Boots Wax Earplugs are also known as Muffles Wax Earplugs and are part of the wide range of hearing protection products offered by the big name, high-street pharmacy. In this review we will be studying these earplugs to see how they compare against some of the other plugs offered by established earplug brands such as Ohropax and Quies.
Why Use Wax Earplugs?
Wax was one of the first materials used for earplugs and it is still used to this day due to its amazing sound-blocking abilities. Wax earplugs are moulded and fitted inside the ear (but not in the ear canal), reducing unwanted and disturbing noises. Whether you are being kept awake by your partner’s snoring or the noisy neighbours next door, wax earplugs will help to block unwanted sounds without causing irritation to your ears.
How to Properly Use Wax Earplugs
While wax earplugs can be effective, many users struggle with proper application. Here are some tips to get the most out of your wax earplugs:
- Warm the wax in your hands for 30-60 seconds before use. This makes it more pliable.
- Roll the wax into a ball, then flatten it slightly.
- Cover the outer ear opening, don’t push it into the ear canal.
- Gently press around the edges to create a seal.
- If needed, add small pieces of wax to fill any gaps.
Remember, wax earplugs are reusable but should be replaced when they become dirty or lose their stickiness. Clean your hands before handling them to extend their lifespan.
For those with sensitive skin, look for hypoallergenic options. Some brands offer wax earplugs infused with natural oils like tea tree or eucalyptus, which can provide a soothing effect.
What in a Box of Boots Wax Earplugs?
These Muffles earplugs come in a small box which contains 5 pairs of wax earplugs. What is initially striking is that the earplugs are not covered in cotton. This is unusual as most high-quality wax earplugs are held together by a knitted cotton frame which allows for extra mouldability and durability. Instead the earplugs are bare and take a cylindrical form rather than being round.
How Much Do Boots Wax Earplugs Cost?
A box of 5 earplugs costs £2.69 at Boots. This equates to 54p per pair which is reasonable and makes them cheaper than Quies Natural Wax Earplugs which work out at 66p per pair or Ohropax Classic Wax Earplugs which work out at 99p per pair. Noise-x wax earplugs are a cheaper option at 66p per pair.
The earplugs themselves are just under 22mm long, with a diameter of 11mm.
How Do They Perform?
Sound blocking is reasonably high. The box states that they have a NRR of 27 dB, which is good. However, when it comes to moulding them, we found these earplugs really tough to shape. Even with the warmest hands they were hard to mould into the correct shape to fit our ears. They did not feel comfortable enough to put into our ears! We did not like them and would not wear them.
Try Before You Buy
Choosing an earplug comes down to personal choice. What works for one person, does not for another. That’s why we always suggest that you “try before you buy” by investing in an earplug sample bag which will allow you to sample a wide range of earplugs before deciding on the one that suits you best. Wax earplugs are included in both our men’s and women’s earplug sample packs.
Another important thing to consider is the activity you will be participating in while wearing earplugs. Different activities require different levels of noise reduction. For example, if you are going to a concert, you may want to choose earplugs that are specifically designed for music, which will reduce the volume without distorting the sound quality. If you are going to be sleeping, you may want to choose earplugs that are designed to block out snoring and other loud noises.
It’s also important to consider the fit of the earplugs. Earplugs that are too big or too small can cause discomfort or not provide adequate protection. Some earplugs come in different sizes or can be custom-fitted to your ear.
At the end of the day, investing in a good pair of earplugs can save your hearing and improve your quality of life. So, try before you buy and find the perfect earplugs for your needs.
Photo by Zoom Health
Zoom Health is a leading UK supplier of Home Health Tests and Earplugs
This post was originally published in January 2021 and has been regularly updated since.
