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Hearing Loss and Ear Plugs

#863
I get 200 count boxes of disposable ear plugs from an industrial safety supply for under 25 bucks. I have used the more expensive, so called musicians ear plugs and have come to the conclusion that the only difference is the color.

If installed correctly they should prevent all damage. Most people dont insert them correctly. They should fit deep in the ear cannal.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#864
The band I play in isn't overly loud but standing next to the drums isn't the best for your ears in any case... For a few weeks I've had a constant mild ringing in both ears (I'm only 18) and have decided its time to start wearing ear protection. Hopefully this is caused by a non sound related factor but I guess I'll just have to wait and see (I listen to music with headphones a lot), at least ear protection should hopefully stop it getting worse...
 
#865
I spent the money and got the molded musicians plugs. i have worn the industrial type all my life in work and to me there is no comparison, the musicians plugs allow a lot more detail to come through. But to each their own, whatever works works. They do help. I have had tinitis for years now, there is always a ringing/white noise in my ears. It may have been mentioned already but to me the trick is putting them on early so the ears get used to the sound reduction then the rest of the night seems normal. If you put them on just when it is getting loud the change is much more difficult to get used to.
 
#866
I've been using Etymotic ER-20 plugs for the last couple years, and I like that they don't alter the mix much. Could probably use a bit more reduction in spl, sometimes. What would y'all recommend? Any off-the-shelf plugs, like the ER-20s, that have more reduction?
 
#867
+1 on the Etymotic ER-20s. I've been using them for about a year, and I think the range loss is pretty minimal compared to the foam/utility style plugs.

On the other hand the trade off is that they do offer less protection - so if your band practices at insane volumes for hours at a time, your going to damage your hearing anyway.

I like their hearing loss slide rule: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#868
Gab124 said:
I spent the money and got the molded musicians plugs. i have worn the industrial type all my life in work and to me there is no comparison, the musicians plugs allow a lot more detail to come through. But to each their own, whatever works works. They do help. I have had tinitis for years now, there is always a ringing/white noise in my ears. It may have been mentioned already but to me the trick is putting them on early so the ears get used to the sound reduction then the rest of the night seems normal. If you put them on just when it is getting loud the change is much more difficult to get used to.
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That ist sound advice.
I use moulded ones as well, with elacin -9db for normal and -15db for loud. When using the 9's, i plug my ears at home and when i arrive at rehearsal, i'm adjusted.
 
#869
I've been using Silencio silicon earplugs (-26dB rated) for 20 years or so - it does take a little bit of time to get used to the tone shift but my hearing is still excellent. For me I find I can actually hear details better in a loud environment with earplugs in than without.

I've also had custom moulded ones that were fantastic as well but were 10x the price, and Etymotic for IEM's.
 
#870
Gab124 said:
I spent the money and got the molded musicians plugs. i have worn the industrial type all my life in work and to me there is no comparison, the musicians plugs allow a lot more detail to come through. But to each their own, whatever works works. They do help. I have had tinitis for years now, there is always a ringing/white noise in my ears. It may have been mentioned already but to me the trick is putting them on early so the ears get used to the sound reduction then the rest of the night seems normal. If you put them on just when it is getting loud the change is much more difficult to get used to.
Click to expand...

Also be careful about when to remove the ear plugs at rehearsals or gigs, for instance if you want to talk to people and they get in the way of the conversation, because what's bound to happen is that the drummer or guitarrist choses that moment to do some kind of crazy soundcheck which will hurt as your ears are now set for a lower volume .
 
#871
artechoke said:
I like their hearing loss slide rule: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Click to expand...

Hey, thanks for that link!

Y'know, that list of the levels produced by orchestra instruments really caught my eye. Surprised how loud the alto sax got. Got me thinking of all the hours I spent in high school band (playing woodwinds then)... And marching band, with all the brass and percussion? Yeow!
 
#872
I am now on my second set of custom fitted ear plugs and can't remember when I last left the house without them, let alone play or see a gig without them.
I also have my ears checked once or twice a year and luckily all is well so far.
 
#873
cnltb said:
I am now on my second set of custom fitted ear plugs and can't remember when I last left the house without them, let alone play or see a gig without them.
I also have my ears checked once or twice a year and luckily all is well so far.
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Congratulations! Hearing damage prevention is like insurance... you pay for it hoping you never have to use it. The investment for professionally custom-fitted earmolds and filters, as well as yearly evaluations is minimal compared to what most of us have already invested in our gear (and mostly all that I have is budget, entry level).

Truly, your ears are your most prized (musically speaking) asset. Perhaps it takes losing it to truly appreciate how precious it is.

I plainly encourage everyone that has enough money to buy a $250+ bass, plus amp/cab/whatever and wants to gig (who doesn't?)... get the other half of the equation right and do whatever it takes to properly protect your hearing.

I'm up for my yearly evaluation in a few days.. hopefully I have not lost any more than what is already gone...

If only I knew what I know now back in my younger years!!!
 
#874
PrietoBass said:
Congratulations! Hearing damage prevention is like insurance... you pay for it hoping you never have to use it. The investment for professionally custom-fitted earmolds and filters, as well as yearly evaluations is minimal compared to what most of us have already invested in our gear (and mostly all that I have is budget, entry level).

Truly, your ears are your most prized (musically speaking) asset. Perhaps it takes losing it to truly appreciate how precious it is.

I plainly encourage everyone that has enough money to buy a $250+ bass, plus amp/cab/whatever and wants to gig (who doesn't?)... get the other half of the equation right and do whatever it takes to properly protect your hearing.

I'm up for my yearly evaluation in a few days.. hopefully I have not lost any more than what is already gone...

If only I knew what I know now back in my younger years!!!
Click to expand...

I could not agree more!!

and...I bet really good ear plugs are a lot cheaper than a mediocre hearing aid. and make by far a bigger difference to you than 1000$ spent on a bass will to your playing and/or the audience.


KEEP HEARING!!! ;-)
 
#875
cnltb said:
I bet really good ear plugs are a lot cheaper than a mediocre hearing aid
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They certainly are cheaper AND better than even the most expensive hearing aids..

I know. I spent thousands on mine (6 to be exact) and people think I'm cooler than TurboMan... but I disagree. I'd give ANYTHING to get my hearing back.

You're right about the equipment too. My 3 basses (2 Squawiers --I like teasing the grammar police...-- and 1 SX) don't add up to $650. Would I like a nice(r) bass? Absolutely. But I know that with my (hearing) impairment is not going to make much of a difference.

I was transcribing a song the other day, and for like 45 min I couldn't figure out a certain 2-bar section... something just didn't match... My son shows up and says, "oh, that's and F#...". And lo and behold, now things "sounded" better, and from that reference tone I was able to figure out the rest.

I've been on this journey (bass learning) for four years, and I feel like I'm on the year-and-a-half mark. I keep going because I'm in love with (bass) playing, but make no mistake, w/o hearing it's just a heck of a lot harder!

Keep hearing!
 
#877
Which molded plugs did you get? I am looking for plugs that don't distort the sound.

I have tried the Etymotics ER-20s, Surefire EP3, and Planet Waves PWPEP1 Pacato. All are decent, but seem to distort sound (maybe I am expecting too much). Are the molded plugs better than the "mid-level" plugs listed above? I say "mid-level" because the ones I have tried are way better than the orange foam, but cost less than the custom molded.

I don't mind paying for the molded plugs, but was wondering what brand you recommend and how much better are they?

Thanks! :help:


Gab124 said:
I spent the money and got the molded musicians plugs. i have worn the industrial type all my life in work and to me there is no comparison, the musicians plugs allow a lot more detail to come through. But to each their own, whatever works works. They do help. I have had tinitis for years now, there is always a ringing/white noise in my ears. It may have been mentioned already but to me the trick is putting them on early so the ears get used to the sound reduction then the rest of the night seems normal. If you put them on just when it is getting loud the change is much more difficult to get used to.
Click to expand...
 
#878
I've had hearing loss and Tinnitus since the late 1960's. I worked around jet engines in Vietnam. Part of my VA disability is from hearing loss. Once you damage your ears it doesn't get better. I actually have hearing aids for normal wear, but I can't wear them at practice or gigs. I use ear plugs for gigs, but not so for practice since our practices are low to moderate volume.
 
#879
hsech said:
I actually have hearing aids for normal wear, but I can't wear them at practice or gigs. I use ear plugs for gigs, but not so for practice since our practices are low to moderate volume.
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I'm curious about why you can't wear your hearing aids for practice or gigs. My interest is because I am a hearing aid wearer as well and I'd like to compare notes on some of the challenges that you (we) are encountering. Feel free to PM me if you feel that this is more appropriate.
 

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