We are excited to announce a brand-new product that you’ll want to keep stocked on your shelves—the Hear Hush Hoops earplugs. The design of the hoops is new to the market; where other hoops have a fully closed loop, the Hear Hush Hoops have an open loop, allowing for better fit and maximum comfort.
The market for earplugs shows strong numbers that continue to grow. Fortune Business Insights valued the U.S. earplugs market at $322.8 million last year, with a projected growth in 2025 to an estimated $332.6 million. By 3032, it’s expected to reach $595.5 million. Part of the reason for the growth in the market can be attributed to noise-induced hearing loss and the awareness the condition is garnering for needed hearing protection, especially in work industries like manufacturing, construction, and entertainment.1
Earplugs are used by a wide variety of customers for varying reasons, so the audience for the product is far-reaching. Unfortunately, part of this is due to the fact that millions of Americans are affected by hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) happens when the inner ear is damaged as a result of loud noises. NIHL can be caused by either a single sound that’s too loud, like a gunshot or firecracker, or by prolonged exposure to elevated noise levels, like someone who works in construction. Approximately 26 million adults between 20-69 are affected by NIHL.2 While some NIHL is permanent and can’t ever improve, other cases are temporary. It’s never a bad time to start protecting oneself from the onset or deterioration of NIHL.
One of the common places hearing problems occur is on the job. Not only that, but it’s one place where hearing protection can be better implemented. According to the Centers for Disease Control, just over half of workers exposed to loud noises report not wearing hearing protection.3 So individuals who are exposed to elevated levels of noise will benefit, like those who regularly work with heavy or noisy machinery, like farmers or construction workers, or a chef who is constantly around loud appliances like food processors.
In addition to those exposed to loud noise through work, people who find themselves in noisy environments for entertainment can also benefit, like those at sporting events or concerts. Earplugs with a lower NRR, or noise reduction rating, can allow some sound through so you can still hear music or overhead announcements while also blocking out some of that loud noise. Then there are those individuals who don’t necessarily need to block out loud noises, but just any noise in general—from students studying to people who are sleeping in loud environments and want to block out those noises to not disturb their sleep.
When we’re talking about loud noises, typically a single sound of over 120 dB, like a gunshot or firecracker, can damage hearing with a single sound. However, prolonged exposure to sound at or above 85 dB, like from a motorcycle engine, maximum volume on headphones, or power tools, can damage hearing over time.2
With such a wide audience of customers in need of earplugs, the product is a no-brainer. But what makes the Hear Hush Hoops different?
Unique design
The open-loop horseshoe shape is the first of its kind of material for earplugs. Designed with comfort in mind, the open loop allows the earplugs to more easily conform to your ear than existing closed-loop options. The ergonomic horseshoe design ensures a secure, pressure-free fit for extended wear, while soft, hypoallergenic silicone offers lasting comfort.
Easy to insert
Unlike foam earplugs, there’s no need to squeeze, roll and twist them until you get the shape you need to be comfortable in your ear. Just pop them into your ear and they stay in place.
Multiple size options
The earplugs come with four tip sizes, allowing you to find the one that is the perfect fit for your ear for any situation. It allows you to choose a tighter or looser fit depending on what you are using them for. Studying, working or reading? Choose a larger size for a tighter fit to tune out more noise. Going to a concert or sporting event? Opt for a smaller size that allows more sound to get through.
Other features that customers look for are that they are reusable, washable, and eco-friendly. They also come with a portable case. The 17 NRR helps block unwanted noise while maintaining awareness, which makes them ideal for anything from sleeping to traveling to attending loud events.
They’re made of silicone, which are the most popular kind material of earplugs, as they make up nearly 50% of U.S. earplug market share sales from 2024.1 As they’re reusable and can be cleaned, they are favored by those who are budget- or eco-conscious for their reusability. They’re also more durable than disposable ones and are more comfortable.
With earplugs such a versatile product to a wide audience, they’re an easy choice for anyone who wants an earplug that’s comfortable. From tuning out noise to concentrate to protecting hearing from prolonged exposure to loud noises, the Hear Hush Hoops help people enjoy peaceful moments anywhere. Follow what you know the industry is buying. The market is there. This new, uniquely designed product is one that your customers are going to want to help them tune out the noise.
References
1. Fortune Business Insights. U.S. Earplugs Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Material Type (Silicone, Wax, and Foam), By End-User (Personal Use and Commercial/Industrial), and Country Forecast, 2025-2032. https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/u-s-earplugs-market-110059
2. Cleveland Clinic. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21776-noise-induced-hearing-loss-nihl
3. Centers for Disease Control. Noise and Hearing Loss. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/noise/surveillance/overall.html
