Musicians Earplugs - Tips To Protect Hearing

In September 2011 the Psychology and Aging journal published by the American Psychological Association revealed the results of a Canadian study on the influence of being a professional musician on hearing. According to BBC News, the tests involved 74 adult musicians and 89 non-musicians. The results were surprising: scientists suggested that playing a musical instrument over a long period of time can help have better hearing in old age. Yet, specialists advise musicians not to rely on the peculiarities of their central auditory processing system and use musicians earplugs to minimise risks of damaging hearing.

Earplugs for musicians: what are they?
Earplugs for musicians may resemble conventional ear protectors to inexperienced shoppers. However, a similar design is almost the only feature they have in common. Musician's plugs are not designed to alter the sound or block it completely like regular plugs do. On the contrary, musicians need to hear a full range of sounds to be able to distinguish even subtle sound differences. So earplug developers came up with a solution which reduced sound decibels without affecting its quality. That was exactly what professional musicians had been looking for.

Types of plugs: filter, foam or muffs
Like conventional ear protectors, musicians earplugs are also available in different designs. Manufacturers had to diversify design solutions as musicians who play different styles of music and perform at different venues required different hearing protection. At the moment plugs for musicians are available in the following options: filter, foam and muffs.

• Filter plugs

Filter plugs are considered the most popular solution for professional musicians. They are designed to filter certain frequencies, such as treble sounds, which might be uncomfortable for the ear. Customers can choose from filters providing different levels of protection, generally from 15 up to 25 decibels. It means that musicians can adjust the sound reduction level depending on the circumstances. Filter musicians earplugs are not permanent and need to be replaced after 3 month use.

• Foam plugs

Although foam plugs may look quite the same as conventional plugs, they are designed especially for musicians and provide greater protection. This is the cheapest option in the market but not the best one for professional musicians - foam can alter sounds. People who have made music during their whole career are advised to stick to more advanced ear protectors and leave foam plugs for occasional players.

• Ear muffs

Ear muffs are the least compact option - they come as regular headphones. They provide a good level of protection thanks to the incorporated filters and design which doesn't let noise to interfere with music. However, musicians who perform on stage often opt for less visible filter musicians earplugs while ear muffs are more widely used in clubs or during rehearsals.
According to the study, musicians develop the ability to mitigate age-related changes in the auditory system. Although being a musician makes it easier to combat hearing loss, musicians are strongly advised to use quality ear protectors.

~ 31 December 2011~