OT - Earplugs

[mikeller]

I am just curious if anyone here has a recommendation for good earplugs. I play (including last night) at one particular bar about once a month. The way the stage is located and designed, the stage volume is brutal. My ears wind up ringing so loud I can barely hear for 2 or 3 days afterwards.

I tried some cheap foam plugs, but found them very unsatisfying. Everything was very muffled and I felt I had no good concept of my volume, tone or dynamics.

Thanks!!!

 

[leftyguitarblue]

your best bet, but it can be expensive, go to a place that sells hearing aids. They can make a mold of your ear and you have your own custom made earplugs. It will run you about $150-$200 but your ears will thank you. You can still hear everything perfect, just at a lower level and much better than foam earplugs.

 

[beej]

We try and keep the volume reasonable when we play, but it's certainly a good idea to wear 'em if you can.

I'm using Hearos right now- you get attenuation across all the frequencies, not just the highs, and inexpensive. But I'll be getting a pair of Etymotics shortly - the ER9s or 15's probably.

That said, I do feel "disconnected" from my playing with earplugs. The sound is quieter but it feels very odd. Lots of guys say you get used to it, I haven't yet. But my ears already ring quite a bit (one in particular), so better safe than sorry.

 

[Larry]

I have a pair of these. They keeps my hearing from getting worse

 

[Spudmurphy]

What?? What ya say ???

 

[Larry]

Nothing can save me from being tone deaf

 

[paranoid70]

I have gone to so many concerts that I know I have some hearing damage. I get the ringing effect every so often even when I am not listening to loud music.

For the last few years, I have used earplugs at concerts. (Better late than never). I use the cheapo -30dB earplugs you get at the store.

Our drummer plays pretty loud, so we do too! For the past few months, I have been using ear plugs at rehersal and during gigs too. My bandmates have made some comments to me.... but last Thursday I noticed one of my guitar players inserting earplugs before we started.

 

[kbaim]

I use the blue heroes rated at 33 db. But agree on the disconnect. Mostly I use these at concerts and laker games

 

[paranoid70]

Laker games.... how good are your seats?

 

[INMT]

For years I have been using various in ear monitors when playing live. Controls the volume and tone better than anything I have tried so far.
As far as straight ear plugs go I use
Product: Interstate Music SNF2 Sonic II Sound Filter Earplugs

 

[kbaim]

Laker games.... how good are your seats?

Pretty good, though I haven't been to hardly any this year (sold them all before the season)...but the music they have blaring all the time during the action now almost ruins the game.

So the earplugs really help...but I also feel a disconnect with the action on the floor using earplugs. It's a tradeoff.

 

[TNT]

Mike,

It's the "cymbals" that kill!!!

Yeah, I use plugs, and have for years. They work "great" and I buy them by the case. They'll protect your ears perfectly and give you the "least" isolated feel.

They are the "Classic" brand plug by Cabot Safety Corp.

 

[Sweat]

Man, I could not use them, thank God I am not a pro player, I cant even stand headphones.

 

[Larry]

Man, I could not use them, thank God I am not a pro player, I cant even stand headphones.

Neither could I but you get used to them over time.

 

[Multiversal]

Hearos work great!

 

[MJM]

Check out the custom earplugs...

Ear monitors, plugs and hearing protectors - Sensaphonics

 

[mikeller]

Thanks very much for all the comments and suggestions. I will look into these for certain!

 

[whitestrat]

I am just curious if anyone here has a recommendation for good earplugs. I play (including last night) at one particular bar about once a month. The way the stage is located and designed, the stage volume is brutal. My ears wind up ringing so loud I can barely hear for 2 or 3 days afterwards.

I use Etymotic Research musician's earplugs. They cut off 20 to 25 dB but you still hear fine. Good for us guitarists who like to play loud... Recomended by my ENT specialist, cos I'm experiencing hearing loss on my left ear...

They're not expensive. Can be bought online easily. Just search for Musician's Earplugs.

 

[GoKart_MoZart]

your best bet, but it can be expensive, go to a place that sells hearing aids...

Worth every penny, IMO. Seriously. You're doing this because you love music, and you will need your hearing if you want it to be a lifelong pursuit.

It's the "cymbals" that kill!!!

Yeah, man, that's for sure.

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

My ears started ringing all the time in 2006. I figure that the damage is already done. I have tried plugs over the years, but its such a disconnected feeling you get.