Ear Protection .. any suggestions?

[Grewster]

So I’ve been playing in rock bands since I was fourteen … now 68. Of course I have tinnitus and, stupidly, have only been using ear protection for the last couple of years, I also gig with in-ears when I can.

Has anyone recommendations for really good ear protection? I don’t mind spending money on this - I just need to keep what I’ve got for as long as I can!

Cheers all!

[uk_lefty]

ACS Custom moulded earplugs are excellent. I think you also get a small bass chat discount 

[Lozz196]

Another ACS recommendation here.

[Skybone]

If you want really good ear protection, then ACS Custom earplugs are the way to go. 

 

Not cheap, but well worth it, and last for years.

[mep]

A couple of good threads about this subject already if you sesrch. Go custom molded is the general consensus.

Edited January 14 by mep

[AlexDelores]

Another for ACS customs this end or if you’re using in ears regularly then you’d be surprised at how much a good set of moulded headphones will cut out external noise and allow you to work at a much lower level. 
 

Can’t recommend Miles from Dakin Custom Audio highly enough if you go down that route. Incredibly knowledgeable and doesn’t discriminate from weekend warrior to arena regular.
 

https://www.dakincustomaudio.com/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAApFMcv0u4bHv1uEW46aJkDGdFGNu1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-KDg0-z1igMV1JZQBh3rTwCZEAAYASAAEgIBWfD_BwE

[fretmeister]

ACS! 

[Wombat]

Are people happy to please share ‘which’ ACS’s they have?

 

I’ve looked at all 7 options and none mention ‘playing bass’.

 

ta!

[Lozz196]

I’ve got the Pro 17s, they claim to have the flattest response of their range. I can’t compare against the rest of their range but the 17s are great, reduce my incredibly loud rock band down to a very pleasant volume, and one at which I can hear all instruments very clearly.

[wateroftyne]

ACS 17’s. Amazing.

[moley6knipe]

ACS all the way, as we know by now. Mine are ancient (really should get new moulds) so I think mine are 26s / nearest equiv is 27 now. A lot of attenuation - because geetards are geetards and one of my drummers uses the cheapest, nastiest cymbals known to man. Ear slicers

Edited January 14 by moley6knipe

[moley6knipe]

The thing that puts me off getting new moulds is all my local sites are Boots - thus likely an indifferent 19 yo doing the do 😩

[Lozz196]

I had mine done in Boots and it was a chap who must have at least been in his 30s, possibly 40s, very qualified as he explained the procedure very well, what it entailed, what to expect etc. I think they have dedicated qualified staff on this, as with the opticians part of the business, rather than putting general shop staff on it.

[thumbo]

I just ordered some new ones from ACS a few days ago. The Basschat discount code BASS15 gives 15% off on the ACS website. 
 

I’ve used the Pro17 customs for a few years now, which give a pretty flat 17db cut. These are a great all rounders. I’ve also used the 26db filters which are good if things are crazy loud. 

Edited January 14 by thumbo

[MichaelDean]

Yup, ACS 17s here too. So pleased with them. I had them done at Boots and the person that took my impressions was a trained audiologist that normally sees people for hearing aids. They do this stuff all the time. 

[chris_b]

I've been using ACS plugs for 20 years, and use ER17's and PRO26's. 

[jazzyvee]

I too have the ACS ear plugs 17db for gigging, I have another set which i think are 26db that i use when i go to listen to a live band. Then just last year got some ACS custom moulded IEM. 

 

[Skybone]

I originally ordered the 20dB filters, but they were too effective, and I couldn't hear conversation, bought a pair of the 17dB filters, and they're spot on.

 

Again, I had the moulds done at a branch of Boots, very professional.

[Wombat]

Thanks Peeps!

[Rosie C]

13 hours ago, Lozz196 said:

I’ve got the Pro 17s, they claim to have the flattest response of their range. I can’t compare against the rest of their range but the 17s are great, reduce my incredibly loud rock band down to a very pleasant volume, and one at which I can hear all instruments very clearly.

 

I have Pro 17s for playing with our Morris band. I also have the Evolve Ambient IEMs which also have a 17 dB reduction.

 

 

[Dan Dare]

Turn it down.

[Acebassmusic]

Slightly different for me. I use ACS Pro 17s and 10s. I find the 17s are excellent for taming the rock band I'm in or going to a gig. The 10s work well for me in rehearsals when the volume is lower but you still want protection from cymbals / snare etc.

[fretmeister]

18 hours ago, Wombat said:

Are people happy to please share ‘which’ ACS’s they have?

 

I’ve looked at all 7 options and none mention ‘playing bass’.

 

ta!

 

 

No - but they do say 'amplified instruments'

 

Pro17 for me but next time round I'm getting some Pro26 as I've got a bit of an ear problem - well the tubing behind it. Doesn't actually affect hearing, but that low freqs can be painful. 

 

The attenuation curves are all on the website under the "Downloads" bit for each product.

 

You can swap the filters in them though so once you have a set you can just buy different filters for different attenuation levels. They also allow a free filter exchange within 60 days of getting them.

 

ACS will let you repeat order from the same impressions for 4 years. After that you need new impressions as your ears will have changed shape too much.

[fretmeister]

17 hours ago, moley6knipe said:

The thing that puts me off getting new moulds is all my local sites are Boots - thus likely an indifferent 19 yo doing the do 😩

 

They'll be done by an audiologist who normally does hearing aids.

I doubt there's any teenagers with the qualifications.

 

However - for anyone close to Banbury, ACS headquarters is there and appointments can be made to get the impressions done there.