[charonme]

this graph shows that deep-inserted foam plugs have at least 15dB better attenuation than etymotic ER-20 earplugs, so why would the ER-20 be considered better?

 

[jonathanjong]

'Cos the attenuation is flatter, I think. Less variation across frequencies.

Edit: So it's better for enjoying music, not for noise isolation.

 

[ClieOS]

x2 on what jonathan said.

ER-20 is designed for more uniform SPL reduction across all frequency so you can hear sound safely yet clear enough in an noisy environment (like rock concert). If you use a foam plug, you will lose more treble (= detail). However, If all you want is noise isolation than foam plugs will indeed be better.

 

[Duggeh]

If I wanted pure volume reduction, no doubt I'd pick dense yellow foamies. But for actually being ablt to maintain normal hearing, I'd pick my ER-16s anytime, and ill replace them with ER-20s the day that I lose them.