Ear Protection

Dustin07 · Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 11:12 am Post subject: Ear Protection

wasn't sure if you'd consider this 'technique' or not... but what 'technique' do you use to protect your ears?

I love to play VERY loud... but I don't have to have to turn up my radio a little bit further every year. I've already damaged my ears I think.

CrazdDrumr · Ferret Joined: 06 Dec 2006 Posts: 109

I just use regular ear plugs, tey work great for me. Makes playing easier too, Im able to hear the notes i play clearer then with no ear plugs.

My doctor said it was a must that I started wearing them due to the fact I have lost a good amount of hearing and im only 21. Its so bad that ppl have to tell me my cell phone is ringing when its in my pocket.

Sad

The549 · Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 11:35 am Post subject:

Listen.

Use ear protection.

And get in the habit of ALWAYS wearing ear protection - IF you want to keep your hearing.

Some people complain that they can't hear nuances or much of anything with earplugs. That's because they're using ones that block out too much and/or they aren't accustomed to them. After wearing earplugs for a while, your hearing adjusts to them.

The argument against earplugs is also broken when you consider that after playing for 5 or 10 minutes, your ears become numb to the point where you can only hear as much as if you had initially put in earplugs.

So make it a habit.

For jamming with music I use these $5 earbuds that had earplug-like foam to cancel out a lot of sound. Look at this thread 'jammin with music'
http://www.drumdogs.com/message-board-forum/viewtopic.php?t=14186
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then....perhaps I might eat them.

Dustin07 · Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 12:11 pm Post subject:

Do you just wear the regular kind that you twist up and then stick in your ear?

So you're saying after a normal 5 to 10 minutes of regular playing, my hearing is likely already at a point which is similar to playing with buds in the whole time? Makes sense.

do you wear plugs at rock concerts too?

scrubs · Little Hamster Joined: 24 Nov 2005 Posts: 77

Unless I'm playing with brushes, I always wear ear protection (& even sometimes with brushes). Any standard foam earplugs will work, or even shooting earmuffs. I really like the Hi-Fidelity plugs from either Etymotic Research or Hearos (same basic design on both). They don't attenuate as well as foam plugs (15-20 dB, vs. 25-30 dB for foam), but they are flatter across the frequency spectrum, so they don't sound quite as muffled in the high frequencies. Well worth the $12 or so that they cost.

Dustin07 · Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 1:10 pm Post subject:

judging by the neck straps I'm thinking the performers where wearing these or something very similar. I think I'll pick up a pair before the Nickelback concert. Might be the only doof wearing them, but I don't want to be deaf by 30.

http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/profmusearpl1.html

Dustin07 · Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 1:46 pm Post subject:

I bought a three pack. one for me and my wife and a back up. thanks for the tips!!!

The549 · Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 7:10 pm Post subject:

smokingun · Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 8:50 pm Post subject:

The crickets in my right ear do sound kinda annoying but at least it aint a high pitched bi.t.ch sound ringin in them. *Holy Censor, Batman* DARN CHINA cymbal. Best to invest in a proper set that will cost ya round $150, It's worth it man, especially since you can hear all frequencies while playing.

("Holy Cencor batman", what the heck, are we drummers or nerds here?)

Dustin07 · Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2007 8:44 am Post subject:

Yeah I might invest in a nicer set over time, but I figured anything is a step in the right direction. After the show on Tuesday night my ears were ringing until Thursday. my wife found a 'great' spot... right below the speakers, LOL.

Like I said, I just don't want to be deaf in 6 years Sad

My father in law has some hearing loss from working in a machine shop so I know what the potential is... Confused

Cale · Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2007 9:59 am Post subject:

My entire band uses earplugs.. 3 of us even use them on stage! We'll be using monitors once we have the money. When I want to play along to music I use Direct Sound Extreme Isolation headohones... they're pimp.

PROTECT YOUR HEARING!
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http://www.myspace.com/pilgrimtheband

smokingun · Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2007 4:28 pm Post subject:

Woohoo those headphones sound hot as...boing yoing yoing!!!

CanadianDrum · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 11:35 am Post subject:

i finally caved and bought some shure e5 headphones, the other guys in my band bought the e3's.. what a difference they make, when we practice we all wear them. we use them as monitors whenever we play a show, or practice.
_________________
Primary Drum Kit: 1982 Yamaha Recording Customs

12", 13", 16" toms, 22" bass drum, 6.5" x 14" snare. The green finish was only sold in Japan in the early 80s. It was discontinued by the mid 80s.

Cymbals: Too many to list: Sabian, Zildjian, Paiste

Dustin07 · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 1:03 pm Post subject:

holy cow... they be pricey!

smokingun · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 8:25 pm Post subject:

They may be pricey but hearing is priceless.