Frequently Asked Questions

Research and our experience fitting Earasers suggest the following general guidelines: 

Your individual ear canal size is not determined by height and weight, but rather age and gender (and good ol' DNA). Years of fitting individuals has given us a good idea, however, unless we are able to see your ear canal, there is the possibility of error. If you believe you have the wrong size, we provide a complimentary size swap.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:

X-SMALL – Generally used by youth, such as Elementary, Middle, and some High Schoolers, as well as a small percentage of the adult population. If you've always had a difficult time getting earplugs/earbuds to fit comfortably, then this may just be your perfect size.

SMALL – The majority of women and younger men (late 20s and below). Sometimes have problems with standard earplugs/earbuds.

MEDIUM - Most adult men and many women (late 20s & older). Rarely have issues with standard earplugs/earbuds.

LARGE - A very small percentage of the adult population. Mostly men over 60 and some women over 50.

STILL WONDERING ABOUT THE RIGHT SIZE? 

We offer a Starter Kit that includes two different sizes for you to try. If you don't usually have problems with regular earplugs/earbuds, we would recommend the S/M kit. If you feel like earplugs/earbuds are usually too big or "won't go in", try the XS/S kit. If earplugs/earbuds don't seal in your ear canal or feel too loose, try the M/L. 

Some people's ear canals are two different sizes! If this sounds like it might be you, and you have never used Earasers before, the Starter Kit is your best bet. Once you know your size or sizes, then future purchases, replacements, and/or renewals will be a breeze.

Stressed? Overwhelmed? Don't worry! We offer Complimentary Size Swapping (you simply cover shipping carrier costs). And once you've determined which size works best for you, you'll always know!
             

HOW TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE A GOOD FIT

You will know you have an appropriate seal when YOU begin to speak.  While everything else will sound normal (but quieter), your own voice, when speaking, should sound louder to you. Similar to putting your fingers in your ears or being underwater. If you don't find that "head voice" when you speak, remove your Earasers, and try inserting them again, following the instructions.

Earasers should never hurt your ear canal or be uncomfortable, but they do need to be able to seal your ear canal. If you are certain that you've inserted both properly, and still have not achieved an appropriate seal, then you many need to swap sizes.  

Similarly, if you experience any ringing, muffled/stuffy feeling in your ears after using Earasers in a loud environment, you may not have a proper seal, or you need a stronger filter.

Whether you purchased from our online store or another retailer, if you feel you have purchased the incorrect size, contact us within 30 days of the Original Purchase date for a complimentary size exchange!

Earasers are high-fidelity; designed for amazing listening clarity that allows you to hear the detail of sound as it is to your open ear, just quieter.

Most earplugs, including custom-molded sets, place the filter outside the opening of the ear canal. Sound is then filtered and still has to travel through a narrow, curved tube (your ear canal) to reach the eardrum. This can cause sound to distort and feel muffled, "plugged up", or dull.

Earasers' patented "open ear" design reduces the travel distance between the filter and your eardrum, reducing distortion and creating a more clear, natural listening experience. This is also why Earasers go deeper into the ear canal than other earplugs!

Earasers don't just block sound- they filter it. We target the frequencies that are most harmful and uncomfortable to your ears while keeping the frequencies that give detail to music and allow you to hear speech and conversations intact.

See the next FAQ to learn more about how our patented filter technology works to preserve the detail of sound, not just quiet it.

• Yes, significantly. Because the decibel scale is logarithmic, an independent laboratory measurement of a ~7 dB mean attenuation at 125 Hz means that nearly 80% of the raw, damaging sound energy is removed before it strikes your eardrum. In terms of human psychoacoustic perception, this effectively cuts the perceived volume of intense bass and low-frequency noise by 40% to 50%, successfully preventing acoustic overload while preserving structural musical clarity.

Your ears don't hear every frequency equally, and they don't respond to loud sounds equally, either.

The human ear naturally resonates the most around 2700Hz, and is most sensitive to frequencies in the 1000-4000Hz range. This is incredibly useful for everyday life - it helps us pick up the higher frequencies that make speech clear, particularly consonants like "f," "th," and "sss."

But our ears aren't designed for the loud sounds we are able to experience today (like a 100+db Marshall amplifier). In sustained, high-volume environments, suddenly the very mechanism that helps us hear clearly is vulnerable.

So why not reduce every frequency by the same amount?

Because that's not how we naturally hear. When an earplug attenuates all frequencies equally, it reduces the clarity and nuance that make music and speech sound the way they do. Too much reduction in the low and high frequencies can make sound dull, muffled, and just unnatural.

That's how Earasers are different. 

We are the world's first "flat-frequency response" earplug, which means we figured out how to reduce harmful sounds while preserving the overall character of what you're listening to. This is essential for musicians and concertgoers to enjoy music, bikers and motorists to maintain awareness of their surroundings, parents to hear their kids when they're overstimulated, and anyone who wants to be able to hear "normally" while protecting their ears.

In order to do this, we needed to take the ear's natural response into account rather than treating every frequency exactly the same. Earasers use patented V-Filter™ acoustic technology instead of flat attenuation. By working with your ears and the way they naturally respond to sound, you can reduce loudness while preserving the detail, layering, localization, and clarity that make music and conversations sound natural. This also means you can go from loud to quiet and back to loud environments without the need to remove your earplugs!

Hearing protection shouldn't mean sacrificing the sounds you want to hear. That's why we're here.

Traditional earplugs muffle frequencies below 2,000 Hz, causing an occlusion effect. Earasers' patented V-Filter is tuned to keep lower frequencies natural while targeting hazardous high frequencies.  We certainly reduce some of the low frequencies, but the ratio of low frequency reduction compared to the mid-range is more significant than traditional multi-dome earplugs, or the bullet shaped dome inserts.  Of course if you need more low frequency reduction below 2,000Hz just select one of our higher range filters like our Max or Peace & Quiet version.  

Technical Bulletin: The Science of Earplug Testing Real-Ear Attenuation at Threshold (REAT) vs. Artificial Manikin Coupler Testing

When evaluating high-fidelity hearing protection, it is critical to distinguish between certified regulatory laboratory testing and unaccredited acoustic manikin simulations. Discrepancies in data almost always stem from a well-known scientific variable: the acoustic seal.1. The Acoustic Seal PhenomenonAcoustic energy behaves like water; it will find the absolute path of least resistance. In hearing protection physics, even a microscopic gap—invisible to the naked eye—will result in an acoustic leak.

• The Low-Frequency Collapse: When an acoustic leak occurs, low-frequency sound waves (at and below 2,000 Hz) bypass the internal acoustic filter entirely and flood the ear canal.
• The Result: The resulting data shows near 0 dB attenuation across lower frequencies, with only a minor peak in reduction at high frequencies where the physical body of the earplug blocks shorter wavelengths.

2. Why Artificial Manikins Fail Flexible SiliconeTesting systems that rely on rigid, artificial manikins (such as a KEMAR fixture with an acoustic coupler) face severe physical limitations when testing non-custom, flexible silicone earplugs:

• Anatomical Realism: Human ear canals are warm, dynamic, and lined with flexible tissue that naturally conforms to medical-grade silicone sleeves. Artificial ear simulators use rigid or semi-rigid synthetic couplers that do not mimic human tissue elasticity.
• The Mechanical Barrier: Without custom-molded adaptation or an absolutely flawless mechanical seal, a pre-molded silicone tip cannot reliably seal an artificial fixture. This creates an artificial acoustic leak, rendering the lower-frequency data an artifact of the fixture setup rather than a reflection of the earplug’s true performance.

3. The Gold Standard: Accredited REAT TestingTo achieve legal compliance and consumer safety, international regulatory frameworks mandate Real-Ear Attenuation at Threshold (REAT) testing using real human subjects in fully accredited psychoacoustic laboratories.Earasers have been independently verified by four of the world's leading accredited test houses and research institutions:

• Michael & Associates, Inc. (NVLAP Accredited – USA)
• CRITT Santé Édit (Notified Body – Europe)
• Virginia Tech (USA)
• National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL) (Australia)

Certified Data Overview (Standard Filter):
============================================================
125 Hz Attenuation: ~7 dB Mean Reduction
Legal Ratings:        SNR 14 (Europe) / NRR 5 (United States)
Compliance:           Fully certified under ANSI S3.19 & EN 352-2:2020 (SNR20,SNR22,SNR26)

4. Understanding a 7 dB Low-Frequency ReductionA common misconception in acoustic data is that a single-digit decibel reduction at 125 Hz means "no protection." Because the decibel scale is logarithmic, a 7 dB mean attenuation at 125 Hz removes nearly 80% of the raw sound energy from hitting the eardrum.

• In terms of human psychoacoustic perception, this alters the sound field so that intense bass and low-frequency noise feel roughly 40% to 50% quieter, successfully preventing acoustic overload without sacrificing musical clarity.

ConclusionBy law, certified specifications cannot be altered, exaggerated, or manipulated without immediately invalidating a manufacturer's compliance certificates and violating FDA (US) and CE (Europe) regulations. Data showing a complete absence of low- and mid-frequency attenuation is a classic textbook indicator of an acoustic seal failure on a rigid simulator, not the performance of a legally certified hearing conservation device.

• No. While a manikin coupler can record audio inside its artificial fixture, playing that recording back over the internet introduces massive technical distortion. When a person listens to an online audio clip, the sound is passed through their own computer speakers or headphones, which have their own unique frequency equalization, speaker limitations, and room acoustics. This creates a double-filtered audio track that cannot replicate a live acoustic environment. Furthermore, if the original recording suffered from a fixture seal leak, the listener is hearing a corrupted audio file that completely misrepresents the true clarity and protection of the device.

Why Earasers has a different frequency shape than most other earplugs and where did the concern about 2,000Hz come from?We don't know why a certain testing company decided that below 2,000Hz was low frequency.  But since they decided to publish it and promote it, we think it's important to explain what is clearly a mis-understanding. While their review mistakes 2,000 Hz (2 KHz) for a 'low frequency.' In music and speech, 2 KHz is actually a very high pitch— almost three full octaves above Middle C on a piano and well above the fundamental frequencies of human speech! Traditional earplugs attempt to block everything equally, which completely cuts out the warmth of vocals and the true body of instruments, and the sibilance as well as the space between the notes.  Our ears are non-linear and do not want to hear "flat attenuators" especially at loud volumes.   Earasers are more precisely engineered to reverse the ears natural response curve which is a bell curve peaking at approximately 2,700 Hz.  [Our standard filter reduces 14.9dB AVERAGE at 2,000Hz according to ANSI test and 16.5dB MEAN reduction NAL test and 20.4dB AVERAGE attenuation for the EN352-2:2020 European CE test.]  However, our ears get very sensitive to this range (See Fletcher/Munson studies) before the low and higher frequencies.   Thus, by reversing the natural resonance at high volumes, those critical musical frequencies pass through naturally, without discomfort.  By more aggressively targeting the hazardous, fatiguing range of frequencies around our ears peak resonance, in the 2,700-3000Hz range, you get total protection without losing the soul of the music.  Low frequencies are probably better described as being bass notes, or drums but even the human male voice can be even three octaves below 2,000Hz.  If you need more low frequency blocking filters, just find the max or Peace & Quiet filters in our store.  All of our other filters offer more low frequency reduction than the standard -19dB peak filters. But just to correct the story, our recent test done by CRITT in France showed that our standard filter attained a SNR14 and provided 7dB attenuation AVERAGE at even 125Hz.  This definitely is a low frequency, and 7dB is very significant.  

For context: Energy Drop: A 7 dB reduction means you have removed nearly 80% of the raw sound energy hitting your eardrum.

Perceived Loudness: In terms of human perception, a drop of 10 dB is perceived as cutting the loudness exactly in half. A 7 dB drop makes the sound feel roughly 40% to 50% quieter to your brain.  

Better Fit  = Reliable Attenuation: Remember that most other earplugs are round.  But most ear canals are not round and tend to be more like an upright oval between the entrance and the eardrum.  Thus, round earplugs tend to have more gaps or come loose and eventually break the seal which can be unnoticeable for lengths at a time.  Low-frequency bass waves easily leak past these gaps.  Earasers fit better and seal longer which is very important to get the results you expect.    

Just read the specifications or call us, and don't worry - we can find a solution for you that sounds great at no risk!

Earasers were designed to eliminate the need for costly ear impressions and expensive lab work. By using soft, medical-grade silicone, Earasers create a Smart Seal™ that adjusts to the shape of your ear canal for a custom-like fit.  

What about the sound quality?

In custom earplugs, the filter is typically towards the outside of the ear canal opening. Earasers secure the filter nearer to the eardrum. This ensures that sound has less time to distort in your ear canal before reaching the eardrum. 

The result? A clear-sounding, more natural listening experience without the muffling.

There are a couple reasonable explanations why earplugs that are supposed to be as clear sounding as Earasers might still feel muffled.  The biggest reason is earwax.  Inspect the end of your earplugs to see if thye are plugged up, and if they can be cleaned.   We offer a.shaped wire loop tool to get the earwax out of your filter.  If you have an ultrasonic cleaner you can also place the entire Earasers in the solution for about five minutes depending on your unit.  Then make sure you pick up an ear syringe and some Earcleanse solution from our accessories section.   The other main reason you may feel plugged up is if the tip of the earplug is hitting the bend in your canal.  You may need a different size Earasers just to get around the bend  (typically smaller size) or to seal the ear earlier (larger size).  Give us a call and we can help you figure it out.  The only other reason you would feel muffled, is if you are using one of our strongest filters which does start to block more lows.  And if by chance, you have a low frequency hearing loss, adding a low frequency blocking earplug will magnify the effect and possibly bring this issue to the forefront.  Even our strongest filter tends to get really good praise for clarity, even though we don't advertise it as much for musicians.  But some people just need lots of protection and aren't as concerned about fidelity.   

* To clean your EARasers, simply rinse them under warm water and let them air dry. Water will not harm the filter, but try to refrain from using soap as it may cling to your filter and create build-up.

* If you use wipes or wet towelettes, be sure to only use alcohol-free products. Alcohol will dry out the silicone over time and may compromise the integrity of your earplugs.

You can take the silicone sleeve off the filter in order to clean it, however, NEVER stick or poke anything down into the tip of your earplug. Doing so will result in a popped, or unsecured, filter, rendering your earplug "damaged" and thus voiding the warranty. Watch our video instructions on "Renewal Kits" to see how to properly separate the filter and sleeve. 

The cleaning products on our site are formulated to kill 99.9% of bacteria that may build up on your Earasers, yet cause no harm to your earplugs.

* It is normal for ears to generate earwax. While we highly recommend you clean your ears prior to inserting your earplugs, we realize this will not always happen. If wax goes into the tip of your earplugs, it can gently be removed by simply using a "Soft Bristled Brush" such as a Soft Head Toothbrush, or a soft Baby Nail Brush, eyebrow brush. (These items can usually be found in any Grocery, Supermarket, or Dollar Store or make-up counter)  Using warm water and the soft bristle brush, gently work the wax and debris out by making soft motions over the opening. The soft bristles will gently remove the wax without having to insert anything down into the tip.

Earasers also can be renewed to look just like new! Try our Renewal kit and keep your Earasers looking and performing like new for years!   

See our ReNewal kit video (click here).

After you have been using your Earasers for some time, the silicone may turn yellowish or expand. This is normal, and due to earwax and natural body oils. 

Instead of having to buy an entire new pair of Earasers, you can purchase a Renewal Kit in your size, and receive two new pairs of outer sleeves!

*Not recommended if the filter is wax-impacted or otherwise not performing properly*

Find the Renewal Kit under the ACCESSORIES tab above.

It depends on where you are. 

Orders processed in the U.S. will take 5-7 business days to arrive.

International deliveries can take anywhere from 7-16 days. 

Delivery details will be provided in your confirmation email.

• The acoustic testing, performance labeling, and enforcement of noise-reduction earplugs in the United States are governed strictly by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under 40 CFR Part 211, Subpart B. The EPA mandates the use of the ANSI S3.19-1974 protocol to establish the legal Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). The FDA does not regulate standard acoustic noise-blocking performance, deferring instead to the EPA and ANSI framework for regulatory compliance.

• In Europe, hearing protection is classified as Category III Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) under Regulation (EU) 2016/425 and is overseen by European Notified Bodies. To be legally sold with a CE mark, products must fulfill the strict criteria of the EN 352-2:2020 standard, which calculates protection using a Single Number Rating (SNR) rather than the American NRR system. Earasers maintain full regulatory compliance across both jurisdictions.

• Earasers are legally certified and independently tested using the Real-Ear Attenuation at Threshold (REAT) method on human subjects. This standardized testing is conducted by fully accredited, independent laboratories including Michael & Associates, Inc. (USA), Virginia Tech (USA), National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL, Australia), and CRITT (Europe). These rigorous evaluations ensure our compliance with EPA regulations, ANSI S3.19-1974 standards in the United States, and CE EN 352-2:2020 directives in Europe.

• In Europe, hearing protection is classified as Category III Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) under Regulation (EU) 2016/425 and is overseen by European Notified Bodies. To be legally sold with a CE mark, products must fulfill the strict criteria of the EN 352-2:2020 standard, which calculates protection using a Single Number Rating (SNR) rather than the American NRR system. Earasers maintain full regulatory compliance across both jurisdictions.

We will always try to solve any issues or concerns you have with Earasers first, but if you need to return an order, email or call us directly and we’ll take it from there.

If you request a return within the first 30 days of your original purchase from our online store, you may be eligible for a full refund. Contact us to obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) Number.

You will need to include the following with your merchandise return:
* Original Product
* RMA # you receive from us.
* Original receipt (or online store invoice) with “Date of Purchase” circled (we can look this up if you can't find it).
* Written notification of why you changed your mind (we always want to hear feedback!).

---> We strongly suggest you ask your Postal Carrier about "Return Receipt" or "Tracking Options" on your package being sent in to us, for those rare occasions when an item might not reach us.

We offer custom engraving on our metal carrying cases depending on the content, detail, and space. A high-res, one color logo is required. All options are outlined on the product page. Names and phone numbers are recommended and easy for us!

We are happy to offer discounts for schools and bands who are being Ear-Responsible! 

Please call us directly at 407-339-2422 to find out which option best suits your needs.

YES 

While many people find that our standard filter (-19db) works for them, monitor your ears and ringing after. If you still have ringing or a stuffy, "head-under-water" feeling when you take your Earasers out, increase your attenuation with a stronger filter.  Many people choose our Euro filter or Max filter for indoor activities.

We have lots of history with members of major orchestras, and you can catch us at DCI & WGI Finals every year!

We use all major carriers and local courier partners. You’ll be asked to select a delivery method during checkout.

Yes, but please contact us first to verify, as we do not ship to all countries.

International Shipping Rates: If we ship to your area, rates outside the United States have a shipping fee of approximately $35 dollars. This includes a trackable service that should reach you within 5 business days and be able to go easily through customs.  Provide your address for an accurate rate.

*We strongly suggest you ask your Postal Carrier about "Return Receipt" or "Tracking Options" on your package being sent in to us, for those rare occasions when an item might not reach us.*

Handling (fulfilling an order) can take up to 2 business days.  Please account for this additional time when determining if you would like expedited shipping. Orders received over the weekend, as well as orders received after 1 PM (Eastern Time) on Friday, may not be completed until the following Monday or Tuesday.  

Shipping within the U.S.
Orders of 5 pair and under:
U.S. Mail - Free for orders over $30
USPS Priority $8
Ground $12.50
Second Day $17
Next Day Air $35 (Mon. - Thurs.)(Fri. Shipments result in Mon. as next day)
Priority Overnight $50 (Mon. - Thurs.)(Fri. Shipments result in Mon. as next day)