Hearing Protection

[gpepe1]

Hello,

I need to find some hearing protection that will prevent me from going deaf (a bad thing for a sound board opp) while not distorting sounds. I assume that the custom ear plugs are the best, but is it worth the +$150? How efficient should they be? What should I look for? ETC. Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[museav]

Yes, there are some ear plugs made specifically for that type of application and that provide fairly equal attenuation at all frequencies. Here's an example, Etymotic Research, Inc. - Musicians Earplugs (look at the ER15).

Custom fit plugs are typically well worth the cost, they are more effective and more comfortable due to being custom fit to your ear. Popular providers include Etymotic Research, Sensaphonics and Westone, although you go through a local audiologist for the fitting. There are many other providers as well and most of them use the Etymotic Research ER15 filters.

This, Etymotic Research, Inc. - ER?20 High Fidelity Earplugs, is a lower cost alternative. Not nearly as nice or as comfortable as custom plugs, but good for those unexpected occasions or as a backup. These are available from many sources. I also use mine for activities such as working with the weed eater or chain saw around the yard, the damage is probably already done but maybe I can keep it from getting worse.

[Gretsch]

I have used aforementioned Etymotic Research earplugs and they work well. I like the ER20's for when I am playing drums, and they allow me to still here someone talking to me, and my monitor and I can tune with them in. They aren't nearly what the custom molded ones are but for under 20 bucks a pop you can buy a couple pairs and through one pair in your gig bag and the others in your foh rack or console case.

[Traitor800]

Those ER20 earplugs look intresting, Has anyone tried them for working in the scene shop, cause I hate how you can never hear when wearing those foam earplugs.

[howlingwolf487]

If you are going to be wearing the ear plugs a long time and using them frequently, it is definitely worth the investment - plus, it's your hearing...can't exactly do your job without it, ya know?

I have a pair of ER-15's and they have been a blessing for a number of reasons. They're fantastic for airplanes (can't stand being in one and not having ear plugs) and normal, everyday tasks that are noisy.

You don't realize how loud a lawn mower can be until you measure it one day...and it takes HOW LONG to cut the grass? Combine the length of exposure with the level of exposure and you can have a formula for hearing damage.

I'd say go for it: they'll at least last you a few years if you're still growing a lot.

[tweetersaway]

I've got a pair of the ER20's For the price, they're fantastic. Clarity is very good. Not perfest, but I wouldn't expect anything more for the price. If you can't dish out a bunch of cash right now, get a pair of those. The main objective here is ear protection. Save your ears now and upgrade later when you can afford it.