Not your normal ear plugs.

On Monday I promised more information about the new types of ear plugs that are available. These ear plugs are designed with the audiophile and the musician in mind. They offer a flat reduction of all frequencies; so the sounds stays crisp and natural, not muffled or muddy. This same concept has also been applied to headphones for your mp3 players. This company, Etymotic Research makes a number of products for musicians and audiophiles alike. They offer musicians ear plugs that are good for the musician or the concert goer, available in custom or universal styles. I personally have a custom set that I take to concerts and use when playing drums. I also carry a set of their universal ear plugs on my key ring in the key ring that comes with it. These are all a world apart from the ear plugs that you roll up and stick in your ears. These are ear plugs that would actually want to wear. They are very comfortable and they actually sound good. Everything sounds the same, just not as loud! And that is a good thing.

Hearing Loss for a New Generation

I have been playing drums since I was a wee 8 years old. I've played in 3 or 4 bands; inluding jazz band in college, a punk rock band, and a heavy metal band. I had no idea I had any hearing loss at all until I went and had my hearing checked when I was 21 years old. I have some high frequency loss and have even tried hearing aids. I know there are tons of kids just like me. Hearing loss is usually associated with older people; but kids these days are exposed to so many risks that our parents never had to worry about. With walkmans, ipods, and mp3 players becomming such a dominate staple for every teenager; many people are abuzz with the risks of hearing loss. There is even a lawsuit against Apple for putting people at risk for hearing loss. I am worried about the kids and young adults; they don't think about what will happen to them in the next 20 or 30 years.

Protect Your Hearing

Ear plugs have come along way in the past years. Now they can be custom fit for your ears. They offer a flat reduction accross all frequencies, so the music sounds natural and clear. They can look natural or they can be made in many different colors to stand out. If the music is soo loud that it prevents normal conversation you are at risk for permanent hearing loss. You have to get out of that situation, turn down the volume, or wear ear plugs to prevent damage to your hearing. I will be writing much more information on these topics as time goes on. In the mean time check out the article Eliot Van Buskirk wrote over at Wired News about hearing protection.