E.A.R Classic Review

Description

The E.A.R. Classic is possibly the most popular foam earplug in the world and a proven performer for 25 years. The Classics offer effective sealing while exerting little pressure in the ear canal. To use, roll down first, then put the ear plugs in place; they will slowly expand to perfectly fit your ear canal. The Classics are easy to insert and tend to stay in place better than tapered plugs. They efficiently block noise and are among the most inexpensive earplugs available.

Average price : less than $1 a pair, about $30 a 200-box.

Attenuation Table

	60Hz	125	250	500	1k	2k	4k	8k	16kHz
Rated	-	19.8	20.6	27.8	27.4	31.0	38.7	41.2	-	NRR 27
Measured	10	18	20	24	27	28	33	40	40	ΔF ±10

NRR stands for Noise Reduction Rating. It is a standardized measure expressed in decibels (dB), and represents the overall attenuation offered by the earplug. The higher the NRR, the stronger the attenuation. Differences in the NRR of less than 3 dB between earplugs have no importance in practice.

ΔF represents an important factor for musical applications, as it measures the standard deviation from a spectrally flat attenuation between 60Hz and 16kHz. The smaller the ΔF, the higher the fidelity. ±3dB is virtually inaudible and can be considered as the very best one can get.

Audio Simulation

It is best to use headphones for this test. Pick a file from the top row, adjust its sound level to match the real life situation (e.g., the bike should sound louder than the snoring), and then switch to the bottom row to audition the earplug being tested.

Snoring	Bike	Babble	Plane	Gun	Industrial	Club	Rock
w/Plug	w/Plug	w/Plug	w/Plug	w/Plug	w/Plug	w/Plug	w/Plug

Comments

Inexpensive, efficient, easy to use, reusable a few times before wearing out. Excellent performer for all-around use but also in the industry. Not suitable for music purposes.

Use	Score	Comments
At Home	•••	Great all-around earplug.
On the go	••	Great all-around earplug but industrial look
Industry	•••	200-box makes it very inexpensive. Industrial dispenser available. Requires clean hands to roll.
Music	•	Vivid color. Attenuation too strong. Spectrally not flat.

Alternative : wax earplugs are more efficient in the very low frequencies but less convenient to handle.

Manufacturer Links

• Aearo Classic Earplug
• Aearo Classic Sell Sheet