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Ear protection for concerts

I am going to see the Cowboy Junkies in a few weeks – can’t wait. Every time I see a concert my ears ring for days (and I’m sure I’m losing some hearing as well). I typically bring those cheap foam earplugs and tissue as a fall back. The earplugs sound terrible and I usually do not use them unless the volume is at “11”. I sometimes end up with tissue in my ears trying to tame the volume levels, the bad mix, and keep it listenable. Does anyone have any suggestions on audiophile or musicians earplugs at a reasonable price (nothing custom)?
128x128cdj123
hamburg
69 posts
 
Any audiologist that fits hearing aids can make you a noise protecting ear plug. (like the rock stars use) Some plugs will attenuate only the high frequency sounds while others the entire frequency range. 4000hz is the most important area to protect. I googled one company that changes $125.00 for a pair. Reduces Levels throughoutthe entire spectrum by 15-25db. You can cheek it out at: http://www.earplugco.com/musician.htm
Good Luck
Richard (ENT MD)
rives
953 posts
 
Ear plugs for concerts is wise. I recently saw Rush. They were really loud and I use Etyomic ear restrictors. Worked great. I could hear full frequency but it reduced the SPL to a safe level. I also went to the Cowboy Junkies and had front row seats, so I was concerned about the sound levels and took ear plugs--I did not need them. It was a small venue but was at a proper level.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
my wife and i once took her mother to see anne murray, and for weeks she complained about ringing. you'd have thought we took her to see blue cheer.
springnr
43 posts
 
Dreadhead, my youngin is full growed, an charting his own course. He bought the Etymomic plugs after seeing the Black Keys at a small venue, with a big venue sound system. I think he sent me the link to Etymotic in a futile effort to keep me from wearing these to a concert. ;)

Live music today does seem louder than I remember from back in the day... or maybe I can buy better tickets now.
jax2
3,031 posts
 
I've seen the Cowboy Junkies a couple of times. Not likely they'll require the protection you are anticipating needing. I know what you fear though. I once saw Beck, who's music I enjoy. That concert was amplified so loud I could barely understand a word of what he sang (solo), and had to leave midway through the concert as it was so disturbing to my ears. I don't think earplugs would have helped and if I had to wear them I don't think I would have wanted to go in the first place. That's like playing your stereo at ear bleed levels while wearing ear plugs to protect your ears - why bother? That said, I wear audiologist made earplugs for riding motorcycles. Very effective. I would not ride without them. Those are for maximum sound reduction, but they can be designed for varying levels of reduction and they form fit inside your own canals. Short of that I'd go the Etymotic route that has already been mentioned more than once.
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