For decades, earplugs were seen as clunky, uncanny tools for old rockers or safety nerds. Not anymore. Today, stylish hearing protection is everywhere: at concerts, clubs, and even offices. The shift isn’t just about fashion—it’s a survival story.
Context for this post: Angus MacCaull, a Toronto-based journalist and poet, lost a promising music career. At 16, he ignored early tinnitus warnings, ditched earplugs (too “embarrassing”), and lost his shot at becoming a world-class clarinetist. He tells his story in The Walrus.
Why it matters
Protecting your ears is no longer optional; it’s an essential lifestyle.
- 1.1 billion teens and young adults risk permanent hearing loss from unsafe noise exposure, per the World Health Organization. Tinnitus and hearing damage don’t just steal careers—they’re linked to dementia and mental health crises (anxiety, loneliness, depression).
- For years, foam plugs symbolized shame—until companies like Loop and EarPeace rebranded them as sleek, invisible, or even jewelry.
By the numbers
- $1.45M → $175M: Loop’s sales explosion (2020–2023), fueled by Gen Z’s demand for “volume control” in loud spaces.
- 3M+ pairs sold in 2023 alone—proof that “quiet” is now a status symbol.
The takeaway
Hearing protection went mainstream because it solved two problems: health risks and sensory overload. Musicians like Slipknot’s Jay Weinberg and Swifties at the Eras Tour now champion earplugs. Venues like Toronto’s Coda recommend them in their dress code.
Bottom line: Cool isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about staying sharp in a noisy world.
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