Earplug Question: What Kind Would You Suggest?

[Natalie Roberts]

After getting some advise from everyone here, it seems maybe I don't have hyperacusis after all but just very reactive T (which I'm learning is normal). Anyway, I want to protect my ears when I'm around loud noises to not cause any further damage (if damage was the cause of my T). So far I only have used foam earplugs from walgreens which block most of the sound out completly. I use them when I vacuum, run bath water or wash my kid's hair since they scream.. Other then that I haven't blocked external sound with ear plugs.

I LOVE going to to the movies and I don't want to stop doing that.. I've read some of you talking about molded or sound reducing ear plugs. Are these something you would use in the case of the movie theather? If so, what brands/types are recommended? I really know nothing about ear plugs or when I should be using them even.. Just trying to inform myself so I don't cause any more damage to my precious ears!

 

[glynis]

Hi Natalie,
I wear noise reduction plugs from Boots chemist.
£ 6.00.
They are clear plastic with vents in them and work great....lots of love glynis

 

[glynis]

 

[Natalie Roberts]

Hi Natalie,
I wear noise reduction plugs from Boots chemist.
£ 6.00.
They are clear plastic with vents in them and work great....lots of love glynis

Are they discreet? The ones I have from walgreens are purple, HUGE and stick partially out of my ear.. not very attractive.

 

[glynis]

Can hardly see them but My hair covers then too

 

[Natalie Roberts]

View attachment 8738 Can hardly see them but My hair covers then too

Are they comfortable? You would recommend these for the movies?

 

[glynis]

Very comfortable and soft rubber..
I wear mine in the Cinema and work great.
Went see James Bond not long a go...lots of love glynis

 

[Natalie Roberts]

So I can't find those on Amazon (where I usually purchase) because I live in the US. I found these..

http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Rese...6410&sr=8-1&keywords=noise+reducing+ear+plugs

it says "The package lists NRR = 12 dB. NRR is a value derived by mathematical formula that underestimates the effectiveness of flat attenuation earplugs. When ETY Plugs are used correctly, expect approximately 20 dB of sound isolation. "

Would that be an appropraite choice for someone with Tinnitus wanting to protect their ears? I really dont' know anything about this.

 

[glynis]

They should be fine ....lots of love glynis

 

[linearb]

I just use cheap orange foam 32db plugs for everything loud I do (motorcycles, occasional concerts, loud restaurants).

 

[Constable85]

Foam plugs are actually great for protection (assuming you get them in deep enough), and typically have NRR ratings of 30+. But, you can still have good protection (NRR 15) and less obvious plugs with Westone custom concert plugs. I got the clear version and they are barely noticeable at all.

 

[Bertman]

I wear Downbeats on a regular basis. You can get them on amazon and they are cheap and very discrete. NRR of 18 I believe and they come with a little case to put on your keychain so you always have them. With that said I just ordered custom earplugs for louder situations with the 17 and 26db filters. They are supposed to sound very clear, but they also come with a total block filter that doesn't sound as clear but act more like foam earplugs and offer even greater protection. ACS is the brand I went with, bought them through a site called earpeace. Right now they have a cyber monday deal that is 100 bucks off.

 

[Andrew_89]

Dude get Moulded muso ear plugs . Cost more and comfy and the sound is great . Don't over protect your ears . Just live s normal life I use my plugs when I play near a drummer or with bigger PA systems

 

[Natalie Roberts]

I just got a pair off amazon that reduce the DB by 20 and I wore them for dinner and the movie since both were very very loud. I didn't notice any weird spikes or anything so it must have worked. I'm glad I tried them. I now carry them with me just in case.