Adjustable Ear Plugs Let You Press the Mute Button on Outside Noise

best ear plugs knops

While over 5% of the world's population suffers from hearing loss, it's estimated that half of all cases are preventable. Whether you want relief when listening to blaring music or wish you could tune out that crying baby on the airplane, finding the best earplugs are a must. And what if you could also selectively decide what noise to tune in and what to tune out?

That's where Dutch designed Knops comes in. Knops are adjustable ear plugs that let you control real world volume instantly with their innovative design. The volume button lets you select between four settings—clear sounds, city noise, live music, and isolation. And, the analog technology doesn't require electricity or batteries and Knops are actually stylish—an added plus considering you could wear these ear plugs all day.

So how do they work? “Instead of using electronics to try and synthesize something artificial, we’re taking the actual sound waves that come into your ear, and modifying them,” explains Arjen De Jong, founder of Knops, who also has a Ph.D. in acoustics. “So, what you hear is the actual, physical pressure wave, as it was already arriving into your ear.”

Want to work silently while sitting in a busy cafe? Try setting 4, isolation. Going to a loud concert, but don't want to leave with your ears ringing? Live music, setting 3, will do the trick. Or just want to take a stroll around the block without the overbearing buzz of the city? There's setting 2 for that.

After numerous testing trials and user feedback, Knops is taking their stunning ear plugs—which look like a cool piece of jewelry, to Kickstarter.

Knops adjustable ear plugs that allow you to control real world volume thanks to four different settings.


The stylish ear plugs, which are based on the shape of a gramophone, come in a variety of styles, with stainless steel and gold accent available.

noise canceling ear plugs

noise canceling ear plugs

best ear plugs knops

best ear plugs knops

Since they're adjustable, Knops could be worn all day, helping tune out noise on the city streets and creating a quiet work environment in any situation.

noise canceling ear plugs

knops noise canceling ear plugs

knops noise canceling ear plugs

Knops: Website | Kickstarter
h/t: [Designboom]

All images via Knops.

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Staff Editor and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book "Street Art Stories Roma" and most recently contributed to "Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini." You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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