Ear Plugs .... anyone?

[Eyelikedurt]

Hi guys,

I've searched around quite a bit but to no avail. Im looking to buy some ear plugs that will dampen the sound coming from amps on stage, but still allow speech to be heard reasonably clearly. Anyone have any ideas where i should be looking?

Also, if anyone says i'm not 'hardcore', stuff ya! ;)

[thelightofsound]

i love these: http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20.aspx

i keep a couple of pair around just in case i loose them. although i do need to get some custom ones made. i think there are a couple of thread around here about it.

[bacchanal]

Like, anything else, it kind of depends how much you want to spend. The Hearos Hi-Fis are along the lines of what you're looking for and aren't too expensive.

http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/hehinasoearp.html

http://www.hearrecords.com/shop/index.shtml

[DwightMcCann]

I have a pair of fitted Etymotics with what I think are -25dB attentuators. Once you have the fitted part you can get attenuators of varying strengths. They aren't cheap so being hard core is a good thing. I also think you can get (expensive) earspeakers that also fit.

[whuband]

I keep a couple of pair of flesh colored foam earplugs in my bag. Get them at the auto parts store.

[narlus]

I keep a couple of pair of flesh colored foam earplugs in my bag. Get them at the auto parts store.


those are a good example of you get what you pay for.

the etys are good, but i might want to go w/ a custom-fit and a bit more attenuation...

[Eyelikedurt]

Thanks guys. I'll be getting the wallet out then shall i?

All the best for the new year fellas.

[narlus]

well the non-custom ones are cheap...like $12 or so. i just checked the specs and they are rated for -20 dB which is more than i thought. the custom ones are ~$150-200, and come in 3 different ratings (up to -25 dB)

[thelightofsound]

foam ones from an auto part store are not made for music.

the ones i posted are rated at 20 which are fine, and GREAT for $12

[bsmotril]

Go to any good sporting goods store that sells guns and/or ammunition, and you should be able to find a pair of "Sonic Ear Valves". They are soft rubber, fit in the ear, and permit speech to be heard, but close during loud sounds. The soft moldable foam plugs are also good and still let sound through to hear close conversation in a lout music venue.

[datadump]

i've got a couple pairs of Etymotics . i love them. i use them when i play bass and i'm right next to the drummer's cymbals. :) it is a tad bit of a challenge for me to play with ear plugs but you get used to it. theyre perfect for shooting concerts too :_)

[MetalTom]

those are a good example of you get what you pay for.

the etys are good, but i might want to go w/ a custom-fit and a bit more attenuation...

The disposable foam plugs I use are rated for -33 dB. They may not be "tuned" for music listening, but honestly, this is work is it not. I am very comfortable standing next to a speaker stack or next to a drum kit. My ears never ring after a gig, and I can carry on a conversation if needed while wearing them.

I have used these plugs for over 20 years in industry where normal noise levels are at least 95 dB, and over 110 dB in areas. My hearing is as good today as it was 15 years ago when my employer baselined our hearing in tests.

[neil85]

yea i wish my hearing was still good ... 22 yrs old and concerts, setting up/intalling stereos in high school and the loud music and i now have tinitus ... a splended light ringing of the ears ...

[rhys]

I can recommend shooting ear protection. I have two pairs of ear defenders. One dampens by 25 decibels and is pretty horrible. The other dampens by 30 decibels which is much more comfortable.

You need to look at the decibel reduction. Try Silvermans in London.

[narlus]

any reason why this thread was moved from Performing Arts ??? seems a bit daft, but maybe it's just me. :confused:

[Tizz123]

Now that's a coincidence. Narlus, is that not The Melvins as your profile image? That happens to be the band I shot on Weds who have left me with nasty ringing 4 days later... Safe to say that whilst earplugs are great, they really do only protect you for a short space of time. If you're not limited by the venue/security/PR to 3 songs only, limit yourself to three songs only! I was stuck at the front of the stage (due to the sheer weight of people and no exit route) for an hour and a half and i'm sure the band had cranked to sound up to much higher levels than is normal for that venue. I now have a szzzzzzssssszzzizizzzing with me where ever i go. DEFINATELY put your hearing and sanity first. Once the ringing is there, it's there.

[Tizz123]

Oh and i was wearing ER20's. Great earplugs but no use if you're exposed to stupid levels for such a long time!

[eddarr]

Peltors is what you are looking for. Reduces loud noises to safe level yet allows you to hear normal conversation without have it remove.