Hey Everyone, can you recommend some earplugs/brands that I can use while playing a show? I need to be able to hear when I'm playing, but I'd like to avoid worsening my tinnitus. Thanks so much!
Thank you so much! Can I go to an audiologist without a referral from a doctor?
That depends on your insurance
I just paid out of pocket. Didn't occur to me to involve insurance.
My insurance is pretty good- I can see specialists without a referral and pay a small copay. Dunno if they'd cover the earplugs though.
In my experience most plans other than HMOs (where you will need your PCP to refer you and get prior authorization) will cover this though it will be subject to your deductible if you haven't met that yet.
I did. Didn't occur to me to get a referral.
D'adarrio dbuds are what I use and they are good ,kinda pricey but worth it.
You could also use Loops Experience Pro earplugs. I use them as a concert goer and for band practice. They work well and you can still hear your music without the damaging frequencies. I also have tinnitus and trying not to inflict further damage.
Seconded for loops. You can get a very convenient string accessory to hold them in place on your neck. This makes them extremely convenient to pull out and put back in while playing; e.g. sometimes I need one out if I'm straining to hear or need to triple-check dynamics. The string keeps them right nearby instead of having to pull it out, put it on the stand, find it later, hopefully not knock it off the stand...
I have that accessory. It's called Loop Link 😁
been using these. i like the settings. i can easily go from amps on 11 to talking to crowd after. im quite sound sensitive, but i also play doom metal. so i gotta figure out how to make it work.
honestly i'd love to get some active noise canceling ear protection but i dont think what I want exists. Basically I want the welding goggles version of ear plugs. you can press a button and they turn on, and turn off. loop experience is the closest damn thing.
Alpine music pros have served me well over years of playing and attending shows.
I use Radians custom molded earplugs I bought off Amazon. They’re currently $11.20. Just make sure you follow the directions. They work great for me.
I've been using Eargasms for a few months now and love them.
I like “Hearos.” they have them at Guitar Center.
Vibes or EarPeace, these have been the most effective for me.
custom molded plugs from westone. totally changed my life. not cheap but worth every penny..
Eargasm is good I also buy the $15 ones on Amazon. The fake Eargasm. They seem to work well also.
If you're serious about music and keeping your hearing, go to an audiologist and get the custom made ones. The pour some good in your ear to make a mold, so you have something that fits your ear canal properly. You can choose different inserts for different attenuation levels, but I go with the max (about 25db?). The custom ones provide best sound, and are way more comfortable than off the rack ones. They are more expensive (I paid $120 years ago), but are a worthwhile investment in your future hearing. Well worth it.