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What Is Nrr ?

NRR stands for Noise Reduction Rating. NRR is the amount of sound measured in decibels that a pair of earplugs will block out.


To better understand this, a person’s hearing threshold is defined as 0db (decibels). Someone with normal/good hearing can hear sounds at 15db. A watch ticking would have a level around 20db, whilst whispering rates at approximately 30db, the average conversation is around 50 – 60db.


The higher value indicates a greater amount of noise reduction. The highest noise reduction rating (NRR) currently offered by an earplug is 33 decibels (DB).  This can be found in our Macks Maximum Protection Soft Foam Earplugs.


Decibel levels up to the earplug’s NRR rating will be blocked out entirely.  Any noise over the earplug’s NRR may be heard.  Another important factor to note is that the body absorbs sound through our heads, not just our ears; so short of encapsulating oneself in a soundproof chamber, it is seemingly impossible to block out all noise.


Earplugs and other types of hearing protection devices are designed to lessen the noise’s harshness and bring it down to a safer, more tolerable level.

What Is The Difference Between Noise Reduction Rating And SNR?


NRR: NRR [Noise Reduction Rating] – This rating is used in the United States and is accepted for use in various other countries (including Australia). The current range of NRRs available in the U.S. market extends from 0 to a maximum of 33 decibels.

The NRR (noise reduction rating) is a method that attempts to describe a hearing protector based on how much the overall noise level is reduced by the hearing protector.

The NRR is a clinical evaluation that theoretically provides an estimate of the protection of a given device. The reasons for rating each hearing protector involve requirements for product safety and reliability. The rating enables the end-user to assess the product’s attenuation abilities for noise in their own given environment.


SNR: The SNR (single number rating) is the European Union system to indicate the amount of protection offered by a correctly fitted hearing protection device.

The European Union and affiliated countries use this rating number.

Two tests are conducted at independent testing laboratories, using test frequencies slightly different from those used for the NRR rating.

In addition to an overall rating, the SNR further rates protectors in terms of the particular noise environments in which they will be used – H for high-frequency noise environments, M for mid-frequency, and L for low-frequency.

Note that the HML designation does not refer to noise level, rather the spectrum of the noise. For example, a protector might be designated with SNR 26, H=32, M=23, L=14.

The estimated attenuation changes according to the noise spectrum of the environment in which the protector is to be worn.

How to Insert Earplugs Correctly

1

Roll

With clean, dry hands, roll the earplug between your thumb and forefinger until it compresses into a tight, crease-free cylinder.

2

Pull

Reach over your head with your opposite hand and pull your ear up and back to straighten the ear canal.

3

Insert

Gently insert the compressed foam earplug into your ear canal with a slight twisting motion while it's still compressed.

4

Hold

Hold in place for 10–15 seconds while the foam expands to fill the canal and create a seal.

5

Check the seal

The earplug should sit flush with or slightly inside the ear canal entrance — not protruding.

1

Warm

Roll the silicone putty between your fingers until soft and pliable.

2

Flatten

Shape into a small flat disc.

3

Press

Press gently over the ear canal opening to form a seal. Do not insert into the canal.

4

Remove

Peel away gently after use.

1

Hold

Hold the earplug by the stem with one hand.

2

Pull

Use your other hand to pull your ear up and back.

3

Insert

Insert narrow tip first into the ear canal with a gentle twisting motion. The stem remains outside the ear.

4

Adjust

Gently adjust depth for comfort and seal.

5

Remove

Pull out slowly by the stem with a slight twisting motion.

Good Fit vs Not a Good Fit

Good Fit

  • Sits flush with or slightly inside the ear canal
  • Noise is noticeably reduced
  • Feels snug but comfortable
  • Stays in place when you move
  • Can still hear important sounds

Not a Good Fit

  • Protrudes from the ear
  • Noise reduction is poor
  • Feels painful or causes pressure
  • Falls out easily
  • Causes itching or irritation

Frequently Asked Questions

Roll the earplug tightly, pull your earlobe up and back to straighten the ear canal, insert with a slight twisting motion, and hold for 10–15 seconds while the foam expands. A proper seal sits flush with the ear canal entrance — not protruding.

No — earplugs reduce noise but don't eliminate it entirely. The body absorbs sound through the skull as well as the ears, so complete silence isn't possible with passive earplugs. High NRR earplugs like Macks Snore Blockers (NRR 32) provide the highest practical level of passive noise reduction.

Foam earplugs insert into the ear canal and offer higher noise reduction ratings (NRR 29–33). Silicone earplugs mould over the ear canal opening — they're more comfortable for some people and fully waterproof, but typically offer lower noise reduction. For sleeping, foam is usually more effective; for swimming, silicone is the better choice.

Soft foam earplugs with a high NRR are the most effective for blocking snoring. Macks Snore Blockers (NRR 32) are our top recommendation. For a reusable option, Alpine Sleep Deep is designed specifically for maximum noise blocking during sleep.

Hold the earplug in place for at least 10–15 seconds. Letting go too early is the most common reason earplugs don't seal properly. The foam needs time to expand and fill the contours of your ear canal.

The most common causes are: not rolling tightly enough before insertion, not pulling the ear up and back, letting go before the foam fully expands, or using the wrong size. If you've corrected all of these and still have poor noise reduction, try a higher NRR earplug.

Earplugs should feel snug but not painful. If they fall out easily, they may be too small. If they cause pressure or pain, they may be too large. Standard earplugs suit most adults; smaller options like Macks Slim Fit or Macks Dreamgirl are designed for narrower ear canals.

Yes, when inserted correctly and replaced regularly. Foam earplugs are single-use — reusing them reduces effectiveness and hygiene. For nightly use, a reusable option like Alpine Sleep Deep is more practical and cost-effective.

Which Earplug Is Right for You?

Mack's Snore Blockers Ear Plugs

Macks Snore Blockers Soft Foam Earplugs | NRR 32

Blocking snoring

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macks slimfitsoft foam earplugs

Macks Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs | Smaller Ears | NRR 29

Smaller ear canals

View product
Alpine Sleep Deep Reusable Earplugs

Alpine Sleep Deep Reusable Earplugs

Reusable nightly use

View product
Pillow Soft Silicone Waterproof Ear Plug - Adult Value Pack 6 Pair

Macks Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs | Adults | NRR 22

No insertion required

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Macks Ear Seals Earplugs | Waterproof & Noise Blocking | NRR 27

Macks Ear Seals Earplugs | Waterproof & Noise Blocking | NRR 27

Swimming & water sports

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