Disposable earplugs

Generic disposable earplugs are cheap (a few pence each if bought in bulk) and readily available. They are usually made from foam and come in a range of colours from the boring yellow to some rather psychedelic colour combinations.

These plugs are designed for single use, so you’ll need a new pair every time you’re exposed to noise. If you don’t change them often enough dirt will start to build up and their ability to expand/contract reduces, so don’t be tempted to wear the same pair for long.

Disposable earplugs are easy to use, just roll them between your thumb and fingers to compress them into a thin cylinder that fits inside your ear, pop them in and that’s it. The foam re-expands inside the ear to provide the best possible fit. Simple as anything!

Most products reduce noise levels by around 30dB.