Musicians are traditionally associated with loud music and high decibel levels, but they need to protect your ears from becoming even more important when you’re playing or performing.
While many musicians will use some type of ear protection such as earplugs or headphones, there are other methods that can be just as effective. Here we list the best daily hearing protection out there so that you can always protect your hearing and play music at a safe volume level.
Table of Contents
Buying Guide
Here are some key features of daily hearing protection which will help you choose the right one for you:
Construction:
This is the main difference between earplugs and earmuffs. Earplugs are inserted into your ears to block out noises whereas earmuffs cover more of the outer part of your ears, therefore covering up more sound. So this is the main difference between earplugs and earmuffs.
Noise reduction:
This indicates how much noise you can hear with the hearing protection in place. A smaller number denotes a more effective type of hearing protection. With both earplugs and earmuffs, there is a range of options which range from the very basic to the often expensive custom-made ones.
Sound barriers:
Some forms of hearing protection offer better sound reduction than others. However, most hearing protection offered by the big brands fall only slightly above average. Some also offer a better seal, which means that it will cut out more noise and offer better sound reduction.
5 Best Hearing Protection for Musicians
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1. Alpine MusicSafe Pro High Fidelity Music Ear Plugs for Concert & Noise Reduction – 3 Premium Filter Sets – Professional Musicians, DJs Hearing Protection – Soft Hypoallergenic Reusable Black Earplugs
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A good option when your ears are sore after playing in loud music or even when you’re just working too hard, these earplugs are made with soft hypoallergenic materials which reduce noise all day long. No matter the length of time you use these earplugs, they will not cause any irritation to your ears.
Pros:
- Available in three different filter-sets – these earplugs don’t just protect you from noise, but they also help to reduce exposure to loud music and various other noises.
- These earplugs are reusable. This saves you money in the long run, but might not be useful for musicians who use them everyday.
- They are comfortable and safe to wear all day. This is always an important feature when choosing earplugs for musicians.
Cons:
- These earplugs don’t have the best sound reduction, but this is to be expected with most low cost earplugs.
2. EAROS ONE High Fidelity Acoustic Filters for Musicians, Motorcycles, Productivity, Noise Reduction, Concerts | Reusable, Medical Grade Alternative to Ear Plugs | Made in The USA
These earplugs are designed for musicians, but they aren’t specifically made for musicians. They are still a good option for any musician who is looking to purchase daily hearing protection.
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Pros:
- They provide excellent sound reduction and noise blocking. This makes them one of the best out there.
- These earplugs are made with medical grade silicone so that they are always safe to use. Additionally, they are very comfortable to use all day long, regardless of how often you have to use them.
- It comes with different filter-sets which protect you from high frequency noises. If you’re someone who is exposed to high frequency noises every day, then this is an excellent choice for you.
Cons:
- These earplugs are pretty expensive, but they are the best out there if sound reduction and noise blocking is your number one priority. Their price makes them more suitable for professionals rather than amateurs.
3. High Fidelity Concert Earplugs, Reusable Musicians Ear Plugs, 24dB Advanced Filter Technology Ear Protection for Music Festivals, DJs, Musicians
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These earplugs are made with high fidelity filters that offer excellent sound reduction and noise blocking. They come at a cheap price which makes them an excellent choice for musicians who want cheap hearing protection.
Pros:
- They provide excellent sound reduction and noise blocking at a low price. These earplugs don’t just protect the ears, but they also put less strain on your wallet.
- These earplugs are reusable and come with a carry case so that you can store and carry them around easily.
- They are comfortable to wear all day long. Musicians often play in loud music or perform at high decibel levels for long periods of time, so they need earplugs that don’t cause discomfort all day long.
Cons:
- These earplugs don’t offer the best noise reduction. However, the low price makes it an excellent option for musicians who want cheap hearing protection without compromising on sound reduction or noise blocking.
4. Etymotic Research ER20XS High-Fidelity Earplugs (Concerts, Musicians, Airplanes, Motorcycles, Sensitivity and Universal Hearing Protection) – Universal Fit, Standard/Large/Foam Tips
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These earplugs are universal, so they can be used by anyone who needs hearing protection. They also block noise effectively and reduce sound by 24 decibels. For an inexpensive option, these earplugs offer a lot of bang for your buck.
Pros:
- These earplugs are effective at cutting down on noise from various sources. They include white noise filtering as well as specific filters for high frequency noises such as those from concerts and other loud noises. You can read more about white noise filters here.
- These earplugs are comfortable to use all day long. They are made with low-pressure silicone which make them very lightweight, comfortable and safe to use.
Cons:
- This is an excellent option for musicians who need low cost earplugs that still offer some protection from loud noises.
5. Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones V2
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These earplugs are designed for musicians, but they are often used by people who work in high end jobs that require continuous use of high frequency noises. They work well with drums, which makes them great for drummers. They also come with filters that help reduce low frequency noises.
Pros:
- These earplugs are designed specifically for musicians. If you play music, then these are the best option out there for you.
- They offer excellent sound reduction and noise blocking which makes them very effective at reducing the decibel levels around you.
- They are comfortable to wear all day long. You can wear them for hours on end if necessary, without feeling any discomfort after wearing them.
Cons:
- These earplugs are not suitable for anyone other than musicians. This is because they are pricey and you can get better options in the market if you aren’t a musician.
Conclusion:
We looked at factors such as price and effectiveness and came up with a list of the best options available right now. If you want to purchase hearing protection for your ears, then we suggest that you consider the options we outlined above.
FAQ:
Q: What is the best ear protection for musicians?
A: Non-electronic headphones Reduce overall noise levels by 25 decibels Ideal for practice
Q: What are the best hearing aids for musicians?
A: Christopher S. Frink,AuD. … Matthew Pearson. In my experience because of their large dynamic range,proprietary fitting formula&option of a dedicated music mode or dedicated music streaming mode I would say Widex … Ellen Nathan. The short answer is none… … Christine Pickup,AuD. … Clifford Olson,AuD. … Dale Thorstad. … Professional Member. …
Q: How can musicians protect their hearing?
A: Wearing earplugs is a good way to protect your hearing, while still listening to the music you are performing. There are even special earplugs designed for musicians that will help you hear the range of music you need to hear while still protecting your hearing. This tip is especially important if you play a percussion instrument.
Q: What are the best ear plugs for musicians?
A: EAROS ONE High-Fidelity Acoustic Filters. Once you place these earplugs in your ear,you’ll hardly notice that they are there. … Eargasm Slide Earplugs for Concert Musicians. We get it,your average earplugs aren’t always that comfortable. … Alpine MusicSafe Ear Plugs. … EarPeace Concert Ear Plugs. …