Hearing Loss and Ear Plugs

[Ewo]

Originally Posted by bass151

This looks like a long thread which I really don't have time to read but just any FYI. I've been playing bass for 35 years and usually gig or got out to see local bands once a week. I have never worn ear protection and fortunately my hearing is still quite good so far. Have stood inf front of as many as 12 15's in my younger days and the old ears still work. So I wake up about a week ago and can't hear anything out of my right ear. Talk about getting scared straight. Was pretty sure it was just wax build up in my ear and after using drops and rinses for 5 days I finally got it opened. Not fun and can't imagine anything like that permantly. So without spending a lot of money I thing I want to try some ear protection. Any ideas for a dumb ass?

Etymotic ER-20s. You can get them from http://www.earplugstore.com/. Click the link for "musicians ear plugs."

[ksandvik]

Originally Posted by bass151

This looks like a long thread which I really don't have time to read but just any FYI. I've been playing bass for 35 years and usually gig or got out to see local bands once a week. I have never worn ear protection and fortunately my hearing is still quite good so far. Have stood inf front of as many as 12 15's in my younger days and the old ears still work. So I wake up about a week ago and can't hear anything out of my right ear. Talk about getting scared straight. Was pretty sure it was just wax build up in my ear and after using drops and rinses for 5 days I finally got it opened. Not fun and can't imagine anything like that permantly. So without spending a lot of money I thing I want to try some ear protection. Any ideas for a dumb ass?

Go to GC and get Hearos for $15, ASAP (or Amazon.) Then look at maybe getting custom musician earplugs, the whole package will cost $200+ plus an appointment for the mold is needed but between getting another pedal and custom earplugs, the second option is a no-brainer.

http://www.hearnet.com/ has more info.

[jmclearnon]

Hiya guys, i've been playing bass and cello etc... for years and only really started looking into this area of protecting my hearing. I would say especially playing jazz gigs that the drummers are VERY loud when it comes to solo'ing on the cymbals .

After reading these posts I can understand what one guy was saying about playing using earplugs even with 'quieter' stuff. I have found playing in classical orchestras that the brass section can damage your ears. (far worse sitting at the back of a cello section, lol been there and you get killed!).

But anyways i live in the UK and was wondering about starting to use protection.

I was wondering if anyone from the UK has any suggestions, such as disposable ones, and custom ones so i can get some asap, but save up for proper ones... I don't want to damage my hearing.

Also, is it hard to hear yourself when using the earplugs? That is something i am worrying about. Thanks guys!

[Ewo]

Look immediately above for suggestions and sources.

I had a similar experience, playing in bands during high school. I played clarinet in the marching band and concert band, and tenor sax in the stage band. Particularly in the stage band, I got blasted in the back of my head by the brass section.

I gotta think that exposure was as high SPL as the rock bands I've played with.

P.S. IME, the Etymotic ER-20s don't color what you're hearing, beyond reducing the level.

[bass_study]

Originally Posted by penstock

If you play in a band where you have to hear everything, try using wadded up toilet paper instead of earplugs. They dampen the sound but don't kill it. I use earplugs when I play bass, but I also play trumpet in a ska band and can't where them when I play it. It makes me sound like i'm playing a kazoo and I can't tell the volume I'm playing at. Playing with toilet paper in my ears works perfect though. The downside though, is that I am sure I am still getting some damage done to my ears, but its a lot better than wearing nothing at all.

i also have the same problem. When i wear earplug, i cannot hear myself very clearly. I can still hear others like gtr and keys though. Even i wear wadded up toilet paper, the same thing happen.... i really don't know what to do.

I was in Jeff Berlin's school, Jeff wears ear plugs every time when he teaches the ensemble as i remember. We play alot softer in the ensemble compare to a gig but i don't know why he can still hear every thing clearly.

[PrietoBass]

My kids' custom ear plugs have even response across the frequency spectrum. They attenuate all frequencies evenly. My kids can hear everything, but at a lower volume. They are expensive, but well worth it.

For the cost of a couple of pedals, save your ears and enjoy the music.

[Stumbo]

Originally Posted by PrietoBass

My kids' custom ear plugs have even response across the frequency spectrum. They attenuate all frequencies evenly. My kids can hear everything, but at a lower volume. They are expensive, but well worth it.

For the cost of a couple of pedals, save your ears and enjoy the music.

Who are they made by and cost?

[PrietoBass]

Westone.

See a certified audiologist and have him fit you. Don't go to a technician; go to someonr with a PhD in audiology. Price isn't everything; service and support after the initial sale is just as important.

My kids' cost $240 a pair, with -15dB and -25dB filters. You can get them cheaper, but I bought into a relationship, not just a couple of tiny plastic thingies. My audiologist is, IMHO, THE best.

Get your hearing checked every year.

[Clark Westfield]

I have been a handgun and shot gunner for almost 2 decades and have used good old EAR foam plugs for all those years with great success.

I play in my buddy's garage, and the giant Fender cab behind me is deafening.

I have no issues with the foam plugs.

I am used to seeing bands with them in my ears.

They actually help me concentrate on the bass line a bit more.

I can't see buying the fancy ones, just because I have been using the foam ones for many years without any issues.

[mozilla314]

I'm with you. I've tried about 6 or 7
different types of earplugs this last
month. Even 3 and 4 flanges with
different filters. I ended up going back
to the plain white foam ones. They really
cut out the piercing cymbals but I
can still hear my bass. Can't hear the
highs of the bass when I'm slapping,
but I can deal with that. I can't deal with
playing next to cymbals any more without
protection.

[Corbeau]

My experience with the foam earplugs are different. I find that they dampen the sounds to such an extent that you can't really hear everything. The sounds are just muddy.

I also have custom earplugs. I got them from an audiologist and while they were expensive, they work very nicely because they are attenuated and therefore, I can hear everything pretty clearly.

[ChadForeman]

For those who can't get custom plugs immediately, I highly recommend DOCS PRO PLUGS.

They work great, are much more comfortable than the foam plugs and the sound quality is not "muffled" like the foam ones.

[runmikeyrun]

I just picked up some Ahead custom molded earplugs from GC for $25. They come like epoxy, you mix two blobs together and push them into your ears (don't worry there's tons of material on the outside, they won't get stuck) and in 10 mins pull them out. You now have custom molded earplugs. I still have to try them at practice, but my guitarist swears by them. Wearing them around the house they remind me A LOT of the $75 custom molded "pro" plugs I had made years ago (but lost). I can hear people speaking but the sound is really well attenuated.

[skychief]

Originally Posted by runmikeyrun

...They come like epoxy, you mix two blobs together and push them into your ears (don't worry there's tons of material on the outside, they won't get stuck) and in 10 mins pull them out. You now have custom molded earplugs...

Hmmm sounds intriguing. Do they dry hard, or they still flexible after the 10 minute cure period?

[Esquillama]

Just had my annual hearing test at the audiologist today. Thanks to my continued consistent use of my custom earplugs my hearing has remained stable.

I don't want to lose anymore hearing than I already have. Thank goodness they are doing the job they are meant to do; allow me to protect my hearing while still being able to hear full spectrum sound, just at lower volume.

[PrietoBass]

Originally Posted by Esquillama

Just had my annual hearing test at the audiologist today. Thanks to my continued consistent use of my custom earplugs my hearing has remained stable.

I don't want to lose anymore hearing than I already have. Thank goodness they are doing the job they are meant to do; allow me to protect my hearing while still being able to hear full spectrum sound, just at lower volume.

+1

Well done.

[michaelstrand]

good thread.

[wraub]

I have been playing bass for a really long time. A really long time. I have also been going to live shows before that.

I have never not worn ear protection.

Seems silly not to.

Protect your ears!

wraub

[Bryan R. Tyler]

Played a gig at a local bar recently and they booked us for a few more gigs. One of the in-house PA speakers was directly behind my head at ear level. Most I can move is a foot or two to the side of the stage. Guess I'll be needing some plugs now....

[PrietoBass]

Originally Posted by Bryan R. Tyler

Played a gig at a local bar recently and they booked us for a few more gigs. One of the in-house PA speakers was directly behind my head at ear level. Most I can move is a foot or two to the side of the stage. Guess I'll be needing some plugs now....

Wow! Guys/Gals, remember... if you hear any ringing at all after the gig, damage HAS ALREADY happened...