quote:

Originally posted by Jem_hadar RJ? Any comments?

Hearing damage comes from two sources: volume and length of exposure. In a nightclub environment - both variables come in to play - making it absolutely necessary to use hearing protection.

Custom fit hearing protection (via ear mold) provide the most comfort, the best protection and the least distortion of sound. When a custom fit has a 20 dB attenuator in it - it attenuates 20 dB across all frequencies without distortion (giving the same effect as turning down the volume on your home stereo). Custom fits usually come with swappable attenuators allowing for variable protection depending on volume/exposure (mine came with 15, 20 and 25 db - I wear the 20) Custom fit cost ~$100 / ear. Custom fits must be cleaned with warm water and dried to be completely effective. The attenuators (not the molds) must be replaced every 2 years.

Foam attenuators provide reasonable protection - however since they don't fit the ear canal perfectly they are often uncomfortable and they do not protect to their "rated" attenuation (the rating is done using a straight tube - thus perfect fit). When inserted and used properly foam attenuators have an effective attenuation of ~60% of their rated dB reduction. Most people do not use foam attenuators properly causing the foam attenuators to provide ~50% of their rated dB reduction. Foam attenuators can only be used once and loose effectiveness when moist with perspiration. Foam attenuators do not evenly attenuate across all frequencies (giving the same effect as playing with the EQ -and- turning down the volume on your home stereo). If used in a nightclub environment - it is advisable to go with 30+ dB foam attenuators.

Damper attenuators like the ER20 provide reasonable protection, are more comfortable than foam and usually provide even attenuation across -most- frequencies (giving the same effect as turning down the volume on your home stereo). Damper attenuators must be inserted and used properly to be effective. Damper attenuators do not fit the ear canal perfectly and thus generally only achieve ~75% of their rated dB reduction. The imperfect canal fit can also distort the sound. Damper attenuators should be replaced every 6 months.

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quote:

Originally posted by rabbitjoker Hearing damage comes from two sources: volume and length of exposure. In a nightclub environment - both variables come in to play - making it absolutely necessary to use hearing protection. Custom fit hearing protection (via ear mold) provide the most comfort, the best protection and the least distortion of sound. When a custom fit has a 20 dB attenuator in it - it attenuates 20 dB across all frequencies without distortion (giving the same effect as turning down the volume on your home stereo). Custom fits usually come with swappable attenuators allowing for variable protection depending on volume/exposure (mine came with 15, 20 and 25 db - I wear the 20) Custom fit cost ~$100 / ear. Custom fits must be cleaned with warm water and dried to be completely effective. The attenuators (not the molds) must be replaced every 2 years. Foam attenuators provide reasonable protection - however since they don't fit the ear canal perfectly they are often uncomfortable and they do not protect to their "rated" attenuation (the rating is done using a straight tube - thus perfect fit). When inserted and used properly foam attenuators have an effective attenuation of ~60% of their rated dB reduction. Most people do not use foam attenuators properly causing the foam attenuators to provide ~50% of their rated dB reduction. Foam attenuators can only be used once and loose effectiveness when moist with perspiration. Foam attenuators do not evenly attenuate across all frequencies (giving the same effect as playing with the EQ -and- turning down the volume on your home stereo). If used in a nightclub environment - it is advisable to go with 30+ dB foam attenuators. Damper attenuators like the ER20 provide reasonable protection, are more comfortable than foam and usually provide even attenuation across -most- frequencies (giving the same effect as turning down the volume on your home stereo). Damper attenuators must be inserted and used properly to be effective. Damper attenuators do not fit the ear canal perfectly and thus generally only achieve ~75% of their rated dB reduction. The imperfect canal fit can also distort the sound. Damper attenuators should be replaced every 6 months.

Thanks RJ , nice informative article .

I have always used the foam type , but I think its time I invested in some serious protection whilst I still have hearing left

i would really like to have a pair

I bought them and swear by them... absolutely worth the money... they really don't cut out much of the melody at all and they're easy to get used to. They just cut all the frequencies down evenly by about 20db so that you don't get that sharp reverb in your ears that causes the damage.

VERY comfortable too... I don't even realize that I have them in!

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quote:

Originally posted by bourgeois pretty fancy but it seems expensive for earplugs, but also i get free ones at work, the foam kind

Expensive? dude, I have a pair of custom fit ER25's they are $90 per ear. That is expensive. But man oh man do they work.

I will be shopping soon, any links for good plugs much appeciated.

I'm just waiting to see what benefits I can get covered.

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over the summer i picked up a pair at long and mcquade for 10 bucks i think, they do the job too, reducing the decibal level. No ringing in the ears after coming out of the club which is a nice benefit.

my ears don't ring at all hahah that's a bad thing isn't it? but my hearing on a regular basis is fine. Maybe I have super ears!

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quote:

Originally posted by jon jon my ears don't ring at all hahah that's a bad thing isn't it? but my hearing on a regular basis is fine. Maybe I have super ears!

same..... i've been spoiled by GOOD sound for the most part though

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good god that is expensive. but probably worth the money lol not def.

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Even something like poor acoustics in a club can make things much worse.. A friend of mine (who also produces, ironically enough) had his hearing damaged after just one night of exposure, as he forgot his ER20s.

Hearing that was good enough for me.

^ fear monger

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