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11/29/2021 07:19 PM
Every drummer needs hearing protection. Full stop.
If you're behind a drum kit, you will damage your hearing over time. Ask any older drummer about their hearing and you'll get the same joke response, "What?!"
Many drummers live with tinnitus (ringing in the ears), on a daily basis, as a result of hearing damage. People usually lose the ability to hear high-frequency sounds first, which makes it very difficult to be a musician. Hearing loss also makes conversations more difficult in later life, which can affect the quality of your personal and professional relationships.
The EPA has identified potential for hearing damage from extended expose to noise levels of 85 decibels. Most rock concerts are over 120 decibels... in the audience. Imagine the damage drummers are exposed to sitting 3 feet from a crash symbol during practice sessions, rehearsals, and gigs.
Hearing is a musician's job. Get some good hearing protection for drumming. Your future self will be glad you did.
In this article we'll weigh the pros and cons of the top 5 earplugs for musicians, and even show you where to buy our top picks.
The cheapest option for hearing protection. Disposables are good because they're cheap and come in a packs of 50 or more, so it doesn't matter if you lose one. The big disadvantage of disposables is that they usually muffle sound and don't filter all frequencies equally. This means that sounds have too much bass, and music sounds muddy.
These are definitely not ideal, but its a good idea to keep a few in your gigbag for emergencies.
Pro's: Cheap, replaceable, easy.
Con's: Low sound quality, sometimes uncomfortable.
Earasers are high fidelity ear plugs that lower sounds by 19 db, while allowing clear hearing across the auditory frequency range.
These earplugs are made from flexible, medical grade silicone and come in multiple sizes for the perfect fit. Earasers come with a small carrying case that can be conveniently clipped to a gigbag, or keys.
Pros: Multiple sizes, comfortable, carrying case.
Cons: Difficult to insert, fragile.
Price Range: around $40
The highlight of these earplugs is that they allow adjustable volume control by moving a slider to one of two settings, offering a noise protection rating of either 15 dB or 22 dB.
These plugs come with a carrying case, a connector cord, and 3 sizes of foam ear tips, which some users may find more comfortable than silicon rubber.
Pros: adjustable volume control, foam ear tips, carrying case,
Cons: Still high fidelity, but not as Hi-Fi as some other brands
Price Range: around $50
Vic Firth's Hi-Fi earplugs offer a great sound across and balance noise well. One of the reasons is that they have a lower noise protection rating—20 dB at high frequencies but only 12 dB across all frequencies. These lower the potential for hearing damage. But, if you're going to be playing really loud, you probably need something more substantial.
Pros: Inexpensive, good sound, carrying case, strap
Cons: low noise protection rating, short life span
Price Range: Around $20
dBud High-Fidelity earplugs are the most expensive product on this list. But, the quality is worth the cost. The adjustable volume settings allow noise cancelation of -11dB or -24dB. dBuds come with a soft silicon carrying case, and 3 sizes of memory foam ear tips. One of the best features of these plugs are that dBuds are magnetic, and will connect around your neck like a necklace when attached to the leash.
Pros: adjustable volume control, memory foam ear tips, magnetic backs, leash
Cons: Price
Price Range: around $60
Hearing health is crucial for all musicians. You can protect your ears, and your musical ability by buying a pair of high-fidelity earplugs.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the products listed above contain affiliate links, meaning NOLA School of Music may receive compensation through products purchased through these links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
Check out our other percussion articles: A Quick Guide to Drumsticks: Sizes and Number, and A Quick Guide to Drumsticks: Types of Wood!