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.
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)?
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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. |
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. |
I suppose if one doesn't plan on sticking around this rock for long ear conditioning devices aren't much of a consideration.... or the music enthusiast standing against hearing protection are dangerously shortsighted. Oddly enough, aside from "The Who", Fleetwood Mac gained a rep for 'solid walls of sound' and enormous SPL's back in the '70s... I can atest to the fact that it wasn't unwarranted either. Sit well back from those transducers, attend only acoustic venues, or take heed for these thoughts on SPL reducign ear conditioners are most vlid. (sorry, it just sounds better than 'ear plugs') 'Course, if you're planning on checking out soon, then by all means, turn it up... and like that little girl from Port Arthur Texas told us... "Get it while you can". |
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