Earplugs

[Leftybass12]

Okay I know that this is a very common thing, but I'm on the track to becoming a very active musician. I constantly listen to music and constantly going out to places that play decently loud. Obviously my ears have ring for a while afterwards. I'd like to help prevent some of this by using earplugs, but I am looking for some very good quality earplugs. Can anyone guide me in the right direction? I am due for my yearly physical so I will probably ask my doctor about this too.

[thudstaff23]

I'm going to save you the time of a search and chime in with my usual plug for Westone custom earplugs. It is the best $130 investment I ever made.

[fearceol]

I use ones similiar to these http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/erme.aspx

You can get different filters, depending on how much sound you want to let in or keep out. Buy the best you can afford, as your hearing is priceless.

[CerealKiller]

+1 to the Westones. You have to have a specialist create a mold and a little pricey, but cheap compared to the cost of losing your hearing. The inserts can be changed out if you need more or less dB reduction.

[Pacman]

Lots of information right here at Talkbass.

[ggunn]

Originally Posted by CerealKiller

+1 to the Westones. You have to have a specialist create a mold and a little pricey, but cheap compared to the cost of losing your hearing. The inserts can be changed out if you need more or less dB reduction.

Another vote for custom fitted hearing protection. Mine are EAR's.

[Leftybass12]

Thank you very much people. I'm going to go with the custom earplugs. What place do I have to call to place and order and get the mold, etc.?

[ggunn]

Originally Posted by Leftybass12

Thank you very much people. I'm going to go with the custom earplugs. What place do I have to call to place and order and get the mold, etc.?

You'll want to make an appointment with an audiologist to have the molds made. I have heard that you can order the stuff and do it yourself, but I would strongly recommend that you not do that. If it's not done right your plugs will not form a good seal, and it is possible to damage your ears.

[CerealKiller]

Originally Posted by Leftybass12

Thank you very much people. I'm going to go with the custom earplugs. What place do I have to call to place and order and get the mold, etc.?

I believe you can punch in your zip on the Westone site and it will give you a list of their reps in your area.

[thudfromafar]

http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20.aspx

$15 bucks. Not custom molded, but fit nicely and 80% as good as the custom ones. (I used to have the custom ones, then lost them after a few years)

[Leftybass12]

Actually today my drummer gave me his earplugs that he uses sometimes, they're called Hearos and only cost around $10. They really reduced the sound, yet still made everything clear enough so that I could hear the rest of the band playing.