Are you a musician exposed to loud music, a performer, or generally in the music industry? Hearing protection for musicians like you is crucial because your career and livelihood rely on protecting your hearing.
You must be able to listen to the music you're playing and hear any musicians playing or anyone who might be singing. Earplugs are a valuable thing to have when it comes to protecting your hearing, and there are many benefits to wearing them when you're in the music industry. So, are custom-fit musician earplugs worth the cost?
The risks to your hearing
Earplugs shield your ear's inner canal and the eardrum itself. They don't mute the sound entirely but soften it so it doesn't cause substantial damage to the ear. Regular conversion is around 60 decibels, but when it comes to music, especially in places where musicians are playing at shows or events, it can reach 100+ decibels.
Any periodic sound that you are exposed to above 85 decibels can do harm which is irreversible to your hearing. That's why getting some hearing protection is critical whenever you work in a career or a setting with extreme noise.
You can experience hearing loss as your bodies begin to weaken when you get older. However, wearing earplugs can prevent damage from happening sooner to your ears.
Custom-fit over disposable earplugs
When reducing the sound that penetrates your ears, there are choices that you can pick from when it comes to earplugs. Some come in various shapes and sizes and have diverse designs. You can have ones you can shape and mould to your ear canal because they're like soft putty. You can also regard a custom-fit earplug, but anything that's custom-fit will often cost slightly more.
Nonetheless, it would benefit you if you had an earplug that would cap the sound sufficiently so that you can't hear anything. You also like managing various frequencies and sounds, as this can vary depending on where you play your music and what you play. So, when it comes to custom-fit over disposable earplugs, what are the advantages? And finally, are they worth the cost?
The comfort and sound quality
When talking about comfort, you don't want to mess around and have to modify the earplug in your ear to fit appropriately. Custom-fit earplugs provide a level of comfort when using them for long hours. Having those earplugs on all day when performing is essential. When you purchase regular generic earplugs, most won't be comfy after a certain period.
Custom-fit earplugs are generally more comfortable. They are custom-made to fit your ear's canal. You could wear them for hours on end and feel as if you have nothing in your ears because they're sitting comfortably within the ear.
Disposable earplugs are helpful when you might not be playing in loud conditions as frequently or you need them when you need to fall asleep faster. Regarding sound quality, disposable earplugs can obstruct all sound and frequencies, making it hard to listen to the sound being played around you. Custom-fit special filters can provide quality sound without losing it altogether.
How much do they cost?
The cost is essentially vital for you, and if you need to wear them every day, they won't last long unless they are of good quality. So, purchasing multiple earplugs can add up, especially when trying to purchase high-quality ones. However, custom-made earplugs will last for at least five years if you take care of them properly.
Are custom-fit earplugs worth the cost?
If you work in an environment like a musician, then yes. They're worth the investment when it comes to safeguarding your ears. They are also comfortable to wear for long hours, and the sound quality will benefit you when listening to music and playing.
For more information about custom-made earplugs, you can contact hearing care professionals or check the services we offer. For more information about caring for your ears, check out the stories from other users.
Image: Spacebirdy @ Wikimedia