Deaf? Me? Pardon...

[JAMdisco]

With the ever increasing volume (especially at my regular weekly rock night) I thought I'd invest in these (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Alpine-Music-safe-pro-reusable-attenuating-earplugs-/230584744000?pt=UK_BOI_ProtectiveGear_RL&hash=item35afebf840#ht_500wt_918).

Tried them last Friday and worked a treat, could hear music AND people requesting songs with them in. My hearing has deteriorated noticeably over the last few years and thought I'd try something to stop it getting any worse.

I know people who have tinnitus and it's something I don't want....

Does anyone else use earplugs?

[mattydinx]

Not so much when I'm DJing, My levels never really get loud enough to warrant it, but always when I'm doing sound for bands.

My old music teacher's ears were ruined from years of playing in loud pubs and clubs - when we were trying to apprise music, we could hear things he couldn't - I don't want to end up like that!

[chrisj]

Since I have sold my 18's and 15 subs and now use Bose L1's and B1's I don't wear them anymore, but I used to. Still have a couple of ear plugs in my wallet for when I work with a band next time.

I was suffering from Tinnitus but I have been lucky in the-at it was not too bad. I went for 3 checks at the Hospital last year and it has now cleared, touch wood. I do feel sorry for anyone who suffers badly with it as it is a continuous whistle inyour ear and you just cannot stop it. Well mine was a whistle anyway.

[sweetie]

I use the exact same plugs and tbh wouldn't be without them for any gig.
took some getting used to but I feel less exposed now and am thinking of getting the moulded pro ones soon.

[Shaun]

I have a set of those too. I can't mix with them in though so they're as useful as a chocolate teapot for me.

[WWDJ]

I've just grabbed a set. Worth having in my kit bag for sure.

[MikeW]

I don't use earplugs. But it is something I am concerned about. I had a hearing test a couple of years ago and was told my hearing wasn't too bad. At least I think that's what he said!
I am note sure how close other DJs stand to their speakers, but a lot of the time I tend to have them fairly close to me (depending on the set up area)

[DAVESOUNDS SERVICES]

Allways use em when im with a band.
sometime use them if ive a bass heavy 18th or 21st.
Im 53 and my hearings "average" perhaps if id bought a pair in 1977 my hearing would be considerably better but when i was building my first 30 watt valve amp and fane 2x12 speakers it wasnt the number one thing on my mind!!..kinda wish now it had been!!!!

[djdj]

Wish I had used earplugs!!
I have had Tinitus for over 5 years and it can be a real pain!
Most of the time I can ignore it but Sunday & Mondays after a gig Its quite bad, Mine is not a whistle more of a Very high pitched squeel,
I sometimes get two slightly different tones in the same ear, which is really nice!

Look after your ears Kids!!

[Andy Collins]

At SEDA last sunday there was a company (ACS) offering custom made ear protection. Not the cheapest option but worth it i think as i am getting a high pitched noise in my ears :(

[Larry B Entertainment]

I had to do a series of presentations on Tinnitus to raise awareness in our music students. I did a lot of research and some of what I found was quite frightening. Not a nice thing to have thats for sure.

I have some of those plugs as listed in the OP. I notice a difference at the end of the night, especially when driving home.

[Chris1984]

At SEDA last sunday there was a company (ACS) offering custom made ear protection. Not the cheapest option but worth it i think as i am getting a high pitched noise in my ears :(

Well worth the money - I'm getting a new set moused as soon as I'm back from this tour so I'm ready for the net one!

there not to bad normally around the £200 mark - nothing in terms of having good hearing....

[Jem]

A few years ago I had some 'custom' silicone earplugs made.

You need to go to a qualified audiologist who will take a wax impression of your ears. They then send these impressions away to a company who will mold you some in silicone. These 'fitted' earplugs are superb at attenuating noise, but they do still allow you to hear nearby speech. They're barely noticeable when worn.

I recall thinking at the time that they weren't particularly cheap. However, I've had them a good number of years now and they still look like new and work just as well as they did on the day I bought them.

I wore them when I took my daughter to see Avril Lavigne a couple of years ago and managed to fall fast asleep (much to my daughters disgust). Jeez, that was one hell of a racket! :rolleyes: :D

Cheers

Jem