We arrive in the world with just one pair of ears, so it helps to look after them. It’s not only about keeping them clean but also shielding them from loud noise — whether it’s AC/DC turned up to full tilt or the unrelenting roar of traffic. Nothing should stop you from attending the many concerts lined up for December, but if you’re watching a band that can push the dial to 11, it’s worth considering a pair of earplugs. The right ones maintain musical fidelity while cutting the frequencies that can harm your hearing.

Think of an average rock concert, which easily pumps out more than 100 decibels. Exposure to anything above 85 dB for long periods can cause permanent hearing damage. Sennheiser recently sent in a solution aimed at letting you enjoy concerts without putting your ears at risk.

Called SoundProtex Plus, it’s a premium hearing-protection system designed for people who want to listen safely — at loud shows, festivals, while travelling, or in any noisy environment.

Something for everyone

Earplugs are not just for musicians; anyone working or moving through loud environments can benefit. Inside the box are four levels of acoustic filters: Low (SNR 10 dB), Mid (SNR 17 dB), High (SNR 20 dB) and Full (near silence).

Needs differ. You may spend the day in a quiet office, while my friend Varun sits through recording sessions year-round, from soft classical sets to thunderous tracks. Another friend, a pilot, prefers to block out ambient noise when he’s off duty.

Multiple ear tips ensure a snug fit across ear shapes and sizes. A small pouch allows you to carry the filters around — helpful if you’re moving from a noisy office to an even noisier concert.

Does it work?

Some concertgoers feel earplugs spoil the atmosphere. Others, especially in the metal world, believe there’s a kind of machismo in resisting protection.

Earplugs may seem dull but they reduce the risk of hearing loss, and for those with tinnitus, may offer some relief. You may spend ₹10 lakh on audio equipment, but the value of your hearing is beyond measure.

Some earplugs offer a dial to adjust noise levels. Sennheiser’s approach is more straightforward — practical for anyone who simply wants dependable protection.

The distinction between good and mediocre earplugs lies in how they filter sound. Sennheiser’s pair appeals to musicians as much as to occasional concertgoers like me. Musicians’ earplugs reduce sound evenly across bass, mids and treble so music remains natural, just safer. The aim is to preserve the mix as intended by artists and engineers. Sennheiser achieves this through an acoustic filter and sound channel designed to balance reduction and compensate for lost ear-canal resonance.

The earplugs deliver strong clarity and a consistent fit. Their mix of quality and reduced vocal boominess has made them popular abroad... and now they’re available in India. When you see the sound curve after using them, it’s a relatively flat line across frequencies, showing an even reduction that feels more transparent and musical.

Make the call

Switching filters requires removing them entirely, which can feel fiddly, especially in a dimly-lit venue. It may be better to treat them as single-filter earplugs with strong customisation options. Still, the comfortable fit and excellent tuning work in Sennheiser’s favour.

What about using Apple’s AirPods Pro 3? They offer noise reduction and built-in hearing protection, and the transparency mode is helpful. But SoundProtex Plus is built for a specific purpose.

If you plan to wear earplugs for extended periods — perhaps 30 minutes or more — the 10 dB filter makes sense. If you want protection only when things get loud, 17 dB may be the sweet spot. Others can opt for 20 dB.

My personal favourite, though, is the Full filter. It blocks most of the noise that can derail a peaceful night. Yes, it can dull doorbells but if it’s a Saturday night and all a 47-year-old wants is to sleep till 9 am, this is the filter. My spouse loves to eavesdrop in restaurants but will gladly use the “full filter” at bedtime, especially on weekends.

It’s time to turn down the decibels, quieten the snoring spouse and give your hearing the care it deserves.

At a glance

Device: Sennheiser SoundProtex Plus

Price: ₹2,990

High notes

Comfortable fit

Multiple acoustic filters

Good clarity and transparency

Suitable for concerts and daily use

Multiple ear tip sizes included

Compact carry pouch

Muffled note

Filter changes — depending on the occasion — can be fiddly