Finding effective remedies for migraine can be a difficult journey, but there are options for preventing attacks and managing your symptoms. One option that might help with migraine symptoms is wearing earplugs before or during migraine attacks.

If you’re sensitive to sound during migraine attacks, earplugs can reduce noise and provide relief from noise-related pain. Wearing earplugs may also help in environments where changes in pressure or noise levels can trigger migraine attacks.

Members of MyMigraineTeam have discussed using earplugs in different situations. Conversations have focused on how earplugs can help diminish possible migraine attack triggers or cope with symptoms like noise sensitivity and pain.

One MyMigraineTeam member with weather-related headaches shared, “I woke up with a migraine due to the weather again. Earplugs help relieve the pressure somewhat.”

If you want to try wearing earplugs for migraine, there are several factors to consider. Here are five things to think about when choosing the right earplugs for your needs.

1. Material

The type of earplugs you choose can make a difference if you’re wearing the earplugs for migraine attacks. Different earplug materials impact how much noise you can hear, which can affect your level of migraine pain. The material an earplug is made of also affects how easily it can be molded to fit in your ears.

Wax

Wax earplugs can be molded to seal your ear canal and help block noise. While they don’t block as much noise as other types of earplugs, they allow you to hear important sounds if needed, which can be a safety feature. One MyMigraineTeam member with vestibular migraine shared, “I carry wax earplugs everywhere. I pop them in whenever I’m in a loud place (kids’ birthday parties, concerts, weddings, the mall, etc.).”

Silicone

Silicone earplugs can provide a more snug fit in the ear canal, helping to block out more noise during a migraine attack. They can be particularly helpful if noise is one of your migraine triggers.

Foam

Foam earplugs are effective at blocking noise, but it can be challenging to shape them to your ears at first. If you choose foam earplugs, practice fitting them into your ears before you experience a migraine. This way, you’ll know how to insert them comfortably when a migraine attack strikes.

Custom

Custom-molded earplugs are made to fit your ears perfectly, and you can choose the material based on how much noise you want to block. While they’re more expensive, custom earplugs may fit more comfortably and work better for managing migraine symptoms.

2. Noise Reduction Rating

The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is a way to measure how well earplugs block out noise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this rating indicates how much noise is blocked by a hearing protector, like earplugs, during lab testing. The higher the NRR, the more noise the earplugs can block.

Although your experience may vary, these decibel ratings can also help when deciding which earplugs would be right for you. The NRR can give you an idea of how much sound will be blocked out while you wear the earplugs.

Minimizing noise is one way to find relief from migraine symptoms. Using earplugs with the right rating for you can make a difference in how you feel while also providing hearing protection. One MyMigraineTeam member with chronic migraine said, “I certainly feel that the earplugs have helped.”

Being aware of your noise sensitivity can also help you prepare for loud and crowded outings with earplugs. Before attending a concert, another MyMigraineTeam member said, “I’m totally bringing my shades and earplugs. Plus, I’ll close my eyes. I hope to reduce the headache that’s sure to come.”

3. Comfort and Ease of Use

Sometimes, earplugs can feel uncomfortable. They might not fit properly, or they may feel awkward as you get adjusted to wearing them during migraine attacks.

That’s why it’s important to take your time when choosing earplugs. Trying on different types of earplugs can help you find the best ones to wear during a migraine attack.

Most earplugs are small and lightweight, making them easy to carry around. If you’re traveling or always on the go, you can pack earplugs to help manage sound levels and avoid migraine triggers. One MyMigraineTeam member shared, “I have earplugs that I keep in my freezer, but they travel with me as well.”

4. Quality and Cost

It’s also important to consider the quality of earplugs. There are many options available online, but that doesn’t guarantee they all will work for you.

Always read the reviews and product descriptions of earplugs to see if others with migraine recommend them. Remember that reviews are subjective, and noise levels can impact people in different ways.

If reviews aren’t available, think about the cost and how often you would have to replace your earplugs. Ultimately, the best way to know how well earplugs will work for you is to try them out.

5. Availability

Single-use earplugs can be a good choice because they are less expensive and easy to find. They can be helpful if you need a quick solution and experience migraine headaches often. Alternatively, you may want to invest in a pair of reusable earplugs that are custom-made for you. Deciding which earplugs work best for you ahead of time can help you feel more prepared when you feel a migraine coming on.

While earplugs can be a handy tool for managing migraine, they can’t necessarily prevent migraine attacks. However, they may help you cope with noise sensitivity, which is a common symptom for some people. If migraine is impacting your quality of life, talk to your health care provider. There are many treatment options available for migraine, and your health care provider can help create a treatment plan that meets your specific needs. They may also offer tips and resources for choosing the right earplugs for migraine attacks.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyMigraineTeam is the social network for people living with migraine and their loved ones. On MyMigraineTeam, more than 83,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with migraine.

Do you use earplugs for migraine attacks? What factors did you consider when choosing earplugs for migraine? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.