What ear protection are you using?

[Lammchop93]

I've tried a ton, and these are by far the best ones I have found. Comfortable, and don't totally dull the sound to where I can't hear detail.

https://www.amazon.com/Loop-Experience-Ear-Plugs-High-Fidelity/dp/B0D4DFQTMJ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=EY6VWXUYJ34T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._4FJ6VFQm0lgaa6SNNAiay6VdlRFKfUxCPyONq18vrGynEw4kqCNmT-1wNzhMWZLgSsqt_Wy4bYB3o7l3lNTrhUFay_CJkHb05kRAdxK-OKZqC4BsQViHdF7kDfHjAwBnhm8W2klZQ1tktKFZir3FB1ykExoxeyE-lzBD0xBnKHbaBOoR_UJsjVpgKPlC5pGa_Og-sezdyNCVjgK3zaGoyXbwwd9vTzUGRXSWKEQj4iT1I6i5UNi-iP1tqTjQWtEP-_JQnqj67heOs-Wh2Tm06pJcWsk-vDxOYkmlOh_2bk.Xh03eZHJdNi3-HQUrqZCEVqhOCBMApCu0FX6F6Qv3K0&dib_tag=se&keywords=halo%2Bear%2Bplugs&qid=1776195722&sprefix=halo%2Bear%2Bplug%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

 

[bullshark]

Etymotic ER20.

 

[SC Bassboy]

I just use foam ear plugs. It's not that I wouldn't love a set of custom fit plugs, I would just loose one of them in short order. Most my shows these days are acoustic sets outdoors. Haven't really need earplugs except when I go to a concert. My old band did eventually step up to IEMs and they were an upgrade for sure. Part of that may be because I always play barefoot, so I can feel the notes through the floor in addition to hearing them.

 

[IanStephenson]

Used etymotics for years, but a couple of years ago I got some Read Audio - Custom-Fit In-Ear Monitors & Earplugs custom IEM's and they made me some ear plugs from the same moulds.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Custom molded plugs from the audiologist. Can’t say enough good things about them.

 

[Wasnex]

I used custom molds with ER15 and ER20 throughout my performance career. They don't sound natural despite the claims, but I haven't found anything better. IME, getting a good custom mold is not necessarily easy or automatic.

I have tried a range off-the-shelf musicians ear plugs and it's hard to find any that fit my ear canal and seal properly. Most of them are too small to seal.

I use triple flange when riding motorcycles. IME vibrations from the helmet still make it loud, due to bone conduction. I have found that plugs made out of a softer material seems to reduce the effects of bone conduction. The military issued me some soft triple flange plugs made by 3M that worked really well for me. I researched the 3M plugs and AFAIK they are only sold in huge lots. I found some soft Chinese plugs on Amazon that are pretty similar.

I also have 3M ear muffs that I use for other noisy activities.

 

[Killens84]

I ordered some custom-molded earplugs through a local audiologist. They were $200. They’ve been very much worth the cost.

 

[Thumpin6string]

I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you. What did you ask?

 

[Mister_GothFrak]

I haven't been on stage in recent times. Otherwise, I'm just using Heavys headphones with noise cancelation. lol I bought a good USA made pair of ear plugs but lost one a few weeks later. Only cost $50 from a local shoppe.

Now, to "restore" hearing, I recently picked up a water blaster for ear cleaning. My ears have never been this clean and I can noticably hear better. lol. There are some things cotton swabs just can't do.

 

[jad]

Phonak Serenity Choice Music. Before I got the Phonaks I used Hearos Hi Fi. The Phonaks are far superior in terms of quality of sound. They're in the $60 range, so cheap compared to customs, or expensive compared to foam or toilet paper

 

[GregT]

Are any of the less expensive ones that work well just one-piece? I never want to have one fall apart in my ear on stage again, but I need some decent earplugs for a local jam with friends who don't have volume knobs on their amps apparently. It's the reason I quit going.

 

[monsterthompson]

Staying home

I’ve tried a few things over the years. Eargasm was my last purchase and what I currently use when needed. Not amazing, but not bad. I still keep a few foam plugs around in case I’m at a loud show. I never really found a solution/product I liked.

 

[pfschim]

When I don't have IEM's in there, I use Etymotic ER20's. Pretty even 20db cut across the frequency spectrum, and they fit my ears very well.

 

[erratick]

Etymotic ER20XS

Got my whole band addicted to them. But now with IEMs, ER2 or ER3 also from Etymotic.

 

[DuluthDank]

I'm gonna 2nd the Hearos suggestion. They are dirt cheap, available at many local music shops, and better than they have a right to be. I get the "rock N roll" ones...not sure how much it matters.

 

[el murdoque]

I've said it many times. Custom-molded earplugs are the best $200 I ever spent. When I was doing a lot of hip-hop sessions, I'd literally wear them for 12 hours straight. And being able to swap filters is nice. 17dB filters for live shows, 27dB filters for construction/nail-guns/real guns/monster truck rallies.

Same here. The only regret I have concerning custom molded plugs is that I did not get them a decade earlier.

 

[Nedmundo]

For attending shows, I've been using Westones, and I think they're excellent. They preserve detail nicely, so I don't feel like I'm missing anything. I've used them for some playing situations too.

Westone

westone.com

For the past couple of years, I've been using Erasers for band rehearsals and gigs, and they might be even better. I'm often playing at the far edge of the stage, so I sometimes just use one in the ear facing the stage. For low-volume band practice, I use one in the ear facing the drummer. For louder practices and gigs, I use both.

Earasers Starter Savings Bundle

Earasers are the best high fidelity earplugs on the market. Hearing protection for concerts, musicians, fire-arms, dentists, construction, motorsports, etc.

www.earasers.net

 

[sawzalot]

My IEM earbuds with triple flange tips.

 

[mobeme23]

+1 for Westone!
i like that you can purchase various different db filters. i use the 15s for drums and 8s for bass.

best not to skimp on ear protection, especially with so many great options these days!

 

[edwinhurwitz]

These: ER Series Musician Earplugs - Custom

All else can be close but don’t provide the protection you need in loud environments.