Ear protection for concerts

The foam types are terrible for this purpose. The cheap solution is "musician" type earplugs, which theoretically decrease the total volume while preserving the relative balance of the sound spectrum. I keep pair in my car at all times. I got some at Musician's Friend on the web; I think Guitar Center may carry them in stores. Yes, they attenuate the highs, they do flatten the sound of cymbals a bit too much, but it is better than going deaf.

I can't imagine having to worry too much about the Cowboy Junkies either, but I usually just bring some TP to shows just in case. Your covered on both ends that way if the restroom is out! Is there a market for Audiophile TP I would think the expensive stuff would sound better than the the cheap ****!

Hmmm, might start considering cheap DAC's and "rolling" earplugs...

Hi, I just got back from an ENT. Complaining of ringing in my ears. Guess what? Tinnitus, and some mild hearing loss. 4-6 K minus 2dB. They recommended a company that custom fits earpieces for musicians that are designed to lower dB level without filtering out frequencies. I will try to remember to get the name of the company and pass it along.

Ringing in the ears is a symptom of hearing damage. After playing in a rock band for 10 years, I have had some hearing loss, and I am now assiduous in protecting my remaining hearing. I have the Westone plugs, the ones that are custom-fitted and attenuate sound uniformly across the frequency spectrum, so that music still sounds good. I wear them at every concert and most movies. I also wear them when I mow the lawn and on airplanes. I spent a couple hundred bucks, including the custom-fitting. And, I bought a pair of inserts that block even more sound, for REALLY loud aps...Spend the money; you'll thank yourself and enjoy music the rest of your life. By the way, I've read that the cheap foam plugs (and tissue paper) do not block sound that damages your hearing, even if the sound seems softer. And, as you said, the sound sucks through cheap plugs.