Doc told me I need musicians ear plugs

Those with wires are usually speakers, like "In Ear Monitors" or ear buds. The ear plugs just keep noise out.

These, and others like these, do not have wires hanging out of them.
http://www.etymotic.com/hp/erme.html

 

Nothing wrong with wanting to protect your most valuable asset, mate. I'm 25 and have been wearing plugs to prac, gigs and shows since I was 15. I used to get weird looks but now I find more and more younger people are using plugs at shows for more reasons than one.

As for finding them, I don't know about where you live but I know a few places here in Australia that specialise in custom molded earphones.

http://www.noiseguard.com.au/musicians-custom-earplugs/

I got mine from these guys a few years ago and they work brilliantly. Very comfortable and very effective molds that cancel out all the harsh noise but don't completely muffle away the good stuff.

 

It may help to know where you are located, as someone close to you may have gotten molded plugs and can help you out. If you're in So Cal, I have a place that can help you.

 

If you get them in clear or beige, they'll be almost invisible. A good investment!

 

I have the etymotic plugs, they're awesome. I have the 15db version and everything is still crystal clear, just not as loud.

They basically are clear soft silicone plugs with the filter system molded into them, and the filters are replaceable if you find you want to change the db level. They come with a small short piece of plastic that sticks out - it's still clear - that can be used to remove them after you're finished, but this can be cut off with a scissors quite easily if you find it offensive. I can make a photo of them and post if anyone would like when I get home from work.

The process is to find an audiologist near you that participates with etymotic (or whatever brand you choose), and have ear impressions made. You then pick a color if you want (or clear), and the filter level. In a couple weeks you go back, they fit the plugs, and you take them home. I had 30 days to take them back and have them re-molded if they didn't fit right for whatever reason.

Lots of really good info in this stickied thread on hearing loss and ear plugs.

 

I use the disposable etymotic ones. They come in a few different reduction levels. You might try them out before investing in the customs. The clear stalks are nearly invisible and so what if they are spotted!

One of my drummers has clear custom molded ones, next to unnoticeable. I think he got a bit crazy with the NR level, he is a bit "deaf" behind his kit, says himself he should have got less.

 

Chill! Muso plugs ideally cut all frequencies evenly. In a busy bar I hear conversation very much better wearing mine.

From what you are saying, you actually need hardcore protection from specific frequencies? This would make everything sound weird but your brain would probably deal with it over time. I guess they customise filters but I don't know anything about that.

The custom musician ones my drummer has are nearly invisible. If cutting everything down 15 or 20dB works for you then damn straight you won't have any problem with wearing them.

 

So, I just read your post again. I think doc hasn't explained musician earplugs to you very well.

It's like a volume knob for the world. Everything is there but quieter. In loud environments our ears shut off to protect, which distorts our hearing, like taking away colour and replacing it with grey. The plugs restore the colour.

 

I know nothing about them, but I would advise you to not worry about being "That guy". Do what your doctor tells you.

 

It sounds like you need something very specific, and custom made for your condition. I don't think you're going to get that kind of info here at TalkBass. I suggest making an appointment with an audiologist and take it from there.

 

I think this is a wise route. Find the local audiologists in your area and contact them. Make appointments. This could be partially covered under your health insurance too, since it is for medical reasons. These ear plugs cost in the range of $200-$400.

 

If you are looking at the Westone plugs, the little "wires" are actually little pull tabs to get them out of your ears a bit easier, since they are a snug fit.
The plugs themselves are not pitch selective, just a general decrease of all db levels. Yo ucan still hear everything, it just cuts the volume down across the board. During rehearsals, I don't need to take them out to hear people talk.
I've used them while conducting as well, when I was getting particularly sensitive to flutes (for whatever reason). I actually found more definition to the sounds I was hearing, as I wasn't being knocked over by the volume.

They were made two years ago, with a -15db rating, custom fit, and only ran $125 from the local audiologist.
I'd recommend them to anyone looking to save their hearing, without losing a full range of frequency.
These, but clear colored.
http://www.westone.com/defendear/in...view=item&id=10:musicians-style-49&Itemid=115

 

I wear them from time to time. My hearing is already damaged beyond repair and I wear hearing aids when not playing or practicing. When I was in the Air Force in Vietnam I worked in close proximity to jet engines. All we had were either in ear canal plugs or over the ear muffs. Both were reasonably effective for lower noise levels, but jet engines were really bad on your hearing.

 

First, go see an audiologist. Get a hearing test. Now you have a baseline for future tests to see if you are doing any further damage. For custon plugs, Etymotic Research makes the filters and they make them in different levels of attenuation. I have both 15db and 25db depending on the gig (or a concert). Realize that no matter who makes the mold, Westone, Sensaphonics (who are musicians), all the filters all come from ER. It is important for the audiologist to know the purpose of the earplug, how often you'll where them, etc as they can make a mold that fits your needs. My wife is a Doctor of Audiology. I've been wearing plugs, as needed for many years.

 

I would start here:
http://www.hearnet.com/
and do some reading.

Then I would find a local audiologist who isn't a jerk.

Then follow through with that new doctor and see what course of action they suggest.

Lastly, don't freak out. You've identified a problem and now you need to educate yourself and deal with it in a rational manner. The last thing you should be worried about is what the plugs look like. Your hearing is not replaceable!

I've used Etymotic custom molds for years. They run about $180 and I use the 15dB inserts for playing music. They work very well, sound fairly natural and don't look very obvious. Probably the most important music investment I've ever made.