Off Topic Westone Ear Filters

[mikeller]

Any EBMM Forumites use Westone Ear filters? I had a pair made and choose the 15db filters, but find it filters too much.

I am curious if anyone has tried the 9db?

 

[Harable]

Yes, if you're talking about the ER-15's (also called Musician's Earplugs). I've been using them since the late '80's for playing drums. One does have to adjust to the new sensation (or lack of same) of the reduction in volume, but once one has become familiar with the new 'balance,' it's really not a problem. In fact, I find that I hear less distortion coming from the room with the plugs in.

And yes, I have the 9's as well. I use them when I just want to take the edge off of almost-objectionable volume. They're not as even-sounding as the 15's (same problem with the 25's), but they're still much better than the foam guys.

I would meter your environment before switching to the lower filters though, just to make sure you'd still be reducing the volume to a safe level.

Also, plan on getting new earmolds done every 1-2 years, depending on which material they were made of.

Best from Craig

 

[kbaim]

We might be using them for different reasons...as i'm not in a band now...but for peace and quiet i still use the blue heroes (33db).

They last about 5-8 times using them. Then a new pair is needed.

I find they're almost indespensible for most concerts as well as travel. Like when you're in a hotel thats loud, or near an elevator or the ice and vending machines. Even at home when my neighbors dogs bark their heads off. Also great for camping.

For concerts i always use them until the band i came to see takes the stage. Then depending on volume levels i might take them out but at least my ears are fresh.

 

[beej]

I used the ER-15s for quite a while ... these days I mostly use the 9s, the 15s cut too much.

 

[mikeller]

I need to try the 9s I guess because I am with you beej - the 15's to me are like playing outside an isolation room.

One night I accidentally had a slap back delay on thru an entire song because I could hear that.

 

[beej]

Yeah ... I find unless you're REALLY loud, the 9s are good. To me, they feel like you've just turned down the volume in the room enough that you're comfortable.

 

[prskier17]

I use the 15's and like them but have been thinking about getting a pair of 9's to try out. The 15's are a little too much attenuation sometimes and take away from of the "connection" that I prefer. Still, it's vital to protect your ears!

I actually wore them at a Slash show (awesome, btw) last Thursday and they were perfect.... they were cook'n! I can't believe all the people with nothing in their ears!

 

[DavidEid]

Do these all use Etymotic filters?

I had some made here in Dublin, Ohio several years ago. Bought 9db and 15db filters. Absolutely hated them. To me the claims that they kept the sound but just made it quiet were bogus. I tried getting used to them. I gave them time. I gave up.

Maybe a year later, I actually wrote to etymotic because our new drummer was killing my left ear. I NEEDED these to work. They had me send everything in for testing and they said the molds were made wrong. They had them remade. The still sucked. I ended up putting a drum shield between me and the drummer.

I have to ask the drummer in my new band (Jacked Up 2010) about his since he wears his ear plugs at every gig and I think even between sets.

 

[whitestrat]

I use Etymotic filters. 15db. Good stuff. They work great for formula 1 races too!!!

 

[Moose308]

They had me send everything in for testing and they said the molds were made wrong. They had them remade. The still sucked.

Wow. I guess this is a case of YMMV. That's too bad. I ordered the ER-15, and I found them fantastic. I really did find them to "lower the volume, not the sound". Well, they do color the sound a little, but only a little. I use mine at practice, and mostly at rock concerts. They take a little to get used to, but I find if I pop them in prior to the band taking the stage, I get used to the change in volume/sound by the time the music starts.

Personally, I would recommend the ER-15 to everyone who values their hearing. They are like sunglasses, for your ears.

 

[smallequestrian]

I think I might need to look into these, I've tried the Ety plugs, because I use Etymotic earphones for music listening.

They obviously quiet things down, but make things a little to muddy.

Can anybody clue me in as to how much I should expect a set of the Westone customs to cost?

 

[mikeller]

I think I might need to look into these, I've tried the Ety plugs, because I use Etymotic earphones for music listening.

They obviously quiet things down, but make things a little to muddy.

Can anybody clue me in as to how much I should expect a set of the Westone customs to cost?

I think I paid somewhere around $150-$160 for mine, that includes one set of filters and custom molded plugs

 

[Moose308]

My experience was about the same.

A 1/2 hour appointment in a hearing clinic so the tech can insert a mini-tampon into your ear next to your eardrum. Then they pour in some goo which hardens in 5 minutes to take a cast of your ear-canal. Flip your head over for the other side and repeat.

About a 1-2 weeks later the plugs come back from the lab so there was another 1/2 hour (usless) appointment to fit the earplugs. I figured out how to put them into my ear in about 30 seconds, let alone the 1/2 hour they blocked in.

The hearing clinc charged me closer to $200, but that was Canuck dollars. And they have a local monopoly.

Still, best $200 I have spent in a long time.