<<< ear plugs >>>

[brandrea]

I’m looking for an effective ear plug (not over ear protection) that I can wear to concerts etc. I have tinnitus and I don’t need further damage exposure. I know I know, avoid loud environments (which I do) but sometimes you can’t avoid it.

Please post if you have actual experience with anything that provides effective protection in the way of an ear plug.

It appears that Happy Ears offers a 27db level of protection which is about as good as it gets for an ear plug.

Not looking for google info, I’ve already done that. Real world experience please if possible.

I realize this could be a short list of replies … any help is appreciated.

Thanks

[THC]

No advice from me, just well wishes, man

[Rad22]

I was hunting in Wyoming and my guide was using these. He highly recommended them. Not worth it for me because most of my hunting is with a bow, but my guide used them for when his clients were using a method of hunting which can not be mentioned in this forum…


Ever figure out the cause of your tinnitus? (I am a neuroradiologist)

https://tetrahearing.com/products/wa...hoCC_0QAvD_BwE


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[enjoythemusic]

Brian, there are many very good ear protection devices out there. As a general statement, find one that does not (overly) alter the frequency eveness/spectrum balance for the sake of higher levels of overall SPL reduction. Many venues also offer 'hearing assist' devices, so ask if the venue(s) supply a receiver with headphone output, as then you may use high-quality CUSTOM in-ear monitors (standard 3.5mm or 1/4" jack, normal stuff). This is the norm, really, and that's what you see musicians and singers use on-stage (for good reason).

Once you go custom IEM.... :)

[m j b]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I’m looking for an effective ear plug (not over ear protection) that I can wear to concerts etc. I have tinnitus and I don’t need further damage exposure. I know I know, avoid loud environments (which I do) but sometimes you can’t avoid it.

The wife occasionally looks at me askance because I'm "one of those guys" and I'll often carry ear plugs with me, just in case. We were somewhere (perhaps a movie?) and it was so freakin' loud that I put in my ear plugs and she's sitting next to me, grimacing, not able to enjoy the event. No, I did not bring a second set. She's the one with the purse with half of her belongings in it...

Howard Leight is the brand that I usually get.

[Dan Pierce]

Brian,

I've been using musicians ear plugs [Westone is one brand] w/ custom molded plugs from an audiologist. They come w/ either 15db or 25db filters. I wear the 15db and they have worked well for live music. I even wear them in loud restaurants on occasion. A little over $100.00, but well worth the investment.

Worn them since the 90's due to over 3k gigs in the last 37 years. But sadly I lost about 50% of my hearing in my left ear after a SCUBA incident. Take care of you hearing, once it's gone, it's gone.
dP

[RW16610]

Some great tips in this thread so far. I hope you're able to get something ASAP, Brian.

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Brian,

I've been using musicians ear plugs [Westone is one brand] w/ custom molded plugs from an audiologist. They come w/ either 15db or 25db filters. I wear the 15db and they have worked well for live music. I even wear them in loud restaurants on occasion. A little over $100.00, but well worth the investment.

Worn them since the 90's due to over 3k gigs in the last 37 years. But sadly I lost about 50% of my hearing in my left ear after a SCUBA incident. Take care of you hearing, once it's gone, it's gone.
dP

Thanks for that one, I'll actually be looking into it as well.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by RW16610

Some great tips in this thread so far. I hope you're able to get something ASAP, Brian.



Thanks for that one, I'll actually be looking into it as well.

Just make sure to take the out of your pockets before doing laundry. Ask me how I know.
dP

[vitalsigns]

Etymotic Research makes some good, cost-effective ear plugs that attenuate but do not fully insulate against sound. Perfect for concerts in my experience. They really take the edge off but still enable hearing across the decibel range, which to me is very important when listening to music. They are also fairly comfortable and fully reusable.

[77T]

My only experience is racing, but custom molded ear plugs performed the best at blocking the highest dB levels. For a while, that is. As we age the $200 models begin to get floppy.

As advertised is one thing, functional is another - they are expensive.

I’ve used tongue-wetted foam ones for years. Because I know the fit changes with age. Highest rating is 33 NRR but real world can be 25-50% less.

Flents has worked for me and they make some flesh colored ones when you wish to be discreet. Lime Green if you want to make a statement.


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[Chewbacca]

Home Depot bag of 100 disposable ear PPE.

Been using them at race tracks and arguments with ex wives since 1978

[mikkoi]

Hi Brian,

I have a couple of pair of these. Works well even under your motorcycle helmet

https://www.loopearplugs.com/


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[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

Home Depot bag of 100 disposable ear PPE.

Been using them at race tracks and arguments with ex wives since 1978

A man of immense experience, we should listen to Chewbacca.

[GradyPhilpott]

I use Hearos and they are excellent, comfortable, and reusable. I keep a bag in the car. I use them for some peace and quiet in loud venues, but I don't go to concerts, so that's not an issue. You can see by the 33db rating that they are a good option for concerts.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JXYH042...sprefix=hearos

[Maleg]

I use these in my workshop.

https://www.amazon.com/Macks-Care-Ammo-Earplugs-Count/

[PackPride]

In my experience, the bigger issue is to properly install them in your ears. Having worked in a loud manufacturing environment in my earlier years, I have found that to be more important that what you use.


Just as 3M-

[MrGoat]

This is what we provide everyone in my organization.

I also buy them for my significant other because she can hear a mouse fart across the house.

I snore like a lion that needs a C-pap machine. They help her to sleep undisturbed next to me and we have had no hearing issues come up at the office that I’m aware of.




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[carwash66]

My wife and I have used Ear, Inc. products for over 17 years during clay target competitions.
I have personally worn their products while firing over 400,000 rounds during practice and competitions combined. They have a wide range of products. They are top notch, however pricey. I have a severe hearing loss from ear infections as a child and can’t afford to lose any more of my hearing ability.

https://earinc.com/product-category/music-audio/

[John Deaux]

Not sure how much protection you want, but I use Isotune Free ear pro while working in my woodshop and yard work. They are amazing, but maybe not for your purposes. They are bluetooth, so I can listen to music and take calls. They work so well, I have left shop vacs and other equipment on without realizing it!!

[dba]

I use custom molded earplugs under my motorcycle helmet. The pair I currently use are getting long in the tooth, so I had a new set made for me. Believe it or not, I had them made at the hearing aid center in a Sam's Club.

As others have noted, once hearing is lost, it is unrecoverable from. Very best of luck to you.

[airchitect]

I am an earplug aficionado. If I attend a loud event and misplace them of forget them I will be regretful for days. I have simple earplugs and custom earplugs. As someone with a little tinnitus, I can tell you my goal is to block sound. For instance, the levels at an nba game can hit well over 100db….or in layman’s terms….loud enough to damage your hearing. The only earplugs that consistently block out sound are foam (other materials)and will have an nrr around 32-33. Highest you can get. I like Mack’s. They have some that are tan if that’s your skin tone. The key is to insert them correctly which involves using your opposite hand to reach around and pull your ear up and out. This opens/straightens your ear canal allowing your freshly squeezed earplug to slide in as far as it needs to. The end of the plug should basically align with the…….little flap(?) on the front of your ear when done. Do this and you’ll be solid.

And also, in a pinch, if you have noise cancelling earbuds, use those. They work in quieter environments.


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[~JJ]

Originally Posted by PackPride

In my experience, the bigger issue is to properly install them in your ears. Having worked in a loud manufacturing environment in my earlier years, I have found that to be more important that what you use.


Just as 3M-

^ I agree. I’ve found even the cheapest ear plugs work with good installation. For me, I can’t make the plug small > push in > let expand work. I need to pull the top of my year up as I insert, then you can notice a huge difference.

[RustE]

The disposable foam ones from 3M or Mack’s seem to work good for me. NRR of 32 or 33 I think. On the Mack’s, I have to keep my finger tip on the free end while the foam expands in place.

Might also want to look at offerings Etymotic Research for a reusable ear plug. Still passive protection with decent NRR.

[brandrea]

Wow everyone, thank you all so much for your real world experience and recommendations. This is why I love this place, such a wealth of information.

I went ahead and ordered a few of the options above with 33 NRR rating, and hope one of them provides the protection I need.

I’ve actually passed on going to live concerts recently, because of my tinnitus.

[StuartG]

For years I’ve been taking Howard Leight foam disposables to concerts. 33db noise reduction, @15 cents/pair. Good for sleep too, especially if you have a loud CPAP machine and a noisy cat.

[Chewbacca]

Was really hoping for a Padi ‘The only ear plugs any Rolex owner needs most have two attached in closets in their homes called rolled toilet paper balls.’

[Sperry]

I'm a Hoppe's man. Orange silicone in the black snap-closing container. Picked up six dozen in '03. Cheap enough to gift freely, discard as the rubber breaks down, and keep in all locations.

No longer sold; Hoppe's has gone over to foam, which seem disposable.

Size-wise, current offerings are not always large enough; my last order of plug-on-a-string sets were small and I reordered larger but did not like them.

I'll try likely try Mack's Shooting Ear Seals next. My Hoppe's supply is running dry, and after 20 years, the silicone breaks down more quickly in air, getting a sticky feel.

As much as you hate the idea, over-the-ear electronic is the way to go for superior frequency response.

[chappuy1750]

I use mack's maximum (33 dB NRR). For live rock concerts, and on occasion, when performing shotakovitch and other trombone/brass-heavy orchestral works. I also use them at the range in addition to over-the-ear protection. I recently went to the audiologist and I must be doing something right since I apparently have the hearing of a 3rd grader! (despite the tinnitus which is most likely from playing)

[Speedbird-1]

Pardon?

[Sperry]

Originally Posted by Speedbird-1

Pardon?

Coming down off the stage . . .

"That was loud . . . "

". . . . . . . . . . What?"

Bonus jokes:
How do you get the bass player off the porch? . . . Pay him for the pizza.
What do you call a drummer without a girlfriend? . . . Homeless.