All Those Music Lovers — Recommendations for Hearing Protection?

[Miranda]

Hi,

Quick background:
Have had tinnitus for 6+ months (no known cause)
It fluctuates (I have silent days and noisy days, some days its a hiss and some days its a chirp, some days its loud and some days its soft)
I've tried almost everything (diet, herbs, physical therapy, and neurology docs) I was thinking sleeping pills next, it seems that on my silent days I have gotten good sleep the day before.

I will be going to a concert at the end of June. Are their any recommendations for protection? I have noise reducing ear buds, but that is it.

 

[glynis]

Get the best noise reduction earplugs you can get and keep away from loud speakers as the sound and vibration will cause more problems.
Really loud sound can pass through your mastoid bone behind your ears to the cochlear. .. lots of love glynis

 

[billie48]

I agree with Glynis. Stay away from the loud speakers even with your ear plugs. If you do have to go to the concert and still be able to enjoy the music, perhaps consider musician ear plugs as this:

http://www.amazon.com/Alpine-Hearing-Protection-MusicSafe-Musicians/dp/B0032BYCWG

 

[Gr8fulDude]

I recommend Etymotic ER20 ear plugs: http://www.etymotic.com/consumer/hearing-protection/er20.html

 

[Freeatlast]

Can somebody recommend me some good quality earplugs I can buy that block harmful noise? (They must resemble music ear plugs) thanks.

 

[orbiter12]

I wouldn't go with anything less than foam or 26db customs.

 

[Michael Leigh]

Can somebody recommend me some good quality earplugs I can buy that block harmful noise? (They must resemble music ear plugs) thanks.

HI @Freeatlast I mean no disrespect to the advice that @orbiter12 is given you as he is trying to help. But I feel I must tell you my opinion on this and then you make the choice with what you want to do.

I don't recommend you using foam earplugs. These are perfectly fine for when using noisy power tools or garden equipment of the petrol kind etc. Using foam earplugs regularly you risk making your ears and auditory system more sensitive to sound. If you must use earplugs, then use "noise reducing" types that have filters in and I don't recommend wearing them too often. Too many people in this forum overuse earplugs and other ear protection and are now more sensitive to sound. Earplugs up to 25db should suffice nothing more.

Please click on my link below and read my post: Hyperacusis, As I see it.
All the best
Michael

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/hyperacusis-as-i-see-it.19174/

 

[Sam Bridge]

I have used these at concerts and they were really good. Music still sounded cleae just lowered the volume.

https://www.alpinehearingprotection.co.uk/earplugs/musicsafe-pro/

 

[TuneOut]

Can somebody recommend me some good quality earplugs I can buy that block harmful noise? (They must resemble music ear plugs) thanks.

Why must they resemble musicians plugs? The best protection you can get are "foam" earplugs with the maximum NRR of 33db. And they must be used correctly. They must be inserted deep enough, straight not bent or smooshed, and form an air seal. This is vital.

 

[Michael Leigh]

I have used these at concerts and they were really good. Music still sounded cleae just lowered the volume.

Those plugs are fine Sam.

 

[TuneOut]

I have used these at concerts and they were really good. Music still sounded cleae just lowered the volume.

https://www.alpinehearingprotection.co.uk/earplugs/musicsafe-pro/

According to the the site, the gold ones are the best and even those are only NRR 16db. That sucks. Sorry.

 

[Sam Bridge]

Those plugs are fine Sam.

I know i have tried used them a few times since i have had tinnitus

 

[Sam Bridge]

According to the the site, the gold ones are the best and even those are only NRR 16db. That sucks. Sorry.

No need to be sorry, i have used them a few times no problems.

 

[TuneOut]

No need to be sorry, i have used them a few times no problems.

Well, that's fortunate for you.

 

[Sam Bridge]

Well, that's fortunate for you.

Indeed it is.

 

[TuneOut]

Indeed it is.

You should play the lottery. You'd probably win the jackpot.

 

[Sam Bridge]

You should play the lottery. You'd probably win the jackpot.

I apologise if my use of these ear plugs offends you.

 

[Freeatlast]

Thanks for the advice and recommendations so far. Any experience with Surefire Ep3 sonic defenders? I just bought it the other day and was not satisfied! They say it is 24db but I can hear everything clearly even dangerous sound..

 

[Freeatlast]

HI @Freeatlast I mean no disrespect to the advice that @orbiter12 is given you as he is trying to help. But I feel I must tell you my opinion on this and then you make the choice with what you want to do.

I don't recommend you using foam earplugs. These are perfectly fine for when using noisy power tools or garden equipment of the petrol kind etc. Using foam earplugs regularly you risk making your ears and auditory system more sensitive to sound. If you must use earplugs, then use "noise reducing" types that have filters in and I don't recommend wearing them too often. Too many people in this forum overuse earplugs and other ear protection and are now more sensitive to sound. Earplugs up to 25db should suffice nothing more.

Please click on my link below and read my post: Hyperacusis, As I see it.
All the best
Michael

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/hyperacusis-as-i-see-it.19174/

Foam earplugs I believe has helped me not getting more spikes. Traffic and noisy trains are very loud here in the norwegian city. Now that I am vulnerable I wish not risk any further damage. Do you have any "noise reducing" earplugs with filter you recommend?

 

[TuneOut]

I apologise if my use of these ear plugs offends you.

I'm also posting for the benefit of others. Earplugs with NRR of 16db are not enough to "block harmful noise", which is what this person was requesting.