Just got earplugs.

[Musicman Nut]

Well, I just picked up my Westone fitted ear plugs. They have a 15db filter in them. We play two gigs this weekend so I'll have a report on them after that.

I also had my hearing tested and found that it's good for all frequencies exept for a pretty substantial decrease between 2000 - 4000hz. I'm hoping these earplugs help to keep any more damage from happening. The range of my loss is in the range that guitars play. Damn those Marshalls.

I also use the westones and they do work great, I sometimes Sub for this Rock Band here in town, AC/DC type band and they do wonders for that, I Also use the Shure E5 In ear Monitors which also work great. But bottom Line, everone Plays too damn Loud these days anyway.

Just think of these kids and their Low Riders where you can hear the Low End Pounding 3 blocks from your house. The only good thing about that is their deaf by the time their 25 so it fixes them right up.

 

[Bill]

Just think of these kids and their Low Riders where you can hear the Low End Pounding 3 blocks from your house. The only good thing about that is their deaf by the time their 25 so it fixes them right up.

Well said!

 

[sandaas]

Larry, I have 15s and they are great -

Seriously, they have been a lifesaver. They take enough "edge" the stage volume to protect your hearing

+1!

I've been using custom molded earplugs for 7 years now, and they really are great!
I have 15dB - great for removing "the edge" but not too much of the volume - & 25dB filters - for heavy-handed drummers and such

These plugs sure makes going to concerts and practicing with bands much more pleasant for your hearing

..And the sound they let through too your ears is pretty good too

 

[RockinRayDuke]

I just can't use them. Unless I'm not playing. I'm learning to lip read.

 

[Urwordsbreakmed]

15 db isnt that much , is it? The ones i use filter 32 db.

naw 15 should be plenty enough i was playing next to the drums about 3 feet from them for about 4 hours ... no head ache or anything took em out and went on with my day.. normally i have like a massive head ache and like im light headed and all kinda stuff... and my ears are rings.. but mine were only like 15 dollars not 150 what kinda did you get lol.. for 150 bucks those babys better be muting out a sonic boom

 

[Steve Dude Barr]

Lemmy told me this regarding ear plugs...got it on tape..."What? You really want to hear your wife bitchin at ya at 80 or something???"

 

[Mobay45]

naw 15 should be plenty enough i was playing next to the drums about 3 feet from them for about 4 hours ... no head ache or anything took em out and went on with my day.. normally i have like a massive head ache and like im light headed and all kinda stuff... and my ears are rings.. but mine were only like 15 dollars not 150 what kinda did you get lol.. for 150 bucks those babys better be muting out a sonic boom

These are custom molded to fit your ears so there is absolutely no sound that gets past them that isn't cut 15db. I've tried the generic plugs several times. I just can't stand them.

 

[Big Poppa]

urwords remember no brains, no headache!

 

[NoFrets80]

earplugs

I have a slight case of hyperacousis (sensitivity to really loud sounds), and can't handle being next to a drum kit in a tight space at all. My guitarist in one of my jazz trios will hit certain notes, even at low volumes, and it will feel like it's piercing my eardrum. So, I have pretty much worn earplugs in most group settings from the day I started playing. The only exceptions I can think of are when I am practicing at home, or playing with my jazz trio(s). The only reason I can handle that is because we're all playing acoustically anyway, and the drummer is amazingly quiet and sensitive. If it's any rock group or other 'plugged in' group, forget it. Even the cheapies help me hear things more clearly in a din of guitars and room noise. Earplugs are a good thing. I always get laughed at for taking them when I go hang out at concerts too, but I'm the only one at the end of the night who's not yelling at their date/girlfriend.

 

[stretch80]

Quick Question: Where can you order/get the custom earplugs?

 

[maddog]

Quick Question: Where can you order/get the custom earplugs?

Your local audiologist. Try the ol' yellow pages.

 

[Mobay45]

Your local audiologist. Try the ol' yellow pages.

That's where I got mine. But I went to Westone's website. There's a place on there that will help you find a local audiologist that handles their product.

I made an appointment to go in one day to have the molds made and got them two weeks later.

 

[Bill]

My ears are still ringing from my Cajun band gig on Wednesday night. Tonight I'm playing with my rock/variety band. I've got to get some of these plugs!

 

[Mobay45]

My first trial for them will be tonight. I'll let you know tomorrow how it went.

 

[adouglas]

Which model did you get? Westone makes a bunch of different plugs.

 

[Mobay45]

Which model did you get? Westone makes a bunch of different plugs.

I got the custom molded musicians earplugs with the -15db filter.

 

[kakobass]

Well, I got plenty of experience in the subject.

-I also went to the custom fit ($150, ER-25 filters) at HearX (a sort of medical franchise). (They have offices everywhere - Adn I also got my exam there.

-Custom fitted plugs come with a maximum of 25db cut, which in my case proved to be too little attenuation. There was still too much high-end coming through. I guess these work for quieter enviroments.

-I tossed them and now use regular foam plugs (cut 33db) and are really comfortable. These:

http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/cvs/gateway/detail?prodid=235844&previousURI=/CVSApp/cvs/gateway/search?ActiveCat=499^Query=ear+plugs^SEARCH.x=61^SEARCH.y=13

-I do not recommend the over-the-counter ER-20s. They do the job, but they are stiff rubber and plastic, which will make your ears hurt after a while. These:

http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20.aspx

...and they have a protuding hard end that sticks out of your ear. You have to be careful not to push the plugs inside your ear by accident.


BUT, be aware that even the best plugs cut only a maximum of 33dbs or so. A loud club or stage, a crash cymbal, or a feedback could reach 110+ dbs.

The problem is the amount of time that we get exposed. Even with plugs, you will still be prone to tinnitus and losing hearing, because the long hours and repeated exposure. Not all plugs will cut the specified db cut every single time you use them - sometimes you might have not sealed the ear canal properly, letting through some sound pressure.

I speculate that with foam plugs, you are getting at least an 80 db exposure during gigs. Do that for say, 16 hours a week, and you get ther picture.

"Resistance [to hearing damage] is futile!"

I have been using plugs for the last 5 years, but I play at least 100 shows a year. My tinnitus is still getting worst.

Note:

Tinnitus: constant ringing in the ears - which might not mean hearing loss, but usually you will get both tinnitus and hearing loss together, gradually.

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Mobay45]

Note:

Tinnitus: constant ringing in the ears - which might not mean hearing loss, but usually you will get both tinnitus and hearing loss together, gradually.

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.

I've had tinnitus since I was a teenager and I didn't start playing bass until I was 25. Mine was probably caused by chronic sinusitis though.

 

[tkarter]

Any ear plugs are better than none. IMHO

Some are better than others and it is possible to play good music while wearing them.

It all boils down to what you want to hear.



tk

 

[Urwordsbreakmed]

These are custom molded to fit your ears so there is absolutely no sound that gets past them that isn't cut 15db. I've tried the generic plugs several times. I just can't stand them.

i think i saw something about this yesterday.... they like put the foam crap in your ears it harden for the mold and pow ... is that what you have?