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Earplugs

#21
I think I've tried all the above mentioned plugs (except Sonica) and disliked them all.
This idea of even attenuation of the audio frequency band ("it's like turning down the volume with no change in tone") has been a joke.
Custom fit Westone's should be in this week and will report back.
After a ton of research these appear to be some of, if not, the best.
 
#26
Earasers have been my go to for some time now. At -19dB Peak/NRR-5 the specific version I use doesn't quite have as much dB reduction as others (they do make higher rated versions), but I find that it's enough for the situations that I typically use them for - typical stage and rock-club volume levels. I wouldn't recommend them for anything louder than that though.

Musicians HiFi Earplugs
 
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#27
My audiologist had the first set of molds lost in the mail.
After making new molds and waiting a few weeks the Westone's arrive yesterday.
They are by far the best musicians ear plugs I have tried and, I've tried 80% of what has been mentioned above.

If you want quality, look no further.

I had my hearing checked when the molds were made (real deal acoustic chamber, calibrated headphones / system, etc.)
We then repeated the same test with the new Westones with 20dB filters in.
VERY linear reduction across the audio band
The delta was anywhere from 16-20dB and part of that variance was due to the annoying loud sound of my heartbeat with the plugs installed.
 
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#28
Jim C said:
My audiologist had the first set of molds lost in the mail.
After making new molds and waiting a few weeks the Westone's arrive yesterday.
They are by far the best musicians ear plugs I have tried and, I've tried 80% of what has been mentioned above.

If you want quality, look no further.

I had my hearing checked when the molds were made (real deal acoustic chamber, calibrated headphones / system, etc.)
We then repeated the same test with the new Westones with 20dB filters in.
VERY linear reduction across the audio band
The delta was anywhere from 16-20dB and part of that variance was due to the annoying loud sound of my heartbeat with the plugs installed.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the update, Jim. I need to check these out to preserve what I have left of my hearing.

Mark
 
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#29
I have been using Hearos brand rock and roller series for many years. They take the edge off but you can easily have a conversation with them in. I cant find the "skin" colored version anymore but other brands may but this pic shows the shape that I always look for.....

Hearos_309_Music_Ear_Plugs_Washable_369156.jpg
 
#30
Jim C said:
My audiologist had the first set of molds lost in the mail.
After making new molds and waiting a few weeks the Westone's arrive yesterday.
They are by far the best musicians ear plugs I have tried and, I've tried 80% of what has been mentioned above.

If you want quality, look no further.

I had my hearing checked when the molds were made (real deal acoustic chamber, calibrated headphones / system, etc.)
We then repeated the same test with the new Westones with 20dB filters in.
VERY linear reduction across the audio band
The delta was anywhere from 16-20dB and part of that variance was due to the annoying loud sound of my heartbeat with the plugs installed.
Click to expand...
Just got my Westone musician customs a few weeks ago... OMG! instead of trying multiple over-the-counters I should have started here. Even frequency distribution across the spectrum. I got two sets of -dB filters depending on situation....Never going back.
 
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#31
I've had my westone customs since 2001. My only gripe is that they don't have heavier dB cut flat filters. The -25 is almost enough, but not quite. I find I just use the solid plugs if I really want a completely comfortable time standing next to cymbals.
 
#32
lokikallas said:
I've had my westone customs since 2001. My only gripe is that they don't have heavier dB cut flat filters. The -25 is almost enough, but not quite. I find I just use the solid plugs if I really want a completely comfortable time standing next to cymbals.
Click to expand...
Man, that blows! Your drummer must be beating the heck out of them! I use 9's or sometimes 15's with mine. I only use the solid filters for target practice.
 
#33
jchrisk1 said:
Man, that blows! Your drummer must be beating the heck out of them! I use 9's or sometimes 15's with mine. I only use the solid filters for target practice.
Click to expand...
I've found the -15 leaves me ringing, but work nicely when attending shows that are loud, but not ridiculous. The -25db is pretty good, but after a long night of standing by the crash cymbal, I can still feel it the next day. If I just use the solid filters I can be completely comfy, and I've gotten so used to it, the muffled sound doesn't bother me. They certainly look better than neon orange foamies.
 
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#34
lokikallas said:
I've had my westone customs since 2001. My only gripe is that they don't have heavier dB cut flat filters. The -25 is almost enough, but not quite. I find I just use the solid plugs if I really want a completely comfortable time standing next to cymbals.
Click to expand...

That's the thing, cymbals in particular are an ear killer. That's one of the reasons why I actually use ear plugs with lower dB reduction, but that aren't flat - they reduce more of those painful high frequencies, and let in more lows. Definitely a preference thing, but IMO flat isn't always best.

New_Atten_Chart_1024x1024.jpg
 
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#35
lokikallas said:
I've found the -15 leaves me ringing, but work nicely when attending shows that are loud, but not ridiculous. The -25db is pretty good, but after a long night of standing by the crash cymbal, I can still feel it the next day. If I just use the solid filters I can be completely comfy, and I've gotten so used to it, the muffled sound doesn't bother me. They certainly look better than neon orange foamies.
Click to expand...
Wow...Must be a really heavy handed drummer. I’m more than good between the -25’s and the -15’s.
Cheers
 
#36
Cazman said:
Just got my Westone musician customs a few weeks ago... OMG! instead of trying multiple over-the-counters I should have started here. Even frequency distribution across the spectrum. I got two sets of -dB filters depending on situation....Never going back.
Click to expand...

Agree 100%
Thanfully Amazon would take a return on some of the over the counter but if you're looking for decent fidelity at a lower level, the Westone's seem to have no competition.

Lokikallas: You might contact Westone
My audiologists says they can do custom work; perhaps there is enough demand for greater the 25dB filter
Pretty sure mine are 20 dB.
They sure are proud of those filters based on the prices; but still worth it IMO.
 
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#37
I've got professional musicians earplugs that I got from the audiologist and couldn't be happier. Not cheap. $250. They have different filters depending on the noise reduction level required. -15db is generally good enough unless you're into LOUD rock, then -25db. I carry mine on my belt everywhere and particularly like them in noisy restaurants. These are worth every penny.

Invalid Link Removed
 
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#38
I personally think that you're better getting something custom made. Truer dB reduction and flat response, or as above, getting something that can be adjusted to take out some highs is a winner.

Your ear canals are like fingerprints, no 2 are the same. Why bother going through 5 sets of $20 plugs when you could just get the perfect and comfort right off the bat for a little more? My last pair were over 10 years old and would still be going if I hadn't lost them. I bought some generic ACS -20's for a year or so (around £17) but they were so uncomfortable. Back to ACS custom mould. Dream.
 
#39
Depends on how much db and frequency range you want to cut. There are earplugs that can attenuate volume as well as frequency ranges. That may be what you need if your seeking to allow some sound in, and cut the volume. They are more pricey than the foam or silicon types. Some use baffles, and others use electronics to attenuate the sound.

Most of my earplugs cut 19 to 24db.
 

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