 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: SamuelChan
Date: 2012-08-04 07:32
Hi guys,
So today I realised I have hearing loss, at 16. The specialist I visited said O wa most probably exposed to loud brasses or percussion, and I should wear musicians earplugs in bands and concerts.
Any ideas where to get musicians earplugs? Thanks.
It's quite saddening to have hearing loss at such a young age.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mom
Date: 2012-08-04 14:04
It would seem that your specialist should be able to make a recommendation for you. If not, you could ask him or her for a reputable hearing aid supplier then go from there. We purchased musician's ear plugs a few years back at the House Ear Institute in Los Angeles, in the hearing aid clinic. They were custom made much the same way that hearing aids are made. An impression of your ear canal is made, then you get a custom-made ear plug where you attach the filter, which is available in different "strengths" of decibel-blocking capability.
The ones we purchased are made by the Westone company and you could probably contact them via their website to see if they have any distributors in your area. We paid around $130 for the pair at that time.
Of course the problem is getting the musician to use them! I think they take some getting used to.
You should also speak with your band directors about this situation. And don't forget to turn down the volume on your music earphones. Hearing loss in young people is becoming more frequent.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: SamuelChan
Date: 2012-08-04 14:39
For earphones, I can proudly say that I'm one of the users that go 50% volume! Haha. Anyway, thanks mom! (I feel a little weird talking to a 'mom')
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: cigleris
Date: 2012-08-04 14:52
You don't need any special earplugs unless you want them custom fitted. You should be able to pick up a pair from your local pharmacy.
I really recommend you get them. I was playing a commercial gig recently and had the 1st trumpet right behind me who was blasting everything. Luckily myself and the 2nd player had earplugs as did the oboeist. They come in really handy.
Peter Cigleris
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: GeorgeL ★2017
Date: 2012-08-04 15:01
If you Google 'musicians earplugs' you will find a lot of information.
http://homerecording.about.com/od/mixinglivesound/a/Earplugs-101.htm seemed to have a good summary of the situation.
A musician I carpool with uses Etymotic Universal Fit earplugs. This type did not fit me, so I now use the 15 db Westone earplugs Mom wrote about. This level of attenuation reduces the sound of the trumpet players behind me to an acceptable level, and still lets me hear the director speak and the music around me.
Unfortunately, I did not get that advice in time, and after 25 years of playing in a community band without ear plugs, I now use hearing aids when not at band. Hearing aids are a lot more expensive than those ear plugs.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2012-08-04 17:36
I have tried the etymotic universal fit musicians earplugs. If they fit you, they work well. However with any earplugs, make sure to keep that earwax out of the openings or it'll plug up and sound worse.
I also have two sets of custom earplugs. One with a 15 db plug and the other with a 25 dbnplug.
I use the 25s for marching band,mceremonial band, dixieland, things where it tends to be more "how loud can we be" music. The 15s i use in cocnert band, and i dont use any earplugs in chamber music.
While its definitely more expensive, i would recommend getting custom fit. The comfort is VERY good, and to me creates a perfect seal every time.
Note: if going the custom route, while the substance is hardening in your ears, talk and hold a conversation. It'll form better and fit better. Dont sit still with your mouth closed, cause as soon as you open your miuth, it changes the ear cavitiy a bit and will mess with the seal.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2012-08-04 18:07
Here are the ones I like, been using them for years in rock bands (and even in orchestra sometimes when the percussionists and trumpets get too rowdy):
http://www.etymotic.com/hp/er20.html
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2012-08-04 18:22
And be aware you will THINK you sound different when playing with earplugs. You don't. Its just your not hearing yourself as much and are getting more of the sound transmitted thriugh your jaw/skull. Just practice with the earplugs so youre accustomed to it whenever youre ready to perform with earplugs.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Wes
Date: 2012-08-04 21:11
If you get stuck without earplugs and don't have them with you, try tearing a business card in half and chew on the halves until they can be molded into temporary plugs. It's better than nothing!
The hearing response checks are made as a function of frequency and you could have high frequency loss with little or no low frequency loss. The hearing aid companies are always motivated to sell expensive hearing aids.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JHowell
Date: 2012-08-04 21:33
The molded earplugs are nice because with some use they go in and out faster, and you can get a db reduction that suits you. The foam EAR plugs work very well and are cheap, and I use them if it's really loud and I'm leaving them in the whole gig.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: SamuelChan
Date: 2012-08-04 21:37
Okay noted, thanks guys or your input. I didn't realise so many others use earplugs at times too!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: elmo lewis
Date: 2012-08-04 21:37
I use the Howard Leight Clarity plugs. $2.50 a pair, available at most internet earplugs stores.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Claireinet
Date: 2012-08-06 02:34
For those who choose not to shop online does anyone know the best places to look for a low dB over the counter earplug? Do pharmacies usually carry a good range of ratings on earplugs? (not just high rated)
I never really shopped for music earplugs - but in the past had *tried* the high dB rated earplugs that I had for other purposes. I suppose it is needless to say they didn't work very well for me. Was a bit naive at the time about the ratings...
I really wish I could find something like these Mack's earplugs locally.. but I'm not sure who might carry such a thing! (I don't want to spend a lot for custom plugs atm..) http://www.macksearplugs.com/details/musicians-ear-plugs/hear-plugs-earplugs
Looked online at Walmart and Target.. they don't seem to have anything similar to this.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2012-08-06 04:01
Claireinet wrote:
> For those who choose not to shop online does anyone know the
> best places to look for a low dB over the counter earplug? Do
> pharmacies usually carry a good range of ratings on earplugs?
> (not just high rated)
>
> I never really shopped for music earplugs - but in the past had
> *tried* the high dB rated earplugs that I had for other
> purposes. I suppose it is needless to say they didn't work
> very well for me. Was a bit naive at the time about the
> ratings...
>
> I really wish I could find something like these Mack's earplugs
> locally.. but I'm not sure who might carry such a thing! (I
> don't want to spend a lot for custom plugs atm..)
> http://www.macksearplugs.com/details/musicians-ear-plugs/hear-plugs-earplugs
>
> Looked online at Walmart and Target.. they don't seem to have
> anything similar to this.
>
Pharmacies will not have a larg selection. I would try a sporting goods store, particular the gun section, or any hunting store. Motorcycle dealers may have a few brands to choose from as well.
Maybe a john deere or tractor store too.
Alexi
Ps - i"m a motorcycle rider so i've definitely done my earplug research. If you go to Www.earplugstore.com, they have reasonably priced "sampler packs". You can sample reuseable ones, or disposable ones. It's where i buypretty much anything ear related that i need (including different more comfortable tips for prettynmuch any brand of headphone/ inner ear monitor)
US Army Japan Band
Post Edited (2012-08-06 04:04)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: SamuelChan
Date: 2012-08-06 04:40
I've bought earplugs from my local pharmacy. However when I practice, my perceveied tone becomes very different than with no earplugs. Will it be like that or eventually go back to normal? The different tone is quite uncomfortable, but I need the earplugs haha.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
