[Trombone-l] Ear Plugs

[Bill Dinwiddie]

Murph wrote:

"My questions are:  1) What type of ear plugs do you use?  2) How have you
dealt with the change in your sound when using ear plugs?"

Murph, I use the Etymotic ER 20 plugs, and I regulate the amount of sound 
getting through by the amount I push the plugs into the ear canals. If it's 
really loud, they go in as far as I can get them. If it's moderately loud I 
will not push them in as far. I might remove one plug completely if it's 
loud, but the offending instruments are mostly off to my right (or left). I 
don't worry about the sound quality changes anymore. I am dedicated to 
saving what is left of my hearing and I will do what I have to to achieve 
that goal. Many times on very loud jobs, I am hearing myself mostly through 
bone conduction. I can live with that, because I won't live with the 
alternantive (more hearing loss). I did use custom-made plugs at one time, 
but I tend to lose them regularly and I can replace the Etymotics for less 
than $20, instead of the $150 to $200 for custom plugs. Also, I have several 
pairs, so I can replace them right away, instead of waiting for weeks. I 
say, use the best ones that you can afford and that are practical for your 
application. Many of the "drugstore plugs" are almost usless. But if you are 
in a situation where it's loud and you have left your plugs at home, get 
some cigarette filters and use those. Anything is better than nothing.

Bill Dinwiddie