Ear Protection

  • Thread starter Thread starter starbuck26
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starbuck26

starbuck26

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One of those things I don't like to think about is hearing loss... but I've been thinking about it lately.

I'm wondering what kinds of ear protection you guys use? I have a pair of Alpine MusicSafe earplugs, which work pretty well. But I'm willing to try something else.

Anyone have something they swear by?
 
I've tried half a dozen types from the cheapo foam disposable plugs to those expensive (ish) rubber things drummers use to hold their brains in :D

The problem I have is my ears are quite small and so I find the ones that give the best attenuation whilst preserving the sound rather uncomfortable to wear even for quite short periods. This is a huge problem as I even have to wear them for clubbing these days.
 
shockingcandy said:
I've tried half a dozen types from the cheapo foam disposable plugs to those expensive (ish) rubber things drummers use to hold their brains in :D

The problem I have is my ears are quite small and so I find the ones that give the best attenuation whilst preserving the sound rather uncomfortable to wear even for quite short periods. This is a huge problem as I even have to wear them for clubbing these days.
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Well, I just looked up the Etymotic Research ER-20s that Erm recommended, and they have "baby blues" that are made for small ear canals... check them out.

I'll order a couple of pairs of these and try them out. I worry about the $12 price tag... If they were the cat's pajamas, wouldn't they be more expensive?
 
ocnor said:
No everyone else learned how to use a volume knob. ;)
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I just find it funny that when I post something complaining about Sam Ash employees or my fuzzy Rock Helmet I get 3 pages of replies, and I'm pulling teeth to get a reply on ear protection...

I know how to use a volume knob. They're linear, not logarithmic like they should be. And for gigging bands, you've not only got to worry about your amp level, but drums, monitors, etc.

I can't imagine a gigging band without ear protection. Who uses what?

Some painful ears want to know, is all...

Maybe someone will tell me how to convince a drummer that he NEEDS EAR PROTECTION...

respectfully...

:D
 
i got one of the custom fit pairs a year ago and they're the greatest thing since sliced bread.
 
starbuck26 said:
Well, I just looked up the Etymotic Research ER-20s that Erm recommended, and they have "baby blues" that are made for small ear canals... check them out.

I'll order a couple of pairs of these and try them out. I worry about the $12 price tag... If they were the cat's pajamas, wouldn't they be more expensive?
Click to expand...

Nice one I will give them ago after which maybe I'll start writing the definitive guide to earplugs :)
 
Well, I just looked up the Etymotic Research ER-20s that Erm recommended, and they have "baby blues" that are made for small ear canals... check them out.

I'll order a couple of pairs of these and try them out. I worry about the $12 price tag... If they were the cat's pajamas, wouldn't they be more expensive?
Click to expand...

i have those, as well. i must say, i have a love/hate with them. they attenuate a reasonable amount without muffling everything or being overbearing or uncomfortable from having to shove them so far in to work. that is the love part. as for the hate part, i find the sound to be rather unnatural, and something that will require an adjustment period. especially when going from "regular" plugs, the upper frequency peak that they display can make cymbals harsh and overly present, guitar amps sound strange and unbalanced, and overall reminiscent of that smiley-faced eq setting we all know and, well, love and/or hate.

after getting used to them, i like them for medium volumes and below. at high volumes, i wish for a little more attenuation, as the artificial-sounding high-end can become irritating and a bit piercing at times, and *that* is 50% of why i wear plugs to begin with.

worth $12 all week long, though.

YMMV
a
 
starbuck26 said:
I just find it funny that when I post something complaining about Sam Ash employees or my fuzzy Rock Helmet I get 3 pages of replies, and I'm pulling teeth to get a reply on ear protection...

I know how to use a volume knob. They're linear, not logarithmic like they should be. And for gigging bands, you've not only got to worry about your amp level, but drums, monitors, etc.

I can't imagine a gigging band without ear protection. Who uses what?

Some painful ears want to know, is all...

Maybe someone will tell me how to convince a drummer that he NEEDS EAR PROTECTION...

respectfully...

:D
Click to expand...

Thanks for the Neg Rep points. I guess you are still too young to know how to run your gear correctly. If you need ear plugs to play then your band has serious issues. I've been playing in bands for 30 years and I've never needed ear plugs. My ears don't ring at the end of the night either.
 
ocnor said:
Thanks for the Neg Rep points. I guess you are still too young to know how to run your gear correctly. If you need ear plugs to play then your band has serious issues. I've been playing in bands for 30 years and I've never needed ear plugs. My ears don't ring at the end of the night either.
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I've been playin in a band for 35 years and now I have hearing aids. Get 'em, use 'em.
 
ocnor said:
Thanks for the Neg Rep points. I guess you are still too young to know how to run your gear correctly. If you need ear plugs to play then your band has serious issues. I've been playing in bands for 30 years and I've never needed ear plugs. My ears don't ring at the end of the night either.
Click to expand...

I'd have to take issue with that. A band can only be as quiet as it's loudest element. As I said before, you can't turn the drummer down and neither can you play punk rock with brushes :eek:
 
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