We all know and love that feeling.
Your favorite band gets out on the stage and hits that first chord. The adrenaline rush you get when on a concert is certainly a great feeling, however, your ears may not feel the same.
Whether you’re a musician, a fan that likes to attend concerts or simply work in the concert industry, you have to take care of your ears.
Unlike some other factors, damage caused by sound accumulates over time. Sure, you may not feel like anything’s happened the first few times, but the sad truth is that after a couple of concerts, band practices, or other activities which expose you to sounds louder than 85dB, you can suffer irreversible damage to your hearing.
If you’re reading this, you probably know how important ear protection is, so let’s get started on choosing the best earplugs for musicians.
- MUSICIANS EARPLUGS WITH ACOUSTIC FILTERS
- Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs
- Decibullz – Custom Molded Earplugs
- LiveMus!c HearSafe Ear Plugs
- Earasers Musicians Plugs Medium
What To Consider When Choosing Earplugs
When compared to other types of earplugs, those designed for musicians are a bit different. Sleep earplugs block noise up to 32dB. Foam earplugs tend to completely mute the sound.
However, as a musician, you don’t want to completely block the noise. You still want to be able to hear other members of your band playing, in order to keep track of the rhythm.
Most earplugs designed specifically for musicians tend to lower the noise by 12 or 15dB, enough to avoid damage and to still be able to clearly distinguish sounds.
- Reduce sound levels by 15 dB
- High-fidelity listening
It’s way better to get good earplugs which you can use for a longer time than to buy cheaper ones made of foam. Not only do they, in most cases, block sound completely, but you’ll also save money in the long run.
If you’re worried about missing out on concerts, trust me, the whole experience is way better with earplugs. I’ve played in a couple of bands, ranging from black metal, death metal, as well as hardcore and djent.
Whenever I played without earplugs, no matter how good the sound technician was, and how good the monitors on stage were, I always had difficulties when trying to distinguish what my bandmates were playing. Using earplugs not only sets the volume levels down and protects your hearing but also makes you feel more in control.
A good example is also the advantages of using ear protection when attending a concert. A couple of months back I attended a stoner doom concert. If you know anything about that genre, you know it’s filled with sludgy, thick, distorted guitars. The second I popped my earplugs in, the sound was way more balanced, and I was able to enjoy the whole concert on a higher level.
Here Are The Best Earplugs For Musicians For 2018
1 . MUSICIANS EARPLUGS WITH ACOUSTIC FILTERS
As the manufacturer states, these earplugs don’t block noise, they filter sound. They are capable of reducing any sound that may get in the way of the ones you actually want to hear. Made out of silicon, they are easily washed, and fit snuggly, as 2 different sized tips are provided.
They don’t cause itchiness or allergic reactions, making them perfect for long-time use. In this package, you get two pairs of earplugs, each with a different noise reduction ratio, 23 and 29dB, as well as two neck cords, stalk extenders, and a neat little aluminum carry case that you can attach to your keyring, and have these always with you.
2. Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs
With these High Fidelity Earplugs by Eargasm, you can protect your hearing without sacrificing any sound quality. They are capable of reducing noise up to 12dB, while still maintaining maximum sound clarity and richness. You’ll be able to hear everything as it is but at a comfortably lower volume. Soft and clear silicon is used for the tips, so they are quite comfortable and ready for immediate use.
Of course, the tips come in 2 different sizes, allowing the best possible fit. These are also hypoallergenic, so you don’t have to worry about any itchiness or discomfort. These also come in a handy aluminum case, great for carrying the earplugs around. As the name of the company suggests, you’ll have a great experience using these earplugs.
3. Decibullz – Custom Molded Earplugs
For more extreme situations, these Custom Molded Earplugs by Decibullz are a great choice. Made to fit every user, they feature an interesting way of doing that. You simply heat these puppies in boiling water, let them cool, and put them in your ears. This way, you get a perfect custom fit, ensuring maximum protection.
If you’re not satisfied with the fit, they are easily re-moldable. There is also a standard ear tip that goes inside your ear for added filtering. The outside of these earplugs is a sound plug that can be removed if you need some more volume without removing the whole thing. Capable of reducing noise up to 31dB, these are certainly a great choice.
4. LiveMus!c HearSafe
Another great pair of earplugs, in this case coming from LiveMus!c. In this package, you get 2 pairs of earplugs, a portable aluminum case, and 2 different sets of tips. The green ones feature noise reduction ratio of 23, and the white ones offer 29dB of volume downscaling.
With a high precision filter, these earplugs equally reduce background noise, keeping the quality while turning down the volume to an adequate level. The silicon plugs offer a great and lasting seal, guaranteed to keep you safe in loud circumstances.
5. Earasers Musicians Plugs
Coming from a company that has been making hearing aid equipment for over 45 years, the Musicians Plugs are a solid choice. A bit different than conventional earplugs, these plugs are easily moldable by hand to ensure a snug fit. As they utilize a slightly different approach, the Musicians Plugs use a unique “V” filter providing an overall 19dB rating of protection.
They are reusable, washable, and the silicone sleeve can be changed. As they do come in different sizes, pay attention when buying. However, if they don’t fit, you can always exchange them within 30 days, free of charge.
Conclusion
We hope that you found our pick of the best earplugs for musicians helpful. All of the models mentioned offer high levels of protections and they are comfortable to use. Don’t be that guy that went deaf because he didn’t think using plugs was cool or “metal”, and get yourself a good pair of earplugs. You’ll thank me later!