Ear plugs for Musicians
Musicians are particularly prone to develop hearing loss, either from their own playing or that of other
instrumentalists. There are a number of "heavier duty" ear plug strategies that can be used to
reduce the chance of noise injury. "Musician's ear plugs" (see graphic below) are basically
calibrated ear molds that can reduce sound intensity by a controlled amount. This is much less chancy than
using a foam ear plug which might not work every time and which might be deep in the canal one day and
sticking out the next.
Musician's ear plugs are generally "flat" so that bass and treble notes are not
relatively favored, thus distorting perception. Conventional earplugs reduce high frequencies more than
low and mid frequencies, which makes music and voices sound muffled or unclear. Musician's earplugs
reduce all frequencies by about the same amount in order to preserve the sound quality of music, just
quieter.
Drummers should use the highest rating of Musician's ear plugs, such as the ER-25. Guitarists
and vocalists can use the less attenuating ER-15 (see figure below). These ear plugs require a visit
to a clinic to get an impression made, so that they are specific for the ear being fitted. The typical
cost for a pair of Musician's earplugs is about $180. Too much ear protection can result in overplaying
and not enough protection can result in hearing loss.
Custom musician's earplugs are available in ER-9, ER-15, and ER-25, according to one's need for
sound attenuation. These types of plugs can be ordered
online,
but require a visit to a local audiologist to get an impression made.
They can also be ordered directly from the audiologist making the impression.
Non-custom musicians earplugs are available in ER-20. These are ready-fit earplugs that reduce sound
evenly by 20 dB at all frequencies. These types of plugs can be ordered
online or at an audiologist's
office for between $12.00-$20.00 per pair.
Other kinds of ear plugs or ear molds
Sleep earplugs:
For people who like to wear earplugs when sleeping, the inexpensive foam earplugs that can be found at
the local drugstore are a good option. Since the purpose of a sleep plug is simply to reduce bothersome
noise, there is no need for the even attenuation of frequencies provided by the Musician's earplugs. For
increased comfort, custom earplugs are available. The combination of the soft silicone material and custom
fit improves comfort while sleeping. This type of earplug requires a visit to a local audiologist to get
an impression made.
(Photo courtesy of Westone)
Other kinds of ear plugs or ear molds
Hunting ear plugs:
Hunting is a recreation that requires one to hear very soft sounds, while still protecting the hearing
from loud, high impacts sounds. Therefore, there are a number of devices designed especially for hunters.
Some are in-the-ear devices, others are over-the-ear muffs. Some are custom, others are not. Some are provide
amplification as well as hearing protections, others do not provide the amplification and only attenuate sound.
These devices can be purchased online (see websites below) or through an audiologist.
http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/shootandhun.html
http://www.westone.com/earmold_styles.html#recreation
Other kinds of ear plugs or ear molds
iPOD and MP3 player earmolds
Custom earmolds are available for iPod and other MP3 players through your local audiologist. The earbuds
that come standard with the music player can be coupled with the earmolds, so that one does not need to
purchase a new set of earbuds. These earmolds provide two main advantages over earbuds: 1) the custom fit
makes them more comfortable and less likely to fall out of one's ears and, 2) they reduce the amount of
ambient noise so that the volume of the music player does not need to be set as high. At our clinic a pair
costs approximately $150.00.
(Photo courtesy of Westone)
Other kinds of ear plugs or ear molds
Swimmolds
Swimmolds are earplugs that are used to keep water out of the ear. Most commonly people wear these while
swimming. Individuals with a hole in their eardrum should use an earplug in the shower as well, so that
water does not pass into the middle ear space. These come in a variety of colors and are typically made
of silicone. Non-custom swim plugs are also available online and at some drugstore. One-size-fits all swim
molds are typically a simple, inexpensive ($3-$5) option, but one must be careful to mold it to the ear
properly in order to ensure a good seal so that no water passes through.
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