Best Earplugs for Audio Engineers & Musicians

[@chandulaD]

I have tinnitus since last august with a mild hearing loss on low frequencies. I love making music but I can't wear headphones in this situation. Guys protect your ears. That is the most important equipment.

[@theaverageguy3884]

Im 42 and been listening to music for 25 years + and i just start Djing. Because of my naighbors i mix with a headset at nights. And this other day i had bad tinnitus,but its over now. I just order something like this but not custom made. Hope this works out, and if not i have to stop before i even started.

[@droinfante2682]

I don’t have tinnitus but I have mild hearing loss only on my right ear .. couldn’t tell you exactly which frequencies but I know I’m not crazy. Wish I knew to take care of myself it really bothers me

[@DH-rq7gw]

Aye Tinnitus gang. been making music for 8 ears 4 of em with T so bad your whole face and jaw would rattle. Never gets better, no cure. Please keep your ears safe everyone.

[@iAmEhead]

I've had mild tinnitus for 22 years now. It's thankfully not super loud normally (the pitch and volume varies), but it's been a constant companion for 22 years.

[@swaynemaster101]

Same here, got them by watching overlord anime while wearing earphone at 100% volume

[@restfulCube8035]

30 years old and been a musician and music fan since my early teens. I have tinnitus and so do all my friends, every single one. If you're young, protect your hearing NOW because it WILL happen to you. I'm just thankful I caught it before it got worse.

[@honeyhutch1872]

Hi, may i ask how your tinnitus is doing?

[@restfulCube8035]

@@honeyhutch1872 it's still there but it's not getting worse. Earplugs really work.

[@chrisk6488]

Hello my friend. I am a musician from Greece. I have been playing keyboards professionally for 18 years. I am now 36 years old. Tinnitus occurred in the left ear 6 months ago to this day non-stop. I wore the Alpine musicsafe pro earplugs to my live performances from the beginning of the tinnitus. But I have found that the tinnitus has gone from 4-5/10, to 7-8/10 within 6 months. Of course after every live, for 2-3 days, the tinnitus is high. Unfortunately, our work does not help! I'm thinking of stopping live for 3-4 months. Some fellow musicians have told me that they saw an improvement from avoiding loud sounds, but once they started playing live again, they went back to their previous results. What would you advise me to do? I am even able to quit this job that I love so much in order to keep the tinnitus from getting worse. I am waiting for your opinion and your experience. Thank you very much! Be careful 💪🏻😎

[@audio2u]

My professional audio career began when I was about 19. I monitored loud in the studio because that was what everyone else did and I thought that was how it was done. My mother was a nurse, and she kept on telling me to look after my hearing, because once it's damaged, it's damaged FOR LIFE (a little surprised you didn't mention this in the video, to be honest). Anyway, fast forward about 3 years and I attended a concert on a Friday night, and it was the loudest concert I'd ever been to up until that point in my life. I got to work Monday morning and my hearing had still not fully recovered. THAT was the wake up call for me. I thought "If I want to keep making a living with my ears, I really DO need to look after them". My mum knew what she on about. Who knew? :) So, from that point on, I started to monitor at more sensible levels. And my mixes have not suffered because of that. When I go to concerts these days, I've ALWAYS got some form of hearing protection with me... no exceptions.

[@AudioUniversity]

Well said, Bruce. Thanks for sharing this.

[@Yoda8945]

I am 72 years old and have been using earplugs regularly since I was 12 . First for shooting and later for motorcycle riding and attending concerts. When I began recording lots of concerts, I found that headphones were killing my hearing and I switched to earbuds which allowed me to monitor at a level less than the room. I eventually bought musicians earplugs, both standard and custom molded for use while attending major rock concerts. I wasn't quite happy with the sound though it was better than foam plugs provided. About 4 years ago I bought the Etymotic MusicPro Active earplugs which I use for concerts. They work as a reverse hearing aid, keeping the levels about 30 dB lower while providing natural sounding high frequencies. I still ride motorcycles, and I find that the foam plugs work best for that. The active plugs distort due to wind.

[@Ash-chr]

I work as a groomer actually, and I'm doing some research on ear protection. With the barking and the really loud tools like the dryer and such, I get really overstimulated and if I don't wear any protection there's a noticeable low hum in my ears after entering a quieter space. Thanks for the video and raising awareness!

[@AudioUniversity]

Good call, Ash! It’s important to protect your ears in any noisy environment!

[@lukeantrobus4775]

I wear decibullz custom mould earplugs from amazon for work (i work in a loud manufacturing enviroment) and they're only approx £30, great value and block a lot of noise

[@PhilAbucay]

Great video. This needs to be known by everyone, not just people in the audio and music industries. I started using a pair of Etymotics a few years ago, and it's made live shows so much more enjoyable. I was going to a lot of metal shows which are typically extremely loud, sometimes to the point of not even being able to make out individual parts. The earplugs really lessened the fatigue, significantly reduced post-concert ear ringing, and I could actually hear things like guitar solos much more clearly. It also helped deal with loud fans screaming around you! I even wore them to a musical one time, which you wouldn't think would be that necessary, but I removed them a couple of times to compare the sound quality and it was much better with the earplugs in. It can sometimes feel weird to put them in, but honestly nobody is paying attention to you once the band starts playing.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for sharing, Phil! I agree. Everyone should protect their hearing!

[@0unavailableusername]

The metal crowd seems to be super accepting of ear plugs, to the point where people think you’re weird for not wearing them :P

[@nedim_guitar]

My music teacher in 7th grade let me play the drums on recess, but never said anything about earplugs. The same in highschool. And no one said anything about wearing earplugs to clubs. This was in the late 90's to mid 2000's. Luckily I learned by going to my first concert, The Smashing Pumpkins in January 2000. People were selling $1 foam earplugs outside the venue. Later, pharmacies started carrying silicone or rubber earplugs that we more adapted to music. Though I have tinnitus regardless. I might have listened to a lot of loud music as a teen, but luckily not much in headphones or in-ears.

[@Blkmermaid823]

That’s still happening now a days. When I was in highschool sometimes I would go to the band room during lunch while they were rehearsing. Of course a small enclosed space with over 40 students playing brass instruments gets super loud…but not one person used ear protection. Although before I didn’t know better but now I do. I’ve always liked music and went to family parties with very loud speakers technically they were dance hall dances. Then later on I became a musician but never wore earplugs. Now I have this faint ringing only in my left ear. I haven’t lost hearing but there is ringing. But now a days I always wear ear protection as it’s the only thing that allows us to enjoy music but also produce music. Being only 18 I’m thankful I found out early on about ear protection.

[@nedim_guitar]

@@Blkmermaid823 Good for you that you don't have a lot of ringing in both ears. Just keep using those earplugs! ✊

[@sanjaypal2258]

Pls give me suggestion I have a tinnitus whos choosing me ear protection with concert

[@chrisk6488]

​@@sanjaypal2258Alpine musicsafe pro with gold filter 💪🏻😎

[@MrCharlie066]

I am a 25 year old man and I did not realise that custom moulded ear plugs are a thing! I love this. I've seen musicians using plugs that look just like them (probably are). Great vid!

[@wouter3652]

They're probably custom in ear monitors. Basically wired earbuds moulded to the shape of their ears, so that the artists can hear themselves/the rest of the band through those earbuds.

[@francisco_sanchez_oficial7376]

@@wouter3652 hey i'm a muscisian and singer and i would like to know how i can get those ear buds they would really help alot

[@andrewbetinsky5596]

I've been using the Soundbrenner earplugs, which are adjustable from 7 to 25dB, so no need for changing inserts. Although they are not custom fit, they come with 11 sets of ear adaptors. These are maybe a good in-between option fore those that cant quite afford customs but want something better than universal.

[@AudioUniversity]

I’ve been testing out the Minuendo ear plugs too! How do you like them so far, Andrew?

[@andrewbetinsky5596]

@@AudioUniversity Took a few times to get the right insert but after that, love them. I've tried them in different situations from watching live bands to playing on stage and even while using power tools. A big plus for me is being able to use my phone (as long as it's on speaker ) while wearing them. The magnetic clips along with the string means i can take them in and out without fear of losing them, especially in poorly lit packed rooms.

[@minus100plus2]

2:48 - holy smokes, science! Wow... as a dinosaur from the napster era where I endured two years of bass school and skipping out on the foam that prevented me from hearing my instrument, this technology absolutely blows me away. Luckily I still have my hearing, but if I could go back and change one thing, it'd be protecting my ears. I've never been tested, but hearing someone right next to me in a crowded restaurant is not the easiest thing. Protect your ears people and thanks for making this video.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for watching and sharing your experience, Minus100plus! That's good advice!

[@minus100plus2]

@@AudioUniversity You're the man. Already have a pair of your recommended Etymotic Research ER20's on the way for the wife and I. Never again will I attend a concert or any other "loud" event without them. Thanks again!

[@watersnortmoment3734]

I'm only 18, but my brother telling me how loud my amp was started to put in perspective how much damage I'd already caused.

[@minus100plus2]

@@watersnortmoment3734 Get some of his recommended earplugs. A+ stuff there. Cost me ~$25 and when I wear them, it's like nothing is even there. You can hear the music perfectly. Just make sure to get the correct size for your head (gets somewhat tricky when ordering these. They have a standard and large size)!

[@korkenknopfus]

Once my bass teacher asked me to import for him two sets of ear plugs for musicians (hard to find where we live) and so I knew those exist (eventually he lost them in different shows 😸). But the fact that one can let build by an audiologist a pair that fits exactly your ears, and with different filters, simply was not in my book. Thank you for your videos.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for watching!

[@Tom-kn3mg]

This channel and your teaching style is great. Such an important subject

[@AudioUniversity]

Thank you, Tom!

[@htashcovers]

This channel deserves more subscribers. Keep up with these quality contents. 🖤

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Htash!

[@nope929]

I don't even crank my amp, but I've met several people who have low to moderate hearing damage from constant 80-85 decibel sound exposure for several hours, so I'm just here to be proactive since I like hearing

[@lostandfound6501]

Etymotic makes the ER2XR series which sounds as "neutral" as a Sennheiser HD600. Might want to do a video on studio headphones.

[@dlcarburetor]

Hearing protection and earplugs are definitely good ideas for lengthening the lifespan of your hearing. That said, if you are the sound engineer and it is too loud ... turn it down... it's that simple. From the start of your first sound check, you should be building your gain structure from the instrument to your ears in such a way that you have headroom to build when the show needs more energy. You should not start off so that you will end up ear bleedingly loud. During the show you should also be using opportunities to bring your base level back down. whether it's a on the fly show or one that is completely pre reversed and predetermined there will be opportunities to control the overall output level of your system... So yes, earplugs are good and the ones recommended here are definitely something to consider.

[@uprajsingh]

I wish in concerts there was some sort of restriction to not cross 95-100db noise level

[@BOBOUDA]

I'm confused about that graph, all the lines are dropping, none of them seem to diminish the same amount in the lows and the mids, it seems like the only difference between them is how much they reduce overall, but all unevenly. The foam looks barely worse than the others

[@mattchambers3592]

Very helpful. Thank you! A cello played indoors with no hearing protection will blow your ears out. Major sufferer of tinnitus here. Off to the the audiologist for custom fit hearing aids. Cheers!

[@lovannie]

I had a tinnitus after a gig and it was really disturbing and painful. I went to the doctor and he prescribed some cortisone. It helped even if I still have some tinnitus. Always protect your ears.

[@robbenstein]

Tinnitus for like 15 years, i don’t wish anyone to have it, so extremely important to use earplugs so you don’t get TT and if you have TT use plugs so it doesnt get any worse. Good video!

[@JorgeTheilacker]

Very important subject. I play guitar and developped tinnitus in my left ear. It is a terrible thing, that affect your life quality forever! After developping tinnitus, I started using regular ear protection just on my left ear...so I continued to dammaged the right ear...now I have it in both... I recently bought a Crescendo 20 earplug. Much better than regular ones.... My advice: please use ear protection! I have a doubt: why you said that with molded ear protection using the same filter, you have a much linear attenuation?

[@Ensource]

the question i have that should have been answered = how much did the custom plugs cost?

[@junacebedo888]

Most musicians believes LOUD means beauty. So, jet thunder loud equals 'artistic'

[@watersnortmoment3734]

LOUD just means fun, until you try talking after

[@jodiriis]

I went to a concert with my husband a few weeks ago to ass a band I’ve been listening to since I was in high school. The venue was Soma SD. I’ve been going to that venue since the early 1990’s. We ended up leaving before it was over because I was afraid I would lose my hearing. I couldn’t hear for about 4-5 days clearly. I’ve had that happen before when I was younger. It would come back easier. But I never experienced pain in my ears like I was at that last concert. I was looking around and noticed other people were plugging or rubbing their ears. It totally ruined my concert going experience. You can’t rely on a venue or a band to save your hearing. I have to invest in some decent sound filtering ear plugs now. I was going to go this Friday to see another band. It’s going to be loud so I’m definitely wearing ear plugs. Once your hearing is gone, it’s gone. Thanks!!!

[@Penningtonac]

2:00 me being in STL: “sorry WHAT!?”

[@StudioSS313]

Good stuff! Just started live mixing, got a set for the whole team!

[@lostandfound6501]

Another great video. Best Sound Engineering channel 👍

[@V-kj8to9]

What do you think of the loop earplugs? Great video!

[@ruthlessluder]

Have you tested the Vibes? I don't like the Etymotic. They scratch my ears and make them extremely itchy after a short duration. I used the Vibes last night at the club. They seemed very effective but I'm curious if you have actual instrument that can test their NRR and dB reduction.

[@SD-kp6fj]

Thank you for this video!

[@dj_maze1450]

ive got a loud tinnitus after raving 2 days straight in front of to loud boxes and trust me it can destroy your life, my DJ and Producer career is almost done, when im DJing with hearingprotection and having to fear that the next day my tinnitus may get louder isnt funny at all... so please guys🙏 protect your ears!!!

[@AudioUniversity]

Sorry to hear this, DJ_Maze. But thank you for sharing your story. Hopefully it helps others.

[@ricklancaster9134]

How are you coping / continuing your career. I’m in a similar situation

[@dj_maze1450]

@@ricklancaster9134 to be honest i dj not so much just a few gigs in public but now when i dj i use 30db custom made earprotection & when im at home i just dont make to loud, as long as you like go not every week to party or dj i think its not such big of a deal, but everytime i go my tinnitus is in my backhead, after half a year i got it i went in 2 week 4 times to party, 2 of them without protection because i though its not so loud, and than it got louder in the next morning, so i always take them now, i mean then your at 70dB so no worrirs but to be honest its sometimes not the same, you hear the highs not so much so im not that much into djing as i used to, instead i focus more on work again whats also good

[@ABOUTBOPSAboutbops]

Same im a dj. And have tinnitus still a dj now. 4yrs with t

[@purplemonolith7464]

Hey Kyle! Loved your video. I’ve been using Etymotic ear plugs for a while, but I’m wanting to upgrade to customs. Two questions: Can you explain the process in getting customs? I assume everyone’s ear canal is different, so when you order a custom from a website how exactly do you know you’re getting the one that fit your ear? Would you send the company the scan of your ear? Little confused on that and would love some clarification. Secondly, what brand did you decide to land on for your customs? I’m probably gonna stick with the one you settle on since you seem to know a lot more than I do. Haha. Cheers, Kyle!

[@AudioUniversity]

To get your ears molded, you will need to visit an audiologist that is certified to order the custom plugs. The audiologist will mold or scan your ear and send that mold or model to the manufacturer for you in my experience. As for which is best… I don’t have a strong opinion. It mostly depends on which manufacturer your audiologist deals with.

[@BenThatOneGuy]

Wow! Excellent video on this topic! I loved your detailed explanation, and also getting a professional to explain some of the benefits. This is the first video i stumbled across that wasn't just an advertisement trying to get me to buy a specific product. I have some of the Etymotic Research ER20's that i've been using for about 10 years. I've been going to different sized shows lately though, and realized that i really wanted a couple different ranges of db reduction, since the db reduction i got for very loud shows is just too much reduction for smaller shows. (Not a terrible problem to have though, better than them not being quiet enough) The RE20's i have have been worn for hundreds of hours at all kinds of events, and i cannot recommend them enough for someone that just wants "Cheap and good" hearing protection. They're cheap enough that if i lost them, i wouldn't be too sad, and just get another pair. As far as i am concerned, these kinds of ear plugs just make going to shows and festivals MORE enjoyable. You still get to feel the bass hit you, but without the painful compression of your eardrums. The only thing i would recommend is getting a couple different ranges of protection (From a reputable brand!) so that you can still have the music loud enough for your enjoyment regardless of the size of event you are at. Just keep a few in your bag and you'll always have the perfect reduction to enjoy the show, even right next to the speakers.

[@AudioUniversity]

Great suggestions, Ben. Thanks!

[@stephenpopov909]

What about the filters tho? Are they custom as well, or they are basically “taken out” from the Universal Fit and put in the custom mould?

[@Peter-em7wl]

I just got my custom molds. I feel some occlusion effect. How much is too much?

[@kordakorda9101]

Hi i have a quastion. If i want to be an audio engenier and like a month age my ears are started whistling or buzzing. And i am know what is this and i will go to the doctor . The reason is can be the drumming that i play 1,5 years ago. But my quastion is this little buzzing ( the doctors call it tinitus) is bad if i want to be an audio engenier. But the buzzing is not too loud.

[@Ljbabyg21]

My neighbors got a drum set recently and they have been blasting the noise, all I hear is was boom boom boom and it's giving me a headache from Hell!. What do you recommend for someone like me who is sensitive to sound and doesn't want to hear that boom boom boom base from next door.. I feel like crying!!.

[@AudioUniversity]

Sorry to hear that. Active noise cancellation headphones might help. Watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHimZYNrp5yNl9k

[@renataguzman7084]

Your voice is awesome 😎

[@nespressoman]

Fantastic video. Thank you.

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks, Jim!

[@dannyclementine8108]

I play with a band called wheres the rum in stl I’m gonna hav to go check out sound access frfr

[@AudioUniversity]

Highly recommended!

[@rschroev]

Good earplugs are a great help, but I always wonder ... Why can't we just lower the volume of concerts?? It's easier, cheaper, and is good for everyone's hearing instead of only the people choosing to wear ear protection. It makes absolutely no sense to me to first raise the volume too much, only to reduce it back down with earplugs. I regularly attend concerts; occasionally there are concerts that do have a lower volume. They're great!

[@heythere6983]

have custom fit ear plugs that are I think 29 db. It sounds just as bad as regular foam earplugs. I think there is only so much db you can cancel with good fidelity in sound. It’s just boomy and I can’t sing with them at all . I was hopping to use them for a live situation . Totally useless. All you hear is your own massively boomy voice and nothing else and have no gauge of what anything really sounds like

[@MrNaufan]

will hearing loss affect the mix?

[@AudioUniversity]

Yes. If you have hearing loss in the high-mid band, you might overcompensate and boost that range more than necessary.

[@amisvega9756]

As I'm learning the fife I started noticing my hearing sort of buzzing after playing. I searched if you can lose your hearing playing flute and the answer was yes, indeed. Now I know I need hearing protection if I want to keep it up. Otherwise I will have to choose a different instrument 😂

[@I_Am_Brose]

The filter of my custom fits broke. I need to get a new set or two of the filters. Anyone have a good link?

[@UppitybossOfficial]

Good content 💪

[@AudioUniversity]

Thank you!

[@LauraSinnott]

Nice review!

[@Bassic778]

Excellent video!!!

[@vegaf2011]

me and my friend practice every weekend I feel so sad because I forgot mine at my fams house

[@carlospereira6702]

Do you recommend soundbrenner minuendo?

[@andrespinzon8030]

Great video. Thanks!

[@ianmuir6847]

Are the Etymotics silicone based?

[@1015SaturdayNight]

As a musician in my 50s I wish I knew this as a young person

[@andrewsekay5104]

Hes right on good quality ear plugs can save your hearing

[@drummerdaveshouse5848]

Too late for me. Suffering from tinnitus now in my old age from playing drums. Take heed guys!

[@amwal6233]

What about dezibulzz?

[@prodstw_2ndChannel]

I had a tinnitus while I was drumming when I was 7. Use protection guys.

[@nicolasrea2185]

Thank you!

[@audiotomb]

A light amount of toilet paper formed into a triangle shape then pulled far enough out of the ear works perfect And if you lose them, you just reach in your pocket for more

[@audiotomb]

I want to get rid of that low end Sound board bass drum atrocity heard at every Rock concert

[@qwiklok]

I know it is a bit crazy, but your voice is excellent, clear, professional. that lady's voice is the exact opposite. crazy huh.

[@sanjaypal2258]

Pls give me suggestion I am a guitarist and i have suffering tinnitus some time i was going a concert than sound is so luad than i have fasing problem so pls give suggestion best ear protection ear plugs

[@AudioUniversity]

I'd recommend the ear plugs in the description of the video.

[@joshuagarcia2642]

Has anyone in here with TTTS got better after wearing earplugs?

[@brucerain2106]

If people want to protect their ears then why can’t we just listen at lower volume

[@malcolm824]

Damn good video

[@lambothequeenlambothequeen2579]

I have a 20 amp subwoofer in the back of my car 🔊

[@jaydenstowe0813]

I want to block out the sound of my dog barking

[@forestyogin2218]

so this is just a commercial

[@matthorne9593]

So not punk rock

[@sacapuntasfregerio4274]

Young mr nebercracker

[@zoobiewa]

Your knowledge is pretty useless without putting the costs of these technologies up front. You just said "they are expensive." uhhh.

[@AudioUniversity]

The cost varies depending on the provider.

[@MrrrAdryan]

Why on earth would anyone be trying to listen to anything with earplugs in?? Kinda defeats the entire purpose of earplugs. Am I missing something lmao... I'm guessing this is perhaps for when you are playing music for other people and want to be able to hear what you're playing while still protecting your eardrums?? So confused hahaha

[@usernamesareforidiot]

I still do not understand why sound engineers will make a concert so loud that it's hard to hear and induces hearing damage.

[@AudioUniversity]

In smaller venues it’s hard to avoid if you want to properly balance other instruments to a drum kit in the room. In larger venues, it’s what is expected by the audience and artist.