 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Todd W.
Date: 2002-01-25 19:48
In the recent thread, "Notes of Thanks," the subject of (technically advanced) ear plugs came up. Although the user can tell us more, the ear plugs mentioned sound to me (no pun intended) like those found on the folllowing very informative site:
http://'www.etymotic.com/
They make both inexpensive "generic" ear plugs (which I have used--they seem much like any other "regular" ear plugs) and also much more expensive, custom-fitted ones that--if their information is reliable--provide an accurate frequency response over a wide range of frequencies while lowering overall decibel levels for the user.
Todd W
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Author: Todd W.
Date: 2002-01-25 19:51
Well, the link copied, but I'm getting a "bad gateway" error message when I try to use it. You might try searching (I like the google search engine) using "etymotic research" without the quotation marks. I've done that today and the site does exist and is accessible.
Todd W.
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Author: William
Date: 2002-01-25 20:12
Todd:
FWI--I went to a local medical center's Audiology department and had my hearing tested. After the extent of my hearing loss was determined, the technician made moldings of each of my ear canals from which my "custom fitted" ear plugs were made. They have inserts for 15 and 30 decibel noise (music) reduction and work very well for me. Note, that each ear canal is different and that neither will fit comfortably in the opposite ear. When inserted into the ear canals, they are quite invisable to the casual observer and, therefore, not a cosmetic embarresment. Bottom line hear--pun intended!!!!--is that these are custom made for the individual and not availalble in any drup store. They cost me around $175.00, but considering the decibel protection they provide, for me they are worth every penny.
And I was serious about starting to use ear protection anytime you must be in a high noise (musical) situation and BEFORE those buzzing, clicking and ringing symptoms (tennitus) begin. After they do, it is too late already. ARE YOU ALL LISTENING!!!!!!!!! Good Clarineting!!!!!
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Author: Todd W.
Date: 2002-01-25 20:49
William --
Yes, the custom-fit etymotic ear plugs are just as you describe--fitted by and purchased through medical professionals. There may be other brands as well, although these seem to have some unique (patented?) features.
I agree about the early use of ear plugs (even if only the inexpensive foam ones referenced in the other thread--which I believe I read are available at all rehearsals by union contract to members of at least one major symphony orchestra). It would be nice if somehow it became fashionable for middle school and high school students to wear them at their dances. When I've picked up my daughter from dances, the music was grotesquely, dangerously loud.
Todd W
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Author: Jim E.
Date: 2002-01-26 04:41
My dad started working in a plastics molding factory in 1965, some 5 years before OSHA was started. In the early 70s OSHA required the management to supply and require all workers on the floor to wear the foam plugs. However, they didn't test the hearing of the existing employees. Some years later they tested Dad and discovered he indeed had a serious loss in the high freqs. (Duh, he had trouble hearing a phone bell in the same room!) OSHA was reluctant to believe that Dad's loss occured before the regs. and insisted that he must not have been following their rules. The lesson... wear the plugs in high noise situations.
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Author: Ken
Date: 2002-01-27 00:24
I would definitely recommend establishing good habits early in wearing hearing protection especially playing in wind bands and orchestras. The molded plugs are expensive but well worth it and especially designed to cut out harmful frequencies and volume levels. If the person allows himself or herself to adjust they can prevent serious damage/hearing loss over a long period of time. I tried but could never wear them no matter how much I tried. Over the years of playing in large concert/jazz bands and orchestras I predictably developed an annoying case of tinnitus in both ears sustaining irreparable damage to my inner ear.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2002-01-27 13:59
I have the custom-fitted, musicians plugs.
They make the clarinet tone sound like a comb kazzoo, probably because the main sound reaching the ears is conducted through the mouthpiece, teeth, jaw to the middle ears. They also make the sounds of the mechanism more pronounced, for the same reason.
I find that it is also difficult to tell just how loud or soft I am playing.
And when I play a sensitive solo I cannot hear those vital nuances of tone.
Unfortunately there is not always time to insert them for loud music and remove them for delicate passages.
I really don't get a buzz from playing while I am wearing them, so I am now trending to avoid gigs where volume is excessive.
They are useful at night clubs though. :-)
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