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!

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Have Love Will Travel

^^ 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?

you can order them from the company direct and have them shipped to canada for US$10 - or in the states shipping is US$6

you save US$4 by shipping them to the states.

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?

Yep, I shall. I'll be around on Tuesday day a bit on my way back from Montreal too.

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Have Love Will Travel

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.

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

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

lol - if you order them on ebay.com you can pay for them when you order them, just change the shipping address to mine (which I'll give you if you PM me) and I'll have them at Decadence and you can find me via texting (I'll also give you my cell number via PM) and there you go.

I'm no sketchbag - just a Detroiter addicted to Toronto.

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Have Love Will Travel

I just don't dance near the speakers.

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Short time TA, Long time Guver, Good time giver.