Earplugs....Or No!

Nightsblood · #1 02-12-2008, 08:54 AM

I couldnt really find a good spot for this topic but I figured...the sound comes from the speakers so, it should go here!

So, I just started playing again after 7 years with a band. A loud band! I never wore ear protection before because I had to do vocals and it kinda screws up the sound and my key when everything was ringing in my head. Put you hands over your ears and talk...you get the picture.

Needless to say, I lost some hearing.

Well, Im still doing vocals and this time, Im trying to use plugs. Im not having soo much problem this time, but it does take away from the experience.

So, how many of you gigging guys wear protection? (not that kind). If so, what kind, and are there any that are skin tones so you dont notice soo much?

Trevorus · #2 02-12-2008, 08:57 AM

You need some better ones than just the foam ones. You need something with even attenuation.

alexclaber · #3 02-12-2008, 09:05 AM

ER15 if you can afford them, ER20 if not. IMO if you can afford a bass and an amp then $150 to maintain clear sound whilst not going deaf is a small price to pay.

Alex

basss · #4 02-12-2008, 09:05 AM

I got a pair of those custom molded ear plugs that attenuate different frequencies evenly (mostly). Well worth the $100 or so I spent. I wasn't sure I would like using them but they're great and make loud rehersals & gigs much more bearable.

TomB · #5 02-12-2008, 09:08 AM

Absolutely... custom-molded w/Westone or similar filter inserts. I never get on stage w/out 'em.

nemo · #6 02-12-2008, 09:08 AM

Here you have THE thread:

Hearing Loss and Ear Plugs

In short, go for Etymotic research ER-20 or for custom molded ones.

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

treromantic · #7 02-12-2008, 09:14 AM

+100 on the custom molded earplugs. I use 'em all the time and they have definitely saved my ears (what's left anyways). They last a long time (maybe not as long as mine if you gig more than I do) and therefore are really inexpensive over their lifespan. Get them and use them everytime you jam, go to a show or play a show!!

GreyBeard · #8 02-12-2008, 09:16 AM

You might think about an "In Ear Monitor System". They take some getting use to but they will let you hear everything and protect you hearing.

Bassamatic · #9 02-12-2008, 09:19 AM

The custom earplugs are calls "Musician's Earplugs" and are supposed to provide flat EQ over the attenuation.

If you think that you need them, PLEASE get them. My ears are still ringing 30 years later after my hard rock era.

Lonnybass · #10 02-12-2008, 09:22 AM

+100000000000000000000000000000000000000

Do not waste another minute, go spend the $150 and get yourself a set of custom molded even-attenuating earplugs and save yourself a lifetime of additional grief.

Lonnybass

greenboy · #11 02-12-2008, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreyBeard

You might think about an "In Ear Monitor System". They take some getting use to but they will let you hear everything and protect you hearing.

I would think that just as with headphones it's easy to run IEMs hot enough to do cumulative damage. With headphones things can sound so clean and undistorted that one might not realize that there could be too much sound pressure.

Anyway, back to the original poster: foam plugs are so uneven in response that I found them horrible for music. At the very least, go for the Etymotic research ER-20.

asad137 · #12 02-12-2008, 09:26 AM

I ALWAYS use plugs -- ER-20's. For me, they're not the most comfortable earplugs in the world, but they're ok. At some point I'll probably get some custom molded ones.

Asad

cymbop · #13 02-12-2008, 09:42 AM

My custom-molded ER-15s were $130 and I wear them every time I play or practice with a band. You hear everything perfectly clearly, just 15 dB softer. Most important piece of gear I own.

SnoMan · #14 02-12-2008, 09:56 AM

I carry plugs with me at all times. I use a generic brand that is similar in nature to the ER20's. I intend to use these until I get custom plugs, which I hope to do this summer if not sooner.

Groovin · #15 02-12-2008, 10:29 AM

I either use my custom molded Shure E4's or use custom ear plugs every time. I'm only 25 and my earlier gigs w/o left me nearly legally deaf in my left ear (according to an audiologist).

Nightsblood · #16 02-12-2008, 12:44 PM

OK, Im sold! I just sent for a pair of the ER20s. We'll see how those work.

thesteve · #17 02-12-2008, 12:58 PM

I've been using the Hearos Hi-Fidelity, which AFAIK is just a rebranded ER20. The instruments sound great through them. I'm still getting used to singing with them in (I'm not a singer, but I like to sing while playing at church) though. eventually I'd like to get something custom, but for now, what I have is doing a ton of good for only $15.

i_got_a_mohawk · #18 02-12-2008, 01:06 PM

I use ER-20s , they are cheap (~£10 over here i think), and do the trick, you do loose some of the fidelity of the music, but no ringing ears, and you quickly get used to them.

When ive got the cash im going to get some custom fit ones for sure!

And yeah, im 22, and had to get hearing checkups last year because of problems with my ears, ive lost quite a bit of the upper range in my hearing, so I wholeheartedly recommend getting ear plugs. You have no idea how much id love to be able to hear silence without that ringing in the background at night!

Deacon_Blues · #19 02-12-2008, 01:21 PM

I spent over €200 for a pair of Elacins with 15 dB reduction filters. They're great.

I wear them very seldom though. They are much more comfortable than normal earplugs, and they dampen the sound evenly. However, the sound from your voice rings in the head the same way as always with earplugs. I tend to wear them mostly in bars, nightclubs or in other noisy environments, but not on gigs. I mostly do the lead vocals so that's the reason. If I'm only doing background or no vocals at all, I might use them. I prefer not to, though. It's stupid, I know, and I hate to say it, but to gig with earplugs takes away a lot of the inspiration and energy to give 100 % all the time.

I prefer having the volume on a reasonable level. If I can't stand the volume I play with, how can I expect the audience to stand it?

TBH, I have never had my ears ringing after a gig.

The Claude · #20 02-12-2008, 01:34 PM

I use earplugs for everything(all rehearsals, electric gigs, acoustic gigs, when I go to see shows, etc.). I have gotten used to the sound with plugs and prefer them when I sing because I can hear my pitch very well. Some people don't like using earplugs when they sing but I actually like it.

In ear monitors are great also. One of the lead singers I play with loves his and NEEDS them always. We did a show where the club didn't want to go through the trouble of setting his in ears up and he was quite unhappy without them.