Hearing Loss and Ear Plugs

[Dkerwood]

I'm pretty sure that the don't. look [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] under "SSP-75" The antennuation goes from 18-42 dB, but is mostly between 30-42 dB

Ok, so you're talking about "[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]," which is rated for a 25 dB cut.

From your description, "This lets me hear low volumes clearly, but filters higher volumes more heavily", I thought you were talking about the "Invalid Link Removed," which says in its description, "Internal baffle design allows normal conversation to be heard yet shuts out harmful noise levels."

Check out the pics to make sure, but if you're using Silent Parner, you should be just fine. My Hearos hifi plugs are rated for a 20 dB cut.

A word about the NRR rating. It is my understanding that this rating is the MINIMUM cut that testers could coax out of the plugs, meaning that they will usually cut more than they are rated for... but it's better to have too much cut than not enough.

 

[chance planet]

I use custom fitted earplugs, made of solid medical grade silicon. This is the best material, as its softer, more flexible, and smoother than other earplug materials. There's a company called Hocks Labs in Portland, Oregon that makes these plugs. Cost me about $60 through the local audiologist here. Playing bass with these plugs is no problem, some of the highs are cut out but the bass actually comes through better. As a side benefit, I also use the plugs for my cold water sports activities (surfing, diving, windsurfing, etc.) to keep cold water out of my ears.

This is one of the best investments a musician can make!

 

[Dkerwood]

I use custom fitted earplugs, made of solid medical grade silicon. This is the best material, as its softer, more flexible, and smoother than other earplug materials. There's a company called Hocks Labs in Portland, Oregon that makes these plugs. Cost me about $60 through the local audiologist here. Playing bass with these plugs is no problem, some of the highs are cut out but the bass actually comes through better. As a side benefit, I also use the plugs for my cold water sports activities (surfing, diving, windsurfing, etc.) to keep cold water out of my ears.

This is one of the best investments a musician can make!

Lol. I take it these aren't the musician's plugs with the special *non-waterproof* filters?

 

[chance planet]

Lol. I take it these aren't the musician's plugs with the special *non-waterproof* filters?

I don't use any filters at all - the plug is just solid. This offers the maximum hearing protection, and is a great all around earplug for music, loud machinery, watersports, you name it. Have been using these plugs for about 24 years.

 

[orskard]

i bought the ER-15 i believe, from a fellow TB-er and i loveeee them. best thing i have done for myself in a long time. my drummer went and bought some other hi fi plugs from Guitar Center.

i wear them all the time and i dont get headaches anymore. i just wish the rest of my band would do the same.

 

[Piezoman]

I just got a set of hearo's and must say they are pretty good. Definitley better than the cheap foam stuff. Not a huge difference, but more comfortable and definitly do a noticabley better job at letting you hear everything.

The set I got only reduces by 12db's, but I see online, one that says for 26db's. I guess those would be better. The 12 is nice though, cuz it still allows you to rock with your music as long as it's ridiculously loud. I'd reccoment them, especially if you dont have the fund's or need's for $200 worth of hearing protection, these will do the job anywhere, especially the 26db set.

 

[FunkyLemz]

I just got a set of hearo's and must say they are pretty good. Definitley better than the cheap foam stuff. Not a huge difference, but more comfortable and definitly do a noticabley better job at letting you hear everything.

The set I got only reduces by 12db's, but I see online, one that says for 26db's. I guess those would be better. The 12 is nice though, cuz it still allows you to rock with your music as long as it's ridiculously loud. I'd reccoment them, especially if you dont have the fund's or need's for $200 worth of hearing protection, these will do the job anywhere, especially the 26db set.

I have Hearo's myself, but I do sometimes have problems with not being able to distinguish my notes from one another. Have you guys ever experience this problem? I know it's not my gear or settings- at least Im pretty sure.
Thanks, Mike

 

[Alex]

Ok, so you're talking about "[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]," which is rated for a 25 dB cut.

From your description, "This lets me hear low volumes clearly, but filters higher volumes more heavily", I thought you were talking about the "Invalid Link Removed," which says in its description, "Internal baffle design allows normal conversation to be heard yet shuts out harmful noise levels."

Check out the pics to make sure, but if you're using Silent Parner, you should be just fine. My Hearos hifi plugs are rated for a 20 dB cut.

A word about the NRR rating. It is my understanding that this rating is the MINIMUM cut that testers could coax out of the plugs, meaning that they will usually cut more than they are rated for... but it's better to have too much cut than not enough.

No, I have the "super sound baffler". I thought that the Model # was over the description, not under it. Even if you check the antennuation for "fun 85" it cuts more than 9 dB. Antennuation between 125 and 8000:

Attenuation(dB) 4.1 6.4 9.6 12.7 21.0 27.5 25.7 26.3 27.5

Where did you get 9? I know nothing about frequency ranges and what not, so does only one of the columns matter for the range of notes that normal music is in?

 

[Dkerwood]

No, I have the "super sound baffler". I thought that the Model # was over the description, not under it. Even if you check the antennuation for "fun 85" it cuts more than 9 dB. Antennuation between 125 and 8000:

Attenuation(dB) 4.1 6.4 9.6 12.7 21.0 27.5 25.7 26.3 27.5

Where did you get 9? I know nothing about frequency ranges and what not, so does only one of the columns matter for the range of notes that normal music is in?

Well, the 9 NRR comes from the product desription, although on the page you're quoting, it gives a NRR of only 7.

Now I agree, with those numbers of attenuation, it does appear that it would be better than a 9 or a 7... But you notice how low it's rated for lower frequencies? That would concern me, especially between 250-500 Hz, where frequencies tend to build up anyway.

About the NRR rating from Etymotic Research's website (many, if not most, TB'ers employ some Etymotic technology in their earplugs, myself included):

The EPA requires manufacturers to print a noise reduction rating (NRR) on all non-custom earplugs. The NRR for ER•20s is 12 dB, but actual clinical measurements of properly inserted ER•20s indicate that these earplugs provide almost equal sound reduction (20 dB) at all frequencies in real ears. The required formula used to determine NRR includes an adjustment for individual variability and for those persons who do not wear ear protection as instructed. Many investigators have found no consistent rank order correlation between the real-world NRRs and labeled NRRs. NRR is computed from laboratory data that are not representative of the values attained in the real world by actual users.

Long story short, the NRR rating is usually trying to play it safe, but I figure why gamble? Play it safe and curse about having too much reduction rather than damaging your hearing.

Speaking of damaging hearing, we ended up playing an impromptu gig last night, and since we didn't have our full PA support, I didn't think I'd need to pop in the plugs. Big mistake. My drummer told me afterwards that he was playing at about his top volume to keep up with the bassist and me. My bassist's amp was about halfway open, and my guitar amp was just shy of 1 on the volume knob... sigh...

Needless to say, my ears are still feeling stuffed up.

Protect yourself, and gig happy.

 

[Alex]

Well, the volume at my NYE gig was extremely comfortable with these in, so the NRR rating doesn't really matter, eh?

 

[Dkerwood]

Well, the volume at my NYE gig was extremely comfortable with these in, so the NRR rating doesn't really matter, eh?

Meh. If you're happy, that's cool.

Just remember that "comfort" does not necessarily equal "safe"... You can do a lot of damage before things become "uncomfortable"...

It's just that most of us wait until loud becomes uncomfortable to start protecting ourselves. Kind of like waiting until those child support payments become uncomfortable to start wearing a condom...

 

[SBassman]

Seeing this thread re-activate is a good reminder to me about something I'm still a jerk about - I don't wear any ear protection.

Oddly, I Always wear it when I'm on the motorcycle, but I have Never worn it when I play.

I guess I feel I won't hear as well. As it is, due to various factors, I don't hear well with my band even naked. I guess I'm afraid the plugs will just make it worse.

I think that has to be a New Years resolution of mine - to start using some.

 

[jaysun]

Oddly, I Always wear it when I'm on the motorcycle, but I have Never worn it when I play.

QUOTE]


How do you hear the sirens? haha.

you can hear yoruself singing better when you wear earplugs.

 

[therealting]

How do you hear the sirens? haha.

you can hear yoruself singing better when you wear earplugs.

Two excellent points.

Always make sure you can hear external sounds if you wear plugs when driving. A warning honk from behind could save your life.

Also, plugs while singing are the BOMB. I am studying singing and every week I have a class where I have to pretty much sing for two hours straight, often high-octane rock tunes. Since I started wearing earplugs, I can sing longer without fatigue, and am told I sound much better too, because I can hear myself.

 

[Marcus]

I just used a friends noise-cancelling ear phones today and WOW.

I've never been an ear-plugs/ear-buds/shove anything in your ear kinda guy so I was shocked when I put them on and they literally cut out all extraneous sound without muffling the drums, guitar, or my bass.

I ordered the same set today. I'm NEVER jamming without them.

 

[Derio]

I book and manage shows of all genres here in my town and I also play in a melodic metal band. These shows are usually LOUD, rock / alternative / acoutic / metal / hardcore.

I am consistently barking orders while I run these shiws, and it is crucial for me to have good hearing / communication - but I am also concerned for my hearing in the long run and am looking into getting some ear plugs.

Do you all suggest I get a reducer of 15db, or the 25db?

 

[mrcircle]

I book and manage shows of all genres here in my town and I also play in a melodic metal band. These shows are usually LOUD, rock / alternative / acoutic / metal / hardcore.

I am consistently barking orders while I run these shiws, and it is crucial for me to have good hearing / communication - but I am also concerned for my hearing in the long run and am looking into getting some ear plugs.

Do you all suggest I get a reducer of 15db, or the 25db?

If you order the custom 15db earplugs (usually $140), you can also order a second set of 25db filters ($55), effectively giving yourself both options. Personally, I've found the ER-15 enough attenuation for my band, but just barely so. In a louder setting, the ER-25 might be the better choice. If you have both available, you'll be prepared for whatever the situation calls for. Personally, I'd start with the 25db filters and when that's too much attenuation (cuts out so much you can't hear what you need to), cut back to the 15db ones. Remember, just because it doesn't hurt, that doesn't mean it isn't doing damage.

 

[theshadow2001]

I agree. I started backwards and I'm changing my 15db's for 25db's which will suit my situation better. I say go with the 25's if they are too much get the 15's. If your talking about LOUD then chances are the 25's are what your looking for anyway. I wish I new this when I was getting my plugs!

 

[Dragonlord]

OK, I think I finally decided it, so I called a doctor and described him that I wanted an ear plug that would cut all frequencies the same, not altering the sound. I don't think he had been asked the same thing again, but he told me to go there and get an audiogram and that then he would introduce me to a couple of companies that make ear plugs for deaf people (i mean to hear better, not to cut down the volume), he said that he thinks that it's them who make what I'm looking for as well.
I had a friend who had an accident some years ago and I *think* that he had told me that the doctor measured his ear or sth so that the ear plug would perfectly fit. Is that possible? He could very well just be talking about an audiogram and I can't remember well.
When I get the audiogram, do you suggest me to go to the company he will tell me? Are there companies on the net where I can send the audiogram and have custom earplugs sent to me? If yes, could you suggest one or two?
I also read about different db cuts etc, how much do I need? We play a bit loud at times, after long rehearsals sometimes I hear a buzz. But I don't want to cut it down to less than half the volume, I still want to hear everything loud, just not at a dangerous volume.
thx

 

[Dkerwood]

OK, I think I finally decided it, so I called a doctor and described him that I wanted an ear plug that would cut all frequencies the same, not altering the sound. I don't think he had been asked the same thing again, but he told me to go there and get an audiogram and that then he would introduce me to a couple of companies that make ear plugs for deaf people (i mean to hear better, not to cut down the volume), he said that he thinks that it's them who make what I'm looking for as well.
I had a friend who had an accident some years ago and I *think* that he had told me that the doctor measured his ear or sth so that the ear plug would perfectly fit. Is that possible? He could very well just be talking about an audiogram and I can't remember well.
When I get the audiogram, do you suggest me to go to the company he will tell me? Are there companies on the net where I can send the audiogram and have custom earplugs sent to me? If yes, could you suggest one or two?
I also read about different db cuts etc, how much do I need? We play a bit loud at times, after long rehearsals sometimes I hear a buzz. But I don't want to cut it down to less than half the volume, I still want to hear everything loud, just not at a dangerous volume.
thx

The audiogram is not necessary to receive earplugs. It is good, however, if you're curious to see how much damage you actually have done to your ears. I would suggest calling a local hearing aid distributer, and tell them what you told the doctor. Around here, they're called "musician's earplugs".

You'll go in, and they'll make a mold of your ear canal. They are experts at doing this because it's the exact same process that they use to make earpieces for hearing aids. Then they will send them off to their production facility, who will make the plugs, and return them with whatever filter you order. Then you'll return to the hearing aid company and (theoretically) have your plugs ready to go.

Of course, in my case, they lost/misplaced my plugs, and I subsequently refused to pay for them. I then got a call from their collections agent 6 months later demanding their $170. I calmly explained that I had never received the plugs, and if they had them, I would gladly pay for them. Haven't heard from them since.

Also, there are companies that will let you do your own ear mold and send it back to them. I have no experience with these companies, so I can't suggest any one over the other. I can't imagine that a "do it yourself" kit could possibly yield better results than the professionals' process.

Good luck!