If sound goes through solids more easily than air, how do foam and silicone earplugs sound instead of amplifying it when it hits your ears?

Question

If sound goes through solids more easily than air, how do foam and silicone earplugs sound instead of amplifying it when it hits your ears?

In: 9

Answer 1

Sounds *generated* in solids travel faster and further. However, when sound has to transition between materials, it loses a lot of energy. This is why sound generated underwater can travel a really far distance, but people underwater can hardly hear anyone shouting at them from outside the water.