I've been thinking about getting some concert earplugs because I can't stand the ringing I get after concerts and I'm a bit paranoid about hearing damage. Does anyone use them? How much does it effect the sound? Also any recommendations would be appreciated too.
I got a pair for about 15 quid off Amazon a couple of years ago and they're great. They're great for metal gigs especially because sometimes they can be so loud you can barely make out the music, they reduce the db level so they're not only protecting your hearing but they're actually improving the sound quality. No ringing in the ears afterwards either.
I can't remember the specific brand but I'd just have a look around on Amazon.
Ringing after gigs ain't good, damage is already being done. This is coming from someone who has permanent Tinnitus by the way, in this day and age there's no excuse for not wearing earplugs at a gig.
I lose mine fairly often so I usually switch between Etymotic ER-15s and Alpine Party Plugs because they usually get good reviews and don't cost too much. I find they definitely bring down the volume to a much more comfortable level, especially when it comes to cymbals and loud singers, but they can sometimes muffle the sound so much it becomes inaudible. In particular I remember not being able to make out anything during Batushka and Pestilence so I ended up taking them out. They're much better when it comes to slower stuff like doom, but they can take a bit of the bite away from the guitar. Maybe I just need to find a pair which work better for me.
I've been using ER-20s for about 9 years now. No way I'd go without them at this stage. They work really well for me personally, sound quality in most cases is improved for gigs and there's none of that nasty ringing feeling once it's over
I've been using ear plugs for years. Not worth damaging your hearing long term by not using them
I never go to gigs without them anymore, not worth it.
I've been using these 3M plugs for nearly 10 years - https://www.3m.co.uk/3M/en_GB/company-uk/3m-products/~/3M-E-A-R-Ultrafit-X-Earplugs-35-dB-Corded-50-Pairs-Box-UF-01-014/?N=5002385+8709322+8711017+8711405+8711720+8720539+8720546+8720767+8725628+3292809736&preselect=3293786499&rt=rud
In that time they've stood up to Sleep, OM, Sunn O))), Shellac and many more. They attenuate very well so you can still hear what's going on around you (if someone else is also wearing them, you can talk without screaming/straining to hear) and the music has good clarity.
The key with these (or any other earplug) is to put them in correctly. Just popping them into your ears won't do much for you.
Have these lads, they do the trick, been using the same pair for a good while now.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crescendo-Hearing-Protection-PR-0217M-Music/dp/B00CPNAURI
I keep them in for most gigs, depending on how loud it actually is. The damage is definitely already done to my hearing, I learned this lesson way too late.
Another vote for etymotic I just use the basic $20 and have been using them for about 10 - 12 years now and have never had any hearing issues. Also in most cases the sound a venues is actually clearer with them in.
Also tested them twice with Sunn O))) and worked great.
My ER 20s are past their best so looking to replace. There are Fender on Amazon for half the price that say they lessen by 27db so just wondering if anyone has tried them and how they compare or are there any newer ones worth a look.
I'm still using the same brand I mentioned above anyway, on maybe my 2nd pair since then (I lost one) and they are still the finest.
Unavailable on Amazon by the looks of it but I'll keep an eye out for them anyway thanks.
Quote from: M.Hopkins on October 28, 2023, 05:09:12 PMUnavailable on Amazon by the looks of it but I'll keep an eye out for them anyway thanks.
Oh I didn't even recheck the link lol. I had actually bought them in Specsavers, last year though they told me they are getting rid of these style of ones to push people into getting the customs instead - I dunno if they did or not eventually so it might be worth a check, or calling the shops to see if they have any.
Sound job, thanks John
I came across Loop Experience earplugs and I've been using them for about a year now for both gigs and band practice and I'm enjoying them a lot. They're comfortable to wear for long periods and I've found they don't muffle the sound as much as ER20s.
https://www.loopearplugs.com/products/experience
I wouldn't recommend ordering direct from their site though, as I had lots of issues with shipping and their support is fairly awful.
I saw D'addario dbuds recently. Anyone used them?
https://www.daddario.com/products/accessories/hearing-protection/dbuds-premium/
Cool thanks, those Loop look pretty good. I'll pop them on the maybe list
Quote from: Hambeast on October 28, 2023, 07:03:20 PMI saw D'addario dbuds recently. Anyone used them?
https://www.daddario.com/products/accessories/hearing-protection/dbuds-premium/
Those D'Addario ones look interesting.
They're on Amazon for far less than the official site. Reviews are mixed.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/DAddario-Accessories-Premium-Hearing-Protection/dp/B09TQ7K99R
I got a pair of Loop earplugs for heading to Damnation last weekend, and forgot to pack them. Ears are in bits today, but I met a few people there who had them and said they were working great
I lost the little plastic insert off one of my earplugs at the siege. Drunkenly tried to replace it with a tightly rolled roach. It didn't work :laugh:
Loop earplugs are currently 30% off on Amazon. Looks like the entire range is on sale but the Experience plugs are the only ones I've used and reccommend
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Loop-Experience-Noise-Reduction-Plugs/dp/B08TCH6CVB
I would also recommend the Loops. The thing with ear plugs is that they often don't attenuate all the frequencies evenly, most often cutting out most of the highs and leaving in all the bass, so you get this kind of muddy, muffled mix. Especially for genres like metal and rock it sucks to barely hear the guitars. The Loop ones are the best I've found so far for providing a clear mix. They don't quite decrease the volume as much as other plugs, so if you're in a tiny cavern with ridiculously extreme volume you may still get some ringing afterwards (and I do band practice in a small room with very loud volume and it's fine), but for 99% of gigs they provide a nice clear and even sound. Best ones I've tried so far.
Quote from: Hambeast on December 17, 2023, 03:40:42 PMLoop earplugs are currently 30% off on Amazon. Looks like the entire range is on sale but the Experience plugs are the only ones I've used and reccommend
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Loop-Experience-Noise-Reduction-Plugs/dp/B08TCH6CVB
Thanks for the heads up on this. I was intrigued by these Loop units - probably from the CONSTANT Instagram advertising - but didn't fancy dealing with their customer service after reading reviews here and elsewhere.
Glad to pick up a pair. £20 is worth a punt on them.
I've been wearing ear plugs for around 10 years now. I have tinnitus from years of not wearing them. Strangely enough when I got my hearing tested its actually fine, but the ringing is there forever.
I'm not quoting it because it will only drag it back but that post above is absolutely a promo bot and it should be blocked and deleted
Yup, deleted.
The Loop Experience ear plugs are on sale on Amazon today - £25.
I picked up a pair a few months back - I am very impressed with them so far.
QuoteStrangely enough when I got my hearing tested its actually fine, but the ringing is there forever.
I'm in the same boat! If you're at these things regularly it'll catch up with you eventually.
Took a punt on a pair of the Fender musicians ear plugs ages ago but they didn't get an outing until Bell Witch during the week. They stood up well to the heft. Comfortable enough to wear for the night and no ringing in the ears after. Cost less than €15 I think so well worth it imo. Found them better than the Etymotics so far I think
Picked up a pair of Loop Experience recently and gave them a fair run this week - Bell Witch / One Leg One Eye, a practice with the band, then Sathamel / Sacred Noose / Ourselves. Best earplugs I've ever used. Sound quality stays completely clear, nothing muffled or bassy like other plugs I've used, no adjusting volumes during band jam to work with them. Very comfortable too. Have recommended them to basically everyone I know that uses plugs regularly.
Quote from: ochoill on April 14, 2024, 10:13:26 PMPicked up a pair of Loop Experience recently and gave them a fair run this week - Bell Witch / One Leg One Eye, a practice with the band, then Sathamel / Sacred Noose / Ourselves. Best earplugs I've ever used. Sound quality stays completely clear, nothing muffled or bassy like other plugs I've used, no adjusting volumes during band jam to work with them. Very comfortable too. Have recommended them to basically everyone I know that uses plugs regularly.
Yep. As mentioned previously - they are super impressive.
Have you noticed though that if you are talking to someone (a person not also wearing Loops I suppose) that they can't hear you at all because you've lowered your voice almost to a murmur with them on? I thought it might be just me - a mate of mine said to me at a gig recently "I can't hear a word you're saying" - to be fair, he should have known what I was saying because I only say 4 things during gigs;
- "Pint?"
- "Hold my pint while I go to the jacks."
- "They're good."
- "They're shit."
However, the other night at a show another buddy of mine had Loops too. To test the theory - we both spoke at what we considered normal volume and could carry on a chat for a minute but the lad who wasn't wearing any ear protection couldn't hear a word that we said.
Apparently Loop also do a set of earplugs which filters out background noise allowing you to be more focused and present. I might get a pair of those too.
Quote from: StoutAndAle on April 15, 2024, 08:41:08 AMHave you noticed though that if you are talking to someone (a person not also wearing Loops I suppose) that they can't hear you at all because you've lowered your voice almost to a murmur with them on? I thought it might be just me - a mate of mine said to me at a gig recently "I can't hear a word you're saying" - to be fair, he should have known what I was saying because I only say 4 things during gigs;
- "Pint?"
- "Hold my pint while I go to the jacks."
- "They're good."
- "They're shit."
:laugh: there is nothing else worth saying at a gig. The odd "look at that lad" when someone is about to take part in their own personal Fear thread but that can be done with a nod and a foot tap. Now that you mention it I was talking to the same friend at both gigs and I spoke normally, could hear him fine, but he couldn't hear shit and I had to roar at him. He had a regular pair of plugs in.
Quote from: StoutAndAle on April 15, 2024, 08:41:08 AMApparently Loop also do a set of earplugs which filters out background noise allowing you to be more focused and present. I might get a pair of those too.
I picked up a set of the switchable 3-filter ones for my wife actually and she uses them in normal situations, things like shops and shopping centres, said they are absolutely excellent and remove a lot of the frustration of crowds, can focus better etc. She can hear me talking as clear as day but everything else is very filtered. They do different db levels for regular activity, gigs, and sleep I think it is.