Earplugs

[Yango]

With virtually any hearing protection that you use, there will be an adjustment period for you to get used to wearing them. Both in comfort, and in how you're going to hear things.

But stick with it, you’ll find something that works for you eventually.

 

[vindibona1]

With virtually any hearing protection that you use, there will be an adjustment period for you to get used to wearing them. Both in comfort, and in how you're going to hear things.
But stick with it, you’ll find something that works for you eventually.

I think comfort is probably the main complaint about earplugs. If they're comfortable your hearing adjusts to them in minutes. Humans innately have a function; neuro-sensory adaptation, meaning their senses adapt to their environment and "normalize" whatever situation, whether it be sound, smell, taste, sight, hot/cold. We all experience it when we walk into a home and smell the cooking odor and minutes later no longer smell it (or the pet odor). Or when we jump into a swimming pool into what seems like freezing water, only to be comfortable moments later. It's the same thing with plugs. If they're comfortable your hearing normalizes and you even forget that you have them in.

Edit: But if you fail to use them from early on... there won't be a need to use them later... BUT YOU'LL NEED HEARING AIDS FOR EVERYTHING ELSE! And tinnitus is a biyatch that is hard to live with. Just get yourself some plugs- any plugs. Wear them... then figure out which ones are best for you when your convenience and budget permit.

 

[Commreman]

about 15 years ago, I went to an audiologist who took custom molds of my inner ears, and created 15db cut musician plugs for me. Best $200.00 I ever spent. Well worth it.

 

[GroovyBaby]

Thread resurrection: I’ve been using various over the counter earplugs for a while and I want to try customs because I just have constant problems with fit with over the counter. I think I have big ear canals and struggle to get a good fit that stays put.

This thread recommended both the custom Etymotic and Westone earplugs. Just checking in here to see if anyone had an comparisons on these or other suggestions. Websites:
https://www.etymotic.com/product/custom-musicians-earplugs-with-attenuator/
Westone TRU™ Custom Professional Musician Ear Plugs (Two Earpieces with Filters) - Ear Plugs for Musicians and Concerts

 

[Jim C]

I'll say this.
I responded to this thread in May of 2019 and bought the Westones.
They offer wonderful fidelity, custom fit to your head, and offer me no reason look elsewhere.

 

[GroovyBaby]

I'll say this.
I responded to this thread in May of 2019 and bought the Westones.
They offer wonderful fidelity, custom fit to your head, and offer me no reason look elsewhere.

Thanks!

 

[PMagers]

Thanks!

Another happy Westone customer here. I’ve had them since 2018, no complaints. They come with me to every live music event, not just gigs.