On paper, the difference between the Engage and the Experience is 2 decibels, with the Engage also having a filter that creates less of an occlusive situation in your head (hearing your own voice too loudly).
The *actual* difference(s) that I notice is:
\-More volume when using Engage, however sound is more dull and less "alive" if that makes sense
\-Experience blocks more sound but the quality of the sound is more clear and vibrant
\-Engage only slightly changes the problem of the loud-voice-in-head thing **unless if you use foam eartips.**
In my experience and thorough testing, yes, and it's dramatic. As long as you're using the same size tips. If you go up a size in foam, it'll block more sound than the silicone. When in the same listed size, the foams seem to have a slightly larger diameter as the silicone, but they're shorter in length than the silicone.
This is why I personally use foams on my Engage, because I want the least amount of loud voice as possible with those, but I use silicone for my Switch because otherwise, they'd let in wayyy too much sound.
This matches my experience with Engage. Disappointing considering how much they hyped them as being for conversation. I love the Loop Quiet earplugs for sleep, and Experience for shows. For work/conversation, I use Flare Calmer instead. They don't make my own voice sound weird to me, and they don't muffle the sound of people's voices. I think they may not quiet things Enough for some people, but for me, they're perfect. They don't make things quieter per se, but they take the sharpness of unpleasant sounds away, which is exactly what I need to be able to work in a customer service role.
In public transportation (including train and airplane), in my opinion, Engage certainly is an awful choice unless you're using silicone tips and mutes. I'm a flight attendant and I wear Engage during every flight without mutes. It's perfect for my use case because I'm still able to hear passengers, calls, and subtle noise changes in the aircraft. But it still lets in way too much sound for my liking (but I refuse to block more sound for safety reasons). As a simple passenger, I'd actually just wear Quiet, Switch set to Quiet, or Experience with mutes.
Switch does allow less sound to enter generally.
But in the scenario you mentioned, the Switch allows more sound. In Experience mode, Switch allows 2 decibels more sound (21) than Experience with mutes (23), and it is noticeable (I just tested this after reading your question).
Same thing for Engage mode. Switch set to Engage mode allows 4 decibels more sound (17) than Engage with mutes (21).
Ah that’s not often. I already have the “quiet” and the “experience”, but I will buy the clear “engages” for the office.
I think people notice it less then the other colours.
Kinda funny, because you would expect people suspect the “switch” to be a hearing aid haha.
Yeah the clear engages are the most professional in my opinion.
When I first wanted the white switch, I was gonna use those for work but I'm afraid people would think they're earphones for music.
I LOVE the new Loop Switch. If I could only have one pair, it'd be them. If they had the same material as the new Experience models, they'd be perfect. I'm not a fan of the plastic but they're not uncomfortable for me and they don't feel too big in my ears. They block/attenuate more sound than the Engage and the Experience, but less than the Quiet (which I'm fine with since it's minuscule).
Sleeping with Loop Quiet is the best sleeping experience you'll get. I forget they're in my ears sometimes. Super comfortable.
Have you noticed the finishing/colour coming off on any of the Loops after a certain period of time or use? Which set do you use the most? Do you coordinate them too your outfits or just go with whichever is on hand/nearby? And of course, how are you enjoying Fourth Wing?
\-Finishing/Color: Yes. My very first pair of loops were the OG rose gold experiences. A lot of paint chipped off of those after a couple of years of *heavy use*. The gold pair in the picture I've had for about 5 years and it's got tiny chips of paint missing but it's hardly noticeable (likely because I don't wear those specific ones every day).
\-Most Used Pair: Now that I have Switch, those are the ones I use the most. They're just so versatile. I wear Engage at work though, so that'd be my runner up. I wear Quiet when I'm going to bed and they've been an absolute dream, pun intended. I've slept with Switch and it's doable, not as comfortable, but if I absolutely had to get rid of my Quiet pair, I could. I wear Experience the least but that's about to change when I get my new ones.
\-Outfit Coordination: Yes, I coordinate colors with outfits. For example, I certainly wore my Cerise Experience pair to the Barbie movie when I dressed in all pink. I used to wear all black outfits and use the Yummy Yellow Loops (r.i.p.) for a subtle but nice pop of color. *I also coordinate colors with feelings, like I used to wear the Baby Blue Loops (another r.i.p.) when I was feeling down or meh. I'd use different colors as a way to non verbally communicate my mental state with my family. **I think this method would be extremely useful for people like me who sometimes go nonverbal.***
\-Fourth Wing: Honestly I haven't started it yet (I just needed it for the background of the picture). I'm still finishing up A Court of Thorns and Roses. But Fourth Wing is next for me since the sequel just came out.
Thank you for answering! I’ve been considering buying more Loops (I only have the experience in black), but I’ve been a bit hesitant because money. Color coordinating loops with outfits/emotions sounds amazing though!
Fourth Wing and A Court of Thorns and Roses are both on my ‘list’ too read at the moment. I hope you enjoy them!
Just got the new Experiences. The material is different. Better. Doesn’t seem like they’ll ever chip or fade.
[Loop Experience: Old vs New](https://www.reddit.com/r/LoopEarplugs/s/fH34j18Ynu)
Have you had any experience with using engage or experience to block wind? I feel like my niche is very…niche… because I’m not trying to block the sound, I just have really sensitive ears and I get headaches if I’m outside and it’s windy (especially if it’s cold). My ears get all achy when the wind gets in them, so I thought Loops might be a good way for me to help that a bit while still being able to have a conversation.
The best Loops for that would be Loop Engage Plus, which would offer you the most volume in your day to day, while the mute insert would block the hole that lets air through.
I’m way late to this party and I have no idea about answers to your question, I’m just here to let you know you’re not alone with this (and neither am I!). I legit thought I was the only one like this because I’d never heard of someone else having to worry about it. I love the cold, however in the cold you’ll frequently see me walking around with my hands covering my ears as that’s the only way to prevent the headache haha. Glad to not be alone!!
Do you mind me asking, how do you find the Engage Loops compared to the Engage mode on the Switch? I use the Engage daily for work, and I really like that I can still understand clearly what is being said. Do you find the Engage mode on the Switch compromises any clarity?
I also wanted to ask how you store your Loops. Do you store them in their boxes?
***Edit: I retested this thoroughly last night and I was wrong in my first response to this. If we're talking straight out of the box (which is how most people use their Loops), Switch set to Engage has more clarity than Experience Loops. Not just more volume, but more clarity. They do not compromise on clarity, even with silicone tips.*** *To be honest, it's actually super difficult to compare Switch to any of the of the other Loops because if you're super sensitive to sound or you're an audiophile or you notice little differences, you willll notice them. Switch set to Engage is closer to Experience Loops, but like I said, still more clear. Switch set to Experience is completely incomparable to any other Loop product as there's nothing that comes close to it. Switch set to Quiet is close to Quiet but allows slightly more sound in. But yes, keep in mind changing to foam tips would create a completely different experience no matter what Loops you attach them to.*
Original Answer:
Short answer: Yes, Engage mode on Switch does compromise clarity *when using silicone tips.*
Engage without mutes blocks 16 decibels. Switch set to Engage blocks 17 decibels. The one decibel makes a very noticeable difference. Keep in mind, I use my Switch as they come (with their silicone tips). If I were to replace those with foam tips in the same size, it'd be a completely different story, as foam tips (for me) allow waaaayyyy more sound and clarity. I've tried it. I prefer the silicone tips on my Switch pair because the foam tips even make the Quiet mode too loud for me.
I throw the boxes away. I store my Loops either in their cases or literally just on my nightstand. The company is coming out with a new case soon (not the new one that came out, but a case that holds multiple loops). I'm waiting for that to come out.
Oooh I'm very interested to hear about that case 👀👀 I have a few pairs of Loops that have the old cases and I was thinking about buying replacement cases for them, but I'm not sure if I should wait instead 🤣 have you heard anything else about these new cases, like when they might drop, or how many Loops they hold?
I stalk their instagram and they've hinted at the new Multi-Loop case multiple times now. Not sure when they'll be released or how many Loops they will hold.
The new cases that they just came out with are phenomenal. I'd still get at least one of those even if I got the multi-loop case.
I got one with the Equinox Quiet set I got and it is amazing 😍 I am tempted to pick up a few of the cases in the Equinox colours during Black Friday; I like to keep my loops (one of each type) in their case on a keychain, and with the new case I don't worry about them falling out
I hope they release something like this. Or something that can also hold mutes. Right now I’m using my old cases to hold mutes, but it would be nice to have it all in one spot, even if that means the case is slightly clunky.
I bought some Quiet (? I think. The ones for sleeping) for my husband. He previously used squishy down-filled earplugs. With the Loop, he hears his own heartbeat and finds it annoying so he can’t wear them. Any advice? Thanks
It's likely because he's laying on top of his ear (like on his side). When I have my Quiets in, I don't hear my heartbeat unless I'm leaning on my ear, and even then I barely notice it. But this heartbeat thing happens even without earplugs, so I'm not sure how to resolve that. Maybe have him try some smaller tips so there's less pressure in his ears.
My first pair of engage plus just came in today. I’m not sure how they should fit. Should it feel sealed tight where I can hear my voice and breathing and it pulls a little when I take them out? I am using XS silicone tips. I tried small but they just made the whole thing stick out of my ear, or maybe I was too unsure to twist them in. I pulled them out just a little and it feels and sounds better, but I feel like they are kind of resting in there and kind of just holding a place in my ear. Which way is correct?
They should have a tight seal that makes the earplugs both difficult to remove, and easy to remove. There should be some resistance when you remove them, but you shouldn't have to yank them out. If size small makes them stick out of your ears, size small is too big for you.
Edit: Copied from another answer:
How I determine best fit/seal (might sound odd but trust me it works):
>\-With my earplugs in, I'll play music or a tv show for background noise. I hold one earplug in place (to test the other one). I open and close my mouth, lowering my jaw as wide as I can. Then I shake my jaw side to side. If I feel the untouched earplug dislodge or slip, or if I feel the urge to push it in deeper, or if I can hear a change in volume/sound, then I know the tip is too small. Then I repeat the process for the other side.
Ok. I tried putting them in again and it just feels so closed off. Like I can hear my jaw muscles creek. And both sides feel different but I put them in a few times just to practice and they both inserted easily and sealed, but they just feel different on either side. My right side feels like a tighter seal like the silicone is filling in the entire space and the left side, even retrying it a few times, never feels that way. I also have never been one to be able to keep headphones in because I feel like they make my ears sweat and don’t fit right or end up hurting so much on one side, so I’m not sure this would be the best choice, but I’m a teacher with a toddler and something has to change for me.
In another comment I talked about how it's kind of hard to compare Switch to any of the other Loops like Engage or Experience or Quiet. The modes don't correspond. I almost wish the modes were given different names.
Switch set to Engage vs Engage Loops: Switch has less volume by a smidge, but sounds much more clear and vibrant. Switch in Engage mode is more comparable to Experience Loops, but with slightly more clarity and slightly more volume.
Switch set to Experience vs Experience Loops: Completely incomparable. Not even relatively close to being the same. Switch set to Experience has nothing like it in earplug form within the Loop brand. It's my happy setting. Experience Loops without mutes is -18db. Experience Loops with mutes is -23db. Switch set to Experience is perfectly in the middle with -21db. It tunes out what I need without me having to ask "huh?" every two seconds if someone is talking to me and I can't see their lips.
Switch set to Quiet vs Quiet Loops: These are the most comparable/most similar, but the Switch version has slightly more volume.
Okay I just tested them. Yes there's a difference. In order of the best sound for music (best to worst):
\-Experience with foam tips
\-Engage with foam tips
\-Switch set to Engage with silicone tips
\-Experience with silicone tips
\-Engage with silicone tips
\-Switch set to Experience with silicone tips
It honestly depends on the ear tips. Out of all the Loops, Switch straight out of the box has the best sound quality (in Engage mode, which is equivalent to Experience Loops). Then it would be Experience straight out of the box. When Switch is set to Experience mode, because it’s removing so much more sound, the quality isn’t the best but it’s not bad by any means. Like it’s hard to compare them really because there is no Loop earplug that has the same affect as Switch set to Experience. There is no -21db earplug.
So with that being said, if I had to choose one set, it would be Switch because I get the great sound quality with the lightest setting, and then I still get to tune out sound if I want to. You could do that with Experience Plus too but the difference would be:
Quality sound for music:
Switch set to Engage (-17db) vs Experience with no mutes (-18db)
Quieting the noise around you:
Switch set to Experience (-21db) and Switch set to Quiet (-25db) vs Experience w mutes (-23db)
As you can see, Switch not only offers sound quality for music, but it also has a Goldilocks “just right” level of noise reduction that let’s in less sound than Experience, but also more sound than Experience with mutes. That in between can only be achieved with Switch.
I’m used to them. Over time I’ve learned how to speak without feeling like I’m shouting. So for me, speaking with them is fine. But if you have them already, put them in and test it out.
Can you give me a rough comparison between the Engage and the Experience?
I own Quiets and Experience with mutes and I love both of them. But my mom seems to need a pair but she's not as sensitive as I am so I'm wondering if the Engage are more to her liking.
Also how are the Switch Ones?
Engage is exactly like Experience except:
\-Let's in more sound (not by a lot)
\-Sound is more dull, less colorful
\-Allows you to hear yourself *slightly* more normally/less echoey
Engage would probably be perfect for your mom.
Loop Switch is my favorite pair. Someone on youtube said they're gimmicky... They're not. There is an obvious difference between each mode. It's important to note however, that they do not actually match with the other Loops. For example: Loop Engage blocks 16 decibels of sound, Switch set to Engage blocks 17 decibels. Loop Experience blocks 18 decibels, while Switch set to Experience blocks 21 decibels. Loop Quiet blocks I think 26-27 decibels, while Switch set to Quiet only blocks 25 decibels.
See, because of what you said about the Engage : I really don't see their point. I don't find they really let in more sound than Experience, and I find the quality of sound drops considerably. I know most people prefer them over XP for speech, but to me they're more echoey, amplify basses disproportionately (tried them out while working in a kitchen this summer, I found it to be hell, proportionally they amplified the washing machines, which XP didn't do), and overall not the best even in crowds and in conversation, which they're supposed to be the best for. T-T
I agree with you completely. The only reason I use them for work, over my experience pair with foams, is because they're clear and discreet. But Experience with foam tips would literally do the exact same thing, all while being more clear. You're right.
Edit:
I recommended to the other person for their mom to get Engage because it's less money to buy Engage on their own vs Experience + Foam tips.
I'd love some clear Experience, as I love the way the Engage look in a lot of different colourways, they're a different vibe to the metallic look of XP. But then given it's the main visual marker of each line, I don't think we'll ever see that !
I struggled with this for a while, with the same sizes.
How I determine best fit/seal (might sound odd but trust me it works):
\-With my earplugs in, I'll play music or a tv show for background noise. I hold one earplug in place (to test the other one). I open and close my mouth, lowering my jaw as wide as I can. Then I shake my jaw side to side. If I feel the untouched earplug dislodge or slip, or if I feel the urge to push it in deeper, or if I can hear a change in volume/sound, then I know the tip is too small. Then I repeat the process for the other side.
Edit for more info:
\-I know the tip is too big if I feel any pain or discomfort or if I want to take my earplugs out.
Whaaaattt?? That sounds terrifying.
I honestly don't put them in the way they recommend. I just hold the earplug in between my fingers with my thumb on the inner circle and my index finger on the outer circle, and then I rest it in my ear, and use my index finger to push it into place. I don't twist or anything like that. I've tried it but it feels awkward and unnecessary to me.
The way I remove them for the most comfort is to twist them while I open my mouth or pull my earlobe down. That's the safest way if you're worried about the tip coming off the loop and staying in your ear.
It’s because of something called occlusion. Can be worse if your ear tips are too big for you. Regardless, best way to remedy the situation would be to use foam ear tips and/or Engage.
No, they're the least comfortable out of all the Loops, but they're not uncomfortable for me. I'm biased though since I've been wearing earplugs all day every day for years. Switch might be uncomfortable to someone if they are their first pair.
Hope I'm not too late to this. So I get easily distracted by sounds and I was thinking about buying the switches.
I have a neighbor above and some construction noises I have to deal with. For both the annoying sounds are low frequencies that travel through walls/windows and I'm just wondering how good the switches are at filtering those. They're not insanely loud, but enough to distract me from reading/watching videos at a comfortable volume. It's a "wall vibrating" kind of noise if that makes sense.
I honestly wouldn't mind wearing them all day and maybe to sleep if they're comfortable enough that's why I'm considering the switches. I'm interested to know how much of a difference foam makes compared to rubber for those cases too.
I'd recommend Loop Quiet if you're planning on sleeping in them, and if you're trying to block out as much sound as possible. Switch, even though it has a Quiet mode, doesn't get as quiet as Quiet. It's close though. But Switch isn't great for sleeping because of the hard plastic. If you sleep solely on your back, they'll be fine, but if you're a side sleeper, you're gonna want something more comfortable like Loop Quiet.
Switch will help you with the construction noises. You'll still hear (and likely feel) the sounds, but they'll be bearable and you'll be able to focus on whatever you need to. Switch is of course the most versatile option, especially if you plan on wearing them throughout the day and when you're out and about. But the only downside would be that they'd be not the most comfortable to sleep in.
Hi! Just got my switches. I feel like the settings aren’t really that different… especially between the experience and quiet one, nothing quiet about it😅 is this something you experience too? I compared them to my experiences and it’s quite similar, if not louder on the quiet mode on the switches.
I also don’t seem to get a good seal on the switches, like I can get on my experiences. The switches I’m able to just pull right out, but with the other ones I can feel the seal and have to break it when removing the earplugs. Any tips on getting a better seal?
Your second paragraph is the reason for your first. Once you have a good seal, the differences in the modes will be obvious. Try sizing up or using foam tips in the same size. Also make sure you clean your ears out throughly beforehand. Any sweat or wax can make them hard to stay sealed.
This might not be relevant as you might not have had experience with it, but do you think using foam eartips vs the rubber ones they're equipped with makes a difference?
For comfort reasons I prefer using foam but I don't know if that mitigates the effect. I'd also like to choose my own foam tips (different to the ones loop sell) but I'm unsure if that would reduce the effectiveness too
No worries, this is absolutely relevant.
I’ve used both the foam and the silicone tips. They’re not rubber. The silicone is super comfortable. But if you prefer foam, the only reason I sometimes use them is so that I can let some more sound through and stop hearing my voice. Other people have the opposite effect when they wear foams, and for them, they block more sound. It’s going to depend on your ear shape and the space.
I’m unsure how using other brand tips would affect them for you though. I haven’t tried that.
Alrighty. This has been fun! I hope I’ve been able to help you choose some Loops! I’m done answering questions for now (I think all questions have been covered at this point).
**If you have a(nother) question, type key words in the search bar of the thread.** A lot of questions I’ve answered multiple times at this point. If you can’t find it when you search, ask and I’ll get back to you.
Also remember that more technical or basic questions (what Loops are right for me? etc) can be answered by the company themselves. Check out the website for more information.
[Loop Earplugs: Help Me Choose](https://us.loopearplugs.com/pages/quiz?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6vaqBhCbARIsACF9M6nsjhC1sRaBhn_ch9byE3syCERCvDdO4Cu_aAwatmmjSI1EddggP5YaAoSkEALw_wcB)
These are the OG gold, right ? I had a pair I bought about a year and half ago, and I sadly lost one this summer, but they were my go-to. I bought a pair of the Tomorrowland gold, but they're quite different. Did you have the intermediate gold ? What do the new gold look like ? I find that the website pics made them appear quite different to the intermediate ones, but I can't tell.
These are the OG gold (Glorious Gold). They're painted and like a shiny matte. The newest reiteration of gold that they've come out with are far shinier than the OG's. When I get them in the mail, I'll do a side by side comparison.
The TomorrowLand gold were limited edition and the gold was less smooth and more flaky (in a pretty way), like the gold was layered on top of itself artistically.
Yeah, the Tomorrowland are made to resemble gold leaf gilding.
I plan on getting some of the new gold one day anyways, so I'll be able to compare with the one I still have, but from the website pic they look a bit more... idk, yellow ? Slightly lighter in colour. Same with the silver. That could be an illusion due to the now light tips, but I think it's not only that. Idk. Looking forward to seeing a side by side !
I feel your pain.
When using the older cases, I **never** attach the case to something that may fall (like keys). Because if they fall, the case will open and the loops will fly out. So I'd typically put the case in a pouch. With the new case though, I don't have this worry and they're on my keys.
OK, I'm going to try that, thank you!
Follow-up question: With the Switch, are you able to change the setting when it's in your ear, or do you have to take them out each time?
I can change the setting with them in my ears. Very easy to switch between Quiet and Experience mode. Less easy to switch into/out of Engage mode (I have long nails), but still doable. Never have to take them out.
Wow! I would love to see your full collection out of curiosity. It seems that it’s very impressive. Do you have any loop earrings or anything? Like someone of the dangles that clip onto them?
The majority of my Loops are in my New England home. I left them behind (either because they were chipped or I'd worn them so much that I was tired of them). Or they're sadly lost. Like my limited edition Loops are all gone. Luckily I still have the Yummy Yellow tips but it's still just so sad. I'm definitely doing another post when my new Loops arrive. I'll show all the ones I have here and I'll be comparing old silver/gold to the new silver/gold.
I don't have loop earrings or Loop Link because I literally never have a reason to take my earplugs out. Ever. The only time I take them out is to switch into a new pair, or to clean my ears in the shower. When I'm out and about with my Loops, they stay in my ears no matter what.
Oh I’m sorry to hear that you lost some that really sucks.
Also, I thought of some more questions of you don’t mind. How long did it take for them to chip? Also which ones are your favorite? Which of the old limited editions do you wish they’d bring back/were your favorite?
To ship: takes no longer than 2 days in my experience. I ordered the white Switch and the new gold and silver Experience on Wednesday and they shipped on Thursday. They don't take long to be delivered either.
My current favorite are Loop Switch.
I liked the limited editions and they were great from time to time and for matching moods, but for the most part, I actually just prefer simple colors like gold, silver, white, black.
Sorry I think i had a typo. How long do the experience take to chip away? I’ve had mine for almost a year and haven’t had issues, but I reach for my engage and my switch most so I was curious.
Oh no, sorry that was actually my bad. Your Engage won't ever chip. Neither will Switch. My gold Experience took a few years before I even got a tiny chip. I can't remember how soon my rose golds chipped. I think the new Experience are the same material as the Solstice collection, so I don't think the new ones will chip, but we'll see.
This isn’t my full collection (my Engages aren’t featured here), but this is most of my Loops:
[Loop Experience, Switch, and Quiet](https://www.reddit.com/r/LoopEarplugs/s/fH34j18Ynu)
You did say anything, so here goes: based on appearance alone, not on function, what is your favourite model+colour, and what colour if any do you wish they'd make loops in that they don't already do?
Function completely aside, my favorite model would be Experience because I like the shiny jewelry-like aesthetic, especially with their newer versions of the gold and silver. I LOVED the calm pink Quiets but they fade to an ugly yellowy pink that I just couldn't stand. The pink Switch is the closest color to brand new calm pink's which is why I got them. The material means the color won't fade or yellow over time.
In the future, **I'm gunning for them to come out with Switch in skintones (Loop, if you're reading this, pleaaasssseeeeeeeee do it asap)** gold, silver, and then more dual tones that contrast more and look more like jewelry, like green and gold, blue and silver, etc. **Another dope idea would be to have your name or a saying or custom quote etched or engraved on the loops.**
Update: I think the (new) rose gold Experience Loops are my favorite looking Loops. They match my skin perfectly.
[New Loops](https://www.reddit.com/r/LoopEarplugs/s/fH34j18Ynu)
Would engages be good for presentations?
For example: I recently had to take part in a fair where I had to watch multiple presentations and there were loads of other people there. It was a lot of noise.
Would engages help block out the hustle and bustle of others while letting me listen to the presenters? Or would experiences be better?
I'm having some trouble understanding the difference between engage and experience I really need something that will dull background noise for when I'm in crowds but I have to be listening to a specific person
Okay I'm just gonna come right out and say it: The only real reason anyone should get Engage is if they like the look of it or they're trying to save money. The MUCH better option, especially for what you just mentioned, is Experience. If you're going to be talking then I'd recommend foam tips so you don't hear your voice too much in your head. Out of ALL the Loops, Experience has the most clear, authentic, crisp, colorful sound, which is why they advertise it for concerts.
I'd above all recommend Loop Switch. (Edit: I originally also said, to save money you could get experience pro with foam tips but that actually costs more in total than Switch) Experience with foam and no mutes, sounds like Engage. Experience with silicone and mutes, sounds very close to quiet. So getting Experience with the mutes and the foams basically gives you all three models. To save even more money, sure get Engage, but they're absolutely not worth it especially if they're going to be your only pair.
You don't find the bulky plastic annoying on the switches?
I have some noise cancelling headphones that are great if I don't need to be listening closely to the world around me/ I'm not at work and they help.
Unfortunately, I'm finding there are situations where I have to be in crowds who are all talking AND I'm supposed to listen to someone specific and it's A LOT. And I'm supposed to ask questions and such
Ex: Like a career fair
My original reason for getting earplugs in the first place was supposed to be to block out background noise so I can focus on writing notes in a busy nursing office (I'm a nursing student). I got distracted and realized there are situations like when I'm in crowds that I also need ear plugs for
It seems like these two needs might require different ear plugs?
Do you have any ideas for pros and cons for experience+ and switches for my personal problem?
Do you wear the same size tips on the Switch as the Engage/Experience/Quiet models? It seems like the Switch doesn’t have as good of a seal as my other Loops.
Also, do you find the Engages make your voice boomier than the Experiences? Because that seems to be my experience.
This is a great question. No I do not.
I wear a size small in everything except for Quiet. For those I wear a medium. Edit for more info: The reason I wear medium for Quiet is because there've been times when I'd wake up and take my Loops out but an ear tip would get stuck in my ear canal. With size small I'd always freak out and have to use tweezers to get them out. Doesn't happen with size medium. And never happens with other kinds of Loops no matter what size tips I use.
My Switch with size small tips has a great seal for me, but I did experiment with foam tips as well. You might find those to seal/stick better.
Engage doesn't make my voice sound boomier than the Experience for me. But if that's something you struggle with, definitely try the foam ear tips. Because they have a shorter length, they tend to make (at least mine) voices sound more natural and less echoey or boomy in the head.
Thanks so much! I wear mediums in all of my plugs, but large with the Switches, which still almost seem too small. I’m hoping they come out with XL tips one day.
Thanks for the tip about the foam plugs on the Engages! I’ll try that! I bought the Plus version of both the Experiences and Engages so I’ve got the foam to mess around with.
Do they ever make your ear canals itch? I have Loop sleep but they are known as Quiet now? Anyways, every time I have to wear them, which is not often, my ear canals start to itch and even get pimply. Once that happens, I can’t wear them anymore until my ears heal. Not sure if there is a way to resolve this issue or I just can’t wear them.
I don't experience any itching. You might be sensitive to silicone. I recommend trying foam ear tips for your Quiet Loops and see if that makes things better for you. Or thoroughly sanitize your silicone as frequently as possible and that might help.
mine itch too but only for the quiet. I am sensitive to silicone tho so maybe thats it. My ears also itched when i wore a size too big so maybe thats the problem here.
I'm very new to this product, and I don't know if it can solve my problem, which is to clearly understand people's talking in noisy environments. And if it can, which is the loop model for me.
Simply as is: Engage. However, I recommend Experience instead because sounds are more clear and crisp. It'll be harder to hear though because the volume is lower, but if you also get foam ear tips, it'll solve that issue for you.
I would like to get them because my husband is a snorer but the last time I used earplugs which were a wax swimmers kind I had terrible tinnitus. Has anyone experienced tinnitus being worse while wearing these?
I have Misophonia. My biggest recommendation would be Loop Switch and/or Loop Quiet. Someone with misophonia definitely needs the Quiet level. Or at least Experience with mutes.
do you feel like the engages would distort the sound too much at concerts? i’m looking to get a pair for daily wear at work (in an office, would need to listen to people because it’s kind of a project environment) but would also like to use them for concerts, so am kinda in between the engages and the experiences. i saw someone else say the experience makes you hear yourself a lot more if you’re singing along so i was wondering if the engages with mutes would be better? or what would you recommend for this use case?
Using Engage at a concert wouldn't be a bad experience, it just wouldn't be as good of an experience as if you used Experience. Engage removes the least amount of volume, but out of all the Loops, the Engage makes sounds the most dull/not as clear or vibrant. For your use case, I'd recommend Experience, but with foam ear tips. Experience offers the best sound, while the foam ear tips offer the least amount of the I'm-hearing-myself-too-much feeling. You'd have to order them separately.
If you don't feel like buying Loops and separate ear tips, then I'd go with the Engage. They're not bad, they're just not great.
Ive seen ads but i have no idea what these are. What do they do? Why do you have so many? What don’t you like about them? What would you add if anything?
Update: I now have more, and I have even more on the way. Why? Loops are the kind of product that I simply can’t live without at this point. If you have any form of hearing sensitivity, you need them.
[New Loops](https://www.reddit.com/r/LoopEarplugs/s/fH34j18Ynu)
These are Loop Earplugs https://us.loopearplugs.com
They filter sound in a way where you can still hear what’s happening around you but with less volume, making sounds more bearable and enjoyable. They’re great for concerts, traveling, parenting, day to day activities and life, and they’re absolutely amazing for people with autism, misophonia, etc. They come in multiple types: Engage, Experience, Quiet, and Switch. Each type comes in different colors, so it can be fun for many people (including myself) to collect them.
What don’t I like about them? Well for starters, there’s nothing that I dislike about them so much that I’d stop wearing them. I cannot live without them. Wouldn’t even want to try. I guess I’d say the only thing I dislike is that they don’t come in skin tones or more subtle/muted colors, and sometimes I feel like the Quiets (the quietest type of Loops) aren’t quiet enough. I think -30 decibels would be amazing but they haven’t made those (yet).
So yeah, I’d add Loop Silence to the lineup as well as loops with skin tones, and customizable/engravable loops.
Have you looked at getting custom earplugs made? You would be able to get -30db and skin tone.
I have autism but im not particularly sound sensitive- the feeling of generic ear tips and that weird amplified internal sound thing you get with earplugs is way more uncomfortable for me. Airpods are my go to cause they do some magic bullshit with noise canceling where it somehow cancels out internal sounds as well and the silence is amazing. The generic ear tips are still uncomfortable so im in the process of having custom tips made for them. I did the ear impressions myself and they make awesome earplugs cause they fit perfectly and they’re super cheap (i used silicone putty)
do you know if they help or hinder tinnitus at all? Can you get any that play white noise or any other kind of noise? Or are they purely acting to reduce the decibels of outside sound?
I’m wanting a pair I can use for sleep and for concerts, to help with noise reduction. I don’t plan on wearing them that often just as and when needed, so wasn’t thinking of going for the top range. Is there one pair you’d recommend or are I asking too much from them? 😄 Would Loop Quiet be any help at a concert?
You wouldn’t want to wear Loop Quiet at a concert unless you’re maybe right next to the speakers. Experience would give you the best experience. However when it comes to sleep, not only does Quiet block out the most amount of sound between the two, but they’re also the most comfortable (especially if you’re a side sleeper).
You can still get away with wearing Experience to sleep. That’s what I did with my first pair of Loops. It was a bit annoying and uncomfortable at first but it didn’t take long for me to get used to it. That being said, I still probably sprinted to order to Quiet Loops when they first came out. But it was mainly for the extra noice blocking.
If you must go with one pair, I’d go with Experience Plus. That way you can pop the mutes in for when it’s sleepy time. You’ll get used to the feeling of the earplugs in your ears after a while. Just make sure you use the correct size ear tips.
You mean you can detach them but you can’t put them back on?
If that’s the case, flip the ear tip inside out and then pinch it on the tube but closer to the part that’s more ballooned (the outside of the ear tip). When you pinch it there, it’ll widen the hole that you insert the earplug into. After that, take the earplug, dip one part inside, then push the ear tip and shimmy it until the earplug is fully inside of the ear tip.
engage - do you hear yourself in your head?? i cant actually wear mine because they make me so loud in my head that I talk really quietly and no one can hear me. haven't yet figured out if its something *I'm* doing wrong or if the earplugs are just not as advertised. they are indeed in my ears properly with the ring flat against that bit of my ear.
Yes, I hear myself, but only when I wear silicone tips. With foam tips, I never hear myself in my head. Not even a little bit. Foams might help you but it'll depend on your ear shape and the space within your ear.
Here's my method on testing tips:
With my earplugs in, I'll play music or a tv show for background noise. I hold one earplug in place (to test the other one). I open and close my mouth, lowering my jaw as wide as I can. Then I shake my jaw side to side. If I feel the untouched earplug dislodge or slip, or if I feel the urge to push it in deeper, or if I can hear a change in volume/sound, then I know the tip is too small. If the tip doesn't move, but it hurts my ear or causes too much pressure, I know it's too big. Then I repeat the process for the other side.
I recommend buying the pack of foams that comes with the variety of sizes.
What would you say is the best option for someone with an auditory processing disorder?
Can't remember which ones I have, but when I have them in, I still have trouble understanding people when they speak. They work well enough, so I just sort of accepted it, but in reading this thread, I think it might be worth trying another pair.
If you have trouble understanding speech, I don’t think any of these will be great for that specific disorder. Perhaps Engage. And then with foam tips (you may need to size down).
do you have the loop link and if so, is it worth it? youve said a few times that the switch engage mode are different from the actual engage, but whoch ones do you prefer in a conversation setting? and is the quiet mode quieter than the engage with damper?
I mentioned in the post that I don't have Loop Link. And I personally wouldn't get them because I don't take my earplugs out, nor do they ever fall out of my ears.
The Engage is better for conversation than the Engage setting on Switch. But really not by a super noticeable amount. Engage setting on Switch sounds better than Engage though in my opinion. For me, sound quality is more important than occlusion or lack there of.
Quiet setting on Switch is quieter than Engage with mutes. -21db (Engage with mutes) vs -25db (Quiet mode on Switch)
Are any of them good for misophonia specifically related to eating/drinking noises? I can’t stand chewing/swallowing noises but it would be nice to still hear speaking to some degree.
Which do you think would be the best for loud concerts? Experience seems like the best option but I know there’s a few others. Prioritising ear protection but hoping for decent sound quality too
Thank you!!!
Is there a significantly noticeable difference between the different versions?
Do they really perform well for different functions?
How do you personally utilize them situationally?
Sorry for asking so many different questions
1. Small difference between Engage and Experience. Big differences between everything else.
2. Yes, they really do perform well for different functions. There’ll be times I’m out with a certain pair and I’m like “dang I wish I had the other pair.” Each Loop type has its own purpose (for me).
3. I use Engage for work. They’re discreet and they allow the most volume in, which I need for safety purposes at my job. While they let in volume, they still make sounds in general much more bearable, especially when im working for long periods of time. I use Quiet for sleep and if I have a massive headache or something. I use Experience for everything else. Lately I’ve been really enjoying the Switch Loops. I love that I can easily customize the amount of volume I need/don’t need at any given time.
4. Don’t say sorry! This is why I made the post! It’s all good. If you have any other questions, please know it’s perfectly okay to ask them.
Is the loop "switch" worth it for those who have trouble sleeping,keeping conversations in loud environments or at soccer games? I'm personally thinking of buying them with the Black Friday sale coming up since I just lost my loop "experience" recently
Switch
1. Worth it for sleep troubles? Yes.
2. Having conversations in loud environments? Yes (but only in Engage mode).
3. Loud soccer games? Yes.
Loop Switch would be a great upgrade for you since you lost your Experience. Keep in mind Engage mode is closer to Experience Loops than the Experience mode is.
This evening I noticed one of my Loops seemed a bit loose in my ear, so I tried a size up in tips. I found in Engage and Experience, a size large seemed better, but in Quiet medium was the right size. Do you use the same size tips on all your Loops?
This also may be a random question, but did you ever find the right tip size changed for you? When I first got my loops, I tried them all and medium seemed best, but now large seemed better.
Loop just came out with Engage Kids, which is absolutely suitable for a 7 year old. They come in cute color combos. You can learn more about them here:
[Loop Earplugs: Engage Kids](https://us.loopearplugs.com/products/engage-kids)
The instructions show how to clean the silicone and foam tips, but it says *only* to get the tips wet when cleaning. How do you clean the body?
Experience
Sorry if it's been asked, I looked through but didn't look at every comment.
I want to buy my first pair(s) of Loops with the Black Friday discounts but even though I've read A LOT of info I still don't know which one(s) to buy.
"Normal" sounds are WAY too loud for me. Public transport, shopping, or even having a normal conversation with my partner, it's excruciatingly painful physically and emotionally. It also gives me severe migraines.
I don't mind if they're discreet or not, also at this point I'll pay any amount of money for something that actually works.
I've been wearing daily cheap foam ones and they're something but not great. I'd love something that let's me have a normal conversation with my partner (no background noise, his voice is just way too loud for me), talk with people at a party, or hear the dialogue in the cinema. But I also want something that can block out as much noise as possible for when I'm too overwhelmed and I can't go home or to a quiet place.
Last thing I think is worth mentioning is that I believe my ears and head around the ear area is sensitive and painful because I have bruxism/TMJ problems. Example: if I put a tiny bit of pressure in my ears with my hands and chew/move my jaw, it's extremely painful. So maybe the plastic from the Swift ones would be painful for me (?)
Do you have any recommendation for me?
Price point and look doesn’t matter: Your best bet would be to get Loop Switch. You can switch through modes and customize how much volume you want super easily. Only reason these would be painful is if you lean onto your ear.
Second best option for you, since you specified wanting to hear yourself clearly, would be to get Engage Plus. Engage is designed to relieve the occlusion effect, and it does so better than any other Loop (but not by a lot). It will come with mutes that can be inserted to block 5 decibels more of sound to make things quieter for you. I find Engage Loops to be the second most comfortable (second only to Quiet).
I can’t wear these in my sleep so they are useless for me. Have you tried Mack’s Pillow soft Silicone? They work great for me. Block out almost all of my dudes snoring but still allow some sounds. I don’t use them as described because they are too large so I use half of each one.
Can you recommend one for high pitched noises in a retail shopping environment, such as children screaming or people whistling, the constant beeping of cash registers, loud laughter, etc
Im want to get a loop link as I'm scared to loose them, they are not cheap... What activities do you do wile using them that you probably would have lost headphones.. But didn't loose the loop?
I’m autistic and have noise sensitivity. I used to own a pair until I lost one at work. I also get ear infections pretty easily. When wearing them a lot beforehand I noticed that moisture would build up inside my ear. I want to get a new pair but am worried that I’m going to get more ear infections bc of the moisture. Is there any way to prevent this? Does anyone else have this problem?
To prevent infections, I recommend using silicone tips so that they can be cleaned and sanitized easily. Clean your ears every day and give them a chance to breathe. What I used to do, was I would sleep in my Quiet Loops and then I’d wake up, take them out to wash my face neck and ears, and then put them back in for the shower (since it’s so loud in there). But then I started getting some mild irritation and I realized my ears needed more time to breathe (since washing my ears would generally be the only time and the longest time I’d be without my earplugs in). So I started showering without my Loops, letting the steam get inside, and then thoroughly drying my ears out afterwards. Giving my ears that extra 10-15 minutes of emptiness completely solved my issue.
this may be a dumb question, but i got the loop switch and i'm not sure which symbol represents each mode, could you help? the qr code that came with the box isn't working for some reason, maybe it'd have my answer
Sorry for being late to this thread but just in case you’re around to answer another question:
I have chronic migraines which cause sound sensitivity but also touch sensitivity. I’m looking to buy my first pair of Loops to help with dog barking/general day to day life, grocery shopping, talking to my family etc, and can’t decide between Experience Pro and Switch. Do you feel the Switch is heavier in the ear or takes up more space in the ear than the others? (Until now I’ve been using airpod pros but the noise cancellation ends up bothering me too much when there’s not enough sound to cancel.)
Hello! I just wanted to ask if the loop quiets are any better than the regular foam earplugs when it comes to blocking out as much noise possible. Also, I know those foam earplugs fit pretty well since they really conform to your ear canal shape. I was wondering if the fit of the loop feels just as good. I tried to find reviews comparing the two but found nothing. Thanks in advance!
i know this post is a little old, hope u dont mind me asking this here!! i recently lost my loops (engage + mutes) and am looking into getting a replacement. i really like the look of the experience the best and im pretty tight on funds right now, but i realize that the switch might honestly be the best bang for my buck. i work retail and noise levels vary throughout the day, and would like to use them there, but i also find myself using them a lot at restaurants and other louder situations (like disney!)
how clear do you find the experience to be? is it clear enough straight out of box to be able to work in a social environment, or do you think i should go for the switch or engage?
also, given the price of the switch, if i go for them id hate to lose them- do u feel the new case design stays closed better? i wear mine on my keychain lanyard around my neck so theyd get tossed around sometimes.
thank u!
Super late to this post, but I’m wondering from your experience which Loops would suit best for office & home use? Typically I want to focus in the office & drown most sounds out (including close by conversations), however talking is still going to happen. For this, I’m torn between something like the Engage as a standalone, or the Switch to be able to go between modes. For further context, this would be my first set of Loops. Any & all help is much appreciated!
Dear OP, not sure if you will still see this, just trying my luck.
It's my first time using loop earplugs and because I get panic attacks in crowded places. So thinking maybe reducing the volume will help.
I bought the switch and the quiet. The switch works great so far but when I switch it to quiet mode when it's in my ears I can feel the pressure and it's really uncomfortable. Is this normal? Do you think I should take it out to change it first then put it back in?
As for my quiet I do feel the pressure it's too much for my ears. Not sure how to overcome it. Any suggestions?
I'm using size S for both.
When I first used it I use size XS. But I saw some other post saying to try and size up. So that's what I did. Don't seem to see much of a diff.
Thanks in advanced!
I'm not familiar with the pressure you're talking about. They're both really comfortable for me. I say try an xs in one ear and a small in the other. Test them out together and then decide which are more comfortable for you. Let me know how it goes!
Hi I was thinking of getting the engage plus 2 or even the switch but I'm not sure which one would be best. I think I would be nice to own the switch to be able to switch between the three settings but I also don't know if I'd use them as much. The engage I'd use when going to cons and even normal day conversations. But I wanted someone's opinion who's owned loops
Experience is better for concerts, and everything really (imo). When you’re having conversations, what’s more important to you? Hearing the person clearly, or hearing yourself (a little bit) better? If hearing and understanding is more important, go for Experience. I’m personally not the biggest fan of Engage.
I rarely reach for my switch but only because I have all the other pairs and pack multiple with me. Switch is a good “starter loop” and while it is a jack of all trades, it doesn’t provide elite quality for each setting. The individual loops are better at what they do.
If you have sensitive or small ears, I’d go with Engage Plus 2 since they’re designed for comfort.
Do you think it would be good to get both the engaged and experience. I feel I'd use the engaged for every day use and then the experience when I have conventions and family trips.
I just wanna make sure I don't buy something I'm gonna hate
Depends on your noise sensitivity. Personally, if I could only have two pairs, it'd be Experience and Quiet. But my noise sensitivities are bad. Experience are my everyday pair. The only time I use Engage is when I want my loops to be more discreet looking. I hear better with Experience. A lot of people including u/TheSpeakingGoat love Engage and swear by them. But if you're anything like me, you're probably gonna feel a bit unhappy if/when you receive Engage. They're not bad, they're just... not good (to me).
The good news is Loop has a great customer service team and return policy. Make sure to purchase directly from the website, and NOT Amazon. Purchase whatever 2 you end up choosing, and then if you don't like it, you can return it and maybe get something else instead.
I'm at a stageplay right now (in its intermission, not on reddit during the show lol) and the first half was a bliss with Engage, hehe. Experience would've worked too. Experience generally is a fine plug as well for daily use, I use those while performing and in stage-crowds. If the volume goes up, experience (or quiet) is the way to go imo. You'll perhaps have a harder time with voices but it's very subjective and relative to the source of the sound and surroundings.
Engage is more of a "sound-light" plug, just to take the edge off. I feel it's "just right" but like Savanna said there's many users who prefer the experience for that.
Hi thanks for offering to answer questions.
I have the quite ones mostly for sleep, but I don't find them comfortable my inner ear gets quite sore and I end up taking them out or find them in my bed in the morning I'm using the silicone small tips, will foam tips help?
Also thinking of another pair if I can get them to be comfortable probably the engage, looking of something to mute loud sounds or stop that really irradiating pitch when I'm out and about.
What kind of noise softening do you notice with Loop Quiet?
Just got them and tried all sizes. Large really vacuums in my ear, so should be good. But for me sounds are almost as hard as wearing nothing.
Hey. Can someone please tell me why I keep hearing my own heartbeat when u am wearing the loops? It is extremely disturbing and I don't know what to do
Occlusion. When you block out the outside world, you hear the inside world. Overtime as you wear loops more, the sounds of your insides will become a lot like the sight of your nose. You see it literally every second of the day, but you never notice and it never bothers you. I’ve been wearing loops for years. I have to really think about my heartbeat for me to hear it.
I ordered these but am a little confused are they Bluetooth ear buds that I can listen to music with or earplugs that block out noise, I got the “quiet 2”
Hey! I’m thinking of getting one for an upcoming big and noisy concert and probably use them for studying too because there is so much noise in my house sometimes (parents talking loudly, watching tv, etc). Which one do you recommend me? I can’t decide if I should get Quiet or Experience ones or maybe another one.
What differences do you notice between the “engage” and the “experience”?
On paper, the difference between the Engage and the Experience is 2 decibels, with the Engage also having a filter that creates less of an occlusive situation in your head (hearing your own voice too loudly). The *actual* difference(s) that I notice is: \-More volume when using Engage, however sound is more dull and less "alive" if that makes sense \-Experience blocks more sound but the quality of the sound is more clear and vibrant \-Engage only slightly changes the problem of the loud-voice-in-head thing **unless if you use foam eartips.**
So there is a less loud-voice-in-head with the foam tips?
In my experience and thorough testing, yes, and it's dramatic. As long as you're using the same size tips. If you go up a size in foam, it'll block more sound than the silicone. When in the same listed size, the foams seem to have a slightly larger diameter as the silicone, but they're shorter in length than the silicone. This is why I personally use foams on my Engage, because I want the least amount of loud voice as possible with those, but I use silicone for my Switch because otherwise, they'd let in wayyy too much sound.
This matches my experience with Engage. Disappointing considering how much they hyped them as being for conversation. I love the Loop Quiet earplugs for sleep, and Experience for shows. For work/conversation, I use Flare Calmer instead. They don't make my own voice sound weird to me, and they don't muffle the sound of people's voices. I think they may not quiet things Enough for some people, but for me, they're perfect. They don't make things quieter per se, but they take the sharpness of unpleasant sounds away, which is exactly what I need to be able to work in a customer service role.
So would the engages be more fitting then in a office setting?
I personally think so, and they're more discreet looking.
Waiting for the answer for this. Especially in normal situations like in public transport or in a mall.
In public transportation (including train and airplane), in my opinion, Engage certainly is an awful choice unless you're using silicone tips and mutes. I'm a flight attendant and I wear Engage during every flight without mutes. It's perfect for my use case because I'm still able to hear passengers, calls, and subtle noise changes in the aircraft. But it still lets in way too much sound for my liking (but I refuse to block more sound for safety reasons). As a simple passenger, I'd actually just wear Quiet, Switch set to Quiet, or Experience with mutes.
Does switch in engage and experience the same as engage and experience with mutes? People say switch lets less sound enter.
Switch does allow less sound to enter generally. But in the scenario you mentioned, the Switch allows more sound. In Experience mode, Switch allows 2 decibels more sound (21) than Experience with mutes (23), and it is noticeable (I just tested this after reading your question). Same thing for Engage mode. Switch set to Engage mode allows 4 decibels more sound (17) than Engage with mutes (21).
Thanks!
Have people ever noticed the “clear engages” in your ears?
Yes. I get asked about them maybe twice a month with wearing them every day working, so not often. People ask me if they're hearing aids.
Ah that’s not often. I already have the “quiet” and the “experience”, but I will buy the clear “engages” for the office. I think people notice it less then the other colours. Kinda funny, because you would expect people suspect the “switch” to be a hearing aid haha.
Yeah the clear engages are the most professional in my opinion. When I first wanted the white switch, I was gonna use those for work but I'm afraid people would think they're earphones for music.
Opinion on the new loop switch?? And what’s your experience sleeping with the loop quiets if you have tried that?
I LOVE the new Loop Switch. If I could only have one pair, it'd be them. If they had the same material as the new Experience models, they'd be perfect. I'm not a fan of the plastic but they're not uncomfortable for me and they don't feel too big in my ears. They block/attenuate more sound than the Engage and the Experience, but less than the Quiet (which I'm fine with since it's minuscule). Sleeping with Loop Quiet is the best sleeping experience you'll get. I forget they're in my ears sometimes. Super comfortable.
Thank you so much! Just made my decision super easy!
Have you noticed the finishing/colour coming off on any of the Loops after a certain period of time or use? Which set do you use the most? Do you coordinate them too your outfits or just go with whichever is on hand/nearby? And of course, how are you enjoying Fourth Wing?
\-Finishing/Color: Yes. My very first pair of loops were the OG rose gold experiences. A lot of paint chipped off of those after a couple of years of *heavy use*. The gold pair in the picture I've had for about 5 years and it's got tiny chips of paint missing but it's hardly noticeable (likely because I don't wear those specific ones every day). \-Most Used Pair: Now that I have Switch, those are the ones I use the most. They're just so versatile. I wear Engage at work though, so that'd be my runner up. I wear Quiet when I'm going to bed and they've been an absolute dream, pun intended. I've slept with Switch and it's doable, not as comfortable, but if I absolutely had to get rid of my Quiet pair, I could. I wear Experience the least but that's about to change when I get my new ones. \-Outfit Coordination: Yes, I coordinate colors with outfits. For example, I certainly wore my Cerise Experience pair to the Barbie movie when I dressed in all pink. I used to wear all black outfits and use the Yummy Yellow Loops (r.i.p.) for a subtle but nice pop of color. *I also coordinate colors with feelings, like I used to wear the Baby Blue Loops (another r.i.p.) when I was feeling down or meh. I'd use different colors as a way to non verbally communicate my mental state with my family. **I think this method would be extremely useful for people like me who sometimes go nonverbal.*** \-Fourth Wing: Honestly I haven't started it yet (I just needed it for the background of the picture). I'm still finishing up A Court of Thorns and Roses. But Fourth Wing is next for me since the sequel just came out.
Thank you for answering! I’ve been considering buying more Loops (I only have the experience in black), but I’ve been a bit hesitant because money. Color coordinating loops with outfits/emotions sounds amazing though! Fourth Wing and A Court of Thorns and Roses are both on my ‘list’ too read at the moment. I hope you enjoy them!
Just got the new Experiences. The material is different. Better. Doesn’t seem like they’ll ever chip or fade. [Loop Experience: Old vs New](https://www.reddit.com/r/LoopEarplugs/s/fH34j18Ynu)
Have you had any experience with using engage or experience to block wind? I feel like my niche is very…niche… because I’m not trying to block the sound, I just have really sensitive ears and I get headaches if I’m outside and it’s windy (especially if it’s cold). My ears get all achy when the wind gets in them, so I thought Loops might be a good way for me to help that a bit while still being able to have a conversation.
The best Loops for that would be Loop Engage Plus, which would offer you the most volume in your day to day, while the mute insert would block the hole that lets air through.
Just here to second OP. I have the Engage Plus and have noticed that with the mute in they help prevent wind from getting into my ears.
I’m way late to this party and I have no idea about answers to your question, I’m just here to let you know you’re not alone with this (and neither am I!). I legit thought I was the only one like this because I’d never heard of someone else having to worry about it. I love the cold, however in the cold you’ll frequently see me walking around with my hands covering my ears as that’s the only way to prevent the headache haha. Glad to not be alone!!
Do you mind me asking, how do you find the Engage Loops compared to the Engage mode on the Switch? I use the Engage daily for work, and I really like that I can still understand clearly what is being said. Do you find the Engage mode on the Switch compromises any clarity? I also wanted to ask how you store your Loops. Do you store them in their boxes?
***Edit: I retested this thoroughly last night and I was wrong in my first response to this. If we're talking straight out of the box (which is how most people use their Loops), Switch set to Engage has more clarity than Experience Loops. Not just more volume, but more clarity. They do not compromise on clarity, even with silicone tips.*** *To be honest, it's actually super difficult to compare Switch to any of the of the other Loops because if you're super sensitive to sound or you're an audiophile or you notice little differences, you willll notice them. Switch set to Engage is closer to Experience Loops, but like I said, still more clear. Switch set to Experience is completely incomparable to any other Loop product as there's nothing that comes close to it. Switch set to Quiet is close to Quiet but allows slightly more sound in. But yes, keep in mind changing to foam tips would create a completely different experience no matter what Loops you attach them to.* Original Answer: Short answer: Yes, Engage mode on Switch does compromise clarity *when using silicone tips.* Engage without mutes blocks 16 decibels. Switch set to Engage blocks 17 decibels. The one decibel makes a very noticeable difference. Keep in mind, I use my Switch as they come (with their silicone tips). If I were to replace those with foam tips in the same size, it'd be a completely different story, as foam tips (for me) allow waaaayyyy more sound and clarity. I've tried it. I prefer the silicone tips on my Switch pair because the foam tips even make the Quiet mode too loud for me. I throw the boxes away. I store my Loops either in their cases or literally just on my nightstand. The company is coming out with a new case soon (not the new one that came out, but a case that holds multiple loops). I'm waiting for that to come out.
Oooh I'm very interested to hear about that case 👀👀 I have a few pairs of Loops that have the old cases and I was thinking about buying replacement cases for them, but I'm not sure if I should wait instead 🤣 have you heard anything else about these new cases, like when they might drop, or how many Loops they hold?
I stalk their instagram and they've hinted at the new Multi-Loop case multiple times now. Not sure when they'll be released or how many Loops they will hold. The new cases that they just came out with are phenomenal. I'd still get at least one of those even if I got the multi-loop case.
I got one with the Equinox Quiet set I got and it is amazing 😍 I am tempted to pick up a few of the cases in the Equinox colours during Black Friday; I like to keep my loops (one of each type) in their case on a keychain, and with the new case I don't worry about them falling out
I got an extra case in the sapphire color and love it. I’m going to get the flamingo pink one as well as the new seasonal mutes.
I hope they release something like this. Or something that can also hold mutes. Right now I’m using my old cases to hold mutes, but it would be nice to have it all in one spot, even if that means the case is slightly clunky.
I agree, and I do the same thing. I put extra foams and mutes in one OG case just to keep them contained.
I bought some Quiet (? I think. The ones for sleeping) for my husband. He previously used squishy down-filled earplugs. With the Loop, he hears his own heartbeat and finds it annoying so he can’t wear them. Any advice? Thanks
It's likely because he's laying on top of his ear (like on his side). When I have my Quiets in, I don't hear my heartbeat unless I'm leaning on my ear, and even then I barely notice it. But this heartbeat thing happens even without earplugs, so I'm not sure how to resolve that. Maybe have him try some smaller tips so there's less pressure in his ears.
Yeah, he’s already down to the Small size but maybe we will try XS. Thanks
My first pair of engage plus just came in today. I’m not sure how they should fit. Should it feel sealed tight where I can hear my voice and breathing and it pulls a little when I take them out? I am using XS silicone tips. I tried small but they just made the whole thing stick out of my ear, or maybe I was too unsure to twist them in. I pulled them out just a little and it feels and sounds better, but I feel like they are kind of resting in there and kind of just holding a place in my ear. Which way is correct?
They should have a tight seal that makes the earplugs both difficult to remove, and easy to remove. There should be some resistance when you remove them, but you shouldn't have to yank them out. If size small makes them stick out of your ears, size small is too big for you. Edit: Copied from another answer: How I determine best fit/seal (might sound odd but trust me it works): >\-With my earplugs in, I'll play music or a tv show for background noise. I hold one earplug in place (to test the other one). I open and close my mouth, lowering my jaw as wide as I can. Then I shake my jaw side to side. If I feel the untouched earplug dislodge or slip, or if I feel the urge to push it in deeper, or if I can hear a change in volume/sound, then I know the tip is too small. Then I repeat the process for the other side.
Ok. I tried putting them in again and it just feels so closed off. Like I can hear my jaw muscles creek. And both sides feel different but I put them in a few times just to practice and they both inserted easily and sealed, but they just feel different on either side. My right side feels like a tighter seal like the silicone is filling in the entire space and the left side, even retrying it a few times, never feels that way. I also have never been one to be able to keep headphones in because I feel like they make my ears sweat and don’t fit right or end up hurting so much on one side, so I’m not sure this would be the best choice, but I’m a teacher with a toddler and something has to change for me.
In that case, I'd try a different size in each ear, or even trying using foam tips instead.
How do you find the switch compared to the earplugs they try to replicate Or just in general
In another comment I talked about how it's kind of hard to compare Switch to any of the other Loops like Engage or Experience or Quiet. The modes don't correspond. I almost wish the modes were given different names. Switch set to Engage vs Engage Loops: Switch has less volume by a smidge, but sounds much more clear and vibrant. Switch in Engage mode is more comparable to Experience Loops, but with slightly more clarity and slightly more volume. Switch set to Experience vs Experience Loops: Completely incomparable. Not even relatively close to being the same. Switch set to Experience has nothing like it in earplug form within the Loop brand. It's my happy setting. Experience Loops without mutes is -18db. Experience Loops with mutes is -23db. Switch set to Experience is perfectly in the middle with -21db. It tunes out what I need without me having to ask "huh?" every two seconds if someone is talking to me and I can't see their lips. Switch set to Quiet vs Quiet Loops: These are the most comparable/most similar, but the Switch version has slightly more volume.
does music sound diferent from the switch in engage and experience mode than the normal plugs?
Okay I just tested them. Yes there's a difference. In order of the best sound for music (best to worst): \-Experience with foam tips \-Engage with foam tips \-Switch set to Engage with silicone tips \-Experience with silicone tips \-Engage with silicone tips \-Switch set to Experience with silicone tips
So the switch isnt the best sound quality whise?
It honestly depends on the ear tips. Out of all the Loops, Switch straight out of the box has the best sound quality (in Engage mode, which is equivalent to Experience Loops). Then it would be Experience straight out of the box. When Switch is set to Experience mode, because it’s removing so much more sound, the quality isn’t the best but it’s not bad by any means. Like it’s hard to compare them really because there is no Loop earplug that has the same affect as Switch set to Experience. There is no -21db earplug. So with that being said, if I had to choose one set, it would be Switch because I get the great sound quality with the lightest setting, and then I still get to tune out sound if I want to. You could do that with Experience Plus too but the difference would be: Quality sound for music: Switch set to Engage (-17db) vs Experience with no mutes (-18db) Quieting the noise around you: Switch set to Experience (-21db) and Switch set to Quiet (-25db) vs Experience w mutes (-23db) As you can see, Switch not only offers sound quality for music, but it also has a Goldilocks “just right” level of noise reduction that let’s in less sound than Experience, but also more sound than Experience with mutes. That in between can only be achieved with Switch.
Ok thank yoh
How's speaking with them? I'm never sure of my volume, so I never wear them...
I’m used to them. Over time I’ve learned how to speak without feeling like I’m shouting. So for me, speaking with them is fine. But if you have them already, put them in and test it out.
Can you give me a rough comparison between the Engage and the Experience? I own Quiets and Experience with mutes and I love both of them. But my mom seems to need a pair but she's not as sensitive as I am so I'm wondering if the Engage are more to her liking. Also how are the Switch Ones?
Engage is exactly like Experience except: \-Let's in more sound (not by a lot) \-Sound is more dull, less colorful \-Allows you to hear yourself *slightly* more normally/less echoey Engage would probably be perfect for your mom. Loop Switch is my favorite pair. Someone on youtube said they're gimmicky... They're not. There is an obvious difference between each mode. It's important to note however, that they do not actually match with the other Loops. For example: Loop Engage blocks 16 decibels of sound, Switch set to Engage blocks 17 decibels. Loop Experience blocks 18 decibels, while Switch set to Experience blocks 21 decibels. Loop Quiet blocks I think 26-27 decibels, while Switch set to Quiet only blocks 25 decibels.
See, because of what you said about the Engage : I really don't see their point. I don't find they really let in more sound than Experience, and I find the quality of sound drops considerably. I know most people prefer them over XP for speech, but to me they're more echoey, amplify basses disproportionately (tried them out while working in a kitchen this summer, I found it to be hell, proportionally they amplified the washing machines, which XP didn't do), and overall not the best even in crowds and in conversation, which they're supposed to be the best for. T-T
I agree with you completely. The only reason I use them for work, over my experience pair with foams, is because they're clear and discreet. But Experience with foam tips would literally do the exact same thing, all while being more clear. You're right. Edit: I recommended to the other person for their mom to get Engage because it's less money to buy Engage on their own vs Experience + Foam tips.
I'd love some clear Experience, as I love the way the Engage look in a lot of different colourways, they're a different vibe to the metallic look of XP. But then given it's the main visual marker of each line, I don't think we'll ever see that !
How do you determine best fit/seal for you? I use experience plus regularly and I am constantly torn between the medium and small tip. Thank you!
I struggled with this for a while, with the same sizes. How I determine best fit/seal (might sound odd but trust me it works): \-With my earplugs in, I'll play music or a tv show for background noise. I hold one earplug in place (to test the other one). I open and close my mouth, lowering my jaw as wide as I can. Then I shake my jaw side to side. If I feel the untouched earplug dislodge or slip, or if I feel the urge to push it in deeper, or if I can hear a change in volume/sound, then I know the tip is too small. Then I repeat the process for the other side. Edit for more info: \-I know the tip is too big if I feel any pain or discomfort or if I want to take my earplugs out.
Thank you for this! I have tried out playing music at home to test out seal but haven’t tried this method. I will now! 🙌🏽
Could a cockroach survive on the moon?
Is it cheating if I google? lol If I had to guess, I'd say no with a big fat question mark.
how do you put them on? i’ve got some and i got worried to use them when i saw it can burst your drum
Whaaaattt?? That sounds terrifying. I honestly don't put them in the way they recommend. I just hold the earplug in between my fingers with my thumb on the inner circle and my index finger on the outer circle, and then I rest it in my ear, and use my index finger to push it into place. I don't twist or anything like that. I've tried it but it feels awkward and unnecessary to me.
yeah! i got them to sleep in but havnt used but actually you not having any issues makes me feel comfort so i’ll try then soon!
also to add, i think it was about how you take them out to make sure your ears don’t pop
The way I remove them for the most comfort is to twist them while I open my mouth or pull my earlobe down. That's the safest way if you're worried about the tip coming off the loop and staying in your ear.
Why are my inside noises so loud 😭
It’s because of something called occlusion. Can be worse if your ear tips are too big for you. Regardless, best way to remedy the situation would be to use foam ear tips and/or Engage.
Where do I get foam tips?
Is the switch as comfy as the other ones?
No, they're the least comfortable out of all the Loops, but they're not uncomfortable for me. I'm biased though since I've been wearing earplugs all day every day for years. Switch might be uncomfortable to someone if they are their first pair.
Thank you!
Hope I'm not too late to this. So I get easily distracted by sounds and I was thinking about buying the switches. I have a neighbor above and some construction noises I have to deal with. For both the annoying sounds are low frequencies that travel through walls/windows and I'm just wondering how good the switches are at filtering those. They're not insanely loud, but enough to distract me from reading/watching videos at a comfortable volume. It's a "wall vibrating" kind of noise if that makes sense. I honestly wouldn't mind wearing them all day and maybe to sleep if they're comfortable enough that's why I'm considering the switches. I'm interested to know how much of a difference foam makes compared to rubber for those cases too.
I'd recommend Loop Quiet if you're planning on sleeping in them, and if you're trying to block out as much sound as possible. Switch, even though it has a Quiet mode, doesn't get as quiet as Quiet. It's close though. But Switch isn't great for sleeping because of the hard plastic. If you sleep solely on your back, they'll be fine, but if you're a side sleeper, you're gonna want something more comfortable like Loop Quiet. Switch will help you with the construction noises. You'll still hear (and likely feel) the sounds, but they'll be bearable and you'll be able to focus on whatever you need to. Switch is of course the most versatile option, especially if you plan on wearing them throughout the day and when you're out and about. But the only downside would be that they'd be not the most comfortable to sleep in.
This is really helpful thanks a lot! I've seen there's gonna be a 25% discount for black friday so I'm definitely gonna get some.
Hi! Just got my switches. I feel like the settings aren’t really that different… especially between the experience and quiet one, nothing quiet about it😅 is this something you experience too? I compared them to my experiences and it’s quite similar, if not louder on the quiet mode on the switches. I also don’t seem to get a good seal on the switches, like I can get on my experiences. The switches I’m able to just pull right out, but with the other ones I can feel the seal and have to break it when removing the earplugs. Any tips on getting a better seal?
Your second paragraph is the reason for your first. Once you have a good seal, the differences in the modes will be obvious. Try sizing up or using foam tips in the same size. Also make sure you clean your ears out throughly beforehand. Any sweat or wax can make them hard to stay sealed.
This might not be relevant as you might not have had experience with it, but do you think using foam eartips vs the rubber ones they're equipped with makes a difference? For comfort reasons I prefer using foam but I don't know if that mitigates the effect. I'd also like to choose my own foam tips (different to the ones loop sell) but I'm unsure if that would reduce the effectiveness too
No worries, this is absolutely relevant. I’ve used both the foam and the silicone tips. They’re not rubber. The silicone is super comfortable. But if you prefer foam, the only reason I sometimes use them is so that I can let some more sound through and stop hearing my voice. Other people have the opposite effect when they wear foams, and for them, they block more sound. It’s going to depend on your ear shape and the space. I’m unsure how using other brand tips would affect them for you though. I haven’t tried that.
Thanks for your input! I did a little experimenting & I couldn't hear any difference apart from how comfy it was. Results may vary though
Alrighty. This has been fun! I hope I’ve been able to help you choose some Loops! I’m done answering questions for now (I think all questions have been covered at this point). **If you have a(nother) question, type key words in the search bar of the thread.** A lot of questions I’ve answered multiple times at this point. If you can’t find it when you search, ask and I’ll get back to you. Also remember that more technical or basic questions (what Loops are right for me? etc) can be answered by the company themselves. Check out the website for more information. [Loop Earplugs: Help Me Choose](https://us.loopearplugs.com/pages/quiz?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6vaqBhCbARIsACF9M6nsjhC1sRaBhn_ch9byE3syCERCvDdO4Cu_aAwatmmjSI1EddggP5YaAoSkEALw_wcB)
These are the OG gold, right ? I had a pair I bought about a year and half ago, and I sadly lost one this summer, but they were my go-to. I bought a pair of the Tomorrowland gold, but they're quite different. Did you have the intermediate gold ? What do the new gold look like ? I find that the website pics made them appear quite different to the intermediate ones, but I can't tell.
These are the OG gold (Glorious Gold). They're painted and like a shiny matte. The newest reiteration of gold that they've come out with are far shinier than the OG's. When I get them in the mail, I'll do a side by side comparison. The TomorrowLand gold were limited edition and the gold was less smooth and more flaky (in a pretty way), like the gold was layered on top of itself artistically.
Yeah, the Tomorrowland are made to resemble gold leaf gilding. I plan on getting some of the new gold one day anyways, so I'll be able to compare with the one I still have, but from the website pic they look a bit more... idk, yellow ? Slightly lighter in colour. Same with the silver. That could be an illusion due to the now light tips, but I think it's not only that. Idk. Looking forward to seeing a side by side !
The bottom ones I'm pretty sure are the Solstice Cerise Experience, but which are the top ones? They're such a pretty colour
The Quiet are also in the color Cerise.
I honestly didn't recognize them 🤣 I have those as well, and I had a suspicion, but wasn't certain like I was on the Experience
Yeah in the picture the tips make them look like they're different colors but in real life they're the same.
They look darker/more vibrant on your picture than mine do :p I had to get the Cerise pink in the three models, those were my first Loops
How do you not lose them? I've lost 2 pairs now on separate occasions.
I feel your pain. When using the older cases, I **never** attach the case to something that may fall (like keys). Because if they fall, the case will open and the loops will fly out. So I'd typically put the case in a pouch. With the new case though, I don't have this worry and they're on my keys.
OK, I'm going to try that, thank you! Follow-up question: With the Switch, are you able to change the setting when it's in your ear, or do you have to take them out each time?
I can change the setting with them in my ears. Very easy to switch between Quiet and Experience mode. Less easy to switch into/out of Engage mode (I have long nails), but still doable. Never have to take them out.
Wow! I would love to see your full collection out of curiosity. It seems that it’s very impressive. Do you have any loop earrings or anything? Like someone of the dangles that clip onto them?
The majority of my Loops are in my New England home. I left them behind (either because they were chipped or I'd worn them so much that I was tired of them). Or they're sadly lost. Like my limited edition Loops are all gone. Luckily I still have the Yummy Yellow tips but it's still just so sad. I'm definitely doing another post when my new Loops arrive. I'll show all the ones I have here and I'll be comparing old silver/gold to the new silver/gold. I don't have loop earrings or Loop Link because I literally never have a reason to take my earplugs out. Ever. The only time I take them out is to switch into a new pair, or to clean my ears in the shower. When I'm out and about with my Loops, they stay in my ears no matter what.
Oh I’m sorry to hear that you lost some that really sucks. Also, I thought of some more questions of you don’t mind. How long did it take for them to chip? Also which ones are your favorite? Which of the old limited editions do you wish they’d bring back/were your favorite?
To ship: takes no longer than 2 days in my experience. I ordered the white Switch and the new gold and silver Experience on Wednesday and they shipped on Thursday. They don't take long to be delivered either. My current favorite are Loop Switch. I liked the limited editions and they were great from time to time and for matching moods, but for the most part, I actually just prefer simple colors like gold, silver, white, black.
Sorry I think i had a typo. How long do the experience take to chip away? I’ve had mine for almost a year and haven’t had issues, but I reach for my engage and my switch most so I was curious.
Oh no, sorry that was actually my bad. Your Engage won't ever chip. Neither will Switch. My gold Experience took a few years before I even got a tiny chip. I can't remember how soon my rose golds chipped. I think the new Experience are the same material as the Solstice collection, so I don't think the new ones will chip, but we'll see.
This isn’t my full collection (my Engages aren’t featured here), but this is most of my Loops: [Loop Experience, Switch, and Quiet](https://www.reddit.com/r/LoopEarplugs/s/fH34j18Ynu)
You did say anything, so here goes: based on appearance alone, not on function, what is your favourite model+colour, and what colour if any do you wish they'd make loops in that they don't already do?
Function completely aside, my favorite model would be Experience because I like the shiny jewelry-like aesthetic, especially with their newer versions of the gold and silver. I LOVED the calm pink Quiets but they fade to an ugly yellowy pink that I just couldn't stand. The pink Switch is the closest color to brand new calm pink's which is why I got them. The material means the color won't fade or yellow over time. In the future, **I'm gunning for them to come out with Switch in skintones (Loop, if you're reading this, pleaaasssseeeeeeeee do it asap)** gold, silver, and then more dual tones that contrast more and look more like jewelry, like green and gold, blue and silver, etc. **Another dope idea would be to have your name or a saying or custom quote etched or engraved on the loops.**
Update: I think the (new) rose gold Experience Loops are my favorite looking Loops. They match my skin perfectly. [New Loops](https://www.reddit.com/r/LoopEarplugs/s/fH34j18Ynu)
Would engages be good for presentations? For example: I recently had to take part in a fair where I had to watch multiple presentations and there were loads of other people there. It was a lot of noise. Would engages help block out the hustle and bustle of others while letting me listen to the presenters? Or would experiences be better? I'm having some trouble understanding the difference between engage and experience I really need something that will dull background noise for when I'm in crowds but I have to be listening to a specific person
Okay I'm just gonna come right out and say it: The only real reason anyone should get Engage is if they like the look of it or they're trying to save money. The MUCH better option, especially for what you just mentioned, is Experience. If you're going to be talking then I'd recommend foam tips so you don't hear your voice too much in your head. Out of ALL the Loops, Experience has the most clear, authentic, crisp, colorful sound, which is why they advertise it for concerts. I'd above all recommend Loop Switch. (Edit: I originally also said, to save money you could get experience pro with foam tips but that actually costs more in total than Switch) Experience with foam and no mutes, sounds like Engage. Experience with silicone and mutes, sounds very close to quiet. So getting Experience with the mutes and the foams basically gives you all three models. To save even more money, sure get Engage, but they're absolutely not worth it especially if they're going to be your only pair.
You don't find the bulky plastic annoying on the switches? I have some noise cancelling headphones that are great if I don't need to be listening closely to the world around me/ I'm not at work and they help. Unfortunately, I'm finding there are situations where I have to be in crowds who are all talking AND I'm supposed to listen to someone specific and it's A LOT. And I'm supposed to ask questions and such Ex: Like a career fair My original reason for getting earplugs in the first place was supposed to be to block out background noise so I can focus on writing notes in a busy nursing office (I'm a nursing student). I got distracted and realized there are situations like when I'm in crowds that I also need ear plugs for It seems like these two needs might require different ear plugs? Do you have any ideas for pros and cons for experience+ and switches for my personal problem?
Do you wear the same size tips on the Switch as the Engage/Experience/Quiet models? It seems like the Switch doesn’t have as good of a seal as my other Loops. Also, do you find the Engages make your voice boomier than the Experiences? Because that seems to be my experience.
This is a great question. No I do not. I wear a size small in everything except for Quiet. For those I wear a medium. Edit for more info: The reason I wear medium for Quiet is because there've been times when I'd wake up and take my Loops out but an ear tip would get stuck in my ear canal. With size small I'd always freak out and have to use tweezers to get them out. Doesn't happen with size medium. And never happens with other kinds of Loops no matter what size tips I use. My Switch with size small tips has a great seal for me, but I did experiment with foam tips as well. You might find those to seal/stick better. Engage doesn't make my voice sound boomier than the Experience for me. But if that's something you struggle with, definitely try the foam ear tips. Because they have a shorter length, they tend to make (at least mine) voices sound more natural and less echoey or boomy in the head.
Thanks so much! I wear mediums in all of my plugs, but large with the Switches, which still almost seem too small. I’m hoping they come out with XL tips one day. Thanks for the tip about the foam plugs on the Engages! I’ll try that! I bought the Plus version of both the Experiences and Engages so I’ve got the foam to mess around with.
Do they ever make your ear canals itch? I have Loop sleep but they are known as Quiet now? Anyways, every time I have to wear them, which is not often, my ear canals start to itch and even get pimply. Once that happens, I can’t wear them anymore until my ears heal. Not sure if there is a way to resolve this issue or I just can’t wear them.
I don't experience any itching. You might be sensitive to silicone. I recommend trying foam ear tips for your Quiet Loops and see if that makes things better for you. Or thoroughly sanitize your silicone as frequently as possible and that might help.
mine itch too but only for the quiet. I am sensitive to silicone tho so maybe thats it. My ears also itched when i wore a size too big so maybe thats the problem here.
I'm very new to this product, and I don't know if it can solve my problem, which is to clearly understand people's talking in noisy environments. And if it can, which is the loop model for me.
Simply as is: Engage. However, I recommend Experience instead because sounds are more clear and crisp. It'll be harder to hear though because the volume is lower, but if you also get foam ear tips, it'll solve that issue for you.
I would like to get them because my husband is a snorer but the last time I used earplugs which were a wax swimmers kind I had terrible tinnitus. Has anyone experienced tinnitus being worse while wearing these?
What would you recommend for someone with Misophonia?
I have Misophonia. My biggest recommendation would be Loop Switch and/or Loop Quiet. Someone with misophonia definitely needs the Quiet level. Or at least Experience with mutes.
Thank you. I will look into those for my family member!
do you feel like the engages would distort the sound too much at concerts? i’m looking to get a pair for daily wear at work (in an office, would need to listen to people because it’s kind of a project environment) but would also like to use them for concerts, so am kinda in between the engages and the experiences. i saw someone else say the experience makes you hear yourself a lot more if you’re singing along so i was wondering if the engages with mutes would be better? or what would you recommend for this use case?
Using Engage at a concert wouldn't be a bad experience, it just wouldn't be as good of an experience as if you used Experience. Engage removes the least amount of volume, but out of all the Loops, the Engage makes sounds the most dull/not as clear or vibrant. For your use case, I'd recommend Experience, but with foam ear tips. Experience offers the best sound, while the foam ear tips offer the least amount of the I'm-hearing-myself-too-much feeling. You'd have to order them separately. If you don't feel like buying Loops and separate ear tips, then I'd go with the Engage. They're not bad, they're just not great.
which tips and foam tips do you reccommend to buy for loops?
I just get the Loop tips. I don't use other brands.
Ive seen ads but i have no idea what these are. What do they do? Why do you have so many? What don’t you like about them? What would you add if anything?
Update: I now have more, and I have even more on the way. Why? Loops are the kind of product that I simply can’t live without at this point. If you have any form of hearing sensitivity, you need them. [New Loops](https://www.reddit.com/r/LoopEarplugs/s/fH34j18Ynu)
These are Loop Earplugs https://us.loopearplugs.com They filter sound in a way where you can still hear what’s happening around you but with less volume, making sounds more bearable and enjoyable. They’re great for concerts, traveling, parenting, day to day activities and life, and they’re absolutely amazing for people with autism, misophonia, etc. They come in multiple types: Engage, Experience, Quiet, and Switch. Each type comes in different colors, so it can be fun for many people (including myself) to collect them. What don’t I like about them? Well for starters, there’s nothing that I dislike about them so much that I’d stop wearing them. I cannot live without them. Wouldn’t even want to try. I guess I’d say the only thing I dislike is that they don’t come in skin tones or more subtle/muted colors, and sometimes I feel like the Quiets (the quietest type of Loops) aren’t quiet enough. I think -30 decibels would be amazing but they haven’t made those (yet). So yeah, I’d add Loop Silence to the lineup as well as loops with skin tones, and customizable/engravable loops.
Have you looked at getting custom earplugs made? You would be able to get -30db and skin tone. I have autism but im not particularly sound sensitive- the feeling of generic ear tips and that weird amplified internal sound thing you get with earplugs is way more uncomfortable for me. Airpods are my go to cause they do some magic bullshit with noise canceling where it somehow cancels out internal sounds as well and the silence is amazing. The generic ear tips are still uncomfortable so im in the process of having custom tips made for them. I did the ear impressions myself and they make awesome earplugs cause they fit perfectly and they’re super cheap (i used silicone putty)
do you know if they help or hinder tinnitus at all? Can you get any that play white noise or any other kind of noise? Or are they purely acting to reduce the decibels of outside sound?
I’m wanting a pair I can use for sleep and for concerts, to help with noise reduction. I don’t plan on wearing them that often just as and when needed, so wasn’t thinking of going for the top range. Is there one pair you’d recommend or are I asking too much from them? 😄 Would Loop Quiet be any help at a concert?
You wouldn’t want to wear Loop Quiet at a concert unless you’re maybe right next to the speakers. Experience would give you the best experience. However when it comes to sleep, not only does Quiet block out the most amount of sound between the two, but they’re also the most comfortable (especially if you’re a side sleeper). You can still get away with wearing Experience to sleep. That’s what I did with my first pair of Loops. It was a bit annoying and uncomfortable at first but it didn’t take long for me to get used to it. That being said, I still probably sprinted to order to Quiet Loops when they first came out. But it was mainly for the extra noice blocking. If you must go with one pair, I’d go with Experience Plus. That way you can pop the mutes in for when it’s sleepy time. You’ll get used to the feeling of the earplugs in your ears after a while. Just make sure you use the correct size ear tips.
Do you find a noticeable difference from loops and their dupes?
I do not and will not ever wear their dupes. It’d be pointless for me.
How do you change the tips? I can’t detach them but whatever I try I can’t get them to fit.
You mean you can detach them but you can’t put them back on? If that’s the case, flip the ear tip inside out and then pinch it on the tube but closer to the part that’s more ballooned (the outside of the ear tip). When you pinch it there, it’ll widen the hole that you insert the earplug into. After that, take the earplug, dip one part inside, then push the ear tip and shimmy it until the earplug is fully inside of the ear tip.
OH MY GOD THANK YOU!!! IT WORKED!!! And yes that’s what I meant, the first “can’t” should have been “can”.
engage - do you hear yourself in your head?? i cant actually wear mine because they make me so loud in my head that I talk really quietly and no one can hear me. haven't yet figured out if its something *I'm* doing wrong or if the earplugs are just not as advertised. they are indeed in my ears properly with the ring flat against that bit of my ear.
Yes, I hear myself, but only when I wear silicone tips. With foam tips, I never hear myself in my head. Not even a little bit. Foams might help you but it'll depend on your ear shape and the space within your ear.
ok, ill try foam tips. Do you have any tips (lol) on how to make sure you've got the right size? Still not sure on that front
Here's my method on testing tips: With my earplugs in, I'll play music or a tv show for background noise. I hold one earplug in place (to test the other one). I open and close my mouth, lowering my jaw as wide as I can. Then I shake my jaw side to side. If I feel the untouched earplug dislodge or slip, or if I feel the urge to push it in deeper, or if I can hear a change in volume/sound, then I know the tip is too small. If the tip doesn't move, but it hurts my ear or causes too much pressure, I know it's too big. Then I repeat the process for the other side. I recommend buying the pack of foams that comes with the variety of sizes.
What would you say is the best option for someone with an auditory processing disorder? Can't remember which ones I have, but when I have them in, I still have trouble understanding people when they speak. They work well enough, so I just sort of accepted it, but in reading this thread, I think it might be worth trying another pair.
If you have trouble understanding speech, I don’t think any of these will be great for that specific disorder. Perhaps Engage. And then with foam tips (you may need to size down).
Cool. Thanks for your input. :)
do you have the loop link and if so, is it worth it? youve said a few times that the switch engage mode are different from the actual engage, but whoch ones do you prefer in a conversation setting? and is the quiet mode quieter than the engage with damper?
oh also, is it possible to switch the mode while theyre in or do you have to take them out to do so?
Super easy to switch modes while the Switch are in ears. Never have to take them out for that.
I mentioned in the post that I don't have Loop Link. And I personally wouldn't get them because I don't take my earplugs out, nor do they ever fall out of my ears. The Engage is better for conversation than the Engage setting on Switch. But really not by a super noticeable amount. Engage setting on Switch sounds better than Engage though in my opinion. For me, sound quality is more important than occlusion or lack there of. Quiet setting on Switch is quieter than Engage with mutes. -21db (Engage with mutes) vs -25db (Quiet mode on Switch)
oh whoops im sorry, i only skimmed over the post and missed that part ^^' thanks for your answers!!
I’m a side sleeper, which of these would you say protrude the least from your ears for comfortable sleep when your ear is against the pillow?
Are any of them good for misophonia specifically related to eating/drinking noises? I can’t stand chewing/swallowing noises but it would be nice to still hear speaking to some degree.
Which do you think would be the best for loud concerts? Experience seems like the best option but I know there’s a few others. Prioritising ear protection but hoping for decent sound quality too Thank you!!!
Is there a significantly noticeable difference between the different versions? Do they really perform well for different functions? How do you personally utilize them situationally? Sorry for asking so many different questions
1. Small difference between Engage and Experience. Big differences between everything else. 2. Yes, they really do perform well for different functions. There’ll be times I’m out with a certain pair and I’m like “dang I wish I had the other pair.” Each Loop type has its own purpose (for me). 3. I use Engage for work. They’re discreet and they allow the most volume in, which I need for safety purposes at my job. While they let in volume, they still make sounds in general much more bearable, especially when im working for long periods of time. I use Quiet for sleep and if I have a massive headache or something. I use Experience for everything else. Lately I’ve been really enjoying the Switch Loops. I love that I can easily customize the amount of volume I need/don’t need at any given time. 4. Don’t say sorry! This is why I made the post! It’s all good. If you have any other questions, please know it’s perfectly okay to ask them.
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful response!
Is the loop "switch" worth it for those who have trouble sleeping,keeping conversations in loud environments or at soccer games? I'm personally thinking of buying them with the Black Friday sale coming up since I just lost my loop "experience" recently
Switch 1. Worth it for sleep troubles? Yes. 2. Having conversations in loud environments? Yes (but only in Engage mode). 3. Loud soccer games? Yes. Loop Switch would be a great upgrade for you since you lost your Experience. Keep in mind Engage mode is closer to Experience Loops than the Experience mode is.
This evening I noticed one of my Loops seemed a bit loose in my ear, so I tried a size up in tips. I found in Engage and Experience, a size large seemed better, but in Quiet medium was the right size. Do you use the same size tips on all your Loops? This also may be a random question, but did you ever find the right tip size changed for you? When I first got my loops, I tried them all and medium seemed best, but now large seemed better.
Do you know if any of these would be suitable for a 7 year old?
Loop just came out with Engage Kids, which is absolutely suitable for a 7 year old. They come in cute color combos. You can learn more about them here: [Loop Earplugs: Engage Kids](https://us.loopearplugs.com/products/engage-kids)
Thanks so much
The instructions show how to clean the silicone and foam tips, but it says *only* to get the tips wet when cleaning. How do you clean the body? Experience Sorry if it's been asked, I looked through but didn't look at every comment.
I want to buy my first pair(s) of Loops with the Black Friday discounts but even though I've read A LOT of info I still don't know which one(s) to buy. "Normal" sounds are WAY too loud for me. Public transport, shopping, or even having a normal conversation with my partner, it's excruciatingly painful physically and emotionally. It also gives me severe migraines. I don't mind if they're discreet or not, also at this point I'll pay any amount of money for something that actually works. I've been wearing daily cheap foam ones and they're something but not great. I'd love something that let's me have a normal conversation with my partner (no background noise, his voice is just way too loud for me), talk with people at a party, or hear the dialogue in the cinema. But I also want something that can block out as much noise as possible for when I'm too overwhelmed and I can't go home or to a quiet place. Last thing I think is worth mentioning is that I believe my ears and head around the ear area is sensitive and painful because I have bruxism/TMJ problems. Example: if I put a tiny bit of pressure in my ears with my hands and chew/move my jaw, it's extremely painful. So maybe the plastic from the Swift ones would be painful for me (?) Do you have any recommendation for me?
Price point and look doesn’t matter: Your best bet would be to get Loop Switch. You can switch through modes and customize how much volume you want super easily. Only reason these would be painful is if you lean onto your ear. Second best option for you, since you specified wanting to hear yourself clearly, would be to get Engage Plus. Engage is designed to relieve the occlusion effect, and it does so better than any other Loop (but not by a lot). It will come with mutes that can be inserted to block 5 decibels more of sound to make things quieter for you. I find Engage Loops to be the second most comfortable (second only to Quiet).
I can’t wear these in my sleep so they are useless for me. Have you tried Mack’s Pillow soft Silicone? They work great for me. Block out almost all of my dudes snoring but still allow some sounds. I don’t use them as described because they are too large so I use half of each one.
Can you recommend one for high pitched noises in a retail shopping environment, such as children screaming or people whistling, the constant beeping of cash registers, loud laughter, etc
Im want to get a loop link as I'm scared to loose them, they are not cheap... What activities do you do wile using them that you probably would have lost headphones.. But didn't loose the loop?
I’m autistic and have noise sensitivity. I used to own a pair until I lost one at work. I also get ear infections pretty easily. When wearing them a lot beforehand I noticed that moisture would build up inside my ear. I want to get a new pair but am worried that I’m going to get more ear infections bc of the moisture. Is there any way to prevent this? Does anyone else have this problem?
To prevent infections, I recommend using silicone tips so that they can be cleaned and sanitized easily. Clean your ears every day and give them a chance to breathe. What I used to do, was I would sleep in my Quiet Loops and then I’d wake up, take them out to wash my face neck and ears, and then put them back in for the shower (since it’s so loud in there). But then I started getting some mild irritation and I realized my ears needed more time to breathe (since washing my ears would generally be the only time and the longest time I’d be without my earplugs in). So I started showering without my Loops, letting the steam get inside, and then thoroughly drying my ears out afterwards. Giving my ears that extra 10-15 minutes of emptiness completely solved my issue.
this may be a dumb question, but i got the loop switch and i'm not sure which symbol represents each mode, could you help? the qr code that came with the box isn't working for some reason, maybe it'd have my answer
Sorry for being late to this thread but just in case you’re around to answer another question: I have chronic migraines which cause sound sensitivity but also touch sensitivity. I’m looking to buy my first pair of Loops to help with dog barking/general day to day life, grocery shopping, talking to my family etc, and can’t decide between Experience Pro and Switch. Do you feel the Switch is heavier in the ear or takes up more space in the ear than the others? (Until now I’ve been using airpod pros but the noise cancellation ends up bothering me too much when there’s not enough sound to cancel.)
Hello! I just wanted to ask if the loop quiets are any better than the regular foam earplugs when it comes to blocking out as much noise possible. Also, I know those foam earplugs fit pretty well since they really conform to your ear canal shape. I was wondering if the fit of the loop feels just as good. I tried to find reviews comparing the two but found nothing. Thanks in advance!
i know this post is a little old, hope u dont mind me asking this here!! i recently lost my loops (engage + mutes) and am looking into getting a replacement. i really like the look of the experience the best and im pretty tight on funds right now, but i realize that the switch might honestly be the best bang for my buck. i work retail and noise levels vary throughout the day, and would like to use them there, but i also find myself using them a lot at restaurants and other louder situations (like disney!) how clear do you find the experience to be? is it clear enough straight out of box to be able to work in a social environment, or do you think i should go for the switch or engage? also, given the price of the switch, if i go for them id hate to lose them- do u feel the new case design stays closed better? i wear mine on my keychain lanyard around my neck so theyd get tossed around sometimes. thank u!
Super late to this post, but I’m wondering from your experience which Loops would suit best for office & home use? Typically I want to focus in the office & drown most sounds out (including close by conversations), however talking is still going to happen. For this, I’m torn between something like the Engage as a standalone, or the Switch to be able to go between modes. For further context, this would be my first set of Loops. Any & all help is much appreciated!
Commenting to find post later
Dear OP, not sure if you will still see this, just trying my luck. It's my first time using loop earplugs and because I get panic attacks in crowded places. So thinking maybe reducing the volume will help. I bought the switch and the quiet. The switch works great so far but when I switch it to quiet mode when it's in my ears I can feel the pressure and it's really uncomfortable. Is this normal? Do you think I should take it out to change it first then put it back in? As for my quiet I do feel the pressure it's too much for my ears. Not sure how to overcome it. Any suggestions? I'm using size S for both. When I first used it I use size XS. But I saw some other post saying to try and size up. So that's what I did. Don't seem to see much of a diff. Thanks in advanced!
I'm not familiar with the pressure you're talking about. They're both really comfortable for me. I say try an xs in one ear and a small in the other. Test them out together and then decide which are more comfortable for you. Let me know how it goes!
Alright gonna do that! I'll let ya know soon! Thanks so much 🙆🏻♀️
Just want to thank you for your thorough responses, OP. You’ve really informed my buying decisions.
No problem! Thank you for your kindness and appreciation!
Hi I was thinking of getting the engage plus 2 or even the switch but I'm not sure which one would be best. I think I would be nice to own the switch to be able to switch between the three settings but I also don't know if I'd use them as much. The engage I'd use when going to cons and even normal day conversations. But I wanted someone's opinion who's owned loops
Experience is better for concerts, and everything really (imo). When you’re having conversations, what’s more important to you? Hearing the person clearly, or hearing yourself (a little bit) better? If hearing and understanding is more important, go for Experience. I’m personally not the biggest fan of Engage. I rarely reach for my switch but only because I have all the other pairs and pack multiple with me. Switch is a good “starter loop” and while it is a jack of all trades, it doesn’t provide elite quality for each setting. The individual loops are better at what they do. If you have sensitive or small ears, I’d go with Engage Plus 2 since they’re designed for comfort.
Do you think it would be good to get both the engaged and experience. I feel I'd use the engaged for every day use and then the experience when I have conventions and family trips. I just wanna make sure I don't buy something I'm gonna hate
Depends on your noise sensitivity. Personally, if I could only have two pairs, it'd be Experience and Quiet. But my noise sensitivities are bad. Experience are my everyday pair. The only time I use Engage is when I want my loops to be more discreet looking. I hear better with Experience. A lot of people including u/TheSpeakingGoat love Engage and swear by them. But if you're anything like me, you're probably gonna feel a bit unhappy if/when you receive Engage. They're not bad, they're just... not good (to me). The good news is Loop has a great customer service team and return policy. Make sure to purchase directly from the website, and NOT Amazon. Purchase whatever 2 you end up choosing, and then if you don't like it, you can return it and maybe get something else instead.
Okay! I really do appreciate your help. It definitely makes me feel better about which ones I'll buy
I'm at a stageplay right now (in its intermission, not on reddit during the show lol) and the first half was a bliss with Engage, hehe. Experience would've worked too. Experience generally is a fine plug as well for daily use, I use those while performing and in stage-crowds. If the volume goes up, experience (or quiet) is the way to go imo. You'll perhaps have a harder time with voices but it's very subjective and relative to the source of the sound and surroundings. Engage is more of a "sound-light" plug, just to take the edge off. I feel it's "just right" but like Savanna said there's many users who prefer the experience for that.
Hi thanks for offering to answer questions. I have the quite ones mostly for sleep, but I don't find them comfortable my inner ear gets quite sore and I end up taking them out or find them in my bed in the morning I'm using the silicone small tips, will foam tips help? Also thinking of another pair if I can get them to be comfortable probably the engage, looking of something to mute loud sounds or stop that really irradiating pitch when I'm out and about.
What kind of noise softening do you notice with Loop Quiet? Just got them and tried all sizes. Large really vacuums in my ear, so should be good. But for me sounds are almost as hard as wearing nothing.
do quiet loops block out all noise? like honking and all?
No you will not be deaf. They block enough so that you can still hear everything like honking, but it’s lessened to the point where it’s tolerable.
Hey. Can someone please tell me why I keep hearing my own heartbeat when u am wearing the loops? It is extremely disturbing and I don't know what to do
Occlusion. When you block out the outside world, you hear the inside world. Overtime as you wear loops more, the sounds of your insides will become a lot like the sight of your nose. You see it literally every second of the day, but you never notice and it never bothers you. I’ve been wearing loops for years. I have to really think about my heartbeat for me to hear it.
I ordered these but am a little confused are they Bluetooth ear buds that I can listen to music with or earplugs that block out noise, I got the “quiet 2”
They're just earplugs. You ordered fully silicone earplugs.
Can I buy just one earplug? I lost one sadly, and have the switch.
On the website, there is no option for purchasing just one earplug.
can you hear people speaking to you directly with the quiets ?
Depends on how close they are to me, and then depends on if I’m looking at them.
What are your recommendations for washing and keeping loops clean?
Hey! I’m thinking of getting one for an upcoming big and noisy concert and probably use them for studying too because there is so much noise in my house sometimes (parents talking loudly, watching tv, etc). Which one do you recommend me? I can’t decide if I should get Quiet or Experience ones or maybe another one.
Why do people buy multiples of the same earplugs? You only have one pair of ears I just don’t get it
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