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Earplug Questions
Hi all! I know there have been threads like this before, but I have some specific questions so would like them answered.
I went to the gallery this past Saturday and had a great time, however it was really loud, and towards the end it was really bothering me, and today my ears are kind of sore � and that�s not cool. I forgot to bring earplugs - usually I bring foam cheap ones, and they didn�t have any behind the bar. So considering that the next few months are party heavy (Decadence, Cosmic Gate, US10, and maybe Tiesto) I thought it would be a good idea to take my ears seriously.
Anyway I remembered reading back here a while ago about fancy earplugs and have been looking into them, specifically the Etymotic ER-20s (https://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20.aspx). They provide between 15-20db of noise reduction, and apparently do so at all frequencies so the sound does not sound muffled or distorted. This appeals to me as I find the foam cheap ear plugs are often too quiet and they make the music sound much different.
However, the foam ones provide up to 30db of noise cancellation, which is better if my ears are my top priority.
So my questions are:
1) Does anybody have any experience with these earplugs or competitors (if there are any)?
2) Do they cut the sound equally across all frequencies as advertised?
3) Are they significantly better than the foam cheapies, in terms of noise reduction and sound quality?
4) How are they for comfort? I find the foam cheapies not too bad but after 5-6 hours they really start to bug me. However something about the ER-20s seems uncomfortable to me? Can anyone comment on this?
5) Online from Etymotic�s webpage they are USD$12, and I phoned Long and McQuade here in Toronto, and they said they sold them for CAD$150, I asked the guy to double check it and he said that�s how much they cost (crazy!) Has anybody ordered them online or bought them in Toronto?
6) And any other tid-bits of info would be highly appreciated!
Thanks for your help everyone. Ears are super important, as that is why we go to these parties!
And while I�m at it I thought I�d throw in a Poll. Everyone loves Polls.
1) Does anybody have any experience with these earplugs or competitors (if there are any)?
I got mine right before I went to Miami - they saved my hearing multiple times on that trip!
2) Do they cut the sound equally across all frequencies as advertised?
They seemed to cut equally from what I could hear - when I took them out, it just sounded like someone amped up the sounds rather than added them in.
3) Are they significantly better than the foam cheapies, in terms of noise reduction and sound quality?
The foam ones blocked ALL sound when I've tried them - and too much sound for me at times. Which is why I got these for $12 US.
4) How are they for comfort? I find the foam cheapies not too bad but after 5-6 hours they really start to bug me. However something about the ER-20s seems uncomfortable to me? Can anyone comment on this?
They were fine and I wore them for 6+ hours at least twice in Miami. I forgot I was wearing them a few times!
5) Online from Etymotic�s webpage they are USD$12, and I phoned Long and McQuade here in Toronto, and they said they sold them for CAD$150, I asked the guy to double check it and he said that�s how much they cost (crazy!) Has anybody ordered them online or bought them in Toronto?
If you need a pair, I can get you a pair here and deliver them to you in TO. I got mine off ebay.com at $12 US. If anyone wants to order a pair, send them to my place, and then get them at Decadence (or that weekend in general), you're more than welcome to.
6) And any other tid-bits of info would be highly appreciated!
All in all, they are one of the best things i brought to Miami with me - saved my hearing and my head!
^^ thanks kabelsisoslkdfjasdjkcndsadf (sp?)
that was exactly the information i was looking for! i think you have sold me. I will think about having them sent to your place and picking them up at decadence....
thanks!
Can you not order them from ebay and delivered here?
| quote: |
| Originally posted by c2lancas Can you not order them from ebay and delivered here? |
Well I thinkt that I've been in denial about my hearing and will consider ear plugs. I was at dinner the other night with my gf's work and either people were taling quietly or I better start shileding my ears.
Kabe: I take it you'll be at Decadence?
| quote: |
| Originally posted by c2lancas Well I thinkt that I've been in denial about my hearing and will consider ear plugs. I was at dinner the other night with my gf's work and either people were taling quietly or I better start shileding my ears. Kabe: I take it you'll be at Decadence? |
Does anybody have any experience with these earplugs or competitors (if there are any)?
Just the ER-20s.
Do they cut the sound equally across all frequencies as advertised?
The ER-20s do a fantastic job of lowering the volume across the spectrum *evenly*, that's the most important part.
Are they significantly better than the foam cheapies, in terms of noise reduction and sound quality?
For the few extra dollars that you're spending, I can guarantee you that you'll appreciate it. Even if they weren't re-usable and re-washable, I'd gladly pay the money in order to enjoy the music without being in pain the next morning. I'll leave that for the Booze.
How are they for comfort? I find the foam cheapies not too bad but after 5-6 hours they really start to bug me. However something about the ER-20s seems uncomfortable to me? Can anyone comment on this?
I wore the ER-20s for about 7 hours Non-Stop and it didn't bother me one bit, you will actually forget they're there.
Online from Etymotic�s webpage they are USD$12, and I phoned Long and McQuade here in Toronto, and they said they sold them for CAD$150, I asked the guy to double check it and he said that�s how much they cost (crazy!) Has anybody ordered them online or bought them in Toronto?
I can't imagine the ER-20s being that obscenely expensive. I'm pretty sure they're out of stock @ the moment, but normally you can order them from Anjunabeats by clicking Here.
And any other tid-bits of info would be highly appreciated!
I can't afford to lose my hearing, certainly not right now and hopefully not in the future. I've already experienced slight hearing loss in one ear thanks to a mishap and I'm taking all measures to ensure it doesn't degrade further.
Well worth the purchase, trust me.
1) I've used cheap foamies, ER20s and currently use custom musician earplugs (Etymotics filters @ 25db)
2) Cheap foamies are next to useless in a club setting if you want to enjoy the music and/or socialize, all you hear is a muffled noise and the bass vibrating in your chest.
ER20s are very good for the price. The sound is good, and you are able to hear others when talking to them. Best bang for the buck.
Custom earplugs are great, but pricey. If I remember correctly mine came out to $190CAD and I'd recommend them if you'll be using them on a regular basis (ie. once a week or more)
3) see #2
4) I found the foamies to be a bit messy by the end of the night, as you're all sweaty and they get a bit soaked. I usually have to wipe down the ER20s or customs somewhere near the end of the night. Foamies I found to be fairly comfortable, while the other two I sometimes have to check if they're still there (ie. very comfy).
5) *shrugz*
6) Yeah, the gallery will seem like a whole new place when you wear good ear protection. 'till I started wearing earplugs, I hated that room and couldn't stand to be in there for more than 10-15 minutes, leaving with ears ringing for the next 2 days.
| quote: |
| Originally posted by kabelicious Yep, I shall. I'll be around on Tuesday day a bit on my way back from Montreal too. |
Because of course we've never met before and someone has to entrust someone with either money for earplugs 
| quote: |
| Originally posted by c2lancas Well I'd love to take you up on your offer, but the whole payment issue could be tricky Because of course we've never met before and someone has to entrust someone with either money for earplugs |
I just don't dance near the speakers.
| quote: |
| Originally posted by Jer. I'm pretty sure they're out of stock @ the moment, but normally you can order them from Anjunabeats by clicking Here. |
Get custom fits.
Custom fit info:
http://www.tranceaddict.com/forums/...ing#post4831342
My friend told me about the silicone stuff you can buy that swimmers use and apparently it protects your ears as well as not blocking the sound too much.....anyone know about this?
| quote: |
| Originally posted by KaiLee My friend told me about the silicone stuff you can buy that swimmers use and apparently it protects your ears as well as not blocking the sound too much.....anyone know about this? |
1) Does anybody have any experience with these earplugs or competitors (if there are any)?
I've got ER-25 custom fit earplugs. I use them when I do live-sound work at nightclubs as well as when I go clubbing & to concerts. I simply love them and I find they're worth every penny to save my precious hearing.
2) Do they cut the sound equally across all frequencies as advertised?
Yes, they let you hear everything, but just XX dB quieter (depending on your model you get more or less dB attenuation)
3) Are they significantly better than the foam cheapies, in terms of noise reduction and sound quality?
Yes, the foam cheap crap earplugs simulate a hearing problem/disability, and that's no good!
4) How are they for comfort? I find the foam cheapies not too bad but after 5-6 hours they really start to bug me. However something about the ER-20s seems uncomfortable to me? Can anyone comment on this?
Eventually one can get used to wearing them for long periods of time and forget they're even there. The custom molded ones that I've got are quite comfy. Keep in mind that if they don't make a snug enough fit, then you're defeating the purpose of earplugs.
MIne tend to encourage earwax buildup, but that's actually healthy for your ear canal.... just not TOO much.
5) Online from Etymotic�s webpage they are USD$12, and I phoned Long and McQuade here in Toronto, and they said they sold them for CAD$150, I asked the guy to double check it and he said that�s how much they cost (crazy!) Has anybody ordered them online or bought them in Toronto?
I got mine molded and ordered from a ear doctor's office near where I live up in Richmond Hill. They are $75 a piece, and I think the non-molded generic fit ones can be acquired for $30 each max.
I just got my custom earplugs at the toronto audiology associates at yonge and davisville.
They were 195 dollars for the pair.
They come with an attenuator(filter) that knocks down the sound at a given db level.
you can get 15, 20 and 25 level attenuators, they are interchangable and will all fit into the mold that you buy.
If you want the phone number pm me and i'll dig it up and give it to you.
It took about a week from the time i got fitted until the time i could pick them up.
1) Does anybody have any experience with these earplugs or competitors (if there are any)?
I have two pairs of them and have found that they the exact same as the ones you can get from Lowes which are yellow and sell for $4 and no shipping.
2) Do they cut the sound equally across all frequencies as advertised?
Reasonably for the price.
3) Are they significantly better than the foam cheapies, in terms of noise reduction and sound quality?
Noise reduction- no often the foam ones have a higher decible protection rating meaning they block out more sound. I have had foam ones with DB ratings of 31. The ER20's only have a rating of something like 20db. The foam ones do muffle the sound, whereas the ER20's and the ones from Lowes seem to do a much better job of just lowering the volume but still allowing even freq distribution.
4) How are they for comfort? I find the foam cheapies not too bad but after 5-6 hours they really start to bug me. However something about the ER-20s seems uncomfortable to me? Can anyone comment on this?
For comfort I go with silicon earplugs because they mold completely over the opening of the ear and do not put any pressure what so ever on the inside of the ear cannal.
5) Online from Etymotic�s webpage they are USD$12, and I phoned Long and McQuade here in Toronto, and they said they sold them for CAD$150, I asked the guy to double check it and he said that�s how much they cost (crazy!) Has anybody ordered them online or bought them in Toronto?
I have never had a problem ordering them by phone to either a US mailing address or a Canadian one for $12+ 1 dollar shipping.
6) And any other tid-bits of info would be highly appreciated!
Get some kinds and try em out. Try the silicon ones too if you don't want to spend a fortune on custom fit ones. foam are usually my last choice now and I switch between my ER20's, and the silicon ones. (If I loose my ER20's though I'm switching over to my ones from Lowes do not plan on spending 4X what I need to on the same earplugs in a different color from E.R. again)
| quote: |
| Originally posted by KaiLee My friend told me about the silicone stuff you can buy that swimmers use and apparently it protects your ears as well as not blocking the sound too much.....anyone know about this? |
| quote: |
| Originally posted by nusty The ones I have are not the swimming silicon but yes they do have a 24 db rating for sound reduction and they cause little freq distortion (compared to foam ones) also they are very comfortable. |
| quote: |
| Originally posted by KaiLee where did you get them from? |
I bout 3 pairs from the states (one from L&MQ's but they are shit), 3 kinds to try, cost me bout $65 in total. The 20's are the best so far i have found.
www.theearplugstore.com i think is correct. $10.95us
Ampz
After talking with MissK a month back and after having gotten my new Shure E2cs (thus kinda "priming me" for getting used to having things in my ear, I will prolly invest in a pair of reasonable ones.
Need to speak w/ Katy and a few others again prolly.
(I generally just HATE the feeling of things in my ear, blocking sound - even though I'm aware just how beneficial to my ear/hearing health they are.... but wearing the E2cs is helping a great deal w/ adapting to the sensation/feeling/annoyingness... its a long process it appears for me.
I guess its like contacts, which bother the fuck outta your eyes at first when you first are fitted for them, but after a short while they are piece of piss and dont bother you at all.
Just gotta let myself adapt to the new situation...
Jem
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