Got ear plugs?

drewsblues · May 11th, 2008, 08:08 PM

I'm curious: How many of you take the stage with ear plugs?

I feel like I have to wear them to save myself from tinnitus, but, man what a drag! The highs all just disappear and all I get is the boom of the bass and drums. And as far as singing goes? Forget it. My voice sounds flat and woody, and it's hard to harmonize with the other singers.

I've tried a few varieties (hear-o's, the bright orange foam jobs from the drug store, special "flanged" ear plugs), they all pretty much stink. Are there any varieties or brands that you swear by? Do custom earplugs cost a bundle? And are they worth it?

Thanks in advance for the advice...

Joe-Bob · May 11th, 2008, 08:09 PM

Custom musician's ear plugs are expensive, but they have special filters in them that let you hear music much more correctly...just not as loud.

Hucklebilly · May 11th, 2008, 08:20 PM

Professionally made custom fitted ear plugs are a great investment. If they fit properly down into the ear canal and have a 15db cut filter, you should get a pretty flat response, retaining all the highs. They are great not only for performing, but also for going out to clubs with overly enthusiastic sound men.

You've only got one set of ears!

surfoverb · May 11th, 2008, 08:25 PM

I just use the ones they sell at walgreens to help old people sleep. I'm sure I should get 'good' ones but they work well enough. I think I can hear better with them at shows, you get more seperation. I always use them for practice but depending on the gig almost never on stage.

Tarnisher · May 11th, 2008, 08:29 PM

Okay, I should admit up-front that I have a strong bias on this one, since I'm a teacher of the deaf by training. If you expect to be enjoying music twenty or sixty years down the road, you NEED to take care of your ears now.

I've been meaning to invest in some customs for a while, but in the mean time I've found these to be a pretty good cheap alternative:

They're about $12, and while they aren't perfect, they do a much better job of allowing me to hear high frequencies than those awful foamies. Of course, they don't block as much as the foamies, so I usually keep some of those on hand too, for when I have to sit through an awful band.

Buckocaster51 · May 11th, 2008, 08:37 PM

I've been wearing those funny-looking plugs Tarnisher mentions for about a year.

I get home at night...no crickets in my ears!

Like the man said, we only have one set of ears.

drewsblues · May 11th, 2008, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tarnisher

Okay, I should admit up-front that I have a strong bias on this one, since I'm a teacher of the deaf by training. If you expect to be enjoying music twenty or sixty years down the road, you NEED to take care of your ears now.

I've been meaning to invest in some customs for a while, but in the mean time I've found these to be a pretty good cheap alternative:

They're about $12, and while they aren't perfect, they do a much better job of allowing me to hear high frequencies than those awful foamies. Of course, they don't block as much as the foamies, so I usually keep some of those on hand too, for when I have to sit through an awful band.

Thanks guys! I just jumped over and ordered a couple of pairs.

Appreciate the help...

Joe-Bob · May 11th, 2008, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hucklebilly

Professionally made custom fitted ear plugs are a great investment. If they fit properly down into the ear canal and have a 15db cut filter, you should get a pretty flat response, retaining all the highs. They are great not only for performing, but also for going out to clubs with overly enthusiastic sound men.

You've only got one set of ears!

They are also available with 25dB filters.

blacklove · May 11th, 2008, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drewsblues

Thanks guys! I just jumped over and ordered a couple of pairs.

Appreciate the help...

I got a pair of these last week and I've used them for a couple of rehearsals. They're really quite good and tend to "disappear" after the first few songs. Much better than foam plugs.

Rizo · May 11th, 2008, 09:17 PM

WHHHHAAAATTTTT????

garytelecastor · May 11th, 2008, 09:50 PM

I spend $3 at Walmart and buy the cheap cushion style. They cut 29DB's and are comfortable.
I also notice that at the end of the night I am refreshed and no where near as physically fatigued as without them.

getbent · May 11th, 2008, 09:56 PM

We played a gig today (4 hours) at a place we'd all wanted to play (close and decent dough and great clientele) for awhile... after the second set the owner approaches us and asks for 5 more dates... he says, "you've got six guys, 4 singing and we can hear all of you AND people can order a drink and talk if they want and you guys sound good." I was afraid we were gonna be asked to turn down! Every single one of us makes a conscious effort to keep it down and not have volume creep... Prevention over medication...Turn it DOWN! Everyone will be glad of it.

garytelecastor · May 11th, 2008, 10:03 PM

+1000
The way I look at it is if my ears are ringing after any portion of the set we don't start playing again until volume is at a decent level. I am able to carry on a conversation with the bass player in normal tones every time we play. Volume should be handled by the sound man and the PA.

maestrovert · May 12th, 2008, 05:45 AM

i've been wearin' Norton Sonics for decades.....
i absolutely refuse to play or attend shows without 'em !

JKjr · May 12th, 2008, 07:29 AM

What was that? Come again? Huh? Pardon me?

superchicken_VI · May 12th, 2008, 09:04 AM

I always have earplugs on hand, and am quite adamant about their use. I mow the lawn in them, I use power tools with them, and I rehearse in them if the room feels loud. I also carry an SPL meter in my bag, so if I'm at a gig/jam/rehearsal, I can prove that we're too loud and not get the idiotic "if it's too loud, you're too old" comment.

tboy · May 12th, 2008, 09:13 AM

I have the custom molded jobs with changeable attenuators, and they are really comfortable. I find that the promise of flat freq response at lower volume is a bit overstated. Things still get bass heavy, but way better than stuffing paper or foam in there. The biggest advantage is they block drum transients, which can damage you even at lower volumes.

I also mow, chain saw, shop vac, hammer, etc... with plugs. They're worth the money, because you get your use from them.

drewsblues · May 12th, 2008, 09:22 AM

How about the issue with vocals? Anybody sing with 'plugs in?

At smaller gigs without monitors, it can be hard to work with another singer when you've got your own voice blaring in your head.

Any tricks to deal with that?

hollowman · May 12th, 2008, 10:41 AM

I've been thinking about getting some plugs made. I know several guys who use them and like em. We try to watch the volume at gigs, usually not a problem, but sometimes at practice in the studio, things can get a little loud if we don't watch it. I've never sang with plugs, I have no input on that

bradpdx · May 12th, 2008, 11:59 AM

These days very few of my gigs are loud enough to warrant plugs. But in the past, when I gigged frequently and all night long, it was an issue.

I agree that most foam plugs are just unusable. The response is so bass heavy and one's own voice is so loud and muffled that for me it really makes music almost pointless.

I have had some custom fitted "flat response" plugs that worked better, but current technology looks nicer than my old one. The Etymotic plugs look terrific for $12!

Fortunately, the last time my ears felt "dinged" by a gig was long ago. I always blame it on pedal steel players.

tiktok · May 12th, 2008, 12:01 PM

I used to use the custom "flat-response" jobbers, and they were the best plugs I found, but these days I refuse to allow volume levels that demand earplugs. The mix is never good when it's that loud, so attenuating it just results in a quieter bad mix.

superchicken_VI · May 12th, 2008, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drewsblues

How about the issue with vocals? Anybody sing with 'plugs in?

At smaller gigs without monitors, it can be hard to work with another singer when you've got your own voice blaring in your head.

Any tricks to deal with that?

I have been unable to sing with 'plugs in, and when I sing or do backing vocals I have to pull one out and stand sort of sideways to the band, with the earplug close to the drummer.

markw51 · May 12th, 2008, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by getbent

We played a gig today (4 hours) at a place we'd all wanted to play (close and decent dough and great clientele) for awhile... after the second set the owner approaches us and asks for 5 more dates... he says, "you've got six guys, 4 singing and we can hear all of you AND people can order a drink and talk if they want and you guys sound good." I was afraid we were gonna be asked to turn down! Every single one of us makes a conscious effort to keep it down and not have volume creep... Prevention over medication...Turn it DOWN! Everyone will be glad of it.

This raises an interesting question to me. How loud do you really HAVE to play when gigging?

If its so loud your hearing is damaged, it must be loud enough to damage the hearing of the folks in the audience I'd think.

I've heard drummers play so loud it hurts my ears and if you have a drummer like that in a band the rest of the players are going to have to crank it way up - enough to cause hearing loss.

Slow Reflexes · May 12th, 2008, 01:59 PM

I think that's probably one of the big issues. Even if you can get guitarists who are willing to gig with an amp that distorts at reasonable volumes, you're still going to have to deal with the perception that a drummer isn't "rocking" adequately if he's not whacking them at 110% force.

maestrovert · May 12th, 2008, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradpdx

These days very few of my gigs are loud enough to warrant plugs. But in the past, when I gigged frequently and all night long, it was an issue.

Drummers bashin' cymbals in yer ears will drive

May 11th, 2008, 08:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
drewsblues Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Southern California Posts: 163 9 Photos	Got ear plugs? I'm curious: How many of you take the stage with ear plugs? I feel like I have to wear them to save myself from tinnitus, but, man what a drag! The highs all just disappear and all I get is the boom of the bass and drums. And as far as singing goes? Forget it. My voice sounds flat and woody, and it's hard to harmonize with the other singers. I've tried a few varieties (hear-o's, the bright orange foam jobs from the drug store, special "flanged" ear plugs), they all pretty much stink. Are there any varieties or brands that you swear by? Do custom earplugs cost a bundle? And are they worth it? Thanks in advance for the advice... __________________ -- Drew

May 11th, 2008, 08:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
Joe-Bob Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 3,533	Custom musician's ear plugs are expensive, but they have special filters in them that let you hear music much more correctly...just not as loud. __________________ "Oh God, I am the American Dream! I do not think I'm too extreme." - FZ

May 11th, 2008, 08:20 PM	#3 (permalink)
Hucklebilly Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 750 2 Photos	You get what you pay for... Professionally made custom fitted ear plugs are a great investment. If they fit properly down into the ear canal and have a 15db cut filter, you should get a pretty flat response, retaining all the highs. They are great not only for performing, but also for going out to clubs with overly enthusiastic sound men. You've only got one set of ears!

May 11th, 2008, 08:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
Tarnisher TDPRI Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Brooklyn Age: 29 Posts: 71	Okay, I should admit up-front that I have a strong bias on this one, since I'm a teacher of the deaf by training. If you expect to be enjoying music twenty or sixty years down the road, you NEED to take care of your ears now. I've been meaning to invest in some customs for a while, but in the mean time I've found these to be a pretty good cheap alternative: They're about $12, and while they aren't perfect, they do a much better job of allowing me to hear high frequencies than those awful foamies. Of course, they don't block as much as the foamies, so I usually keep some of those on hand too, for when I have to sit through an awful band. __________________ http://profile.myspace.com/thetarnishers

May 11th, 2008, 08:37 PM	#6 (permalink)
Buckocaster51 Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Iowa USA Age: 56 Posts: 4,305 1 Photos	I've been wearing those funny-looking plugs Tarnisher mentions for about a year. I get home at night...no crickets in my ears! Like the man said, we only have one set of ears. __________________ "An awfully lot of time can be wasted waiting for the right time." - Gunsmoke's Doc Adams

May 11th, 2008, 08:25 PM	#4 (permalink)
surfoverb Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,198	I just use the ones they sell at walgreens to help old people sleep. I'm sure I should get 'good' ones but they work well enough. I think I can hear better with them at shows, you get more seperation. I always use them for practice but depending on the gig almost never on stage.

May 11th, 2008, 09:17 PM	#10 (permalink)
Rizo Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Athens, OH Posts: 1,035	WHHHHAAAATTTTT???? __________________ "You say you want to play country, but you're in a punk rock band."

May 11th, 2008, 09:50 PM	#11 (permalink)
garytelecastor Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,745 18 Photos	I spend $3 at Walmart and buy the cheap cushion style. They cut 29DB's and are comfortable. I also notice that at the end of the night I am refreshed and no where near as physically fatigued as without them. __________________ éí 'aaníígÓÓ 'áhoot'é Elvis did not die; he just went home!

May 11th, 2008, 09:56 PM	#12 (permalink)
getbent Moderator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Benito County, California Age: 48 Posts: 8,517 37 Photos	We played a gig today (4 hours) at a place we'd all wanted to play (close and decent dough and great clientele) for awhile... after the second set the owner approaches us and asks for 5 more dates... he says, "you've got six guys, 4 singing and we can hear all of you AND people can order a drink and talk if they want and you guys sound good." I was afraid we were gonna be asked to turn down! Every single one of us makes a conscious effort to keep it down and not have volume creep... Prevention over medication...Turn it DOWN! Everyone will be glad of it. __________________ I'll be the boy in the corduroy pants You be the girl at the high school dance Run with me wherever I go And just play dumb, whatever you know

May 11th, 2008, 10:03 PM	#13 (permalink)
garytelecastor Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,745 18 Photos	+1000 The way I look at it is if my ears are ringing after any portion of the set we don't start playing again until volume is at a decent level. I am able to carry on a conversation with the bass player in normal tones every time we play. Volume should be handled by the sound man and the PA. __________________ éí 'aaníígÓÓ 'áhoot'é Elvis did not die; he just went home!

May 12th, 2008, 05:45 AM	#14 (permalink)
maestrovert Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: West Branch Mi. Posts: 5,828	i've been wearin' Norton Sonics for decades..... i absolutely refuse to play or attend shows without 'em ! __________________ Sing the Song Bro' Play on Drummer www.godonthe.net

May 12th, 2008, 07:29 AM	#15 (permalink)
JKjr TDPRI Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: raleigh nc Posts: 72	What was that? Come again? Huh? Pardon me?

May 12th, 2008, 09:04 AM	#16 (permalink)
superchicken_VI Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Monroe, NC Age: 35 Posts: 1,056	I always have earplugs on hand, and am quite adamant about their use. I mow the lawn in them, I use power tools with them, and I rehearse in them if the room feels loud. I also carry an SPL meter in my bag, so if I'm at a gig/jam/rehearsal, I can prove that we're too loud and not get the idiotic "if it's too loud, you're too old" comment.

May 12th, 2008, 09:13 AM	#17 (permalink)
tboy Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chicago Area Posts: 522 7 Photos	I have the custom molded jobs with changeable attenuators, and they are really comfortable. I find that the promise of flat freq response at lower volume is a bit overstated. Things still get bass heavy, but way better than stuffing paper or foam in there. The biggest advantage is they block drum transients, which can damage you even at lower volumes. I also mow, chain saw, shop vac, hammer, etc... with plugs. They're worth the money, because you get your use from them.

May 12th, 2008, 09:22 AM	#18 (permalink)
drewsblues Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Southern California Posts: 163 9 Photos	How about the issue with vocals? Anybody sing with 'plugs in? At smaller gigs without monitors, it can be hard to work with another singer when you've got your own voice blaring in your head. Any tricks to deal with that? __________________ -- Drew

May 12th, 2008, 10:41 AM	#19 (permalink)
hollowman Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Kansas City Age: 44 Posts: 409	I've been thinking about getting some plugs made. I know several guys who use them and like em. We try to watch the volume at gigs, usually not a problem, but sometimes at practice in the studio, things can get a little loud if we don't watch it. I've never sang with plugs, I have no input on that __________________ "In a land where all are blind, the one eyed man is king"

May 12th, 2008, 11:59 AM	#20 (permalink)
bradpdx Tele-Holic Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Portland, OR Age: 49 Posts: 549	These days very few of my gigs are loud enough to warrant plugs. But in the past, when I gigged frequently and all night long, it was an issue. I agree that most foam plugs are just unusable. The response is so bass heavy and one's own voice is so loud and muffled that for me it really makes music almost pointless. I have had some custom fitted "flat response" plugs that worked better, but current technology looks nicer than my old one. The Etymotic plugs look terrific for $12! Fortunately, the last time my ears felt "dinged" by a gig was long ago. I always blame it on pedal steel players. __________________ ---------- Tech Geek and Sensitive Artiste String bender ordinare!

May 12th, 2008, 12:01 PM	#21 (permalink)
tiktok Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 3,122	I used to use the custom "flat-response" jobbers, and they were the best plugs I found, but these days I refuse to allow volume levels that demand earplugs. The mix is never good when it's that loud, so attenuating it just results in a quieter bad mix. __________________ It takes two people to paint a perfect painting: one to paint it, and the other to shoot him when it's done. http://www.myspace.com/travishartnett http://www.myspace.com/sugarcanemutiny http://www.myspace.com/davidbavas

May 12th, 2008, 01:59 PM	#24 (permalink)
Slow Reflexes Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Willamette and Columbia Posts: 274	I think that's probably one of the big issues. Even if you can get guitarists who are willing to gig with an amp that distorts at reasonable volumes, you're still going to have to deal with the perception that a drummer isn't "rocking" adequately if he's not whacking them at 110% force.