Best Earplugs?

[blke]

In terms of decrease in volume, but most importantly the sound quality. 15 db reduction would probably be the best. I tried the $12 hearos and hated them. I wanna keep all the highs and not muffle the sound. I was thinking the Ultimate Ears? Would custom fit be a better choice?

[Stu Cats]

I plug these guys so much, they should send me some free stuff: http://www.etymotic.com/hp/er20.html

[JimGtr]

I wrote this about a year ago and still holds true except that I'm using the 15db filters more than the 25's now:

Originally Posted by JimGtr

The plugs wear all the time are the Sensaphonics ER. I have the 15 and 25 db plugs. Use the 25 db mostly but sometimes the 15's. These are the custom molded ones and they are great. You put them in and literally wonder if they are working because everything sounds the same. But in reality there is a slight compromise in certain frequencies that I like to hear for guitar, but, it's as close to perfect as there is. It's really, really good.

[wesleywest]

Originally Posted by Stu Cats

I plug these guys so much, they should send me some free stuff: http://www.etymotic.com/hp/er20.html

Pun intended?

[Deugan]

Originally Posted by Stu Cats

I plug these guys so much, they should send me some free stuff: http://www.etymotic.com/hp/er20.html

Lol I see what you did there

[Scott Miller]

I have the custom molded ones. They are the only ones I could stand, and I tried a bunch. If I could avoid paying $150, or whatever it was, I would.

[StompBoxBlues]

Originally Posted by Scott Miller

I have the custom molded ones. They are the only ones I could stand, and I tried a bunch. If I could avoid paying $150, or whatever it was, I would.

They are the best for ear protection, and as you say, also the best for still "connecting" to the music, hearing levels, etc.

Cheaper or non-custom earplugs in my experience mess up my ability to hear relative volumes (they compress a bit) so I'm never sure if my guitar is too loud, too soft, or right in the pocket.

With the molded ones, it works the best of any I've tried. Still took a little getting used to, but worth it.

[wall_of_sleep]

The custom fit plugs look interesting.

The ETY Plugs look near identical to the Hearos I've used for years. The sound is good for me (unlike simple foam plugs), but I'm not sure I'm getting the level of hearing protection I need.

[Ethn Hayabusa]

It may sound silly, but the only thing that has ever worked for me is toilet paper. Seriously. It blocks out unwanted upper frequencies, and I can finally stand it when my drummer plays his China cymbals.

Every brand of ear plugs I have ever used is either really, really uncomfortable, or muffles the sound so much that I can't hear myself.

[StompBoxBlues]

Originally Posted by Ethn Hayabusa

It may sound silly, but the only thing that has ever worked for me is toilet paper. Seriously. It blocks out unwanted upper frequencies, and I can finally stand it when my drummer plays his China cymbals.

Every brand of ear plugs I have ever used is either really, really uncomfortable, or muffles the sound so much that I can't hear myself.

Even if it seems to work for you, it isn't "protecting", at least as far as I have read. Your ears still (depending on the loudness) are being assaulted.

I have tinnitus, and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. It really is hell. Every place I've read about hearing, toilet pape, cotton, they aren't protecting the ears so much as muffling some frequencies.

[DaBlizzardofOz]

The Sensaphonics are the best I've ever used. Cost me $200, but that's a small price to pay to enjoy playing out without losing my hearing. Like Jim said, you may check to see that they're working because things are so clear. There is a small compromise in terms of frequency, but it's miles ahead of any of the standard plugs.

I'm thinking of trying the 9db filters for one band that doesn't play too loud, but I hear that they're not as balanced as the 15s.

[Madison]

Originally Posted by Stu Cats

I plug these guys so much, they should send me some free stuff: http://www.etymotic.com/hp/er20.html

I use the Etymotic blue ones. Also own the custom Westones, but the Etymotic allows you to adjust the set depth on the fly, so you can easily fine tune how much volume you need to cut.

[Wake911]

Originally Posted by Stu Cats

I plug these guys so much, they should send me some free stuff: http://www.etymotic.com/hp/er20.html

I have multiple sets of these. Very good I love them! Use them while playing, and while at concerts, or at clubs. Clubs get louder than concerts sometimes. The clear ones you can barely even see in the ear. It's great.

[coreybox]

Another sensaphonic user here.

They're the only custom PLUGS I've tried, but I have a different brand of IEMs that use a hard acrylic material. Both are comfortable, but the sensaphonics have and keep a much better seal (which is very important).

[78deluxe]

Originally Posted by Stu Cats

I plug these guys so much, they should send me some free stuff: http://www.etymotic.com/hp/er20.html

Those are the same thing the OP said he hated (his are just rebranded versions of those)