Any One use ear protection?

Greg Lambert · Post by **Greg Lambert** » 3 Sep 2017 12:44 pm

the last couple of gigs I did with a band was totally unacceptable. the volume peaked around 120db from the monitors. I have ordered some Alpine ear plugs that are designed to allow all frequencies to pass but at a lower level.

Its a shame to put a band aid on a problem like this , the band is really good but has no common sense.

Has anyone had any experience with ear plugs?

Mike Scaggs · Post by **Mike Scaggs** » 3 Sep 2017 1:15 pm

When bands get that crazy with volume I resign. Thats just me

Paul Sutherland · Post by **Paul Sutherland** » 3 Sep 2017 1:31 pm

I have custom molded Westone ear plugs that I use occasionally. They claim they just cut the volume and don't change the tone. That's a lie. But when I need them, I need them.

Often I just use one in the ear that is getting the greatest assault, the one facing the drummer. At some clubs the music on the break is louder than the band, and I only wear them on the breaks. They are always in my steel seat and ready to be pulled out as necessary.

Josh Braun · Post by **Josh Braun** » 3 Sep 2017 1:48 pm

I always gig with ear protection.

Sometimes I use in ears that offer protection, but mostly I use Dubs ear plugs (they work great and attenuate the sound such that it sounds _close_ to what you'd hear without them).

John Alexander · Post by **John Alexander** » 3 Sep 2017 2:25 pm

Unfortunately, by the time the hearing loss/tinnitus sets in at a noticeable level, it's already irreversible, although not too late to protect what what you still have left.

The fact that I've never been able to impress this message on anyone, and that nobody was able to impress it on me when I was younger, suggests that a form of deafness is already in place before the physical damage occurs.

Jack Hanson · Post by **Jack Hanson** » 3 Sep 2017 2:47 pm

Dave Zirbel · Post by **Dave Zirbel** » 3 Sep 2017 2:59 pm

I use the Westones with the 15db cut filters . I lost my 25db filters. I've gotten used to them and use them at least half the time. I'm due for a new set and ready to try a new brand.

Kevin Fix · Post by **Kevin Fix** » 3 Sep 2017 5:06 pm

I agree with Mike. Been there and done it. Band members drinking too much and volume. No excuse. I good Steel Player has a reputation to uphold. I have walked away from a few over the years. Volume is offensive to your crowd you are playing for. If they are not happing, I'm not happy, plain and simple.!!!!!

Tucker Jackson · Post by **Tucker Jackson** » 3 Sep 2017 5:17 pm

I never play without Westone molded earplugs with the 9db-cut filters. I want to have a long career...

Ed Pettersen · Post by **Ed Pettersen** » 3 Sep 2017 5:37 pm

ACS Custom. I have -17db and -26db plugs. Imperative. Must have. Nothing more precious than your hearing as a musician obviously. My best piece of equipment bar none. Seriously.

Joseph Napolitano · Post by **Joseph Napolitano** » 3 Sep 2017 5:58 pm

Westone for me. Usually one at a time.

Greg Lambert · Post by **Greg Lambert** » 3 Sep 2017 6:04 pm

I have ordered some alpine plugs. From what I have read they are pretty good , I hope so.

Paul Sutherland · Post by **Paul Sutherland** » 3 Sep 2017 6:24 pm

I started out with the 25 db filters. I really didn't like what they did to the tone. So I tried the 15 db filters. They were better but I still didn't like wearing the ear plugs. So I bought the 9 db filters. They are the best for me because I'm more inclined to use the ear plugs.

Jack Hargraves · Post by **Jack Hargraves** » 4 Sep 2017 11:46 am

If I have that problem with a band I won't play with them anymore. It's not worth it to me. It never seems to do any good to ask them to turn down. They might turn down slightly, but after one song they turn up again.

Allan Haley · Post by **Allan Haley** » 4 Sep 2017 11:48 am

Custom molded. $$ but worth it. They make it harder to hear everything, but better than being deaf.

Mike Scaggs · Post by **Mike Scaggs** » 4 Sep 2017 12:31 pm

Real Pros don't need to play loud to have energy. Opps, there I go again forming an opinion LOL

Greg Lambert · Post by **Greg Lambert** » 4 Sep 2017 2:15 pm

Mike Scaggs wrote:Real Pros don't need to play loud to have energy. Opps, there I go again forming an opinion LOL

right on target Mike!

Ed Pettersen · Post by **Ed Pettersen** » 5 Sep 2017 5:42 am

A lot of the best custom molded ones like the ACS I have don't make it impossible to hear anything. My -17dbs merely cut the high offending frequencies. My -26db cut everything but I still can hear clearly enough. It's worth the $$ for an excellent molded pair.

Howard Parker · Post by **Howard Parker** » 5 Sep 2017 7:46 am

Custom molds with -9db Westone pads or in-ears.

I don't leave home without them.

h

David Gertschen · Post by **David Gertschen** » 5 Sep 2017 10:39 am

Another vote for the Westone molded filters. They do cut the high end of the mix, but I figure its better than going deaf.

Bob Fraser · Post by **Bob Fraser** » 5 Sep 2017 11:00 am

Greg,
if you are experiencing 120 dB spl on the deck,
the -9B Westones that a few have recommended, will not protect you.

You will still be at 110 dB, which is still a severe hazard.

Paul Sutherland · Post by **Paul Sutherland** » 5 Sep 2017 12:38 pm

I agree Bob. 110 db is still way too much. If earplugs with 9 db filters won't get you down to a much safer level, it's probably time to look for different people to play with.

Cartwright Thompson · Post by **Cartwright Thompson** » 5 Sep 2017 1:24 pm

Emtech custom molds from the audiologist. I'm on my second pair, been using them for twenty years plus. You get to sit there with cold silicone in your ears for 15 minutes. Worth every penny. Just like having a volume control to turn it down.
9db for playing with a loud band, 15db for playing with a loud router.

Greg Lambert · Post by **Greg Lambert** » 5 Sep 2017 2:11 pm

Heres the specs on what I ordered. Pretty good attenuation depending on what filter you use.

Attenuation values MusicSafe Pro in decibels
Hz: 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000
white dB: 10.2, 11.2, 14.3, 17.9, 24, 23.4, 18
silver dB:14.8, 15, 15.7, 18.7, 26.6,24.4, 18.9
gold dB: 18.8, 15.6, 16, 18.5, 27.7,23.9, 22

Ron Pruter · Post by **Ron Pruter** » 5 Sep 2017 8:00 pm

A little ball of bar napkin stuck in my ear facing the band. Very cheap and works great and is totally adjustable. I have to do this in the audience at church even.

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Any One use ear protection?

Any One use ear protection?

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9dB of attenuation comment.