Hearing Protection and Tinnitus: Keep The Tiny Hair Cells Safe — Discuss!

For people with custom plugs:

How do the plugs feel? How well do they stay in your ears?

I'm looking at the 25db Elacins and need the final push to click buy!
 
For people with custom plugs:

How do the plugs feel? How well do they stay in your ears?

I'm looking at the 25db Elacins and need the final push to click buy!
The fit is perfect, hence the name custom moulded to your unique ears!

Simply astounding. I don't feel any pressure whatsoever, and they're really comfortable. I can easily go hours with them in my ears. They won't slip out of your ears when you tilt your head. The quality is unparalleled, and you will really like the fact that they attenuate all the frequencies at the same level. Great for gigs, too.

I just don't think you can go wrong buying a pair. I bought my pair in a group buy (all of us went for the custom fitting at the same time and got a discount), and none have regretted buying them.

A+
 
Custom fitted plugs are the way to go if you are going to being experiencing loud noise on a regular basis and certainly for such noise as drag races.

I personally do not have custom made ones but there is always an ample supply of the over the counter type or a set of earmuffs close at hand here.

Thanks MARKKU for post the charts on bone induction. I am a firm believer that this bone induction plays a great deal in modern hearing loss. Especially where one is exposed to a prolonged exposure or extremely loud noise.
 
Hey everyone, need some suggestions. Custom made earplugs are just out of the question. I stay in India, and here in our country, hearing protection is something totally unknown to people. Probably half the country suffers from T and they don't know what it is and think it's normal. Anyway, I'm looking for a pair of earplugs for my mother, she has T in both ears. I've got T in one ear, but very mild. My mother's a musician and she often attends concerts. She's also exposed to everyday kitchen sounds of utensils, blenders, etc. She usually just stuffs up a decent amount of cotton in her ears, but she realized that isn't enough. I've found some products online, and would anyone recommend which one would be the best among those? She won't be needing any extreme noise cancellation, just for everyday sounds like traffic when she steps out, kitchen sounds, etc. Here are the choices:


  1. One
  2. Two
  3. Three
  4. Four
Please advice me on which one would suit her needs out of those four mentioned above. And, what are their comfort levels? Since they won't be custom made, is it very uncomfortable to wear those?
 
Hey everyone, need some suggestions. Custom made earplugs are just out of the question. I stay in India, and here in our country, hearing protection is something totally unknown to people. Probably half the country suffers from T and they don't know what it is and think it's normal. Anyway, I'm looking for a pair of earplugs for my mother, she has T in both ears. I've got T in one ear, but very mild. My mother's a musician and she often attends concerts. She's also exposed to everyday kitchen sounds of utensils, blenders, etc. She usually just stuffs up a decent amount of cotton in her ears, but she realized that isn't enough. I've found some products online, and would anyone recommend which one would be the best among those? She won't be needing any extreme noise cancellation, just for everyday sounds like traffic when she steps out, kitchen sounds, etc. Here are the choices:


  1. One
  2. Two
  3. Three
  4. Four
Please advice me on which one would suit her needs out of those four mentioned above. And, what are their comfort levels? Since they won't be custom made, is it very uncomfortable to wear those?
Hey,

I've heard lots of good feedback about the Alpines. Some say they are the next best thing if you can't buy custom mades.

Amazon reviews: http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B000VO8PR0
http://www.audiocheck.net/earplugreviews_alpinemusicsafe.php

This earplug won't isolate you from external noises, but simply protects your hearing against damaging sound levels.

The Amazon reviews above were for the Pro version, but Classic is similar:
MusicSafe Classic natural sound ear plugs from Alpine Hearing Protection offer the same great features as the MusicSafe Pro, except that the Classic version has two sets of interchangeable acoustic filters instead of three. The set of filters that is omitted in the Classic are the white filters, which offer the lowest attenuation. For professional singers and those using their MusicSafe ear plugs in environments where you need just a little attenuation to take the edge off the noise you hear, we recommend the MusicSafe Pro. For most applications, however, the MusicSafe Classic gives you just what you need: a choice of two levels of hearing protection.
 
@Markku Thanks for those links, read the reviews. I'm thinking those Alpine earplugs are good. However, my idea of earplugs were that they'd cancel out outside noise. What exactly do you mean by "This earplug won't isolate you from external noises, but simply protects your hearing against damaging sound levels."? Could you please explain me what exactly earplugs do? I had assumed they were just like stuffing cotton in your ears, but only stronger.
 
@Markku; Which according to you is a better choice? Foam or regular ones? The traffic noise does irritate everyone around here. People constantly blare their horns loudly and the overall environment throughout the whole county can be termed as noisy.

Edit: I decided to get the Alpine Musicsafe Classic. Read reviews over here and over 90% of the users have rated it 5 stars. I guess that should do. They do mention it cancels out everyday noises like mowing the lawn, noisy neighbors, etc. and that they are also comfortable to wear.
 
@Markku; Which according to you is a better choice? Foam or regular ones? The traffic noise does irritate everyone around here. People constantly blare their horns loudly and the overall environment throughout the whole county can be termed as noisy.
I suppose some parts of India are so loud that the foam ones would be best. They offer the most dB reduction.

Both have their uses. I do like Hearos for their super soft build quality, they are the most comfortable foam plugs I've used.

Alpines provide "only" a sound reduction of 17 or 18 dB (depending on which filter you use), whereas the above Hearos provides 32 dB.

But with foam plugs you do have that closed off feeling, and may feel a sensation of pressure.

Alpines will last longer, foam plugs need to be replaced more often.

I really can't say for sure though. Could you get both for your mom and she can try which ones she likes best? As it's also a matter of personal taste...

Or maybe you could start with buying a set of foam plugs since they are cheaper and offer the highest dB reduction, and if she likes them, then that's splendid. If she doesn't find the foam plugs comfortable, then you can buy a pair of the Alpine?
 
@Markku; Nice suggestion. I was just thinking about that too, getting both foam and the Alpine earplugs. I'll get them both. When she's exposed to extreme traffic noise, she could use the foam earplugs, and when she goes to concerts, she can use the Alpine pair. ;)
 
@Markku; Nice suggestion. I was just thinking about that too, getting both foam and the Alpine earplugs. I'll get them both. When she's exposed to extreme traffic noise, she could use the foam earplugs, and when she goes to concerts, she can use the Alpine pair. ;)
That's a good plan. From these two choices, Alpines are best for concerts (foams may be appropriate if going to a loud rock concert), with them on the music does sound much better than with foam plugs. There's just no comparison IMO.

Good luck and glad this got sorted out. :beeranimation:
 
Not that I'm normally around a lot of loud noise but is there anyplace one can by a good pair of ear plugs rather than having to order online? I've used the foam type before when I was working nights and had to sleep during the day but they don't really stay in you ear.
 
What kind of ear protection do you use now? I've always used ear plugs NRR 32 or 33 with racing ear protection for when I go to the shooting range before T. Is this going to be enough now? And what kind of ear plugs do you use for going to the movies or a loud environment or just for general (in case) use? Does an ENT have something more protective or are they the same? Where do you find them?

I would love to see a question section ( If I missed it please direct me) for us newbies. I learned a lot from just cruising this site, but if there was a question section it could get a quick answer for someone new or help to get directed to the proper section for help. Just a thought as a fairly new member. I still have questions. It could help someone new.
 
@Lulubug69. I am also a shooter and have been told that the highest nrr is 33. I recently went hunting and wore plugs moulded to my ears with muffs rated nrr 33 over the top.

I have recently ordered a pair of pro ears gold electronic ear muffs 1 of the best on the market. Check them out .

Movies and dtufg like that nrr 22 plugs should be plenty
 
I use over the counter so to speak plugs which have a 29 db reduction rating..Also use a earmuffs but not at the same time..I have a pair of earmuffs with a built in radio. I like these when trying to work in my shop..These muffs are OSHA approved and provide the same level of protection..My tinnitus seems louder to me when wearing protection but that is just because of the loss of outside noise..The radio equipped muffs help give my brain something else to listen to beside the T. and provide protection at the same time.
 
How does your tinnitus feel after shooting ? this seems extreme to me

how loud is rated a firegun ? 130db ?


I haven't actually used a firearm since experiencing loud T. I had T for a short time after someone shot off a 50 caliber without warning at a shooting range (not normally allowed) and wasn't wearing both of my protection. The T eventually diminished to a very low sound I didn't notice much and wasn't an issue anymore. I'm a little nervous to go again, that's why I was asking about proper protection.
 
Hi all,

I´m wondering about your thoughts, information or experience of using ear plugs. And if bass is (as) dangerous? And a question about accumulation.

I´ve had T (noise induced; fire cracker, playing the drums, concerts...) since 1999. After the onset(s) I started using custom made silicone earplugs with a 25 dB, supposedly even filter, wherever there was loud sound (i.e. cinema, concert, club). To my knowledge and experience, this has been sufficient.

Seems though, as the last pair got too old and did´nt fit well enough, so sound leaked in during a long night of clubbing.

Yes, after 14 years my T suddenly got worse. :-( To me, it seems as if the "worsening" happened in just one night. Well, anyone could get T from that type of levels/soundsystems. (I just thought I was protected.)

So, my questions are:

1. Do you think 25 dB ear plugs is enough for protecting my ears, now that it has gotten even worse? (New plugs ordered.)

2. Bass? There seems to be debate on if bass sound is also dangerous; as dangerous as the higher frequencys? (I was never concerned about that heavy bass in EDM.)

3. Accumulation; do you think that even with 25 dB ear plugs, you can accumulate gradual destruction of your ears, leading to increased T? (Say most clubs play at about 115 dB, then those ear plugs should mean that only about 90 dB meets my eardrum? Only that bass comes in a lot through your whole body...)
 
Hi all,

I´m wondering about your thoughts, information or experience of using ear plugs. And if bass is (as) dangerous? And a question about accumulation.

I´ve had T (noise induced; fire cracker, playing the drums, concerts...) since 1999. After the onset(s) I started using custom made silicone earplugs with a 25 dB, supposedly even filter, wherever there was loud sound (i.e. cinema, concert, club). To my knowledge and experience, this has been sufficient.

Seems though, as the last pair got too old and did´nt fit well enough, so sound leaked in during a long night of clubbing.

Yes, after 14 years my T suddenly got worse. :-( To me, it seems as if the "worsening" happened in just one night. Well, anyone could get T from that type of levels/soundsystems. (I just thought I was protected.)

So, my questions are:

1. Do you think 25 dB ear plugs is enough for protecting my ears, now that it has gotten even worse? (New plugs ordered.)

2. Bass? There seems to be debate on if bass sound is also dangerous; as dangerous as the higher frequencys? (I was never concerned about that heavy bass in EDM.)

3. Accumulation; do you think that even with 25 dB ear plugs, you can accumulate gradual destruction of your ears, leading to increased T? (Say most clubs play at about 115 dB, then those ear plugs should mean that only about 90 dB meets my eardrum? Only that bass comes in a lot through your whole body...)

-25db should be more than enough. You would have to be standing right in front of a powerful sound system for a good 1 hour before damage can be done - the further back you stand the more hours you can stay. No matter what, I'll always spend 30 minutes inside a club and 30 minutes out in the courtyard etc. Never stand in front of the speaker. If I'm caught at the front with some friends I'll try to stand center stage just behind the speakers or as far to the side as possible.

No I don't believe the bass is doing the damage, I think it may be a coincidence or you may have spent one to many hours in a concert? You still drumming? I can imagine a 4 hour set even with earplugs could still be relatively dangerous after a few consecutive gigs.
 
I can imagine a 4 hour set even with earplugs could still be relatively dangerous after a few consecutive gigs.

Accumulating more damage over long time? I mean -25 dB is a lot. And bone conduction seems to not be a big issue, acording to the little reading I´ve done...

-25 dB custom made plugs has kept me safe for 14 years (no changes in T). Just this last time, they seem to have got to fit quite bad. I.e. leaking in sound.
 
What are the best ear plugs in the market ?i am looking for ear plugs that does the best job in reducing the sound ..I don't care to listen to music..I just want ear plugs that does best jobs in blocking the noise .i got custom made ear plus, but no way they provide as much protection as Mack's ear plugs .
I got 3 M ear muffs..they are extremely large and bulky .it would look funny if I wear that at a movie or at a party .can some one also recommend ear muffs that's not too bulky and doesn't look like some thing you wear when we are going for a combat .3m muffs does really good job in reducing the noise ..if you wear along with ear plugs ,it blocks most of the noise.
I can't believe how One mistake can change our life .i want my silence back !
 
What are the best ear plugs in the market ?i am looking for ear plugs that does the best job in reducing the sound ..I don't care to listen to music..I just want ear plugs that does best jobs in blocking the noise .i got custom made ear plus, but no way they provide as much protection as Mack's ear plugs .
I got 3 M ear muffs..they are extremely large and bulky .it would look funny if I wear that at a movie or at a party .can some one also recommend ear muffs that's not too bulky and doesn't look like some thing you wear when we are going for a combat .3m muffs does really good job in reducing the noise ..if you wear along with ear plugs ,it blocks most of the noise.
I can't believe how One mistake can change our life .i want my silence back !
Hearos have good and comfortable plugs with noise reduction of 33 dB.

For example: Extreme (Xtreme) Protection Ear Plugs By Hearos - 14 Plugs, Foam, NRR 33
 
Hey everyone, need some suggestions. Custom made earplugs are just out of the question. I stay in India, and here in our country, hearing protection is something totally unknown to people. Probably half the country suffers from T and they don't know what it is and think it's normal. Anyway, I'm looking for a pair of earplugs for my mother, she has T in both ears. I've got T in one ear, but very mild. My mother's a musician and she often attends concerts. She's also exposed to everyday kitchen sounds of utensils, blenders, etc. She usually just stuffs up a decent amount of cotton in her ears, but she realized that isn't enough. I've found some products online, and would anyone recommend which one would be the best among those? She won't be needing any extreme noise cancellation, just for everyday sounds like traffic when she steps out, kitchen sounds, etc. Here are the choices:


  1. One
  2. Two
  3. Three
  4. Four
Please advice me on which one would suit her needs out of those four mentioned above. And, what are their comfort levels? Since they won't be custom made, is it very uncomfortable to wear those?
You need foam ear plugs in India ..traffic noise is crazy .thank to Markku I just started wearing my foam ear plugs ..they block lot of noise !.
If I had know about these plus my t would have been less .i was in India and a large firecracker went off next to me ..all I had was cotton stuffed in my ears .i wish I knew about these foam plugs.
 
...Even when I use my custom made ear plugs my ears get more damaged from clubs...

Have anybodyelse here gotten permanently worse T from going to a club or concert, even though wearing earplugs such as -25dB´s?

And, does anybodey here have a relativley low pitched T, which is noise induced? By that I mean an almost bass sounding T...
 
My ears have got permanently worse slamming a car bonnet, got temporary threshold shift for a week and a massive increase in tinnitus since It happened 6 weeks ago, I wasn't wearing earplugs, didn't think I would need them!
 

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