Klarinet Archive - Posting 000340.txt from 1999/12

From: Gil Guerrero <gil-man@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] RE: Flat Attenuation/Musician's Plugs
Date: Sun, 12 Dec 1999 21:22:57 -0500

While I'm just a clarinet/Klarinet newbie, as a producer/designer for
Theme Park attractions, I often have to participate in critical listening
sessions, but am also often exposed to long hours of high decibel ride
soundtracks. Several years ago I finally bit the bullet and purchased two
pairs of custom Etymotic ear plugs.

The procedure for getting them is relatively simple: a small foam ball on
a string is inserted into your ear to protect the drum from the
impression goo. Then they squirt the goo into your ear canal and wait a
few moments for it to set. They use the string to help pull the goo out
and they have custom impressions of your ear canal, from which your
inserts will be made for the filters to be attached to.

The price does seem to vary from audiologist to audiologist. You might
consider trying to cut a deal for them by telling the audiologist that
you'll refer your friends. Pretty much any hearing aid center should be
able to get them and do the castings.

With the high sound pressure levels generated in movie theaters these
days, I also typically carry them to action movies where I think they
might be needed. And they are a great tool for attending rock concerts.
The plugs do sound great, they are nothing like the foam plugs. They
attenuate in a very natural fashion, they just sound like less of what's
already there. You can really hear normal frequencies (though I haven't
measured them, so the propellorheads please don't flame me!) They SOUND
normal, to me.

For those who can afford it, it is nice getting both sizes so that you
can tailor the attenuation to the SPL of what you are listening to.

If anyone has other questions feel free to email me off the list.

Best and Happy Holidays!

Gil

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