Looking for recommendations for good ear protection during concerts. I want ear buds that don’t just muffle all the sound but limit higher unsafe frequencies while allowing you to still enjoy the music. I did a search and came up with a bunch of different kinds and varying reviews on amazon, I also asked my friend who is in the live audio business and he said I needed custom molded IEMs but that seemed a little over kill for me, even if it’s the best way.
This Site shows the common ones I’ve seen.
Thanks!
EDIT: thanks everyone for the reaponses, I will go through and look at each of the recommended solutioms works best for me.
Etymotic makes exactly what you’re looking for.
That said, there is no such thing as hearing protection that doesn’t muffle high frequencies at least somewhat. But what you can do instead is buy earbuds with ANC + audio pass through and foam tips. But keep in mind that the audio will be colored by the frequency response of the headphones, making live audio sound more like a recording. You’ll still get the benefits of the live experience, however, because you’ll still be able to feel the bass.
Keep in mind that these kind of earbuds are basically hearing aids, however. So they won’t be cheap. They’re known as “hearables” and “OTC hearing aids”. And not all of them form a seal around your ear, which means that not all of them are suitable for hearing protection. Which why you’ll need to do your homework and find some that have foam tips. Also be prepared to spend hundreds, possibly thousands.
Or you can just deal with a little bit of muffled audio and buy the Etymotic earplugs. That’s what I would do.
I’ve used Mack’s Hear Plugs at a couple concerts. Inexpensive and the music actually sounded better and less muddled than full volume.
I have the Earasers with their case and keep it on my keychain. Super happy with them. Use them as drummer for all the rehearsals I do without my IEMS or any loud concerts I go to. Super comfortable and I can still talk to people fine with them in since they don’t muffle the sound too much.
Just got a pair of eargasms too but haven’t put them through their paces yet, but they’re a different style of earplug that’s more substantial but might have slightly better sound. They’re also a little cheaper usually and they come with a case.
If you get the Earasers case make sure to sinch it tight when closing otherwise it has a habit of unscrewing in your pocket.
You want shooting ear buds. They actually amplify quiet sounds, pass normal sounds through, and muffle sounds above the threshold. But they won’t really work as you want, because the entire concert is above the safe threshold. That means they’ll effectively just be ear plugs during the whole show, so you might as well just get ear plugs for 50¢.
I use EARPEACE ear plugs when riding my motorcycles but also use them at concerts. They have ones for moto, music, sport, and sleep but I just use my moto ones for everything. Haven’t tried any of the other varieties to see how they compare in the real world.
I enjoy them because they cut down on the shitty frequencies that’ll damage your hearing but still allow you to hear things clearly. Also pretty nice that you get 3 ear plugs per order in case you lose one. It also comes with an aluminum carrying case for them so you can throw it in your pocket or bag and not have them get damaged or covered with pocket fuzz.
They’re pretty damned inexpensive too for what they are.
I’ve been using Ear Peace for years! These stay on my person at all times. I wish I discovered them before tinnitus but at least I can try to keep things from getting worse. Also on the autistic spectrum so they’re nice to have when overwhelmed by sound.
Agree with you on the tinnitus thing. I have it so bad from so many years of playing-in and going-to metal shows and riding bikes. Young and invincible, right? I try to do everything I can these days to keep it from getting any worse. I can’t even stand being in a silent room, it drives me nuts. Always have to have at least a fan or some music on.
So glad to hear they help you cope with an overwhelming amount of sound too. ❤️