Frequently Asked Questions
Product
How do I place the earplugs into my ears?
Earplugs, both silicone and foam, are generic so can be used in either the left or right ear. To use them correctly we recommend following the simple steps below.
How to use your silicone earplugs:
- With clean, dry hands warm the silicone earplug in your hands and mould to the shape of your ear, taking care to avoid the earplug being torn.
- Place the plug over the ear, pressing gently to cover the opening. The ear should be clean and dry, and hair kept well away from the plug.
- The plug should cover the ear opening only and not be pushed into the ear canal as it can be difficult to remove should this happen.
Our sleep expert, Sammy Margo has also created a handy video which you can watch here.
How to use your foam earplugs:
- With clean, dry hands slowly roll down and squeeze the earplug between your fingers until it is compressed.
- Insert the compressed plug slowly into the ear canal. This is easier if the ear is gently pulled upwards and outwards.
- Keep the plug-in place until it has expanded back to fill the ear canal.
- Refit the plug if it becomes dislodged through movement. Before each fitting, the plugs should be inspected. Do not use dirty or damaged plugs.
How do I clean my silicone earplugs to reuse them?
Always make sure your Sleepwell earplugs are clean by using warm, soapy water, then rinse and leave to sit and dry naturally before reusing.
Are there different sized earplugs?
The materials used for both our silicone and foam earplugs, mean they can be moulded or squeezed to achieve the best comfortable fit. See the how to use instructions on pack for further details.
Where can I buy EarHub products?
There is a shop on our website that means you can buy any EarHub products 24/7.
Products are also available from independent pharmacies and from other well-known stockists including Amazon, Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda, Ocado, Boots, Chemist Direct, eBay, WHSmiths and Snorestore
Can I use EarHub silicone earplugs for swimming?
Designed to be worn over the ear canal, our silicone earplugs not only block out unwanted noise, but also create an airtight seal ideal for swimming and other watersports and may help to prevent Swimmers Ear.
Do EarHub earplugs provide good protection from noise?
Our foam earplugs have a SNR rating of 33db (purple) or 34db (orange) and our silicone earplugs have a SNR rating of 27db which is better than some well-known competitor earplug brands. If you would like to learn more about ear health and protection, we have a dedicated FAQ section on the topic.
Orders & Returns
How do I place an order?
Select the products you are interested in by visiting the product page and add the item(s) to your basket. You can then complete the payment and provide a delivery address to complete your order.
I am having trouble using a voucher/discount code.
Please contact us for assistance. Our contact details can be found here.
Can I return my purchase if I’m not satisfied with it?
Unfortunately, due to hygiene reasons we are not able to accept returns without a fault or defect.
My product is faulty/defective, how do I return my item/receive a replacement?
Please contact us to receive a refund or replacement. Our contact details can be found here.
Can I cancel my order after I place it?
A full refund will be given for any orders that have not been dispatched. If the goods have already been dispatched, please contact us for more information about product returns.
I accidentally ordered the wrong item how do I change it?
Please contact us immediately for assistance. Our contact details can be found here.
What payment methods are available online?
You can pay online by using any of the methods below:
- Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
- Maestro
- PayPal
- Apple Pay
I am having issues with paying for my order, what can I do?
If you think it’s a bank issue, we recommend contacting your bank directly. If you’re having trouble making the payment, firstly make sure you are using one of our available payment methods use one of the following payment methods listed below. If the issue still occurs, please contact us.
- Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
- Maestro
- PayPal
- Apple Pay
Shipping
Do you offer free delivery?
We offer FREE delivery for orders within the UK that are over £20.
Free delivery is available outside of the UK with orders over £25. Smaller orders for delivery outside of UK have a flat rate fee applied at checkout. Detailed shipping dates and rates are calculated on your region during checkout. All shipping methods include a tracking number to follow your shipment.
Please note free delivery is not to be used in conjunction with other offers unless stated specifically.
How are packages shipped?
UK (Domestic):
All UK orders are dispatched via Royal Mail 24 recorded delivery, to ensure the safety of your order. It is tracked so we will be notified when it is delivered.
We offer FREE delivery for orders within the UK.
International packages:
We dispatch international orders with Royal Mail International. When shipping to the rest of the world a Customs declaration (CN22) is required. It will list the contents of the delivery and give a total weight of the package. Once Royal Mail deliver the product to your country your own domestic postal service takes over, we advise customers to check their local postal services at first if delivery has not successfully arrived.
Detailed shipping dates and rates are calculated on your region during checkout. All shipping methods include a tracking number to follow your shipment.
Sometimes orders can be held in customs until custom duties are paid. EarHub cannot be held responsible for any possible customs duties. Unfortunately, these are at your own charge.
How long do orders take to arrive?
Orders shipped within the UK usually arrive within 3 days. We have noticed delays recently due to pressures of Covid-19 so would advise to allow up to 3 – 5 working days before contacting us.
International orders normally take 7 – 10 working days. Due to current delays due to Covid-19, shipping may take longer than usual. International orders could take up to 21 working days.
I have special requirements for my order. Is this ok?
If you have a special request regarding your delivery, please provide details within the delivery instructions when you place the order and we will try to accommodate them. Feel free to contact us regarding your delivery.
Do you ship to my country?
We strive to offer worldwide shipping. Detailed shipping dates and rates are calculated on your region during checkout. All shipping methods include a tracking number to follow your shipment.
Please note free sample orders are only available within the UK.
Subscription Service
How much does a monthly earplug subscription cost?
Our monthly silicone earplug subscription service costs £11 per month plus £3.95 postage and packaging. You will have a monthly charge of £14.95 deducted from your chosen bank account on the 1st of the month. Orders are dispatched within 2 days of this date and should arrive with you by 5th of each month. International P&P costs will be more and can be calculated at checkout during the subscription sign up process and orders may take a little longer for delivery.
Do I have to order my earplugs from you every month?
All the subscription service plans automatically renew every month until you cancel. A new payment for the monthly costs will be taken on 1st of each month. If for any reason the payment cannot be processed, the earplugs will not be dispatched. You will need to contact us to reset the subscription if this issue arises.
You must cancel by the 15th of the month to cancel the next month’s delivery or it will automatically extend your subscription with us. Please note that orders in progress cannot be cancelled. Orders are dispatched within 2 days of the start of the month and should arrive with you by 5th of each month. International P&P costs will be more and can be calculated at checkout during the subscription sign up process and orders may take a little longer for delivery.
I don’t live in the UK can I get a subscription?
Yes, but there will be an additional charge for the postage fee which you can calculate at checkout during the subscription sign up process. You may also find your earplugs take a little longer to arrive.
How can I cancel my subscription?
We are sad to learn you want to end your subscription. Our contact details can be found here.
You can cancel or edit your EarHub subscription by visiting your EarHub profile. Just log into your account (person icon on the top right hand corner of homepage) and select the subscription tab from the list on the left hand side. Your subscription(s) will be listed. Select the relevant subscription to show full details and select the cancel button. You will then see a pop to ask you to confirm your decision. Once you have confirmed your subscription will be cancelled.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are cancelling after the 15th of the month your current subscription term is due to end, you may still receive your next month’s subscription as delivery has already been arranged. Your cancellation will be effective from the following month. Any further questions or difficulties, please email us.
I cancelled my subscription, why am I being charged?
The most common reason is that the cancellation did not take place within the subscription deadline (15th of previous month)
Your monthly subscription must be cancelled by the 15th of the month of the final desired subscription delivery; for example, if you want March to be your final delivery you must cancel your subscription by 15th March.
I am having issues with creating an account.
Please contact us for assistance. Our contact details can be found here.
How do I make changes to my subscription plan?
You can modify your subscription via your EarHub Profile on our website. Please visit your account by selecting the person icon on the top right-hand corner of the homepage. From there you can add or remove products and change your next shipment date.
I have forgotten my password. How can I access my account?
Head to the Account Sign In page and click “Forgot Password”. Enter your email address and click submit and we’ll send a password reset email to your inbox. Make sure to check your spam folder if it hasn’t arrived in a few minutes.
If you’re still having trouble, it could be that you made a typo in your email address when you created your EarHub account. Please get in touch with us and we can help locate your account.
EarHub Ear Health & Protection
What does SNR mean?
Single Number Rating (SNR) is a specification used to determine protection levels given by all hearing protection and is used to help compare the different types of hearing protection. The higher the SNR level the more protection the product gives in a noisy environment.
To determine acoustic pressure on your ears, you subtract the SNR value from the average noise level measured for your chosen environment / activity. For example, if you are using a power drill with noise around 100db, but you protect your ears by wearing EarHub orange foam earplugs with an SNR of 34 db, the acoustic pressure on your ears is on average 66 db (100db – 34 db).
We would recommend choosing ear protection that helps attenuate noises to a safe level (around 70db), while still being able to hear conversations, alarms etc. The SNR value is a rough average. When there is significant low-frequency noise, it may not be as accurate.
The SNR value is a European standard. In the United States, measuring is carried out via an NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) determined by American National Standards (ANSI)
What does dB mean?
dB stands for decibels, a logarithmic unit used to measure sound level.
Long-term, daily exposure to 85 dB is generally considered to result in hearing loss. Daily exposure of 8 hours at 85 dB is just as dangerous as 88 dB for 4 hours.
The decibel scale is logarithmic. Noise exposure of 95 dB is perceived as twice as loud as 85 dB. Measured physically, this difference shows a tenfold increase of sound pressure.
What is noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)?
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) occurs when sensitive structures in the inner ear are damaged by brief or extended periods of loud sounds. Long-term, daily exposure to 85 dB is generally considered to result in hearing loss, and the damage will occur more quickly as sounds get louder.
What is the difference between 22db SNR and 15db NRR?
In short, both numbers are representing the same level of protection, but they are two different calculations. The SNR value is a European standard. In the United States, measuring is carried out via an NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) determined by American National Standards (ANSI)
The NRR for hearing protection is lower than the average decibel reduction because NRR considers outside factors like human error during use such as improper insertion of the earplugs into the ear.
How long does it take for a loud environment to damage my hearing?
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) occurs when sensitive structures in the inner ear are damaged by brief or extended periods of loud sounds. Long-term, daily exposure to 85 dB is generally considered to result in hearing loss, and the damage will occur more quickly as sounds get louder.
The chart below illustrates how long it is safe to be in environments with different decibel levels.
We would recommend choosing ear protection that helps attenuate noises to a safe level (around 70db), while still being able to hear conversations, alarms etc. The SNR value is a rough average. When there is significant low-frequency noise, it may not be as accurate.
To determine acoustic pressure on your ears, you subtract the SNR value from the average noise level measured for your chosen environment / activity. For example, if you are using a power drill with noise around 100db, but you protect your ears by wearing EarHub orange foam earplugs with an SNR of 34 db, the acoustic pressure on your ears is on average 66 db (100db – 34 db).
Is live music a big risk to hearing loss?
According to the World Health Organization, 440 million teens and young adults are at risk for hearing damage because of attending live entertainment events without ear protection. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) occurs when sensitive structures in the inner ear are damaged by brief or extended periods of loud sounds. The world can be a noisier place than you might imagine. Have a look at the question ‘ What is noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)?’ for some examples of common noises and their relevant dB level.
Long-term, daily exposure to 85 dB is generally considered to result in hearing loss, and the damage will occur more quickly as sounds get louder. Please see earlier questions on ‘How long does it take for a loud environment to damage my hearing?’ for some examples.