Thread: In ear hearing protectors - Recommendations

Originally Posted by 6x47

As I said, the plugs I have (two pairs actually) are entirely custom built from high-end hearing aid components. Not only were they one-offs but the custom shell fabrication was another challenge. The mics were shifted from their normal place to give far greater wind protection.

Before I retired, I tried to get some more made for a mate but even by calling in some favours, it just wasn't possible. Without getting into the specifics, ironically the current electronics lack a feature necessary to handle that sort of impulse noise.

There are clearly some current options for electronic plugs but getting these built into decent custom shells is the real problem. Many of the "fit-all" proprietary options use multi-flange soft tips that either don't seal well and/or don't anchor securely.

Good luck in your search. I'm guessing the musician's plugs you mention are the Etymotic Research ones? I don't understand what you mean by "fb level minimum".

Meant fb (decibel) level.

My stunning ones were an older brand called Earsavers.

Will keep looking in the market to see what suits -Pelotor may have to be the option


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Originally Posted by Mrfants

Meant fb (decibel) level.

..

Will keep looking in the market to see what suits -Pelotor may have to be the option ...

Decibels is abbreviated to dB. "fb" is possibly feedback but that's of no relevance here.

I think you're actually asking about attenuation, ie, the effectiveness of blocking out sound. I only once measured my plugs on a "real ear" probe mic system and from rough memory, they were giving a good 35dB attenuation from 1K up. You will only get that outcome from a good fit and this is the result of high-quality impressions and correct treatment by the shell lab. If either of those isn't good, the fit will be hopeless and the electronics won't save you.

I've only had experience with Peltor muffs so can't comment on any in-the-ear options.

Originally Posted by 6x47

Decibels is abbreviated to dB. "fb" is possibly feedback but that's of no relevance here.

I think you're actually asking about attenuation, ie, the effectiveness of blocking out sound. I only once measured my plugs on a "real ear" probe mic system and from rough memory, they were giving a good 35dB attenuation from 1K up. You will only get that outcome from a good fit and this is the result of high-quality impressions and correct treatment by the shell lab. If either of those isn't good, the fit will be hopeless and the electronics won't save you.

I've only had experience with Peltor muffs so can't comment on any in-the-ear options.

Great point - yes attenuation is what Im after. I have seen some of the electronic in ears but they come with harder plastic earpieces, which would do nothjing to seal the eardrum. The other thing Im looking for though is the ability for the earpiece to allow me to hear people nearby and understand what theyre saying. Some non electronic ones I had years ago allowed that, but that was in loud on stage band interractions, so I could hear the vocalist while I was drumming.
Not sure you can get anything like that?