Comparing In-Ear Monitors with Ear Plugs for Noise Reduction

[Smallmouth_Bass]

How does the sound insulation of custom molded in-ear monitors compare to that of custom molded ear plugs? Is it in the same ballpark when it comes to reducing the overall decibel levels?

 

[s0c9]

With my limited experience on ear plugs... yes.

 

[TedH]

Effectively the same if molded and the same level plug (e.g. -15db). The biggest difference to me iss the plugs are soft and the IEMs plastic (with far more sonic clarity), so they feel a little bit different when talking/singing.

 

[silky smoove]

Effectively the same if molded and the same level plug (e.g. -15db). The biggest difference to me iss the plugs are soft and the IEMs plastic (with far more sonic clarity), so they feel a little bit different when talking/singing.

My custom molded Westone ear plugs (not IEMs) are not soft, nor were the Emtechs I had previously.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

The custom molded earplugs I have now that I have been using for something like 20 years are soft and comfortable to wear for many hours.

 

[EastCoastThump]

Both plugs and 'phones can be purchased w/ a range of noise reduction—typically from ~15 to mid/high 20s dB reduction. Manufacturer sites for both molded earplugs and earphones typically list the dB specs for noise reduction.