Good Ear Plugs - An Impossible Dream?

[mattzink]

I'm realizing that I'm getting a nasty case of tinnitus. I should probably start wearing some sort of ear plugs for practice with the band. Can anyone recommend ear plugs that are:
- Super comfortable
- Less than $100
- Greatly reduces the volume. . .
- . . . yet still lets me hear everything
If you have specific links to a product you'd endorse, please post. Please share your experiences with me, and thanks in advance.

 

[lz4005]

You're going to have to pick the two or three of those that are most important to you, because you're not going to get all four.

 

[mattzink]

You're going to have to pick the two or three of those that are most important to you, because you're not going to get all four.

Thanks for that. What I mean is what comes the closest to meeting that criteria. I'm not looking for perfect, esp at that price point. I'm just looking for the best I can afford.

 

[Jeff Scott]

I'm realizing that I'm getting a nasty case of tinnitus.

It's too late for you, son............

 

[mattzink]

Sheesh. I'm 0 for 2 on people actually answering the question.

 

[mattzink]

I should probably apologize to the previous two responders for being so snippy. (I'm sorry, Jeff and LZ4005.) Unsolicited opinions are sort of a pet peeve of mine; but I should still treat you with respect, not attitude. (After all, Jeff is a Rickenbacker fan - that makes him pretty cool in my book.)

So - to expand the question:
- I'm looking for ear plugs
- I have around $100 to spend
- Given the criteria above, what's about the best ear plugs I can afford?
- . . . to protect my ears from further damage?

Apologies again for being a d**k to the previous to responders.

 

[bassicmike]

for cheapies, >$20, I've got Vaters and really like them. Easy to use, comfortable (I was halfway home when I realized they were still in my ears), I can still hear what's going on on stage.
I also have custom fit which cost $150 and are a total PIA to get in my ear. But they are good. But I don't knkow where they are.

 

[MonetBass]

These work great for me. I use them at concerts and I can still hear the music just fine.
The Revolution in Hearing Protection Has Arrived

 

[Jim Kernan]

My drummer, guitarist & I like Eargasams.

 

[RDW]

I use Earasers when not using IEMs and they do a decent job.

Earasers Earplugs

 

[Jim C]

I bought 4 or 5 pairs of musicians ear plugs over the years.
Some were from Amazon which allowed for returns.
Hated them all; low fidelity, some fitment issues, and a big boomy bass sound in your head.

My advice is to save up and get some custom molded Westone's fitted for your ears.
I want to say about $100 for the audiologist fitting and about $175 for the plugs.
Clear sound; like the volume was turned down and with minimal changes to the EQ.

Way more than your budget but I found that I wouldn't wear the others when I should making them worthless.
Only get to protect your hearing once etc.

 

[jhb138]

I use and recommend Earpeace brand.

 

[buldog5151bass]

That's a tough price point. You have to go above that to get custom, and you can get decent ones for less ($20-30). I would get a few pairs of Etimotics. Keep one in your bass case and another in your car, so you are never without.

 

[Jeff Scott]

That's a tough price point. You have to go above that to get custom, and you can get decent ones for less ($20-30). I would get a few pairs of Etimotics. Keep one in your bass case and another in your car, so you are never without.

I always keep one in my wallet.

 

[KenB]

I have been using the Westone TRU Universal WM25 earplugs:

TRU Universal WM25

They reduce the volume fairly evenly across the musical range. I haven't had any problem at all hearing the proper balance when I'm playing.

I've found that it helps to put them in about 10 minutes before starting to play, to become accustomed to the reduced sound level. Even normal conversation is easy to follow with them in.

They're a bit more pricey than some, but designed by a major hearing aid designer/manufacturer.

https://www.amazon.com/Hearing-Aid-...ords=TRU+Universal+WM25&qid=1574552545&sr=8-2

 

[KenB]

I would get a few pairs of Etimotics.

I tried the 20dB version of the Etymotics before buying the Westones.

https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Hig...id=1574553096&sprefix=etymotic,aps,190&sr=8-4

They aren't quite effective enough when the music gets loud, and they skewed the balance towards the high frequencies a just bit.

They also have that strange looking clear cylinder that pokes out of your ear.

They are GREAT for movies and loud restaurants though! They make conversation in loud restaurants really nice.
I also use the Etymotics to listen to audio books in the car - almost eliminate the road noise, so I can listen at a much lower level.

 

[Yango]

Invalid Link Removed

I use these, and love them. Extremely comfortable and excellent hearing protection.
I wear them at work, on my motorcycle and when playing music... so they spend a LOT of time in my ears.

As with any plugs, there will be an adjustment period for you to get used to how things sound with them in. Stick with it, believe me, the alternative is much worse in the long run.

 

[Microbass]

$200 seems pricy unless you’d be after something that doesn’t have a flag response. Ie certain frequencies have extra cuts.

Here, it’s £130 for ACS custom fitted - numerous places make the moulds and then send them to ACS to be made with the filters fitted. Would’ve thought you might’ve gotten the same around $120-150

 

[PCR]

These are the best I've found.

Earasers: The Best Earplugs for Ear Protection

They don't filter out too much, and do not shift the sound frequencies.

 

[mattzink]

All - thank you for your input. I'll check out the ones you've mentioned. One thing that occurred to me over the weekend is that perhaps I can work with a doctor to get something made - IF I can find a place that will make custom ear plugs and let me pay with my HSA (health savings account) Visa card. If I can use my HSA card, the sky's the limit. I have no idea, though, if I can. Will check into that too.