High Fidelity / Musicons / Concert Ear Plugs - Revies & Opinions

[Tom Phillips]

My quest is to acquire a set of ear plugs that approximate equal attenuation across the audio frequency band. The goal is to reduce SPL while avoiding the dull sound quality that results when standard foam ear plugs are used. I'd like to hear from MEF members who have direct experience with such ear plugs and can therefore make recommendations.

I have been reading reviews and watching YouTube presentations but there is nothing like reviews from knowledgeable users.
I found some "10 best" lists such as the one at https://www.bestreviews.guide/concert-ear-plugs. However, the reviews seem bogus because there is a lot of repetition in the posted review data and even unrelated product included on the list. In addition, if I search other paths, I get lists from the same site with the products in different order. I include the list link only to show the type of ear plugs I'm talking about.

Does anyone use the supposed High Fidelity ear plugs? Has anyone found a brand that works as advertised?

Thanks,
Tom

[rjb]

I've used HEOROS. As far as I can tell, they work as advertised. Haven't tried any other brands.
https://www.amazon.com/Comfortable-P.../dp/B000V9PKZA

-rb

[g1]

I use the Fender version of those. The touring series ones that don't seem available through fender anymore. They looked pretty much the same as the etymotics. (edit: they look identical to rjb's hearos link above)
They still sound dull to me, though better than the foam disposables. I use them for playing and for helmet wind noise on motorcycle.
I'd like to try the earasers, but I've pretty much resigned myself to the widespread premise that you have to get custom fitted type to get good freq. response.

[Tom Phillips]

...I've pretty much resigned myself to the widespread premise that you have to get custom fitted type to get good freq. response.

I'd like to know more about that. I didn't realize that custom fitting would make a significant difference regarding the frequency response.

[g1]

Yes. All the guys that get the custom molded plugs swear that it sounds perfectly normal, just attenuated. As far as I know they are a couple hundred bucks. You need to get them from a hearing specialist.

[The Dude]

First DISCLAIMER: I haven't used these particular earplugs, but have worked with this company with amazing results.

https://www.inearz.com/product/earas...hifi-earplugs/

I have a set of molded in-ear monitors purchased from them. If I'd have known how good they would sound, I'd have done it years ago. There is no comparison between molded and non-molded in-ears. When I got mine, I just went to a local hearing specialist and had molds made. It takes all of about 5 minutes. Then you send them the molds and they build your device using the "template mold". I can't say for sure if they would do that with simple ear plugs, but they might. They're very accommodating. You might just call them and ask them about it. They started out as a hearing aid company, so they know what they are doing.

[Leo_Gnardo]

Yes. All the guys that get the custom molded plugs swear that it sounds perfectly normal, just attenuated. As far as I know they are a couple hundred bucks. You need to get them from a hearing specialist.

Some of my muso friends have had custom earphones fitted for their wireless monitors. They tell me it's a unique experience having silicone goo squirted into their ears. Have fun! And - don't try this at home with a tube of RTV, OK?

[rjb]

Well, I just dug out my earplugs and see that they're actually Etymotic Research ETY-Plugs.
But I'm sure the first "hi-fi" earplugs I bought were HEAROS (not sure if Etymotic was in business yet) and I probably still have some rolling around in a gig bag accesory compartment.
Anyways, the ETY-Plugs do not provide as much protection as the industrial foam plugs- but they do attenuate ~20dB while allowing you to hear music & conversations fairly clearly.
I just looked at their frequency response chart and see they have a slight bump around 4KHz- which could be beneficial because (according to my audiologist niece) many musicians have a "4K notch" in their hearing.



-rb

PS- No way I could afford custom earplugs.

[Tom Phillips]

First DISCLAIMER: I haven't used these particular earplugs, but have worked with this company with amazing results.

https://www.inearz.com/product/earas...hifi-earplugs/

I have a set of molded in-ear monitors purchased from them. If I'd have known how good they would sound, I'd have done it years ago. There is no comparison between molded and non-molded in-ears. When I got mine, I just went to a local hearing specialist and had molds made. It takes all of about 5 minutes. Then you send them the molds and they build your device using the "template mold". I can't say for sure if they would do that with simple ear plugs, but they might. They're very accommodating. You might just call them and ask them about it. They started out as a hearing aid company, so they know what they are doing.

The input from everyone is much appreciated and it is encouraging that there is a path to solution.
Dude - I'm confused that you talk about custom molding but the link you provided just offers four different ear canal sizes and doesn't mention anything about custom molding. Did you get the Hi Fi ear plugs you had made with custom molds from a different company? Or did the change their MO?

[The Dude]

Tom,

Aside from what's listed on their site, they do custom work. If you call and talk to them, they can help. When I got mine, I had some triple driver M-Audio in ears. The housing broke on one of them. I had been wanting to get molded ears anyway. I don't remember the exact numbers any more (it's been a while), but it went something like this. M-Audio wanted a couple hundred bucks to fix them back to factory. I talked to the folks at InEarz and they told me they could put my existing earbuds into custom molds and it didn't matter if the housing was broken. They would only use the guts anyway. It cost me 20 bucks to get the molds made here in town. I shipped them and the broken ear buds to InEarz. I got back beautifully made molded ears for around 120 bucks- cheaper and better. What I'm saying is that, if you wanted, they would probably make you a custom set of ear plugs even though they're not listed on the site.

[Tom Phillips]

Thanks for the info Dude. I'll give them a call.
I don't understand the technical design approach to providing a linear attenuation across the audio band. It would be interesting to know the physics behind it. However, for now, I just want to be able to survive AND enjoy the music at a concert. My issue is that past ear damage makes the music sound just like it is being played through a distorted system after it reaches a certain high SPL. I think that even 10dB attenuation will solve the problem for me in most situations. The linear attenuation across the band, of course, is to make sure the music still sounds good.

[The Dude]

I totally get it- more now than ever. I've been dealing with a sinus infection that has my ears plugged for the last 2 weeks. It comes with some nasty headaches as a bonus. I started antibiotics just today. Hopefully that will help. Everything sounds like I have a pillow over my ears.

[rjb]

I think that even 10dB attenuation will solve the problem for me in most situations.

So why not try these for $20 at Sweetwater (the only review says they're better than the older $14 model I have).
If they're "good enough", you're done. If not, explore the custom molded route.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...s-standard-fit

-rb

[big_teee]

I totally get it- more now than ever. I've been dealing with a sinus infection that has my ears plugged for the last 2 weeks. It comes with some nasty headaches as a bonus. I started antibiotics just today. Hopefully that will help. Everything sounds like I have a pillow over my ears.

I've been there, I mow all summer and fight the allergies.
Flonase, Allegra, and good old vicks vaporub.
And, if really bad get a steroid shot.
GL,
T

[pdf64]

Thanks for the info Dude. I'll give them a call.
I don't understand the technical design approach to providing a linear attenuation across the audio band. It would be interesting to know the physics behind it. However, for now, I just want to be able to survive AND enjoy the music at a concert. My issue is that past ear damage makes the music sound just like it is being played through a distorted system after it reaches a certain high SPL. I think that even 10dB attenuation will solve the problem for me in most situations. The linear attenuation across the band, of course, is to make sure the music still sounds good.

You may have hyperacusis https://www.tinnitus.org.uk/hyperacusis
I'm pretty sure I have, along with tinnitus and hearing loss.
My audiogram is pretty much an inverse match for the freq response of guitar speakers (about -40dB at 4kHz), my tinnitus matches the 3-4k peak, and my sensitivity to loud SPL seems to peaks around there too. So I can't really play elec guitar, or go to loud gigs, without ear plugs, which is kinda frustrating
In an effort to improve sound quality over the regular off the shelf musician's ear plugs, I took an expensive leap of faith and got some good quality, flat response custom ear plugs https://www.etymotic.com/consumer/he...tion/erme.html
I tried the 15dB first, but they were too much, I felt too 'distanced' from the music. However, switching to the 9dB inserts fixed that and has made it possible for me to continue with the band / go to loud gigs. The custom ear plugs were worth the cost and hassle for me.
Some discussion on hyperacusis over at TAG https://ampgarage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=26007