Jump to content
  • 0

Earplugs Issue


CommanderSalamander

Question

I was wondering about which earplugs I should choose considering the fact that I enjoy metal the best when I'm head-banging intensely; if I can't do that then I'd probably just take my chances with hearing loss honestly. I recently researched hearing loss and how easily it can be caused by attending rock and metal shows. Apparently, rock and metal shows typically produce a sound that's between 100-130 decibels, which can easily cause hearing issues, especially if heard often and for prolonged amounts of time. 

There are quite a few appealing bands that are coming to my city in the near future, before the end of the year. I rarely go to concerts as, in general, I usually listen to old school extreme metal and I don't like committing myself to buying tickets, reserving time, and driving to attend a concert in which the genre of the bands aren't those which I listen to often. So, of course, I'll be exposed to a considerable amount of high volume. I'm not particularly concerned about my health in general, although I already have difficulty hearing what people say in normal, day-to-day, conversation, so I wouldn't want to seem like a complete moron due to the exacerbation of the issue that currently affects me. 

Does anyone have any suggestions pertaining to which earplugs I should buy that wouldn't fall out when headbanging, makes it so that I can hear people clearly, and still preserve the sound of the music itself? Preferably based on one's own experience, but not necessarily. These ( https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-Protection-Earplugs-Standard/dp/B0044DEESS?ie=UTF8&tag=studybass-20&th=1 ) seem to be appropriate, but I don't know if they'd fall out (seems like they wouldn't based on the design).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 answers to this question

Recommended Posts

  • 0

I tried a few of the more affordable "good" earplugs years ago. Gotta say I'm fine with the cheap foam ones. My old drummer swore by this set that came in a little vial and had color-coded inserts for different levels of noise reduction, but he was kind of a moron and had a tin ear. The only way to find out if something will fall out is to try it, different people's ear canals are shaped differently.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
3 hours ago, FatherAlabaster said:

I tried a few of the more affordable "good" earplugs years ago. Gotta say I'm fine with the cheap foam ones. My old drummer swore by this set that came in a little vial and had color-coded inserts for different levels of noise reduction, but he was kind of a moron and had a tin ear. The only way to find out if something will fall out is to try it, different people's ear canals are shaped differently.

Fair enough and much appreciated. I'll buy the ones that I linked and I'll report back for anyone who may be in my same situation.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

 Unfortunately I have to wear ear plugs when I go to gigs because of my job. I have to hear at work through a headset with really low volume. I feel like a total dork with bright orange ear plugs hanging out of my ears at shows. I can still hear the music of course, it's just not as loud. It's the only way I can still go to shows. I usually carry an extra pair in my pocket in case of them falling out etc. I use the foam ones and here in Serbia they aren't cheap, they are cheap in other countries.

The foam ones don't fall out but I do have to constantly adjust them to stay in.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Join Metal Forum

    joinus-home.jpg

  • Our picks

    • Whichever tier of thrash metal you consigned Sacred Reich back in the 80's/90's they still had their moments.  "Ignorance" & "Surf Nicaragura" did a great job of establishing the band, whereas "The American Way" just got a little to comfortable and accessible (the title track grates nowadays) for my ears.  A couple more records better left forgotten about and then nothing for twenty three years.  2019 alone has now seen three releases from Phil Rind and co.  A live EP, a split EP with Iron Reagan and now a full length.

      Notable addition to the ranks for the current throng of releases is former Machine Head sticksman, Dave McClean.  Love or hate Machine Head, McClean is a more than capable drummer and his presence here is felt from the off with the opening and title track kicking things off with some real gusto.  'Divide & Conquer' and 'Salvation' muddle along nicely, never quite reaching any quality that would make my balls tingle but comfortable enough.  The looming build to 'Manifest Reality' delivers a real punch when the song starts proper.  Frenzied riffs and drums with shots of lead work to hold the interest.


      There's a problem already though (I know, I am such a fucking mood hoover).  I don't like Phil's vocals.  I never had if I am being honest.  The aggression to them seems a little forced even when they are at their best on tracks like 'Manifest Reality'.  When he tries to sing it just feels weak though ('Salvation') and tracks lose real punch.  Give him a riffy number such as 'Killing Machine' and he is fine with the Reich engine (probably a poor choice of phrase) up in sixth gear.  For every thrashy riff there's a fair share of rock edged, local bar act rhythm aplenty too.

      Let's not poo-poo proceedings though, because overall I actually enjoy "Awakening".  It is stacked full of catchy riffs that are sticky on the old ears.  Whilst not as raw as perhaps the - brilliant - artwork suggests with its black and white, tattoo flash sheet style design it is enjoyable enough.  Yes, 'Death Valley' & 'Something to Believe' have no place here, saved only by Arnett and Radziwill's lead work but 'Revolution' is a fucking 80's thrash heyday throwback to the extent that if you turn the TV on during it you might catch a new episode of Cheers!

      3/5
      • Reputation Points

      • 10 replies
    • I
      • Reputation Points

      • 2 replies
    • https://www.metalforum.com/blogs/entry/52-vltimas-something-wicked-marches-in/
      • Reputation Points

      • 3 replies

    • https://www.metalforum.com/blogs/entry/48-candlemass-the-door-to-doom/
      • Reputation Points

      • 2 replies
    • Full length number 19 from overkill certainly makes a splash in the energy stakes, I mean there's some modern thrash bands that are a good two decades younger than Overkill who can only hope to achieve the levels of spunk that New Jersey's finest produce here.  That in itself is an achievement, for a band of Overkill's stature and reputation to be able to still sound relevant four decades into their career is no mean feat.  Even in the albums weaker moments it never gets redundant and the energy levels remain high.  There's a real sense of a band in a state of some renewed vigour, helped in no small part by the addition of Jason Bittner on drums.  The former Flotsam & Jetsam skinsman is nothing short of superb throughout "The Wings of War" and seems to have squeezed a little extra out of the rest of his peers.

      The album kicks of with a great build to opening track "Last Man Standing" and for the first 4 tracks of the album the Overkill crew stomp, bash and groove their way to a solid level of consistency.  The lead work is of particular note and Blitz sounds as sneery and scathing as ever.  The album is well produced and mixed too with all parts of the thrash machine audible as the five piece hammer away at your skull with the usual blend of chugging riffs and infectious anthems.  


      There are weak moments as mentioned but they are more a victim of how good the strong tracks are.  In it's own right "Distortion" is a solid enough - if not slightly varied a journey from the last offering - but it just doesn't stand up well against a "Bat Shit Crazy" or a "Head of a Pin".  As the album draws to a close you get the increasing impression that the last few tracks are rescued really by some great solos and stomping skin work which is a shame because trimming of a couple of tracks may have made this less obvious. 

      4/5
      • Reputation Points

      • 4 replies
×
×
  • Create New...