19 Reply by BluesMan (edited by BluesMan 2009-07-22 18:18:22)

  • From: Wisconsin
  • Registered: 2008-08-15
  • Posts: 7,284

Re: Earplugs?

What? What did you say? No, I have perfect hearing, I just choose not listen to the wife when she's yelling at me. wink

In any case, I've only worn ear plugs once in my life and only for a half a song. A couple years ago I went to see Chris Duarte for the first time and as most people know, Chris likes to play loud. As Chris began playing, what I was hearing was muffled sound and so, I removed the ear plugs to enjoy the great music being played. True, my ears ring like anyone elses after a show, but I still like to hear the true clarity of the music. JMHO....

Roy

Joe is the Best!

20 Reply by Lee

  • Lee
  • Lee
  • BONAMETAL
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  • From: Minnesota
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 2,476

Re: Earplugs?

I wear earplugs to shows all the time now and have for about the last 2 years. I don't play guitar very much anymore and never did seriously so I don't need them for that. I started with the cheaper off-the-shelf silicone ones which are okay for music, but I use them now when I'm using power tools, lawn mower, etc. About a year ago I invested in the custom molded silicone variety with a changeable filter. They were about $140/pair. They are much better, but are they perfect? No. There is some loss of dynamics, but you can hear all the music. Like others have said, a lot of the time, probably most of the time, the music actually sounds better with than without them. To me - right now - anything above a certain and relatively low decibel level sounds extremely distorted, unfortunately.

I wish I didn't have to wear them, but I also wish I had started wearing plugs a lot sooner. I now have chronic tinnitus (constant ringing or buzzing) and hyperacusis (over-sensitivity to certain sounds) which are no fun whatsoever, and that's putting it mildly.

  • From: N.Wales, UK
  • Registered: 2009-03-06
  • Posts: 2,183

Re: Earplugs?

I don't, but I should.

Once standing 10ft in front of John Sykes' stack (which was at my head level) for 2.5hrs left me almost totally deaf for 24hrs and this disorientating buzzy ring for about a week more.

I felt that was a turning point...or at least it should have been. I have some problems now and again - restaurants with plates and pubs with glasses clinking.

I have worn plugs at practises, but they have never been good enough at letting the freqs. through - looks like I'll have to shell out £100 for some of those custom ones... hmm

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Earplugs?

I have an appointment with a Detroit Audiologist on Wednesday for a hearing exam and to get fitted to musician earplugs... cost for the plugs will be around $150, and I'm hoping my insurance will cover it.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Earplugs?

I just got some musician earplugs made by Beltone corporate chain.

I think they were $90 after a free hearing test.
The decibel level is about -25db and the hearing (so far) sounds pretty clear!
Will post another reply after band practice next week! cool

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool