your alarm or a smoke detector.

Shift workers

Sleeping during daylight is a harder problem than sleeping at night. You are fighting mowers, deliveries, kids and traffic while your body clock is already arguing with you. A set that stays sealed for a full seven hours is worth considerably more than a marginal difference in decibels.

Getting a pair

Order, then we arrange an impression with a partnered audiologist or registered nurse near you — about 15 minutes. Manufacturing takes 10 to 15 working days. Sets carry a 30 day fit warranty and a 5 year extended warranty.

Will I hear my alarm?

Yes. Sleep earplugs reduce noise rather than eliminate it, and an alarm beside your head remains audible. Many people set a vibrating alarm as a backup for the first week.

Is it safe to wear them every night?

For most people, yes, provided you keep them clean. Wax build-up is the main thing to watch — see our care guide. If you have a history of ear infections or perforation, check with your GP or audiologist first.

Can I try something cheaper first?

Reusable universal sleep plugs are a reasonable trial. Browse universal options. If they help but keep falling out, that is a fit problem and custom is the answer.

Get some sleep

Shop sleep earplugs or call 1300 425 496.