When one talks of drums, everyone’s mind is the sweet sound produced by these drums, but at times, there is the high-pitched sound produced by these drums that could bring damage to the drummer’s ears accessories. Thus, there is the need to have earplugs whenever one is playing those high-pitched sounds. Therefore, if you are a drummer or are planning to start drumming, this article is of great help. Let us start by showing you why you need earplugs for drummers.
Do drummers wear earplugs?
Noise is one of the environmental pollutants. Exposure to noise for an extended period can lead to hearing loss. Ears can hear, but this only happens to a certain point. And for a musician, having hearing problems means an end to his/her career. Thus, drummers wear earplugs to enhance the safety of their ears. Most drummers who do not use drummer ear plugs suffer from tinnitus. All musicians are at risk of suffering from tinnitus, mainly if they perform in nightclubs with a volume higher than 120Db.
The drums are the loudest instruments used by most musicians, and therefore drummers face the highest threat of hearing loss. Drummers should ensure that they visit the audiologist regularly so that their ears can be assessed. But they usually say prevention is better than cure; thus, drummers should have a habit of wearing earplugs even when practicing. But the good thing is that most drummers wear earplugs. But most beginners underestimate the loudness of music they are exposed to. Likewise, the audience is usually at risk of ear damage; thus, they should try to have earplugs. To ensure that your ears are healthy, you need to have quality earplugs, and to achieve this, let us go through the few things to look at in a suitable drummer earplug.
Factors to consider when purchasing drummer earplugs.
There is no need to buy an earplug that won’t protect your ears. Therefore, it is good to look at the following features to buy quality and active earplugs;
Type
Several companies make a variety of earplugs. Thus, you need to know the specific type of drummer’s earplugs that suits you. Different types of earplugs have different frequencies and volume attenuation. For example, you cannot use earplugs meant for construction sites in musicals sites. Using different types of earplugs for musical purposes affects the quality of sound that you will hear. High-fidelity earplugs are active during live performances. Correct earplugs turn the sounds too average volumes that should be heard in the environment.
Reusability
Those contact points with the ear should be replaceable to reduce the cost of purchasing new earplugs for drummers frequently. Most companies make replaceable eartips and filters, while others make earplugs disposed of after the eartips have worn out. Replaceable parts are not readily available, and they are expensive; thus, when purchasing earplugs, check the availability of replaceable parts.
Size and fitting
Always ensure that the earplug you have purchased fits well into the ear. Companies tend to manufacture drummer earplugs that fit most people, but some people will be left out. Ear canals vary, so those who fail to get the right size for their ears should appeal to individual sizing. Too small earplugs will not cover the ear adequately while too big will put much pressure on ear canals.
Noise reduction rate and attenuation.
The number of decibels reduced when earplugs are at work is what is known as attenuation. The noise reduction ratio is determined using a specified formula. The manufacturer always indicates the attenuation and the noise reduction rate. A particular concert playing rock might have a volume of 106db to 110db, and this volume, if exposed five times, can lead to permanent damage. Earplugs attenuate 12db to 25db, which brings the levels low enough.
How to protect ears while drumming
As said earlier, drummers are at higher risk of hearing loss because drums are among the loudest instruments in the entire music industry. The most obvious way to protect your ears while drumming is wearing ear protection, that is, earplugs for drummers—the other way to protect your ears while drumming is giving your ears time to repair between concerts.
What do drummers wear in their ears?
Drummers usually have conventional devices in their ears. One thing is the headphone while the other thing is earplugs. The earphones or headphones help them listen to the music being practiced or performed. Earplugs, as discussed, help them protect their ears from loud music that can damage their eardrums.
Is it wrong for you to sleep with earplugs in?
There are two sides to this question, and we shall discuss both of them. If you are living or sleeping in a place next to a nightclub, you need to wear earplugs while sleeping. Wearing earplugs will prevent damage to your eardrums, and also it will give you peace to gather and enjoy your sleep. But if you are sleeping in a quiet environment, you do not need earplugs while sleeping, as they will be of no help. Also, they will make you uncomfortable.
Having discussed all the issues you needed to know about here plugs, and then you need to know the various types of earplugs available in the market. It will help you choose the right type of earplug from the right company and at the correct price. Here are some of the earplugs currently available in the market.
WESTONE TRU Universal WM16 (Pair)
It is a well-designed set of earplugs for all musicians from a well-known company in hearing protection company, Westone. Various musicians, for its best innovation, much respect this company. They come in a pair of different sizes to fit everyone. They are designed well to ensure that you are comfortable while wearing them. Its average attenuation is 18db while the noise reduction rate is 7. You can return this pair of earplugs in case they do not fit well. Included in this package is a set of TRU filters.
Decibullz – Custom Molded Earplugs
These sets of earplugs can be easily and quickly fitted to the exact shape of our ear. They are heated in hot water then left to cool for a few minutes then shape them to your ears. They normally will take the shape of your ear; thus, no need to look at their sizes when buying. They come in a pair with three triple flange tips and one set of max ear protection foam tips.
Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs
This type of earplug is mainly designed for concert musicians, and as a drummer, you are in this category as well. The induced noise reduction rate is up to 21 decibels. They also have pull tabs that make insertion into the ear so easy. They have a waterproof aluminum carrying case, thus making them easy to carry because of its lightweight. Eargasm supports patent-pending innovative attenuation filters; thus, they reduce noise evenly and maintain the full spectrum of sound.
Alpine Music Safe Pro Hearing Protection System
Alpine is an award-winning company for designing the best earplugs. This set is suitable for musicians because it has three filters that can be exchanged to get low, medium, or high protection. These sets of earplugs can be made durable by cleaning them regularly. You first cleaned with soap and rinse with lukewarm water. It is the best set for musicians because it maintains sound quality. The Alpine Thermo shape of this earplug makes it adapt to the shape of the ear quickly.
Etymotic Research ER20 ETY-Plugs Hearing Protection Earplugs
Research ER20 is an earplug made by an Etymotic company. The product has a particular case to store them. Besides, it comes with a cord that allows you to hang them on your neck; hence you cannot quickly lose them. The most fantastic thing about these earplugs is that they reduce the risk of damage by about 20 decibels.
Vibes Hi-Fidelity Ear Plugs
The Vibes company is the producer of these best earplugs types. They are well-tuned to give your ears excellent safety. It caters to attenuation of up to 22 decibels and can be used by non-musicians too. It has a noise reduction rate of 15db and comes with replaceable ear tips with a carrying case also.
Earpeace HD Concert Ear Plugs
This HD model is designed for musicians, unlike the other two models from Earpeace. It has noise attenuation filters, which allow you to make changes to the amount of volume reduction that you need. The noise attenuation rates are 26db, 20db,17db, while the noise reduction rates are 19db, 20db, and 11db, respectively. It comes with an aluminum carrying case to make it easy to carry around.
Earasers Musicians Ear Plugs
This is a different design from the other earplugs. It is made by Earasers, a well-known company that manufactures hearing aids and electronic hearing protection. They cost about $40 currently. The noise attenuation is 19db, 26db, and 31db, while the noise reduction rate is 5db, 13db, and 16db. They have small, medium, XS and L fittings but they are sold separately. The users get great comfort while wearing them, and also natural sound attenuation is there. They are not so visible when worn, making them a choice for many musicians. They have silicone eartips that provide an excellent seal; hence you can choose the correct size when purchasing them.
Mute Audio M-Series M7-Musician Earplugs
Mute Audio M-series M7 earplugs provide top cream sound quality at the same time protecting your ears. They filter all the noise and unclear frequencies hence giving you only bright tones. This type of earplug is common among drummers, musicians, producers, and DJs since these are groups found in noisy places most of the time. It can be worn under headphones; thus, you can listen to music from the headphones too.
Cheap-o Earplugs
These are the cheapest hearing protection, although they are disposable. cheThey reduce frequencies and muffle sound, but they leave you with no clue of how things sound. They are a great backup to have at your disposal every time you are at work. Having this type of earplugs can be of great importance to others who might be lacking earplugs.
Earmuffs
Earmuffs are other good options because they are cheap. The most important thing with this type is you can still have regular earphones under them; thus, you can still play or practice music. They muffle sound like the usual earplugs. They are a super handy drum protection device to carry around. You can use earphones while using this type of earplug.
In-Ear Acoustic filters
They are an improvement in the cheap earplugs. They reduce the volume equally across all frequencies to give you a much accurate sound. They are designed for musicians and music lovers. They are affordable, and it gives you great comfort when wearing them while also protecting your ears. They are more of a professional type than disposable ones.
Molded Earplugs
Molded earplugs will always fit your exact ear shape. Molded earplugs normally muffle sound, and they are perfect if the regular hearing protection does not fit your ears or you feel uncomfortable with other earplugs.
In-Ear Monitors
In-Ear Monitors are the perfect ones for living, practicing, and recording, and you can use them with the regular earphones on; thus, you can enjoy music while protecting your ears. They come in different-sized earpieces, but the custom-fit ones can be made by visiting the audiologist. They can be expensive, especially those made by visiting an audiologist. If you want to purchase the most expensive one, then choose the one with replaceable cable.
Final thought
Which one is important between money and your ear? The answer is evident here. Without proper hearing, then your music will be nothing. Also, they usually say that prevention is better than cure. Therefore, protect your ear always, even if it is expensive to do so. Ensure that your ears are healthy so that we can enjoy your drumming or music for a long time.
