2. Why wear earplugs?
A typical rock concert hits 100 to 115 dB near the stage or speakers — as loud as a lawnmower held against your ear. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that prolonged exposure above 85 dB can cause permanent hearing damage.
The consequences don't show up right away. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), noise sensitivity, gradual hearing loss — that's the price of a decade of shows without protection. Our regulars who started wearing high-fidelity earplugs all say the same thing: the music still sounds great, but the next morning, no buzzing.
In Quebec, concert venues and bars with live stages can get very loud. Protecting your ears isn't paranoia — it's the difference between enjoying concerts for 40 years or stopping at 35.
3. Loop Experience (our #1 pick)
The model our show-going regulars recommend most. Discreet, comfortable for a full night out, and the sound stays clear — not muffled like foam.
Loop Experience
OUR #1 PICK · ~$30- 17 dB reduction — enough for a rock show without cutting the music
- Reusable — washable silicone, lasts for years
- 3 tip sizes — S, M, L included in the box
- Visually discreet — less noticeable than a big orange foam plug
4. Etymotic ER20XS
The choice of musicians and sound engineers. Etymotic has been a reference for decades in flat attenuation — all frequencies are reduced evenly, which preserves the timbre of the music.
Etymotic ER20XS
~$35- 20 dB reduction — a bit more than Loop, still musical
- Flat attenuation — sound stays true to the source
- Popular with stage musicians and audio technicians
- Reusable, with carrying case included
5. Alpine MusicSafe Pro
A good compromise if you want to adjust protection based on the type of show. Two interchangeable filters let you choose between moderate and stronger reduction — handy when one pair needs to work for an acoustic set and a metal set.
Alpine MusicSafe Pro
~$35- 2 filters — 17 dB (gold) and 19 dB (silver), interchangeable
- Removable filters — easy to clean and replace
- Multiple tip sizes included
- Established European brand in musical hearing protection
6. Foam earplugs (avoid for music)
Disposable foam plugs from the corner store cost about $2 a pair — and that's the trap. They block too many high frequencies, which makes music sound dull and muffled. You hear the bassist, but the guitar solo disappears.
With 25 to 33 dB reduction, they also cut more than you need at a concert — you end up pulling one out mid-show, which defeats the protection.
They're still useful for sleeping or blocking ambient noise, but for live music, invest $30 in high-fidelity earplugs. Your ears — and your show experience — are worth the difference.
7. Comparison table
Quick summary of the four options — 132 shop or Amazon.ca depending on the model.
| Model | Reduction | Sound | Reusable | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loop Experience | 17 dB | Clear and balanced | Yes | ~$30 |
| Etymotic ER20XS | 20 dB | Very faithful, flat | Yes | ~$35 |
| Alpine MusicSafe Pro | 17-19 dB | 2 filters | Yes | ~$35 |
| Disposable foam | 25-33 dB | Muffled | No | ~$2 |
At the 132
We play loud
Whether it's a Whole Lotta Zeppelin show, a Capitaine Scarlet night or a Thursday jam, your ears will thank you. Abreuvoir 132 · 1627 Route 132, Varennes. Open daily 11 AM to 3 AM.
9. FAQ
Do earplugs change the sound at a concert?
Good earplugs reduce volume evenly without cutting the highs. Loop and Etymotic are designed for that.
How many decibels at a concert?
A typical rock concert reaches 100-115 dB. Unprotected exposure above 85 dB can cause permanent damage.
Can Loop earplugs be reused?
Yes, Loop Experience earplugs are washable silicone and last for years.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cooblink (which develops and maintains abreuvoir132.com) earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon.ca links in this article contain an affiliate tag; your price stays the same. Editorial recommendations reflect what our team, regulars and bands actually use.
Published 2026-05-24 · Updated 2026-05-24 · Abreuvoir 132, Varennes