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Originally posted by kotsy it's definitely more expensive to get customs in the long run but I find them to much better in terms of how they filter the sound. I find that foam ones bring the volume down too much and take out too much high end

Are we talking industrial application or for music? I like to work in a quiet environment (I clearly picked the wrong profession) so taking the high end way down and lowering the overall volume at work is good stuff in my books. Annoying to listen to coleagues but perhaps I have greater lung capacity now...?

I use ER-20's to listen to music. Mucho better, though not as comfortable. Can't be bothered to spend the $200 on a set of custom acoustic plugs for occational use.

I go to parties of the EDM-Blast-your-ears-off type maybe once every couple months, and have been for the past 5 or 6 years. I haven't really noticed any kind of effect on my normal hearing, but then again I haven't had my hearing tested since high school.

I think the overwhelming scientific research does suggest that that kind of stress on your ears can and most will likely affect your hearing down the road. Down the road you'll probably just be able to buy new ears, though, so I say live it up and blast away for now

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Originally posted by srussell0018 Down the road you'll probably just be able to buy new ears, though, so I say live it up and blast away for now

I am holding onto this hope. In the meantime, it is a case of damage limitations! I always used to think that your hearing was one things that could not be repaired, due to how fine and delicate the little hairs are; however, I recently read that there have been some positive breakthroughs with the use of stem cells.

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Originally posted by The Potter I am holding onto this hope. In the meantime, it is a case of damage limitations! I always used to think that your hearing was one things that could not be repaired, due to how fine and delicate the little hairs are; however, I recently read that there have been some positive breakthroughs with the use of stem cells.

At the rate technology is advancing, in 20 years you'll probably be able to purchase most organs (Government willing).

If you go to clubs you are affecting your hearing, period. Movie theatres, Ipods, car stereos, regular commuting in the downtown core, transit above & below ground, all will affect your hearing greatly.

Compared to the lifestyles our elders led, you wont be losing you hearing at 75-80 years of age, but in your 50-60s. If you are exposed to loud levels of noise occupationally, expect to be a hearing aid candidate by your mid to late 40s.

Just like vision, we are all prone to losing our hearing at a gradual state. Genetics play a role in this precipitous slope.

Wearing ear plugs to the guv is a start but probably already a tad late if most of you are in your mid to late 20's. By now most of the early damage has been done. Ringing/buzzing/chirping the day after is the way your ears tell you they are repairing damage done. Over time the ringing you hear the day after becomes less noticable because the damage left to repair (at those frequencies) is minimal (and already done). Prolonged tinnitus is a sign of noise induced hearing loss. The single larget contributer to hearing loss in our generation. The question isn't if you will need hearing aids but when.

To touch on the subject of ear protection. If you are front and center every weekend 2 times + a week, in 5-8 hr sessions. I would say go with 20db dampening or greater. If you like your once a week parties, sit in the center but also cruise around the club for 4-6 hours. I would then say go with the 15s, they are by far the best. Price wise you are looking at 200$, if you are lucky and know someone you can get them for 120-140$.

The yellow foam inserts are a waste of time. They will protect your hearing to an extent but why go and enjoy good music if your going to plug your ears?

Last edited by polkaudio on Feb-23-2011 at 00:07

Custom fit is the answer. I've been using them for 10 years in nightclubs.

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11 pages of talk about ear plugs.

i applaud you !!!!

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Hey, bought a pair if those etymoyic earplugs for a nigh out, and for $12 I thought why not, cheap enough that it couldn't hurt. Was really surprised how well they worked, and will continue to use them. I recomend them to anybody looking for a pair, as it does not take away from the sound experience at all, and let's you hear highs and tremble when you get out of the club

^^^ Where did you get them? I'm going to Beta tomorrow and will be right beside the speakers most of the night and need protection. I was going to use those orange earplugs we have at work.

Edit: Found this pic...

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I bought a couple pairs of ER-20s in the last month, both in standard and large fit. It's about time I take care of my hearing.

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Originally posted by Salmon Hey, bought a pair if those etymoyic earplugs for a nigh out, and for $12 I thought why not, cheap enough that it couldn't hurt. Was really surprised how well they worked, and will continue to use them. I recomend them to anybody looking for a pair, as it does not take away from the sound experience at all, and let's you hear highs and tremble when you get out of the club

Where did u get them for 12 bucks? I have to get a new pair and the cheapest I can find is 20.

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^^^^^^^^ I bought them online at their web site for $12.95, they need to be shipped from the states so there is a small customs fee i just found out, but still did not run me over $18.
Also Prometheus Xex, that picture you posted is what they look like, but that person must have really small ears, mine went in real deep and could hardly been seen, only thee clear section poked out for maybe a half inch, also not sure if you would be able to score a pair by tomorrow as I waited a week for them to be shipped here.

Here is the link to order them

http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20-buynow.html