You just opened the box. They look cool—sorta like high-end jewelry or tech accessories rather than standard foam plugs. But then you try to shove them in and... nothing. They fall out. Or they hurt. Or they don't block any sound at all. Honestly, learning how to put Loop earplugs in is the biggest hurdle for most people, and it’s usually because we’ve spent years being told to "roll and squeeze" those cheap neon yellow foam ones. Loops don't work like that.
If you don't get the seal right, you've basically just got expensive plastic circles hanging off your ears.
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It’s frustrating. I get it. But once you nail the "reach, insert, twist" method, the world goes from a chaotic mess of noise to a manageable, curated experience. Whether you’re using the Experience for a concert, the Quiet for sleeping, or the Engage for social anxiety, the physics of the fit remain the same.
The secret is all in the "Twist"
Most people try to push them straight in like a button. Don't do that. Your ear canal isn't a straight pipe; it’s a curved, weirdly shaped organic tunnel. To get that acoustic seal—which is what actually lowers the decibels—you need to integrate the Loop into that curve.
First, grab the "loop" part between your thumb and index finger. You want the tip facing your ear. Now, here is the pro move: reach over your head with your opposite hand and pull the top of your ear (the helix) upward and slightly backward. This actually straightens the ear canal for a second. While you're holding it open, slide the ear tip in.
Once it’s in, twist the loop toward the back of your head.
Think of it like a key in a lock. As you rotate it, the silicone or foam tip seats itself deeper and the loop portion should nestle snugly into the concha of your ear—that's the little bowl-shaped part right outside the hole. When it's right, the Loop should sit relatively flat. If it’s sticking out like a Frankenstein bolt, it isn't in far enough, or you’re using the wrong size tip.
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Stop ignoring the extra tips in the box
We all have an ego about our ear size. I thought I was a "Medium" for years. Turns out, my left ear is a Medium and my right is a Small. Human bodies are asymmetrical and weird.
Loop ships their products (like the Loop Quiet 2 or Engage) with four different sizes of silicone tips: XS, S, M, and L. If you’re struggling with how to put Loop earplugs in, the issue is almost certainly the tip size.
- If they feel like they’re "popping" out after a few minutes, the tip is too big. Your ear canal is literally squeezing it out like a seed.
- If you don't hear a significant drop in noise, or they feel loose, the tip is too small. You aren't getting a seal.
- If your ears ache after 20 minutes, you definitely need to size down.
Swap them out. It’s a pain to wiggle the tips off the plastic stems, but it’s worth the five minutes of effort. Flip the silicone "skirt" inside out to get a better grip on the internal stem when pulling them off. It makes a world of difference.
Silicone vs. Foam: Which one is harder to fit?
The material matters. Most Loops come with silicone tips, but the "Quiet" model or the specialized "Pro" kits often include memory foam.
Fitting the foam ones requires an extra step. You have to roll the foam between your fingers to compress it before the insertion. Once it’s in your ear and you’ve done the twist, hold it there for about 10 or 15 seconds. The heat from your body causes the foam to expand and mold to your specific ear shape. Silicone is "instant," but foam often provides a better seal for people with irregularly shaped canals.
Why the "Engage" and "Experience" feel different
If you're using the Engage or Experience models, you might think you've put them in wrong because you can still hear people talking.
That’s actually the point.
These models use a patented acoustic channel and a mesh filter (frequently discussed by audiologists like those at the American Academy of Audiology) to mimic the natural resonance of the ear while dropping the volume. You should feel a slight "occlusion effect"—that's the "underwater" sound of your own voice—but it shouldn't be overwhelming. If your own voice sounds like it's booming inside your skull, you might have pushed them too deep, or you might need the "Engage" which is specifically designed to minimize that "head-in-a-barrel" feeling.
Common mistakes that ruin the experience
I see people wearing them "upside down" all the time. The loop should be tucked into the ear, not hanging down toward your jawline. If the circle is dangling, it’s not secure. It’ll fall out the moment you shake your head or start dancing at a show.
Another thing? Cleaning them. If you have any earwax buildup on the tips, they won't grip the skin of your ear canal. They’ll just slide out. Use a damp cloth to wipe the silicone after every few uses. Just don't submerge the Experience or Engage models in water—the filters are delicate and don't like getting soaked. The Quiet model is all silicone, so you can wash those with soap and water without any stress.
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Troubleshooting the "Pain Factor"
It shouldn't hurt. Period.
If you feel a sharp pressure, you're likely hitting the "bony" part of the ear canal. Back it off a little. The goal is a snug seal in the soft tissue area. Sometimes, a tiny bit of moisture (not much!) on the tip can help it slide into place if your ears are particularly dry, but usually, the "reach and pull" method mentioned earlier solves the entry angle issues.
Real-world testing
Take them for a "shake test." Put them in, do the twist, and then shake your head like you’re at a metal concert. If they wiggle, they aren't in right. If they stay rock solid, you’ve mastered it.
I've worn these on 12-hour flights and at front-row concerts. The difference between a "okay" fit and a "perfect" fit is about 10 decibels of protection. According to the CDC, prolonged exposure to noise above 70 dB can start to damage your hearing, and concerts often hit 100+ dB. Getting the fit right isn't just about comfort; it's about making sure the NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) is actually doing what it says on the box.
Actionable steps for a perfect fit
- Flip the silicone tips to ensure they are securely seated on the Loop stem before you even try to put them in your ear.
- Use a mirror the first five times. You need to see how the loop nests into your ear's "bowl."
- Size down if you feel pressure. Most people over-estimate how big their ear canals are.
- The "Ahhh" Test: Open your mouth wide once they are in. If the seal breaks, the tips are likely too small. The ear canal changes shape when your jaw opens, and a good fit should accommodate that movement.
- Store them in the case immediately after taking them out. These things are tiny and easy to lose if they aren't in your ears or their "puck."
Mastering how to put Loop earplugs in usually takes about three days of consistent use. Once your "ear muscle memory" kicks in, you’ll be able to pop them in and out in seconds without even thinking about it. No more fussing, just instant quiet.