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Kids
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On this page: Overview
Key Takeaways
Which ear plugs should children use?
- Ages 3 to 12, everyday use: child-sized silicone earplugs such as Bollsen Kidz+ (24 dB SNR, water-repellent) for swimming, school, travel and most loud situations. A parent fits them until about age 6.
- Fireworks and concerts: Kidz+ from age 3, fitted firmly and worn for the whole event. Earmuffs give extra margin at the very loudest events.
- Under 3 years old: no earplugs. Over-ear earmuffs are the only suitable hearing protection at this age.
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Life+★ 4.7 · 3,700 reviewsLife+★ 4.7 · 3,700 reviewsMusic SoundPRO★ 4.8 · 514 reviewsWatersafe+★ 4.8 · 684 reviewsLife+★ 4.7 · 3,700 reviewsWhy does your child’s age determine which protection to use?
Age decides the format before anything else. Under 3, a child’s ear canal is too small and delicate for earplugs, so over-ear earmuffs are the only option, and our guide to ear protection for babies covers that stage. From 3 to 12, child-sized silicone plugs such as Kidz+ earplugs, 24 dB SNR are suitable, with a parent inserting and removing them until about age 6 and independent use after that.
The reasoning behind those age limits, including choking risk and how to check the fit, is in our guide on whether earplugs are safe for kids.
What situation are you protecting your child from?
The right choice also depends on the type of noise your child is exposed to. Swimming, school, travel, and concerts all involve different noise profiles and different practical demands.
Swimming and water activities
Water entering the ear canal is a leading cause of outer ear infections in children who swim regularly. A good seal against water is essential. Standard foam earplugs do not provide a reliable seal against water. Bollsen Kidz+ earplugs create a water-repellent silicone seal that helps keep water out during swimming, bath time, and open water activities. When choosing child earplugs for swimming, material and fit matter more than noise reduction rating alone.
School and focus
Classroom noise regularly reaches 65 to 85 decibels during group activities. For children with auditory sensitivity, ADHD, or sensory processing differences, this level of background noise directly affects concentration and learning. Kidz+ earplugs are discreet and comfortable enough for extended classroom wear.
Fireworks, concerts, and loud events
Fireworks reach 140 to 170 decibels. Concerts typically sit between 100 and 115 decibels. These are the situations where maximum protection matters most, particularly for younger children and babies. For children aged 3 and above, Kidz+ earplugs provide 24 dB SNR. Babies and toddlers under 3 should wear infant-sized over-ear earmuffs instead. Choosing the right ear protection for kids at concerts depends on the child’s age, the venue, and the expected duration of noise exposure.
Travel and transport
Aircraft cabin noise sits around 85 decibels. Train and bus journeys are typically 70 to 80 decibels. For long journeys, the compact Kidz+ carry case fits easily in a school bag or hand luggage, making them the most practical option for travel.
What makes Bollsen Kidz+ the right choice for most situations?
Bollsen Kidz+ earplugs are made from hypoallergenic silicone and sized specifically for children’s smaller ear canals. They provide 24 dB SNR noise reduction, which is sufficient to bring an 85 dB classroom or a 100 dB event down to a safe level for a child. The silicone material creates a water-repellent seal, making them equally effective in the pool and in the playground.
Each pair is reusable for up to 100 uses when cleaned regularly with mild soap and water. They come with a compact aluminium carry case, which is practical for school bags and travel. The hypoallergenic silicone is free from harmful substances and safe for children with sensitive skin.
For a full breakdown of safety, age suitability, and fitting guidance, see our guide on are earplugs safe for kids.
When do earmuffs work better than earplugs for children?
Earmuffs are the better buy in three cases: for babies and toddlers under 3, at extreme events above about 110 decibels where a higher-rated earmuff adds margin, and for a child who will not tolerate anything in the ear. For under-3s, look for infant-sized earmuffs with soft cushioning and a foldable band. From age 3, Kidz+ earplugs cover fireworks, concerts and most other loud events, as long as a parent helps with fitting.
For the wider picture across every age and activity, start from our hub on hearing protection for kids.
How do you choose between earplugs and earmuffs for a child?
For a buyer it comes down to age, activity and decibel level. Bollsen Kidz+ (ages 3 to 12, 24 dB SNR, water-repellent) is the practical pick for swimming, school, travel and daily use. Infant earmuffs from any brand are the pick for under-3s at loud events, but they are no use in the water. Our full comparison of earmuffs vs earplugs for kids goes through each age and situation side by side.
What should parents look for when buying hearing protection for children?
The SNR rating is the most important number to check. It tells you how many decibels of sound the product reduces under standardised testing conditions. For children, the WHO recommends keeping exposure below 75 decibels. A product with 24 dB SNR reduces a 100 dB event to approximately 76 decibels at the ear, which sits just at the safe threshold. A product with 28 dB SNR reduces the same event to around 72 decibels, offering a slightly larger margin of safety.
Material matters for children because adult earplugs are often sized for adult ear canals and use materials that expand under pressure. Silicone earplugs sized for children adapt to the ear’s shape without expanding, which reduces canal pressure and makes them safer for smaller ears. Foam earplugs are not recommended for children because the expansion mechanism can create excessive pressure in a narrower canal.
Reusability is worth considering for regular use. A pair of Kidz+ earplugs used twice a week costs a fraction of disposable alternatives over a school year, and the reduced waste is better for the environment.
To understand how noise levels affect children’s hearing and what decibel thresholds to watch for, see our article on what noise level is safe for kids.
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His connection to hearing protection stems from personal experience with sound sensitivity during live events and work in noisy environments, an issue that made him more aware of the long-term risks of unmanaged noise exposure. Today, as both a communicator and a user of BOLLSEN products, he is passionate about raising awareness around the importance of proactive hearing care.
At BOLLSEN, he develops data-driven marketing campaigns, writes SEO-focused articles, and manages communication channels that connect customers with practical knowledge about hearing protection. His work ensures that BOLLSEN’s message—prioritizing health, performance, and sustainability reaches a global audience in an engaging and trustworthy way.
Passionate about writing since childhood, Timotej combines creativity with a strong analytical approach, continuously testing new ideas in digital marketing, performance advertising, and social media. He believes in learning through innovation and collaboration, balancing leadership with openness to new perspectives.
Beyond his professional role, Timotej is committed to a healthy lifestyle and finds inspiration in fitness, sports, and quality time with friends. His personal passion for well-being aligns with BOLLSEN’s core values, making his work not only a career but also a cause he deeply believes in.
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