What are some alternatives to noise canceling headphones for sleeping on airplanes and in noisy environments?
Last Updated: 21.06.2025 14:51
There are also metal insert eaplugs which have maximum protection, usually sold for target practice.
Some sound gets in through your skull, so for silence you need a helmet; but If you really want to shut down your ears you can combine over-ear headphones with earplugs or ear buds.
Earbuds with good seals (NOT the ones that come with your phone) also surpass noise cancellation. Music is optional. I do not recommend wireless earbuds, but some wired models have detachable cords so they don’t get tangled while sleeping. LIke earplugs, these are subject to wax buildup but cleaned ears keep the maintenence expense low for replacing the seals.
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Finally, I swear by premium full sized over-ear closed headphones with vinyl earpads. The earpads generally need to eb replaced every 5–10 years, but the wide band rejection is comparable to the metal earplugs and the music quality beats noise cancelling models. I use Beyerdynamic DT770M Pro to record symphony orchestras, chamber music and acoustic jazz - the sound quality is that good, and they also do a good job of blocking the sound of the subway on my way to and from concerts.
I always carry foam earplugs. When new, they are equivalent to noise cancelling headphones, but they are so cheap in bulk (buy the big jar) you can throw them away when they get wax buildup. I alwyas clean my ears after showering when the wax is soft, which extends the life of these and my next solution: