Sound is around us all the time. Whether you’re jamming out with your earbuds , singing along during a concert , struggling to fall asleep beside your snoring partner, or diving into the deepest part of the pool for a workout. Not to mention, the lineup of New Year’s Eve parties and head-banging music festivals is just days away.

While many people decide to navigate the noises of life without much care, many experts agree that it’s important to pay attention to the amount of noise we are exposed to. Earplugs are a convenient and effective tool for protecting our ears from any damage that may be sustained through loud noises. If you’re considering using earplugs, you probably have a few questions.

You may be wondering when to use them and how long they can stay in your ears. Or, perhaps, you would like to learn a bit more about the different types of options for various occasions (sleep, swimming, shooting, etc.).

To make your shopping experience that much more seamless, The New York Post consulted an expert to answer some frequently asked questions and share recommendations for finding a pair of earplugs that suits your needs. Hop down to our FAQ with him or keep scrolling to see our top picks. 3M is one of Resnick’s top picks.

These all-around plugs have 4.6 stars on Amazon and have been used in a variety of contexts. One customer gave these to her special-needs daughter who is afraid of lightning, others say they have used them at work bartending, and for doing la.