Klarinet Archive - Posting 000702.txt from 2002/01

From: MVinquist@-----.com
Subj: RE: [kl] Earplugs
Date: Sat, 26 Jan 2002 11:29:33 -0500

I ride the New York City subways, which often have noise levels well over 100
dB. The conductors pitch their announcements, and the electronic
door-closing tones, to be heard above the racket, and it goes right through
you.

For years, I've been using E-A-R brand bright yellow high-density foam
earplugs, which claim a 29 dB reduction, which is the most effective I've
found. Once every year and a half, I order an industrial-sized box for about
$35 through Harbor Freight. A pair of plugs in use twice a day lasts about 2
weeks.

When I was in the West Point Band, there was a drum-and-bugle (+ piccolo)
corps that marched in the back of the formation, alternating with the band.
The guys blew their heads off, and, as a non-career man, I always got put in
the back of the band. I tried stuffing cotton in my ears, but it really
messed up my playing. It got to where I couldn't make a sound at all.
Still, it was better than a bugle blasting a foot from your head. I actually
went to one of the parades and sat in the stands, and I couldn't hear even a
hint of the clarinet parts, even though I knew them well, so I figured I
wouldn't be missed if I just fingered along. Better that than hearing loss.

Best regards.

Ken Shaw

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