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I've worn the $20 Etymotic ear plugs for years, and have been thankful for them. Even though they would color the sound somewhat, they at least protected my hearing. I've always wanted something with better fidelity though.
A few weeks before Bonnaroo, I found a local audiologist that did custom molded ear plugs. I got them just in time for Bonnaroo (the day I left, if you saw my Snapchat!). I'm so glad I finally decided to get them, they really are amazing.
If I were to rate the quality of the $20 Etymotics on a scale of 1-10, I'd probably give them a 6. I'd give these molded plugs a solid 9 without question (would have to use them for a year before I decide if they'd get a 10). It really is like someone is just turning down the volume. With the $20 plugs, I'd always get a boomy resonance in certain bass frequencies. As well as some of the upper treble being cut off. No such issues with the molded plugs.
The process was quick and painless, took less then 15 minutes. She took a silicone/putty like substance and injected it into my ear to take a mold. We let it set for 5 minutes, then took it out. She boxed it up, and sent it out to Westone who made the molds. The brochure I got says they are DefendEar Concert. Even though Westone made the molds, they use the Etyomtic attenuation filters.
I went with the 15 dB filters, and they seemed to be the perfect pick. I never felt I needed the 25 dB filters, and I was in the pit for Bassnectar. I could feel the hairs in my nose vibrating, but my ears didn't feel it. There was only one or two times I wished I had the 9 dB filters, one was during Atomic Bomb. But overall, definitely feel 15 dB filter is the right choice. They're super easy to change out if you want to switch though.
I find them to be more comfortable then the cheaper Etymotics, obviously because they're molded to your ears. They're also easy to put in and remove.
Overall cost for them was $180. Expensive up front, but something I definitely feel is worth it. Even with the $20 Etymotics, I was tempted to take them out for certain shows. I don't see that being the case with these molded ones.
If you were on the fence about them, definitely check them out.
I know bansheebeat has some molded ones, curious if anyone else does.
Sounds like a great product - I wear DownBeats ear plugs (comes with a small storage compartment you can slip in your pants pocket) that retails for about $13 or so on Amazon and highly recommend them, too. You can still hear the sound perfectly but it basically does what you said (turns the bass down so you can actually hear the great music). You can also hear people around you talking as well (unless they are low talkers).
I have been to so many concerts that my hearing was starting to get worse - I definitely recommend for people to invest in plugs. Especially if you are someone who likes to get relatively close to the stage at a concert/event.
They also arent's noticeable - I think the ones I got come in blue or black and you would really have to be searching for them to see them in someone's ear.
I bought a pair of the dubs at roo. I love them. Feel like ear buds but lighter. Did a great job at arresting the sound but still providing clarity. I use them mowing as well and they work great. They are 12 dB rating
I had used the cheap foam 10 pair for $4 at CVS because I always lose them. Tried dubs at roo and the other night for TAUK, UM, and WSP and they are great! Just worried about losing them as usual lol
Post by 3post1jack1 on Jun 22, 2015 13:21:51 GMT -5
for those worried about losing your earplugs, i keep my etys in the little plastic case they come in on my keychain at all times. started doing this when i forgot them on the way to a show in new orleans, i think it was butthole surfers. never forgot them again.
i rarely wear my earplugs at festivals, since i'm rarely close enough to the speaker for them to be necessary. but if I do end up right next to a speaker i always put them in.
i got a pair of the etymotics this year, and they were so much easier for me to put in than the foam ones. i still slept with the foam earplugs because i feel like they were less likely to fall out of my ears while i was tossing and turning. it's so wonderful not walking around with ringing ears after every show.
Our group used the dubs this year and they were great. No loss of sound quality and did a good job protecting my ears even when I was up on the access rail for bassnectar.
The Etymotic are far superior to Dubs (although Dubs are a little more subtle looking). I should really pony up for the molded ones at some point.
If you can spare the $180, there should be absolutely no hesitation. I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner.
The sound quality difference from the $20 Etymotics to the molded ones is astounding. If I were to rate the Etymotics sound quality a 6, I'd easily give the molded a 9 or 9.5. Need more time before I could decide if they're truly a 10.
And no matter who you have make your molds, it seems everyone uses the same acoustic filters, which are still made by Etymotic. So I'd just call around to a few audiologists and see who has the best price.
Post by rumbleseat on Jul 25, 2015 20:24:55 GMT -5
Great thread! - And a topic that needs more publicity.
There was an interesting article in the August print edition of Scientific American entitled: "Hidden Hearing Loss from Everyday Noise" by M. Charles Liberman. The article is not available online, but you could grab a copy at a newsstand or library. Liberman has published many articles on the mechanism of hearing loss including this one from 2009:
Liberman has shown that although you will probably recover your ability to hear faint sounds after an episode of overexposure to intense sound, your auditory nerves will have probably suffered irreversible damage.
Bottom line - Wear hearing protection at concerts and other loud events!
And - I'm curious if anyone has tried Dubs and Etymotic ER-20 earplugs side by side at a concert. What are your thoughts??
From their respective websites, I've superimposed the noise reduction curves for these two devices: (Dubs result shown with a thin aqua blue line, Etymotic with a heavy royal blue line)
Not sure if the Dubs and Etymotic were tested under identical conditions, but the noise reduction in the upper frequency range is similar. Based on these graphs, Dubs would be more bass-heavy, but again, that could be an artifact of testing.
Standing behind "front of house" I find two things one great sound two alot cleaner way less distortion therefore less need for ear protection . I'm a huge fan of safty so please set an example for your children and ware them .
Post by Farrisbueller on Jul 28, 2015 10:13:51 GMT -5
I am considering getting molded plugs once I have some extra cash but right now the earplugs I use are some Alpine's. Amazon has them 5 bucks cheaper than their website. Sadly they are about 8 bucks more than the Etymotic plugs but I feel its well worth it for the quality, the ability to change out to different frequencies, as well as being more minimal in size. I havent tried the Etymotics but ive heard they are very comparable. Id recommend anyone who cant afford molded ones to try these out.
Post by rideincircles on Oct 8, 2015 17:07:12 GMT -5
I may add a new thread about protecting ears in general at some point. I had tinnitus kick in after seeing Portishead and getting an ear infection from swimming in lakes in Finland last year. I normally use Etymotics and have for the past few years, but decided to take in all of Portishead without them and that was a bad idea. I think the start of the ear infection had already occurred from swimming, but being front row with no earplugs did not help at all. At this point I now have to deal with listening to my ears ring whenever it is quiet and it fucking sucks.
My right ear has been more sensitive than my left ear to loud noises since before I started going to festivals and shows about 8 years ago. I have usually been pretty hardcore about wearing earplugs all the time, but at this point the damage is done and all I can do is get used to it and prevent damage from getting worse. My hearing test indicated that my hearing is good for normal volumes, but has issues once I get to the 4000 hz range. The doctor said the sensitivity is common from loud noise damage, but it all stems from my diving incident in my teens.
Anyways, expect a more detailed thread later on about protecting your hearing, but I recommend buying the best earplugs you can. Hearing loss starts around 35 for most males, but I am ahead of that curve at this point. You don't want to be ahead of that curve. Trust me.
Post by F me, I quit America on Jan 31, 2016 21:46:48 GMT -5
Anyone have anything new to add, or anyone who has tried multiple brands or models have an opinion on which is best?
I'm not getting any younger and am beginning to become concerned about protecting my hearing. Refraining from going to concerts and being close to the stage is not on the table. While I haven't had my ears checked in years, and surely don't have any major hearing loss yet, I do want to keep it that way and do struggle to converse in noisy environments. Not ready to spring for a custom molded pair yet but anything around $30 or so would be fine, and I could probably justify $50+.
I use cheap foam ear plugs for woodworking, because they're cheap and comfortable and they're good for 30+ db, but they suck for music of course. 12-15 dB would be fine, maybe 20 dB, but it has to be something that provides nice, even attenuation and is comfortable. Looks are unimportant, and a cord would be nice but is not a requirement.
There are lots of good reviews on Amazon and elsewhere for various offerings from Etymotic (most popular?), Dubs, Hearos (they sell cheapies as well as supposed hi-fi versions), V-Moda, Earasers, LiveMusic Hearsafe, and Downbeats. Opinions on what NOT to buy are as helpful as what is good. The Arcs show at the Akron Civic Theatre last month didn't even seem loud enough but I definitely felt it afterward and really want to be safe from hear on out.
And while I admit I may be a poser I will also admit that I am getting old, so that's my reason for seeking ear plugs, not because I'm a poser!
Anyone have anything new to add, or anyone who has tried multiple brands or models have an opinion on which is best?
I'm not getting any younger and am beginning to become concerned about protecting my hearing. Refraining from going to concerts and being close to the stage is not on the table. While I haven't had my ears checked in years, and surely don't have any major hearing loss yet, I do want to keep it that way and do struggle to converse in noisy environments. Not ready to spring for a custom molded pair yet but anything around $30 or so would be fine, and I could probably justify $50+.
I use cheap foam ear plugs for woodworking, because they're cheap and comfortable and they're good for 30+ db, but they suck for music of course. 12-15 dB would be fine, maybe 20 dB, but it has to be something that provides nice, even attenuation and is comfortable. Looks are unimportant, and a cord would be nice but is not a requirement.
There are lots of good reviews on Amazon and elsewhere for various offerings from Etymotic (most popular?), Dubs, Hearos (they sell cheapies as well as supposed hi-fi versions), V-Moda, Earasers, LiveMusic Hearsafe, and Downbeats. Opinions on what NOT to buy are as helpful as what is good. The Arcs show at the Akron Civic Theatre last month didn't even seem loud enough but I definitely felt it afterward and really want to be safe from hear on out.
And while I admit I may be a poser I will also admit that I am getting old, so that's my reason for seeking ear plugs, not because I'm a poser!
Any protection is good, it's a balance between comfort and efficiency. It might take you a few pairs to find the sweet spot. When you get to a place you can justify/afford custom molded plugs that is ideal. Many super loud shows have accelerated the inevitable. But I aint deef yet.
Huh? Hold on, let me turn around so you can talk towards mah good ear.
EDIT: I'll probably hunt down some deals on Amazon and/or e-Bay and buy 2 discounted but name-brand pairs. I want to keep going to concerts and actually enjoying them when I get truly old
Huh? Hold on, let me turn around so you can talk towards mah good ear.
EDIT: I'll probably hunt down some deals on Amazon and/or e-Bay and buy 2 discounted but name-brand pairs. I want to keep going to concerts and actually enjoying them when I get truly old
Amazon these alpine hearsafe classics are the ones ive been using for the last couple of years and love! Just about time for me to replace my originals and ill be getting these again!
Also, Rummy 500 this is for you too! I better not hear you still havent gotten them come bonnaroo!
Anyone have anything new to add, or anyone who has tried multiple brands or models have an opinion on which is best?
I'm not getting any younger and am beginning to become concerned about protecting my hearing. Refraining from going to concerts and being close to the stage is not on the table. While I haven't had my ears checked in years, and surely don't have any major hearing loss yet, I do want to keep it that way and do struggle to converse in noisy environments. Not ready to spring for a custom molded pair yet but anything around $30 or so would be fine, and I could probably justify $50+.
I use cheap foam ear plugs for woodworking, because they're cheap and comfortable and they're good for 30+ db, but they suck for music of course. 12-15 dB would be fine, maybe 20 dB, but it has to be something that provides nice, even attenuation and is comfortable. Looks are unimportant, and a cord would be nice but is not a requirement.
There are lots of good reviews on Amazon and elsewhere for various offerings from Etymotic (most popular?), Dubs, Hearos (they sell cheapies as well as supposed hi-fi versions), V-Moda, Earasers, LiveMusic Hearsafe, and Downbeats. Opinions on what NOT to buy are as helpful as what is good. The Arcs show at the Akron Civic Theatre last month didn't even seem loud enough but I definitely felt it afterward and really want to be safe from hear on out.
And while I admit I may be a poser I will also admit that I am getting old, so that's my reason for seeking ear plugs, not because I'm a poser!
my recommendation hasn't changed, been using the etys for several years. I think they are a great first choice (and if they work possibly last choice) for trying out earplugs.
Ety Pros:
-Cheap. $12. -They don't just reduce volume, they add balance to the sound. Most shows are mixed way too bright in the treble. Etys take the treble down just a bit, but they don't completely smudge it like cheap foam earplugs do. -Nice little carrying case you can put on your keys. -They drown out showtalkers. I have no idea how this works but it does. Sometimes even if the music isn't too loud but people around me are chatting like idiots I'll put in the Etys, makes focusing on the music much easier. -You'll be less exhausted after shows. Decibel levels take a physical toll on me, when I have in ear plugs I feel more refreshed after shows.
Ety Cons:
-You are jamming a triple flange into your ear. But you get used to it. I'm not saying they are super duper comfortable to me now, but they aren't uncomfortable anymore.
Anyone have anything new to add, or anyone who has tried multiple brands or models have an opinion on which is best?
I'm not getting any younger and am beginning to become concerned about protecting my hearing. Refraining from going to concerts and being close to the stage is not on the table. While I haven't had my ears checked in years, and surely don't have any major hearing loss yet, I do want to keep it that way and do struggle to converse in noisy environments. Not ready to spring for a custom molded pair yet but anything around $30 or so would be fine, and I could probably justify $50+.
I use cheap foam ear plugs for woodworking, because they're cheap and comfortable and they're good for 30+ db, but they suck for music of course. 12-15 dB would be fine, maybe 20 dB, but it has to be something that provides nice, even attenuation and is comfortable. Looks are unimportant, and a cord would be nice but is not a requirement.
There are lots of good reviews on Amazon and elsewhere for various offerings from Etymotic (most popular?), Dubs, Hearos (they sell cheapies as well as supposed hi-fi versions), V-Moda, Earasers, LiveMusic Hearsafe, and Downbeats. Opinions on what NOT to buy are as helpful as what is good. The Arcs show at the Akron Civic Theatre last month didn't even seem loud enough but I definitely felt it afterward and really want to be safe from hear on out.
And while I admit I may be a poser I will also admit that I am getting old, so that's my reason for seeking ear plugs, not because I'm a poser!
my recommendation hasn't changed, been using the etys for several years. I think they are a great first choice (and if they work possibly last choice) for trying out earplugs.
Ety Pros:
-Cheap. $12. -They don't just reduce volume, they add balance to the sound. Most shows are mixed way too bright in the treble. Etys take the treble down just a bit, but they don't completely smudge it like cheap foam earplugs do. -Nice little carrying case you can put on your keys. -They drown out showtalkers. I have no idea how this works but it does. Sometimes even if the music isn't too loud but people around me are chatting like idiots I'll put in the Etys, makes focusing on the music much easier. -You'll be less exhausted after shows. Decibel levels take a physical toll on me, when I have in ear plugs I feel more refreshed after shows.
Ety Cons:
-You are jamming a triple flange into your ear. But you get used to it. I'm not saying they are super duper comfortable to me now, but they aren't uncomfortable anymore.
You should totally check out some molded plugs. I'm kicking myself for not getting mine sooner. There's no comparison between sound quality between molded and the $20 Etys.
That said, I completely recommend the Etys. They can't be beat for the price, and hearing protection is more than worth it.
But postjack, with the amount of money/love you pour into audio, you need some molded ones
my recommendation hasn't changed, been using the etys for several years. I think they are a great first choice (and if they work possibly last choice) for trying out earplugs.
Ety Pros:
-Cheap. $12. -They don't just reduce volume, they add balance to the sound. Most shows are mixed way too bright in the treble. Etys take the treble down just a bit, but they don't completely smudge it like cheap foam earplugs do. -Nice little carrying case you can put on your keys. -They drown out showtalkers. I have no idea how this works but it does. Sometimes even if the music isn't too loud but people around me are chatting like idiots I'll put in the Etys, makes focusing on the music much easier. -You'll be less exhausted after shows. Decibel levels take a physical toll on me, when I have in ear plugs I feel more refreshed after shows.
Ety Cons:
-You are jamming a triple flange into your ear. But you get used to it. I'm not saying they are super duper comfortable to me now, but they aren't uncomfortable anymore.
You should totally check out some molded plugs. I'm kicking myself for not getting mine sooner. There's no comparison between sound quality between molded and the $20 Etys.
That said, I completely recommend the Etys. They can't be beat for the price, and hearing protection is more than worth it.
But postjack, with the amount of money/love you pour into audio, you need some molded ones
you're right, I need to buckle down and do it. just never want to take the time to make an appointment to get molds made. I just hate taking time off work to go to any doctor unless I have to.
Post by Farrisbueller on Feb 1, 2016 12:00:15 GMT -5
If you're too broke to afford custom molded ear plugs but enjoy DIY activities you should look into getting a cheap pair of alpines or etys then combining them with a set of mold your own earplugs similar to this howtogeek
You should totally check out some molded plugs. I'm kicking myself for not getting mine sooner. There's no comparison between sound quality between molded and the $20 Etys.
That said, I completely recommend the Etys. They can't be beat for the price, and hearing protection is more than worth it.
But postjack, with the amount of money/love you pour into audio, you need some molded ones
you're right, I need to buckle down and do it. just never want to take the time to make an appointment to get molds made. I just hate taking time off work to go to any doctor unless I have to.
My appointment took less then 30 minutes. Super easy.
I promise, once you hit your first show with them, you'll wonder why you took so long!
I got the 15 dB and 25 dB inserts. I use the 15s most of the time, and only really use the 25s when I'm set up by the speaker stack.
They make 9s too, but I think I'd only have used those one or two shows.
