Molded ear plug recommendations for musicians

**timbo** · 07-23-2012, 12:11 PM

So I had my annual hearing test a few weeks back here at work…actually my second annual as I have only been here two and half years…there was enough of a drop in my hearing from last years test that they are sending me to an audiologist tomorrow.

The hearing loss is no fault of the company but rather my lifestyle…growing up in the 70’s and shooting my .22 constantly without hearing protection, working an aircraft carrier flight deck for four years with protection then after I got out, I found that the protection they gave us was not enough, and then 30 years of playing in rock and roll bands (probably the biggest issue).

All four of us in the band are post 50 and dealing with hearing loss…we are looking into “in ear monitors” but they won’t work for all gigs.

I know there are molded ear plugs out there that cut down the overall dB levels without compromising fidelity but after doing a search, I’m overwhelmed. I’m sure the audiologist can and will make recommendations too but I’m guessing they will push a certain brand over others that are just as able to do what I need them to do and maybe not as expensive.

Any suggestions are welcome…

**Bennextdoor** · 07-23-2012, 12:38 PM

Myself and a lot of friends/bandmates had ours done at Northeastern University which might be a hike for you. They go through all the hearing tests, make the mold, and the plugs are delivered a couple of weeks later. The plugs are Etymotic and when I had mine made about 7 years ago it was $150. They work great though, very comfortable and have a natural sounding attenuation so you still hear the highs/mids and not muffled like foam. I had the 25 db reduction, others got the 15. I know a couple of people who had them made without the modular attenuators and just had solid molds done for somewhere in the mid-30's db reduction.

http://mpe.berklee.edu/academics/res...s_earplugs.php

**OCB** · 07-23-2012, 12:46 PM

I had a pair of Westone plugs custom made for shooting at an audiologist in MA. I know they have some that are designed for musicians, but I dind't do much research into them as it wasn't a concern for me. I'm a little underwhelmed by the performance of the plugs that I got. The fit is just fine, but they don't attenuate as much as I would have expected, especially for $150.

- - - Updated - - -

I had a pair of Westone plugs custom made for shooting at an audiologist in MA. I know they have some that are designed for musicians, but I dind't do much research into them as it wasn't a concern for me. I'm a little underwhelmed by the performance of the plugs that I got. The fit is just fine, but they don't attenuate as much as I would have expected, especially for $150.

- - - Updated - - -

I had a pair of Westone plugs custom made for shooting at an audiologist in MA. I know they have some that are designed for musicians, but I dind't do much research into them as it wasn't a concern for me. I'm a little underwhelmed by the performance of the plugs that I got. The fit is just fine, but they don't attenuate as much as I would have expected, especially for $150.

**Dirtypacman** · 07-23-2012, 12:48 PM

I had mine custom done by Micheal Maal - Hearsafe - local in Pelham, NH.
Well worth it the money around 100-130 if I remember correctly.

PM if you want his phone #

**MetalgodZ** · 07-23-2012, 06:48 PM

Originally Posted by timbo

So I had my annual hearing test a few weeks back here at work…actually my second annual as I have only been here two and half years…
[...]
Any suggestions are welcome…

PM SleeplessKnight - he's got at least one pair, and probably more.

**Chuck Would** · 07-24-2012, 09:08 AM

Originally Posted by Dirtypacman

I had mine custom done by Micheal Maal - Hearsafe - local in Pelham, NH.
Well worth it the money around 100-130 if I remember correctly.

PM if you want his phone #

Actually, I think he'll be in Pelham this weekend at the North East Regional SASS Shoot.

**Dirtypacman** · 07-24-2012, 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by Chuck Would

Actually, I think he'll be in Pelham this weekend at the North East Regional SASS Shoot.

DING DING DING that is a winner right there. He will do them on the spot and send them too you. Well worth it. Thanks!

**TY43215** · 07-24-2012, 03:47 PM

Originally Posted by Chuck Would

Actually, I think he'll be in Pelham this weekend at the North East Regional SASS Shoot.

Better check with him. Last I spoke with him he was going to be laid up for a bit but things change

**JFR2** · 07-24-2012, 04:35 PM

WHHHAAT?? HOLD ON, MY EAR PLUGS ARE IN!!

-JR

Molded ear plug recommendations for musicians

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