Testing Cheap vs Expensive Ear Plugs!

This is my experience with Tinnitus, as I compare cheap ear plugs with more expensive models, Eargasm and Vibes. Here's a brief update after a year, including the ear plugs I chose out of this bunch: • 1 Year Update on 10 Pr...
Thank you to Second Echo for their help and providing the tracks "Sunlight" and "The Great Divide" for this video. secondechomusic.com/
GET STUFF
• I give away stuff every month - enter here: bit.ly/3dLbkK4
• Get unusual gadgets I've reviewed: bit.ly/3HX4alW
• Freakin Reviews Gadget Store: geni.us/freakinstore
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
• My review of Magic Ear: • Magic Ear Review: As S...
SHOP
• Mack's Foam: geni.us/macksfoam
• Mack's Silicone: geni.us/mackssilicone
• Vibes: geni.us/vibes
• Eargasm: geni.us/eargasm
• My steampunk sunglasses: geni.us/frglasses
SOCIAL
• Twitter: / freakinreviews
• Facebook: / freakinreviews
• Instagram: / freakinreviews
• TikTok: / freakinreviews
• Personal IG: / baldvegas
• Email newsletter with early access, flash sales, reviews: bit.ly/3bH7iEe
GEAR
• Main Camera: geni.us/a7siii-fr
• Main Lens: geni.us/gm14
• 2nd Camera: geni.us/a6400-fr
• 2nd Camera Lens: geni.us/sigma-fr
• 3rd Camera: geni.us/gopro8-fr
• Lapel Mic 1: geni.us/lapelmic-fr
• Lapel Mic 2: picogear.com
0:00 My Tinnitus Experience
1:30 Ear Plugs and Tinnitus
2:22 Unboxing 4 Ear Plugs
4:50 Conversations About Ear Plugs & Tinnitus
8:19 Ear Plug Simulations w/Second Echo
9:51 Ear Plugs at NBA and NHL Games
10:42 More Thoughts on Ear Plugs & Tinnitus
11:35 Pros and Cons
12:15 Final Thoughts
13:09 Additional Second Echo Scenes
#earplugs #eargasm #tinnitus

[@Freakinreviews]

Here's a brief update after a year, including the ear plugs I chose out of this bunch long-term: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKevoXysmZufj5I

[@DrewbieSnack]

I have the exact same thing!

[@DrewbieSnack]

I have the exact same thing!

[@laurallewien2165]

That band is freaking awesome James! Nice video, your comparisons are always spot on...

[@Freakinreviews]

If you don't hear my simulated tinnitus demonstration, it's possible that not all devices can play those high frequencies. I checked it on a few devices and it seemed to work for me, but apparently not everyone is hearing it. Sorry about that! :)

[@PickUps]

Could also be older people who can't hear that range :)

[@PickUps]

And if ya can't hear it, consider getting your ears examined :)

[@SixbyFire]

I couldn’t hear the tinnitus demo over my own tinnitus. Thanks for sharing!

[@dougd2723]

@@PickUps Exactly most of us Sr. folks have bilateral high frequency sensori-neural hearing loss in the upper frequencies. It's why face, faith, fake, fade, fate begin to sound the same.

[@gobluefoot]

@@SixbyFire I came here to say the same thing. I thought something was wrong until I turned the volume up real high and realized it was the same sound, only louder

[@daveubermensch]

Thank you for this. As a kid I always thought the buzzing / ringing was the sound of silence. I didn't learn different until I was an adult. At night, trying to sleep, my favorite background noise is listening to my favorite youtubers. Of course that means this channel is part of my relief.

[@yeeisme]

I was that goofy kid at live events and clubs with ear plugs in from the start to finish of the event because I believed my hearing was more valuable compared than looking cool. Hearing because especially important during my navy days for my particular trade. I am an advocate for hearing protecting at any events where you are exposed to loud noises over long periods of time. Like most things in life, prevention is cheaper then repairation.

[@windybeach2184]

I wish that I’d had the confidence or resilience to do what was best for me when I was younger. The ‘cool kids’ didn’t even wear helmets, or backpack straps across both shoulders. Then post-puberty, it was expected to rip out most of your hair, and wear makeup, wired bras, high heels… I love growing older and wiser and giving less shlts about everything, to be comfortable.

[@niclastname]

I luckily caught damage really fast and really early. At one concert I was stuck right next to a speaker, and afterward I noticed that the one ear never came perfectly back. It's a very very very slight difference between both ears now, and ever since I started wearing earplugs. I'm so glad I didn't do more damage to where it's noticeable before wising up!

[@bradthunderpants3283]

Well expecially when all the money in the world cannot make reparation become physically possible.

[@JessicaFEREM]

You might be goofy but at least when you're older you can say you still have better hearing than the people who don't you only have one pair of ears your whole life, once you lose em you don't get it back

[@Imdrunkontea]

I got tinnitus 4 years ago and the first year was especially rough. Couldn’t sleep, couldn’t escape. All from a single loud concert. It makes me sad when I come across people acting “tough” by going without earplugs in loud places, or even purposely trying to damage their ears so they can block annoying people out (true story). Thanks for covering these, and for anyone else struggling: definitely take care of your ears, but you will get used to it eventually. It sucks but life goes on.

[@freethebirds3578]

What I find truly sad is that kids are going to suffer from tinnitus for much longer than we adults do, because they start wearing headphones and earbuds at a much younger age. They turn the volume up crazy loud, and do not care when adults tell them to turn it down. I can often hear kids' games from their headphones (that they are wearing) across a classroom. Add to this the time spent in cars blaring music so everyone in every car within 25 feet can hear it.

[@freethebirds3578]

@@CaliMel184 I said KIDS. Children in elementary schools. They have no wisdom, no common sense, and little inclination to follow directions when their "parents" don't expect them to.

[@windybeach2184]

I have extreme noise sensitivity and will admit that I have wished for hearing loss before. But now I have a range of earplugs and headphones to help me deal with everyday sound, safely.

[@Imdrunkontea]

@@windybeach2184 I understand. I had noise sensitivity (hyperacusis) for about a year once I got tinnitus too, and actually used the Vibes mentioned in this review - they were convenient and didnt muffle my own voice too much when speaking. The scary thing with hearing loss is that it can come with tinnitus, which is a really bad combo since you're then less able to hear the higher-pitched noises that would normally mask the tinnitus. So definitely protect your hearing!

[@webster695]

@@freethebirds3578 one of the things I appreciate about the iPhone (and others, I’m sure) is that for the last several years, it’s had a built-in warning when you have your headphones/earbuds at a dangerously high volume. My Apple Watch also tracks when I’m in a dangerously loud environment and for how long. I am someone who hates high volumes, so I’m always turning things down, but I hope these warnings help keep people aware of the issue.

[@roberttruppi5227]

Thank you. Hopefully you get young viewers watch and heed the warning. First job was the Navy working on a weapons system and my exposure started there. Six years of that, and then the last 24+ years working in manufacturing my ears have been assaulted, and not properly protected. More attention needs to be paid to this, too many people think “Occasional exposure is okay” as long as they have their fingers to stick in their ears when it get loud. Thinking about the eargasms” again thanks from a fellow sufferer.

[@Freakinreviews]

Yeah we are exposed to so much noise all the time, like in cars (where we turn up the radio even louder to hear over the noise), or airplanes. I'm always surprised when I meet a musician who doesn't have it.

[@jeffreyarvik5936]

I use the eargasm plugs when riding my motorcycle, and they are the best I've used for that purpose, but something to consider is that the noise protection they offer is significantly less than the foam plugs. I wouldn't use them if i was operating really loud machinery, doing construction, lots of yard work with gas engines, etc. for significant periods of time - for that I'd stick with foam plugs or those ear-muff style hearing protection. But if you just want to take a little bit of the volume off of the top of something, then yea, the eargasms are your best bet.

[@engineerjibrangill]

Tinnitus for 8yrs and its getting worse. Now I have hyperacusis and phonophobia.. everyday is a hell.. using double protection, muffs and foam ear plugs. I think my way out is peobably when i end myself.

[@mom42boys]

I don't have tinnitus but I do occasionally have ringing in my ears. I used to work in screen printing and the screen reclaiming process involved using a high pressure water sprayer that was VERY loud. I always used ear muffs and they tested our hearing once a year. It was well worth it to protect my hearing. I'm sorry for everyone suffering from tinnitus. ❤ Just my occasional bouts with ringing are tough to deal with.

[@monhi64]

I work in construction which can also get very load sometimes and legally no one can be subjected to >85 decibels on average without some sort of protection, presumably because it’ll fuck ur ears up eventually. Which is not not even that loud at all, can be a bit of a huge obstacle because it’s just that easy to approach 100+ decibels. Sort of makes sense we were never intended to spend all that time near mega loud machinery. Either way stay protecting your ears, I don’t have tinnitus specifically yet but my hearing is already very rough

[@johnbennett1465]

Actually what you describe is tinnitus, just that it is intermittent. Mine is also intermittent. It even went away for a couple of decades, then came back worse than before. Fortunately it is still minor compared to what a lot of people are describing.

[@DragonBlueSpirit]

Constant ringing in your ears is the definition of tinitus

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

@@monhi64 Tinnitus is different from hearing loss, although it's common to get tinnitus when you do have hearing loss. Tinnitus is any sound that is generated by the nerves between the brain and the ears that isn't a reaction to actual sound. (It's not quite the same as a hallucination, which originates in the brain itself) Sounds louder than a certain loudness will eventually damage the ears in ways that result in hearing loss. It can vary a lot in terms of how much and how quickly. My dad served on the ground in Vietnam and then came back to the US and spent an entire career as a carpenter working around loud machines without hearing protection, and his hearing is inexplicably fine. (Although I suspect that he started out with hearing that was super, super sensitive) That being said, it's best to protect the ears so that you don't have to get lucky. Once you've got hearing loss, there's not much to be done other than hearing aids and managing the tinnitus if it co-occurs.

[@Trazel_Apeally]

Compared to how most people describe their Tinnitus, I definitely think I've lucked out with having a minor yet still ever-present case. That said though, mines also seems to rear it's head more often when I'm feeling overstimulated as opposed to when it's quiet. Thankfully I don't involve myself in loud settings all too often, but might pick up a pair off the reusable ones should I ever get invited to a concert with a friend! Thanks a bunch for this review (also the simulations all sounded really accurate to me, so I'm pretty impressed with the reusables!)

[@Freakinreviews]

It's different for everyone. I'm glad yours isn't too bad.

[@kellyc2425]

@@Freakinreviews my symptoms completely mirror yours! And I've had it going on forever. (I'm 61). Love that song you played... I'm playing the rythym parts on my guitar. LOL 👍🏼 🤘🏻🔥🔥🤘🏻

[@BeastMortThe]

Mine isn't too bad in my right ear only. But occasionally at random my left ear will buzz and fades away. Crossing fingers I don't end up with it in both ears and also that it doesn't get any louder!

[@windybeach2184]

I think that I have it mildly, as it’s not distressing to me. But I have auditory processing difficulties in general. I really like the ‘background’ sound that I get from headphones with active noise cancelling. I wear them even when I’m not playing audio, even in a quiet environment.

[@carolemorin3954]

I’m a 60-year old woman who’s had tinnitus since I was 11. Absolutely not due to any ear abuse. Just started all of a sudden while I was in bed. I understand you completely and all your comments are so relevant. I never considered wearing ear protection because I’ve always thought it would seal in my tinnitus. Mine is very loud.

[@Freakinreviews]

It can be hereditary so perhaps that was the cause of yours?

[@CaroleMorin]

@@Freakinreviews My parents never mentioned having it and they passed so I guess it’ll always remain a mystery. As far as I know, my daughters don’t have it. So far so good!

[@filam7371]

It can be caused by a number of things. There are tiny hairs inside a spiral shaped part of your inner ear called the cochlea. They are responsible for sending signals to your brain (via nerves) that get interpreted as sound. When those hairs get damaged tinnitus can result. Even an ear infection can cause it.

[@Kris-cu1vx]

I've also had tinnitus since I was a kid for unknown reasons. I've always got to have some kind of noise, like a white noise machine, at all times. I used to wear the foam ear plugs when I worked in a shop, and they were fine as long as the shop was loud, but they needed to come out *before* I walked outside, or else it was like walking into a wall of screams once the shop door closed behind me lol.

[@MrMega200]

Could very well be hereditary. My father has it awful constant like Freakin does. I only get it in my right ear coming and going since I was a teen. Could be my genes or from cranking up the volume to shut out the world around me in high school. Mine actually started ringing when I heard his simulated tinnitus sample. That was crazy.

[@muthaducker6662]

I’m 29 and I’ve been to concerts every couple of weeks since I was 15 and I’ve always thought about ear plugs but never gotten around to using some. At times I’ve literally gone to 4 concerts in a week and after watching this, I really think it’s time to protect my ears before I pay the toll in the next couple of years. I appreciate this video more than you could know

[@jeffreythomason1113]

Thank you for this. My tinnitus started in my military days lots of booms. My sound similar to a radio station not quite on the channel a constant hiss. I use a phonak aid designed to cancel the noise. I'm going for Vibes! Thanks again

[@Freakinreviews]

I can only imagine the loud noises you must have heard! Good luck with the Vibes!

[@damiangrouse4564]

People thought I was weird but I wore both plugs and muffs or headsets when on the flight line or target shooting off duty. I still got some tinnitus but perfect hearing…except my wife complains I don’t hear her…50 years this October…

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

@@damiangrouse4564 When I was a kid, I got to take a tour of one of the national guard landing vehicles. The ones with the drop-down front to offload vehicles. And I specifically remember the tour guide indicating that anybody in there when the engine was running was expected to wear both ear plugs and the over the ear muffs to reduce the noise. That was back in the late '80s, so hopefully the problem is somewhat less bad than it was when you were in.

[@nans969]

I've had mine for over 30 years. I never had long contact with loud noises like mechanical equipment or music. Had a lot of sinus infections around the time it started. But, doctors said they can't be positive if that had anything to do with it. Like you, I have not had true silence in decades now. Actually, steady white noise like a fan is helpful. I actually like my very loud camper AC. Not good trying to have a conversation. But, for me, excellent for sleeping.

[@chriskasprzyk6235]

Interesting idea. I too never had what I think would be considered excessive contact with loud noise sufficient to cause my tinnitus but I did have constant problems with sinus pressure, infections, headaches, etc. Actually ended up having 2 surgeries for it because of a deviated septum and enlarged turbinates that almost completely blocked one side. Never really connected the possibility but I think you could be on to something.

[@johnny5xl]

As a heavy metal live show lover I was always concerned about tennitus. I bought a better than average pair of earplugs about 10 years ago. I’ve had to buy a few pairs since, but the higher end ones definitely keep all the sound ranges there while avoiding hearing loss. The ones they have now are so much better than the older ones. Protect your hearing people!! Hard to enjoy music if you can’t hear it!!!

[@earlaker]

The weirdest thing to understand about tinnitis is that although sufferers (like me) hear it as sound, it isn't actually sound at all. It is the brain interpreting false signals carried along the auditory nerve on either one or both sides. Its like an auditory hallucination! Although it can be caused by exposure to loud noises, it can be caused by other things like medication, sickness or even injury like banging your head. I have severe hearing loss which is hereditary and wear $4000 hearing aids, but I hear my tinnitis perfectly well! Its a constant ringing, sometimes clicking or popping, and never goes away.

[@baronvg]

Hey, James. Fellow sufferer here. I’ve had it since I was in my teens, too. It’s not as severe as what you describe but it’s definitely this constant tone 24 hours a day. I guess like everyone else, I just get used to it and basically tune it out. I honestly have stopped being conscious of it and been like that for years. It’s only when I’m reminded of it by external things like when it’s brought up lol

[@williampamblanco]

I've had tinnitus for about 20 years so I agree with being used to it but have been wondering about the Eargasm/Vibes, so huge thanks for this! And for introducing me to Second Echo!

[@reggiemstallify]

Thank you for bringing this up, good to hear peoples stories. My tinnitus comes in the form of your tone, but it beeps like Morse Code. I drastically reduced my tinnitus when I quit drinking….I find that stress and blood pressure make the tones MUCH stronger. I noticed mine started after I busted my eardrum diving. Much love.

[@androo957]

Hi. How long after quiting alcohol did you notice a reduction?

[@tarstarkusz]

As a person with lifelong hearing problems I can tell you to be careful with your ears. It sucks being half deaf. It's not just that everything is at a lower volume, it's that it does just what the foam earplugs do in that it hits different frequencies in different ways. I get very infrequent bouts of tinnitus too, though it is more in the mid-range than high range like James' tinnitus.

[@windybeach2184]

It’s something that we don’t value enough in our early years, and regret it later in life. I need devices to block out normal everyday sounds, but at least I can remove them to hear better. It doesn’t work the other way around!

[@sakaridis]

Oh, wow! James, I'm actually impressed that you can even formulate cohesive thoughts with that constant ringing in your ears all the time. I already had huge respect for the awesome work you do with your channel, but after learning about your condition, it has pretty much tripled!

[@wallyocho]

Hey, im 30 years old in Vegas and I've had tenitus as long as I can remember. I didn't know anything was wrong till I was about 27. I thought this was how everyone is and boy was it a gut punch knowing my hearing is already bad when I have been trying to be so careful for so long. I have been using "Mack's acoustic foam" for about 5 years now. They are by far the most comfortable, especially for long term usage, very clear sounding, and cheaper than eargasms. I highly recommend them. I buy the 100pk individually wrapped and take some everywhere with me in my pocket.

[@RachelMaryB]

As someone with tinnitus, the eargasm earplugs have been amazing! Definitely worth it and they last for such a long time (also love the durable case even though it gets searched for drugs by security every time i bring them somewhere haha). My tinnitus is due to TMJ issues. I once got a face massage that stopped my tinnitus for a few hours and it was the most surreal thing. Thankfully, my TMJ issues have been mostly resolved, but the damage done that caused the tinnitus was considered permanent.

[@Freakinreviews]

I have heard anecdotal stories of massage or even tapping on the back of the head that supposedly brings temporary relief. A few hours without this would be strange to me - not that I'd mind.

[@Steve30x]

@@Freakinreviews I've tried it. It only made my tinnitus temporarily louder as if it's not loud enough already

[@all.day.day-dreamer]

it you got it to go away with a simple massage, I am sure seeing a specialist might / will result in you finding a more long term solution. There are medications that relax muscles. I've even heard about shots you can get that help with tinnitus.

[@scandisnowgirl3696]

How did you resolve the TMJ? I have it too and have been thinking about trying botox shots to treat it as I've heard a lot of people saying they had very good results from that. A bit at my wits end with it as I wake up almost every morning now with a headache from clenching my teeth in my sleep.

[@RachelMaryB]

@@all.day.day-dreamer the part i didn’t mention is the excruciating pain that I felt for days afterward. It was not worth it and I haven’t gotten it done again.

[@KraftingChaos]

As a tinnitus sufferer, I thank you for this video!

[@Freakinreviews]

I appreciate it, Sunny!

[@aaronschlottman4055]

Thank you SO much for making a video that actually accurately describes / demonstrates tinnitus. I think that when people don't know what it is, they tend to minimize it.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Wow, Second Echo sounds pretty damn good! I'll definitely have to check out more of their music!

[@kyle-mb1ij]

I run loud heavy equipment all day long. Can’t wait to watch this when i get off

[@LazyeyeGreg]

Since I go to a lot of live music shows I've tried I've tried a ton of different plugs and have to say the Eargasm's are my absolute favorites. They're great for live shows because they don't filter frequencies but rather just dull the volume, I've never had any issues with high highs or low lows or anything in between. 10/10 in my opinion, definitely worth grabbing a pair! Edit: You're not too cool to keep your hearing intact kids! Make sure if you go to a lot of events you protect yourself starting early, you'll thank yourself when you get older!

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

I was surprised by how effective those ones are. I was at a wedding right after I bought mine and I could tell from the pressure in my chest that the music was extremely loud, but it didn't sound particularly loud.

[@meezerluvr]

Best part of this: hearing Second Echo for the first time. Awesome! I don't have constant tinnitus, but every once in a while, some ringing will flare up for a few seconds or minutes. I'm hoping it doesn't get worse.

[@brianstraight9308]

Wow. Props, respect, and love to you for living with this. Can't imagine having such a thing constantly, I would think it'd drive one insane. Great video.

[@bradasstv]

Great video. I have dealt with this same issue for a while And after watching your video I feel like I also have this, but on a smaller level. It doesn't bother me most days, but yeah when it gets really quiet in the house at night I can really notice it. Wow, learn something new every day. I had no idea what to even call it before lol . One of those things you can overlook and just think everyone has it too!

[@Freakinreviews]

I think a lot of people have it to some degree and just think it's normal!

[@RandellVandergriff]

@@Freakinreviews I got tinnitus from the electric guitar and a amp. I could not here the sound that you played in the video. Mine is louder. I hear no ringing. I hear a air hose and radio static.

[@TinaStewart1129]

My husband has tinnitus but he’s never been able to actually describe it to me this really helps thanks!

[@bradasstv]

@@TinaStewart1129 that's the same as me. I've tried to explain it to my wife but never really as able to. I would be like "do you hear that really loud pitch sound" and she looks at me like I'm crazy lol

[@bradasstv]

@@Freakinreviews Yeah totally. I always just thought everyone had it, and could never really pinpoint it til your video! I do feel for you if you have this all the time non stop!

[@TheSAHDLife]

The Tesseract shirt was a good choice! As someone who has also lived with tinnitus since my teenage years... I only really notice it when a room is dead quiet with no fan. Luckily that doesn't happen very often. A funny thing to get used to... you can almost tune it out with meditation. Almost lol.

[@arynx1245]

the best most in depth guide and review. im 16, ive had tinnitus as long as i can remember. literally i think all my life. this video has heloed me so much, ive noticed recently it got worse so i decided to do some research and i found this video and all these amazing earplugs!! im a musician, its what i love in life and it will be forever with me, so ive never used earplugs because the foam gives like they all said a major disconnect from the music but this video showed that theres ones without the muffling! im so happy, you relived so much stress. and to whom it may concern. its okay to be scared and its okay to cry over having tinnitus. its very scary, but there is always more to learn and always something you can do to help in. were all in this together. i love you all. ps. if anyone has any funny meme or funny tinnitus joke insta page or reddit twitter etc. with tinnitus jokes to make us smile please let me know.... thank you :) much love

[@altusadmin8410]

Excellent review and explanation of tinnitus. My dad lived with this for over 50 years and I believe it was one reason why later in life he shut down from a lot of social interaction. This together with his loss of hearing made conversations less enjoyable. Hopefully this video will convince a few people to wear some sort of hearing protection more frequently. I lost hearing when in the military and all the other places you typically read about such as concerts, big events, fireworks, etc. It is a big reason why I started a hearing protection company! Even with that I have a hard time convincing younger folks to wear their hearing protection. More reviews from people like yourself will probably carry more weight. Keep it up.

[@iceman86688]

ive had tinnitus since my early teens and its remained constant but about 2 months ago i perferated me eardrum and after it healed ive noticed its gotten worse in the injured ear glad this might give me some relief

[@Freakinreviews]

Hopefully the current spike in severity is only temporary. Mine is worse on one side, too.

[@KatieJ611]

I was sad to see that you suffer from this condition but also happy that you shared your story along with your experience. Unfortunately there are many people who do not realize how debilitating tinnitus can be, especially to those who develop it later in life. One of our local optometrist recently committed suicide after suffering from tinnitus for so long. He was successful and had a beautiful family but tinnitus had such a negative impact on his life that he could not take it anymore.

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

TBH, in some ways, I feel like I'm fortunate that I've always had it. I just sort of got used to it. It's also unfortunate how little awareness there is that it's a psychosomatic condition and if you don't deal with the brain side of things, in addition to the ear side of things as applicable, it's not going to get better.

[@Beltane451]

I couldn't hear your tinnitus demo over my own tinnitus. No joke at all.

[@kellebelle]

Thank you for sharing your tinnitus experience, my background sound is a higher pitch than yours but very similar. I developed it when flying home from Saskatoon to Vancouver BC with a sinus infection about 15 years ago. I can mostly ignore it, but stress and illness can definitely make it more pronounced. I also deal with hyperacusis from time to time (overcompensating for the tinnitus) and have needed earplugs for movie theatres and concerts. I'll be checking out the Eargasm earplugs for sure. And if you did a video on ways to deal with tinnitus would be awesome. The first year with it was the WORST and my depression was horrendous. For anyone new to it, please believe it gets better. Also, your friends' band is great! Pass it on!!

[@nate_d376]

I've had tinnitus since my young childhood, had a lot of ear infections as a toddler. Blew out one ear drum during that time. Never knew the ringing was not normal till I was in my 20s. Some days are better than others, but sometimes it's so annoying, I have to listen to something to "cover" it up. In the movie "Baby Driver" the main character has to deal with his tinnitus the same way.

[@JohnKelly2]

Had mine my entire life for the same reason.

[@filam7371]

I just explained on another comment how ear infections can cause tinnitus and it's not just loud noises.

[@bomafett]

I've had tinnitus since childhood. I don't remember a time when I did not have tinnitus. Some studies suggest it is actually not an ear thing, but a brain thing. It may be caused by "electrical storms" in the brain, almost like seizures. Or it may be the brain's attempt to fill in missing frequencies after ears have been damaged.

[@witchesofessex1]

That was a good review, well thought out and presented. It gonna help a lot of people 👍🏽 love the music!

[@HaloGoku]

I always appreciate your throughness and in depth talks about your products

[@freethebirds3578]

I asked my doctor about the ringing in my ears, and tinnitus can be a side effect of blood pressure medication (beta blockers). I've been on these for many years, and it makes sense because the tinnitus predates my current job. I've worked in a loud environment (elementary school cafeteria) for the last 3 years and I wear cheap earplugs just to tone down the noise. I really don't notice it much, until something brings it to my attention (like this video, ironically.) Thanks, James.

[@Waisonian]

Thanks for this video. I don't have tinnitus but it's a good reminder to wear proper ear plugs in appropriate settings! After this test, would you wear one of the eargasms or vibe long term? Or just go back to the cheaper ones?

[@spongebobsquarepants8390]

Hi James! Just wanted to say that I really appreciate this video. Have been a long time viewer of your channel and this video has been released at the right time!!! I'm 20 this year but for the pass few years I've been dealing with tinnitus (not 24/7). Been on the hunt for earplugs that don't drown out the noise completely but rather just bring the noise level down a notch. Scared to worsen my tinnitus!! This has been a great help! Great video as always and awesome interview!

[@punkrockcheeseburger]

I legit have never thought about this issue until this video and it made me realize why I do certain things that I do (like needing some kind of noise to sleep). I've had tennitus so long that it's just a normal part of life now. When you played the example noise of your tinnitus, I couldn't even hear it because I was already hearing it, lol. Anyway, great video.

[@bradasstv]

You know, I've thought I had this for years. Sometimes it's louder at certain points. Sometimes it's when it's super quiet, I just notice a super high tone, but that one isn't all the time. I feel for ya if you have that all the time.

[@nickdunn7562]

Great video makes me want to wear ear plugs when I go to anything with loud music

[@Freakinreviews]

You definitely should!

[@jjgreen8155]

This was honestly one of the most helpful videos of yours I have ever seen I dont have tinnitus so idk what its like to live with but I live every day with earbuds in if corded cordless Bluetooth noise canceling or basic you name it just to muffle sounds cause of asd and isn't the same struggle AT ALL but this was truly a great help and appreciate the effort you put into this video 🤟❤

[@Aaron-jv7fd]

Love your videos!!! I’m always looking forward to what you have next to review. Can’t wait until you hit 1million subs and so on!!!

[@CannabisTechLife]

If you ever get some noise cancelling earbuds like the WF-1000xm4s or earbuds pro it would be interesting to hear your thoughts (puns) on the different levels of noise cancelling they provide in relation to these. I like setting my xm4s to be half level so they let in some sound but block it from getting too loud.

[@themikeroberts]

Those use active (electric) noise cancelation, which doesn't protect your hearing. So they make background sounds seem quiter by emitting an opposing sound, but they don't actually reduce the sound that gets to your ears and causes damage. Ear plugs designed to protect your ears will have a decibel or noise reduction rating.

[@trovialofficial]

Awesome video, especially with the personal interviews with the band, definitely gives a lot of insight!

[@adventurecollectibles2370]

Thanks so much for this review! I’ve been a drummer for 30+ years now, and these days I definitely deal with tinnitus. I usually use the cheap foam ear plugs when I practice, but I’ll definitely check out those other brands now.

[@jnm422ty1]

Thank you for this video.

[@auntlynnie]

I've had tinnitus forever. My version is pretty close to yours, and I also have better and worse days, but it's always there.

[@Freakinreviews]

Same. Some days I hear it over everything. Some days it's in the background. I feel fortunate to be used to it.

[@auntlynnie]

@@Freakinreviews I have malformed Eustachian tubes, which caused multiple ear infections over my life, and I have scar tissue on my eardrums (which cause the tinnitus). I'd looked at the Eargasms before, but couldn't bring myself to pony up almost $40 for ear plugs that I didn't know would help or not, so this review was really helpful! Thanks so much for it!

[@karenwaddell4724]

When I worked in a plastics factory we had the foam earplugs. The amazing thing was that with the plugs lowering the machinery noise we could hear the radio they played through speakers for us so much better. 😊🙏🏻❤️

[@TheSnoopyclone]

Omg everything in this video is great. Your simulation of what tinnitus sounds like and what you hear with tinnitus is very informative for people who don’t know what you experience. The best part of the review is the simulation of what you heard when using the ear plugs. Often you’ll just hear people describe or explain what they hear, which is different if you heard what they sound like, even if they were simulated. Those are awful reviews, but this is a freakin great review. Thumbs up.

[@PkmnLovar]

This is actually an interesting video. I've suffered with tinnitus since I was 12-13 (I'm in my 20s now) and it was truly terrifying because I had a relative who unfortunately took his own life due to his tinnitus being severe. I'm grateful that mine so far hasn't progressed and is fairly bearable but I've made it an effort to educate other people about the importance of protecting their ears.

[@reggiemstallify]

The case for legal suicide in the UK was centered around a woman who had a severe case. The more you research the topic, the scarier it gets. So sorry for your loss.

[@jjbud3124]

I couldn't hear your sound. I wonder if I am deaf in those ranges.

[@sspbrazil]

When you age, you lose the higher end frequency ranges normally anyways, so check your age and the frequency range you lose at your age and then you can see if you actually have hearing loss or not.

[@jjbud3124]

@@sspbrazil That's probably it. I have an intermittent tinnitus but probably much lower frequency. I'm old but hear very well in normal ranges.

[@wendy23752]

Thank you for doing this video! I have also suffered from tinnitus for as long as I can remember too. I wish I would have worn earplugs at all those concerts years ago. I usually use the Mack's but I appreciate being exposed to different options. This was great 👍

[@WindowsAndMacintosh]

Great video! I’ve been using the Etymotic Research ER20s in concerts for years. My ears don’t ring afterward and I really don’t notice a negative impact on the sound. It takes away all of my anxiety of being in loud sounds.

[@SirFragalot]

Thank you for this. Having not gone to a lot of concerts since the pandemic, I am making up for that in the next few months. Not that I am super old, but being almost deaf in one ear since birth I realize now I should do what I can to make sure I keep the hearing I got. Seeing that there are earplugs that don't ruin the sound makes me happy, and I will defiantly grab a pair of Vibes before my string of concerts the next few months because they seem to do the trick.

[@DamienCooley]

OMG I honestly just discovered that I had tinnitus a few years ago when I was talking to people and the topic of silence came up and I just described how I don't really like silence because I just hear that background tone, which I thought EVERYONE ELSE heard. Quite honestly, I thought it was just the noise of our bodies doing their thing... It was quite literally mind blowing to find out I was alone in hearing it and the majority of people have real silence. I'm 43 now, but I've heard it my entire life, because I remember hearing it when I'd be playing hide and seek with my cousins back when I was 10 or so and trying to be quiet. When I'm not thinking about it, I have pretty much learned to ignore it, but it's definitely there. I have not ever been in a band or had any loud stuff really growing up, so I have no idea where it originated from... but I can't even begin to imagine what true silence is even like.

[@danniguerrero6767]

I appreciate you giving a simulation of what it sounded like to you! Your research doesn't go unnoticed

[@beez1717]

I've had short periods of ringing in my ears that last a few minutes and I can tell you it's extremely frustrating. I was hoping there were some hearing devices like these out there that wouldn't filter out sound but make it safer and not block sounds. Awesome video!

[@FrancisSims]

Twitter squad!

[@yokaidigital3033]

I feel for you, I have had it most of my life as well. Sometimes it’s mind numbing loud, other times it’s softer but it’s always there and like you I have noticed illnesses increases it’s intensity.

[@jenniferk9242]

Yep, that's exactly the sound I've heard as long as I can remember. It's the main reason I need a TV show or podcast playing in the background at all times, and in order for me to fall asleep. Music tends to exacerbate the "ringing" once it's turned off. I simply can not bear what "silence" sounds like to me. Looking forward to the rest of the video!

[@Randy_G]

Great job with the simulations throughout this video. I have had tinnitus as long as I can remember and have all of those ear plugs and see the same results as you do.

[@zephyrbrightmoon6962]

Not all of it is brought on by loud noise. I started getting it at 14yrs old (around 1985) and I wasn't listening to loud things. In my case, it was that when my mom was especially mad, she'd hit me upside the head right about around my ear, so she was basically clapping her hand over my ear at a high rate of speed. This caused aural damage, leading to my tinnitus. Like you and others who've had it awhile, yes it's still there, it's _always there_ , but I'm so used to it, that I can put it into the background and mostly ignore it. I was too afraid to tell my mom what was going on as she _hated_ being called out on her awful behaviour so I just made myself get used to it. I'm so glad you did this video. Whether I ever choose to use ear plugs or not, it's just wonderful to see someone else try to help those who are more disturbed by their Tinnitus. Every video you do is really useful and more often then not, also really fun. You're a fantastic KZbinr and _exactly the kind of personality_ that should be on this platform doing what you do. It doesn't hurt that you're crazy handsome too. ;) Thanks so much for being _exactly who you are_ and being so kind enough to share that with us. All the best to you and can't wait to watch more reviews from you!

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Thanks, James! I always thought ear canals were like big shells that let you "hear" the ocean. I didn't know that it was tinnitus till my ENT doctor told me after a hearing test.

[@dudestoked]

Awesome video. I have tinnitus too and have been super into earbuds lately. Appreciate the review and bringing awareness!

[@nicholas3354]

It is a bit surreal to hear those drums totally rockin' out while the drummer is so chill. I don't think I've ever quite seen such a calm drummer sounding so rockin'.

[@Hoorkat]

I’m generally pretty used to mentally blocking it out so long as there’s some sort of constant sound on but watching this and focusing in more on it made me realize how loud it actually is. Nothing like the constant whir of an electricity whine to drive you absolutely bonkers.

[@rmc310]

Thank you so much for this video and to bring awareness to tinnitus. I have it as well, and is exactly as you describe. Wish you the best and hopefully their is a cure for this in the near future.

[@wateroffaduck2353]

Wow, thank u so much for this in depth review & simulation of what u experience living with Tinnitus!!! I never knew how much it affects the individual's daily life.

[@colinbrown3258]

Thank you for putting up this video, I suffer from tinnitus and it does get really annoying when you try to go to sleep. I have had this problem for as long as I can remember. So anything that can help is very much appreciated, thank you again.

[@niclastname]

I'd love it if you did more of these. As someone who unfortunately gets bothered by poor sound quality, It's REALLY difficult to find good descriptions of things like this and *all of them* _claim_ to have an 'even' decrease in volume, but after trying a few it's obviously not true and they aren't all equal. I really love your idea of putting an EQ on to try to simulate how each sounds. Please do more of these! Also rating how much volume decrease would be interesting as well, because I find some bring the volume down _too_ much. I want to save my hearing, but I still want a death metal show to be at least a little loud ya know?

[@billym.7331]

The way you explained your tinnitus, is exactly the how I experience it on a daily basis.. I have had this for 20 plus years.. Take good care..

[@Steve30x]

I hear the exact same tinnitus noise 24/7 with the past 32 years too. Once in that time it went silent for an hour about 8 months ago. It was glorious to hear silence for the first time in 32 years for a very short time. Sometimes I hear a second tinnitus sound for a few hours. I have a very d clock radio in my bedroom (one of those white things with analog radio and red LCD numbers) and I have it at extremely low volume , barely audible to distract me from my tinnitus to help me sleep. It's not nice hearing tinnitus over everything even when I'm around loud noises I hear the tinnitus.

[@Freakinreviews]

That must have been amazing. I would love to experience true silence again.

[@Steve30x]

@@Freakinreviews it was unbelievable. I have no idea how it just completely went away but I was almost crying when it came back. Until a person gets tinnitus they will never understand what it's like never hearing silence.

[@kracklinkamphyre7142]

I use my vibes daily at work. I have sensory issues so even though I work in a fairly quiet workplace, there is a constant din of chatter, the ventilation fans, equipment being used in other rooms, etc. But I also need to be talking with my clients and so I need to hear them. I find the vibes are a perfect fit for my ears. They stay in extremely well (even putting a sweater on over my head and it catching on them a bit won't pull them out) yet they are comfortable enough to wear all day. They bring the noise level down but not so much that I can't easily hear the people I'm talking to. Having the world just be quieter makes me far more at ease and is less draining.

[@jngobngo]

Last 2 years of high school when I started going to concerts , never thought about hearing protection. Saw a Cage the Elephant concert and had ringing for 2 days. Since then I’ve made sure to wear earplugs at any very loud events

[@ryanmcdougall22]

I use the Vibes. I have had them for years, great option to the foamies etc.. Love them. Great video and tinnitus does truly suck. And that first tune by Second Echo was great! Need to check them out!

[@vixhex]

I know your struggle James, and thank you for putting out a great video about hearing protection. Live sporting events are sometimes worse than concerts with all the cheering and screaming that goes on. Better to save your ears and get some plugs that attenuate the sound naturally. Also wanted to mention to anyone seeing this that Tinnitus is often very closely associated with hearing loss, and you might not know you have it. I had tinnitus for 20 years and don't remember exactly when it started either. A few years ago I got my hearing tested and was shocked at how much loss I had, and how much hearing aids help me have better days. I knew I didn't hear well but was blown away by what life was supposed to sound like. It's not a cure, but addressing my hearing loss is the best health decision I've ever made. I only wish I had done it many years earlier. If you are in the fence, get tested and try hearing aids to help with the tinnitus. An audiologist explained to me in general terms that keeping the part of your brain stimulated in the range of your hearing loss (which often matches the tinnitus frequency) with the hearing aids can help with the Tinnitus, exhaustion from straining to hear, headaches, etc. Honestly the hearing aids are less intrusive on my life than having to suddenly wear reading glasses the day I turned 40. I often forget I am wearing them and I can't say that for eyeglasses. Also, most new models are rechargeable and can stream audio from your phone, so it's like having really discreet Bluetooth headphones in. They are expensive but two insurance plans I've been on in the last few years covered most of the expense. They make music sound awesome and natural, it's like augmented reality for your ears, not like listening through a speaker at all. Now if anyone can explain why my tinnitus FLARES UP really badly after I take a short nap and how to fix that, dinner is on me. Sleeping overnight for longer periods of time, the tinnitus is normal. Taking a quick siesta turns the T up to 11!

[@lauralulu4444]

I got a hearing aid back in March and I love it! Which one did you get? I have the Widex 440 in a blue and white color :) I only have it in my left ear because I have a permanent hole in my eardrum and my right has normal hearing. The hearing aid has made my life so much better. Sound isn’t muffled or distorted to me anymore. I also wish I had gotten it sooner but oh well. I have it now ^_^

[@vixhex]

@@lauralulu4444 I had Widex Evokes for years and they were great. Had an opportunity to get new ones and ended up going with the Oticon More line which are amazing as well. Glad you are hearing better and happy with the decision to get it!

[@jonathanm2690]

Thanks for sharing your experience, it does take courage to talk about, it's appreciated James

[@SteveOnotsky]

I can precisely pinpoint when my tinnitus started. I was in my last year of high school, and I'd been given use of my mom's car because she didn't need it while she was working, and my school was a pretty long walk from our house (and no busses to make use of). One day while heading home, I was driving along the major street that connected the subdivision where the school was to the one where we lived. Coming from the opposite direction was a tractor-trailer. It was late spring and the weather was warm, so my windows were all down. Right as I was passing the truck, one of the tires blew. Maybe three feet from my left ear. I've never been able to hear as well out of that ear, and the tinnitus started right then and there.

[@jboveda]

Above and beyond testing of these earplugs. Great vid!

[@kathys3412]

Sorry to hear you're going through such a tough time! Thanks for the new band suggestion though they were amazing!

[@toronadoxp]

I remember just hearing ringing for several days after Sevendust and Mudvayne concerts when I was young. I started from then on using rolled up toilet paper in the ears and it worked like a charm. Either way remembering real ones would be better but wow those more expensive ones sound so much better in your simulation. Love the review talk with the band members too.

[@KazuyaYuza]

Got the permanent beep as well (I'm 28 now). Can't express the importance of those ear plugs enough. To all teens and kiddos out there, please don't think it's dull, it's a well worth investment and they do not look dull! Also, that Second Echo band sounds dope!

[@rachelcarroll6917]

Wow, great timing! I'm going to a rock concert in 2 weeks and was just looking on Amazon for some ear plugs. I've never used any before because I didn't want to lose the sound quality and also have small ears so it's hard to find ones that fit without pushing themselves out (including the foam ones), but at the last concert I went to I had ringing in my ears that lasted long enough to scare me into wearing plugs going forward. Very helpful video on so many levels! Thank you!

[@Steve30x]

What I notice about cheap foam ear plugs is if there's deep bass in music they lower the volume of almost everything but make bass even louder

[@Freakinreviews]

I have noticed that, too.

[@Steve30x]

@@Freakinreviews I was using them two years ago at the turning on of Christmas lights in this town and we went close to a DJ. The bass was very loud and hurting my ears while lowering the other sounds.

[@TimothyTurtle32]

Thanks for sharing your Tinnitus problem with us. Mine started with antibiotics to solve a skin issue in certain areas. I found using a quiet whisper fan in my room significantly help make me forget the issue. Tylenol, aspirin, caffeine, loud voices set it off and and can take a week or two relax the Tinnitus. Amazing how the human can learn, adapt or cancel out at times. Really enjoy your videos and longer they are the better in my opinion. Enjoy having your kids on too with there opinions.

[@grannysquared7140]

I was recently diagnosed with tinnitus. The doctor recommended lipoflavinoids, not a prescription, and white noise, like a fan. I live alone and always had on the radio or TV and usually a fan. After lots of power outages last summer I really noticed the ringing, very similar to yours I think. Before that it was there but I thought it was an electronic buzz from the appliances. With the power out it should have been gone but, no. Now that it's summer again and all the fans around the house are going full blast, it's getting much worse. After some research I found out that for some, white noise does NOT help, in fact it makes it worse. If I can keep the house relatively quiet and take the lipoflavinoids, it has been much better these past 2 weeks. I think I have found the best way for me to cope, and yes, it never goes away completely, but it has subsided. I can't seem to keep those foam thingys in my ears 😕

[@gratefulot360]

Great review and very important issue. I have lived with Tinnitus for 50+ years. I have slept with white noise or ear plugs for 40 years. I understand that a medication that I took made my tinnitus much worse but being in the US Air Force didn’t help. I currently wear a pair of hearing aids that help with a small amount of high frequency hearing loss but I use them primarily for their built in tinnitus program. I was told by the audiologist that just correcting your hearing loss can lessen tinnitus.

[@glassGPT]

Love the EQ simulation- such a great video

[@MMuraseofSandvich]

I've always had tinnitus, but there were two things that permanently made it worse: a head injury from falling off a bicycle, and standing next to massive speakers at a middle school event. So this video is actually perfect because I was wondering if it was worth getting these kinds of earplugs. These days I use foam earbud cushions because I find that music or the sound of rushing water really helps my brain not focus on the noise it generates.

[@molsonrulz]

I developed tinnitus 4 years ago at the age of 48 - it just seem to happen out of the blue. I have been to 100’s of concerts over the years but I had started to ware hearing protection at the age of 25 (I saw ace frehley at a very small club and I could not hear anything out of my right ear for 4 days - and since then I have worn hearing protection at every show) The first 4 months were just about unbearable. I watched a lot of videos and sought out a lot of info online. Listening to rain sounds seems to help a lot at nighttime ( nighttime is by far the worse) 4 months in I saw a video where a guy had advice to just ignore it and this helped a tremendous amount - before that I was thinking about it 24x7 - gradually over time just ignoring it has helped a lot - thanks for doing a video on the subject

[@TriCWebs]

Going on 49 and having tinnitus for as long as I can remember, I can agree that it is a pain in the ear. I also have migraines with sound sensitivity, so when a migraine hits I use noise cancelling headphones to block out the background sounds, but unfortunately that often makes the tinnitus louder. I have found that a good pair of noise cancelling earbuds is helpful for general use though. They tend to cancel out the louder sounds while letting in the conversations and such. Many of them have a "pass through" mode that will let almost all sound in if needed.

[@TwilightLvr88]

I don’t have tinnitus but I’m very sensitive to loud noises and I personally use Loop ear plugs. I guess they’re most similar to Eargasms but I truly love them and there are different noise cancellation options to choose from. I love the fact that I can hear everything around me at loud parties just at a lower volume :)

[@tauzu]

Really appreciate this video man! I'm a symphony singer but had a concussion. Too much volume in sounds makes me nauseous but its hard to avoid it when you're placed next to the drums. I use Alpine MusicSafe Pro plugs onstage and I'll admit it's weird in that my voice is louder to me with them, but it gives proper pitch replication while lowering all sound. Foam ones are good for general noises but the engineered stuff is definitely real conducive to safe music enjoyment.