A vocalist-first guide to earplugs for singers, covering the occlusion effect, singing in tune with plugs in, and how to pick the right level of protection on stage.
An ordinary day in time order for anyone who finds everyday sound too loud: change the setting first, wear earplugs for the loud bits and take them out for the quiet bits.
Post-punk, industrial and EBM band XPQ-21 posted about their BOLLSEN earplugs on Instagram on 10 June 2026. BOLLSEN works with XPQ-21 as a partner; their Instagram post is a paid partnership. They wrote that they use them for “rehearsal room, full volume, hours-long sessions”, and added: “If you work in music or spend a lot[…]
German hearing acousticians Camino Akustik tested BOLLSEN earplugs at the Hoodstock festival, then chose to sell them under their own logo. Here is what they look for in hearing protection.
Wearing earplugs all day in quiet places can make ordinary sound feel louder over time. What the NHS says, what the research shows, and a simple routine for when they go in and when they come out.
Swimming earplugs are safe for regular use when made from hypoallergenic silicone and inserted correctly, but real questions about earwax, infection, and pressure deserve real answers. Here is what the evidence says.
Most swimming earplugs fail not because of poor design, but because the ear canal’s natural curve stops them sealing properly. This guide covers the correct step-by-step insertion technique, type-specific differences, and the anatomical reason pulling your earlobe actually works.
Competitive swimmers face a different earplug problem than casual swimmers: flip turn pressure, daily chlorine exposure, and 100+ training sessions a year demand more than a standard waterproof plug. Here is what to look for, and why fit precision is the deciding factor.
Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) affects around 10% of people at some point and is five times more likely in regular swimmers. This guide walks through the full prevention protocol, from choosing well-fitted earplugs to post-swim ear care, so you can swim without the consequences.
Not every swimming earplug works the same way. This guide breaks down each type by how it seals, how long it lasts, and which swimmers it actually suits.
Sleeping
Concerts
Motorcycle
Swimming
Work
Kids


On stage
In the studio
Rehearsals
Writing music
Mixing at home
Daily commute
Long journeys
Listening at home








