Topic: Ear Plugs

[bl6216@yahoo.com]

I am thinking about geting a good set of Ear Plugs. I am look to spend like $100 to $150. Or would it be the best just to go to a ear doc and get them fit just for me.


-Brian

[Brian Skalinder]

I am thinking about geting a good set of Ear Plugs. I am look to spend like $100 to $150. Or would it be the best just to go to a ear doc and get them fit just for me.

Excellent idea!  For $100-$150, you should be able to get a custom-molded pair from an audiologist.  I use the Etymotic ER-15 filters in my custom molds.  Check out audiologists in your area.  You may also find some useful information in the Hearing News thread.

[tfs8271]

I am thinking about geting a good set of Ear Plugs. I am look to spend like $100 to $150. Or would it be the best just to go to a ear doc and get them fit just for me.


-Brian

We have audiologist that checks our ears each year at work. She fit me with a pair and they are excellent. Hot Pink so if I drop them at a show I can see them easily...her suggestion. Work paid for them but she said she would fit my wife for $60. They are way more comfortable then the foam jobs. Good for sharing a room with a snorer.

[silentmark]

I am thinking about geting a good set of Ear Plugs. I am look to spend like $100 to $150. Or would it be the best just to go to a ear doc and get them fit just for me.

Excellent idea!  For $100-$150, you should be able to get a custom-molded pair from an audiologist.  I use the Etymotic ER-15 filters in my custom molds.  Check out audiologists in your area.  You may also find some useful information in the Hearing News thread.

Exactly.

I finally got my molded pair for 130 bucks or you can get the 15 dollar ones http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20.aspx which also work quite well. The molded ones rock though if you want to drop the scratch on them ...

[rokpunk]

Without a doubt, spend the $150 on a custom molded pair....but, when you go to the Audiologist, make sure he has fitted musicians before. I say that because a few years ago I needed a new pair and went to the closest guy I could find and he made me a pair the size of hearing aids. They were huge, ugly, and not very comfortable. My suggestion is to have him make you a pair with a little "tab" on them so they are easier to remove. I'm not so sure I'd personally go with pink......but maybe a nice shade of saftey orange.

[tfs8271]

I'm comfortable with my feminine side. 

[bl6216@yahoo.com]

Dose any know if all the custom ones use filters.(I use the Etymotic ER-15 filters in my custom molds.) that looks like it would be cool to have a filter that would work in big rooms and also in small room to. That way you can get the best out of all the show you go to.

[anodyne33]

Without a doubt, spend the $150 on a custom molded pair....

I have to respectfully disagree with rokpunk here, I have a set of custom molded plugs that I just got a few months ago, and I was fitted by the president of the largest manufacturer of custom molds in the country. She even made the plugs herself, so they are done correctly and fit great but, for years I've been using the Ety ER20 style plugs:

or you can get the 15 dollar ones http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20.aspx which also work quite well.

and I can't discern that much of a difference. In fact, the ER20s actually attenuate a little more than my custom plugs with 25db filters due to the fact that I'm not shy about jamming them pretty tightly in my ears.

In my case, because I'm doing some prototype testing for the company I got my plugs from I got them for $50, and it was definitely $50 well spent, if for no other reason than to be able to give them a head to head comparison. The custom plugs do have a noticeably better frequency response, but unless you have the dough to toss around, I suggest staying with the $15 ER20s.

My $.02
Shane

[bgalizio]

Dose any know if all the custom ones use filters.(I use the Etymotic ER-15 filters in my custom molds.) that looks like it would be cool to have a filter that would work in big rooms and also in small room to. That way you can get the best out of all the show you go to.

There are multiple custom earplug designs. For instance, I have one for industrial use (when I'm in a plant around loud machines). Thos don't use the same filters as the musicians plugs do. But, the musicians plugs have 3 filter choices - 9, 15, and 25dB - which would allow you to customize based on the room/type of music.

I have no idea on additional filter cost, as my brother is an audiologist and I get my stuff at cost. He's at a government facility, which are under contracts, so he doesn't know what cost end-users pay either.

[rokpunk]

Without a doubt, spend the $150 on a custom molded pair....

I have to respectfully disagree with rokpunk here, I have a set of custom molded plugs that I just got a few months ago, and I was fitted by the president of the largest manufacturer of custom molds in the country. She even made the plugs herself, so they are done correctly and fit great but, for years I've been using the Ety ER20 style plugs:

or you can get the 15 dollar ones http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20.aspx which also work quite well.

and I can't discern that much of a difference. In fact, the ER20s actually attenuate a little more than my custom plugs with 25db filters due to the fact that I'm not shy about jamming them pretty tightly in my ears.

In my case, because I'm doing some prototype testing for the company I got my plugs from I got them for $50, and it was definitely $50 well spent, if for no other reason than to be able to give them a head to head comparison. The custom plugs do have a noticeably better frequency response, but unless you have the dough to toss around, I suggest staying with the $15 ER20s.

My $.02
Shane

Do you mix in -25db earplugs?
I couldn't do that.....I use the -9db's when mixing monitors, and will stick the -15's in if it's a really loud show. I think the frequency response is pretty damn good on the -9's and -15's, but I've never used a -25.

[anodyne33]

Without a doubt, spend the $150 on a custom molded pair....

I have to respectfully disagree with rokpunk here, I have a set of custom molded plugs that I just got a few months ago, and I was fitted by the president of the largest manufacturer of custom molds in the country. She even made the plugs herself, so they are done correctly and fit great but, for years I've been using the Ety ER20 style plugs:

or you can get the 15 dollar ones http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20.aspx which also work quite well.

and I can't discern that much of a difference. In fact, the ER20s actually attenuate a little more than my custom plugs with 25db filters due to the fact that I'm not shy about jamming them pretty tightly in my ears.

In my case, because I'm doing some prototype testing for the company I got my plugs from I got them for $50, and it was definitely $50 well spent, if for no other reason than to be able to give them a head to head comparison. The custom plugs do have a noticeably better frequency response, but unless you have the dough to toss around, I suggest staying with the $15 ER20s.

My $.02
Shane

Do you mix in -25db earplugs?
I couldn't do that.....I use the -9db's when mixing monitors, and will stick the -15's in if it's a really loud show. I think the frequency response is pretty damn good on the -9's and -15's, but I've never used a -25.

Yep, sure do. I won't leave them in all show though. I'm doing the FOH/monitor shuffle, so after a few songs and everything is sussed out I'll pop 'em in. I pull them out pretty regularly though if something starts bothering me or if I have instrumentation changes. If the show is really loud though, they are in more often than not.


Edit to add: I am in a really small room though, keeps the relative SPL pretty high.

[willndmb]

i have been using the form ones, but i am tired of rolling them and having my ears glow orange

can you guys tell me, is -20db good?
i know a lot of people use these http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20.aspx
and they have ones LIKE them at my local store BUT the ones they have are lower/higher in DB rating

so can someone tell me the db rating that would be overall best for shows like dave matthews band, moe, wide spread panic?
thanks

[Brian Skalinder]

My audiologist indicated my -15 dB musicians earplugs (custom molds with Etymotic filters) are just fine for my concert-going.  I'd say -15 to -20 dB should be fine.

[willndmb]

My audiologist indicated my -15 dB musicians earplugs (custom molds with Etymotic filters) are just fine for my concert-going.  I'd say -15 to -20 dB should be fine.

thanks brian for the info and fast reply +t

[TNJazz]

I use custom fitted Westone plugs with -15db filters.  I believe there's a link through Etymotic's site.

They are easily the best fitting and most comfortable earplugs I've ever used.

[boojum]

I am using the Etymotic ER-20's.  They are working just fine for me.  I set my levels and so on without them and then put them in for the rest of the gig using the hardware to keep and eye on the levels.  YMMV

[dgodwin]

I'm waiting for the call back from my audiologist saying my customs are in.  Easily the best $125 I've spent on my rig.  There's a whole thread about the customs Will.. check it out.

[Brian Skalinder]

There's a whole thread about the customs Will.. check it out.

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,39349.0.html

[willndmb]

i have seen and read (most) of the thread with customs
i don't really use them enough to make it worth while i don't think
this yr i only taped 2 shows i needed plugs and i don't have any others planned yet that i figure i will need them
on the flip side maybe i will just save up and get some

[rokpunk]

i have seen and read (most) of the thread with customs
i don't really use them enough to make it worth while i don't think

you should be wearing earplugs whenever you drive a car with the windows open. the wind coming in your window at 60mph is easily over 100db, and over time can and will do damage to your ears, especially the left ear.

custom ear plugs are WELL worth the $150.

[firebaugh]

I just ordered two pairs of ER-20's for my wife and I.  We'll see how these go and maybe work our way up to the customs.

[illconditioned]

I just ordered two pairs of ER-20's for my wife and I.  We'll see how these go and maybe work our way up to the customs.

I recommend the earplugs as well.

I suffer from hearing loss as well as tinnitus.  Wear earplugs whenever you are in loud situations, including machine work, grass mowing, etc.  The problem with hearing is that things sneak up on you.  You think you're OK, but that is only because your mind is compensating for your hearing loss.  If you don't watch out you will find yourself with loss or tinnitus.  The first sign of loss is when you have difficulty communicating with people in crowded rooms, like bars, restaurants, or conferences.

If you can afford it ($50 or so), get a hearing test done by an audiologist (a PhD in audiology, not just a technologist selling hearing aids).

Please save your ears before it is too late!

  Richard

[boojum]

Well said, but too late for me.  I do use my earplugs at gigs, though.

L8R

[willndmb]

i think i will order form here and grab the 3 sets for $33 delivered
http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/profmusearpl1.html

still trying to talk myself into customs, if i go that way i can still have these sets for wife/friends

[bgalizio]

If you can afford it ($50 or so), get a hearing test done by an audiologist (a PhD in audiology, not just a technologist selling hearing aids).

Please save your ears before it is too late!

  Richard

Well, you used to only have to have your masters degree in audiology. Now, graduates must have their AuD (clinical doctorate - required in the last... 5 years maybe?). Some will have PhDs too, but not many outside of academia. Regardless, don't see a hearing aid salesman/technologist.

[anhisr]

Try to talk yourself into it.  Look how much you spend in recording equipment and then in equipment to reproduce the sound.  This is just so you can hear what you spent all that money for.  I think the money you spend on ear protection is money better spent

I should had done it earlier but, I am glad that my hearing didn't get too bad before I bought a pair of fitted ones.  They work much, much better than any of the foam ones.  Problem with foam is, it muffles the sound too much so you always want to take them out.  With the fitted ones you almost don't know you have them in. 

[willndmb]

you guys are talking me into it
my actual biggest fear is that i would lose one and then i would be pissed

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

you guys are talking me into it
my actual biggest fear is that i would lose one and then i would be pissed

Get the Etymotic ER20s - the "cheapo" plugs.  They run about $20/pair.  Order a couple of pairs, kep one on your keychain, another in your gear bag.  If you lose one, they are cheap to replace. 

They don't work as well as the custom jobs, but they do work great.  I've gotten so used to mine over the last couple of years that I cannot see a show without them - the volume hurts my ears...

Terry

[silentmark]

Custom plugs are the best purchase I have made. I used to use those 12 dollar etymotic plugs, while these work decent enough, the customs blown them away, seriously. Buy them and don't look back ...

[ScottT]

My insurance covers yearly hearing check-ups, and we have an Audiology department here at the med school/hospital.  I brought in my Etymotic ER-20's last time and explained to the doc what I do.  She said that if as long as I was happy with the fit then I really didn't need to get customs.

[bgalizio]

My insurance covers yearly hearing check-ups, and we have an Audiology department here at the med school/hospital.  I brought in my Etymotic ER-20's last time and explained to the doc what I do.  She said that if as long as I was happy with the fit then I really didn't need to get customs.

The filter mechanism is more sophisticated for the custom plugs. So besides fit, that is another advantage.

FWIW, the ER-20's are very, very good for the money.

[anhisr]

Scott have you gotten a test yet?

[ScottT]

Scott have you gotten a test yet?

What was that?  Speak up!   


Yes I did have my hearing tested.  For all the abuse I've put my ears through, I'm pretty much unscathed.  There is some loss of high frequencies that comes naturally with age...

The office I went to is in the Central Institute for the Deaf building @ Euclid & Clayton.  You can see it on the north side of Hwy 40, just east of Kingshighway.  There's a pedestrian bridge over the highway right by there as well.

[willndmb]

well i grabbed the er20 3 pack
and i have to take my son to get his hearing checked soon, so i will set up an appt for me too

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

well i grabbed the er20 3 pack
and i have to take my son to get his hearing checked soon, so i will set up an appt for me too

Depending on the age of your chillin', in-ear protection may be inappropriate...  I might recommend external ear protection for the young ones...

http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/category/peltor-kids-ear-muffs-children-ear-muffs.html

Terry

[willndmb]

well i grabbed the er20 3 pack
and i have to take my son to get his hearing checked soon, so i will set up an appt for me too

Depending on the age of your chillin', in-ear protection may be inappropriate...  I might recommend external ear protection for the young ones...

http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/category/peltor-kids-ear-muffs-children-ear-muffs.html

Terry

oh yeah i have muffs for him
this appt is for his speak, some sounds he has a hard time saying and they want tobe sure he can hear them correct
but since i will be going i figure i will make an appt for me too

[dgodwin]

woot!  I got a voicemail from my audiologist that my custom earplugs are in!  I've got to call tomorrow to make an appointment to get them.  Could've used them tonight for NMAS

[willndmb]

i used my er20s last night
they either kick serious ass or i didn't use them right

i had them in and you could hear everything great, however when i took them out there was little to no difference in volume
so i either have ears they don't fit good and they were not really blocking the sound correct or they really do make foam ones seems like crap

any ideas?? i just thought there would be more of a volume change like when you remove foam ones

[chrish]

Earlove!

http://www.earlove.net/index1.html

[Brian Skalinder]

i had them in and you could hear everything great, however when i took them out there was little to no difference in volume
so i either have ears they don't fit good and they were not really blocking the sound correct or they really do make foam ones seems like crap

any ideas?? i just thought there would be more of a volume change like when you remove foam ones

I found the volume change very noticeable, in v. out.  And they really do make the foam ones seem like crap.  Make sure you insert them properly.  I initially had trouble inserting them fully / properly.  Scroll halfway down the page to the reusable section:

http://www.abcsafetymart.com/earplugs/fitting.html

It's possible they simply don't fit your ears well.  I always found the ER-20s a bit uncomfortable over longer periods of time, but tolerated it for safety and sound's sake - I think concerts actually sound better with good earplugs in - until I got my custom molds. 

[ianstone]

my mom is an audiologist, and i have the westone custom molds.

if anyone else wants their ears molded, and live in the NYC/Tri state area (she's on LI) i can get you a deal

PM for details

ian

[terrapinj]

my mom is an audiologist, and i have the westone custom molds.

if anyone else wants their ears molded, and live in the NYC/Tri state area (she's on LI) i can get you a deal

PM for details

ian

hoooka me up 

[Kindguy]

I use the Etymotic ER20s

[dcaley]

I use the Etymotic ER20s

me too. i find that the music sounds better with them in.

[willndmb]

i had them in and you could hear everything great, however when i took them out there was little to no difference in volume
so i either have ears they don't fit good and they were not really blocking the sound correct or they really do make foam ones seems like crap

any ideas?? i just thought there would be more of a volume change like when you remove foam ones

I found the volume change very noticeable, in v. out.  And they really do make the foam ones seem like crap.  Make sure you insert them properly.  I initially had trouble inserting them fully / properly.  Scroll halfway down the page to the reusable section:

http://www.abcsafetymart.com/earplugs/fitting.html

It's possible they simply don't fit your ears well.  I always found the ER-20s a bit uncomfortable over longer periods of time, but tolerated it for safety and sound's sake - I think concerts actually sound better with good earplugs in - until I got my custom molds. 

thanks brian