Anyone here use earplugs?

[shall176]

I have been thinking about using them constantly, but whenever I do, It seems to block too much of the sounds that I want to hear.  I don't want to damage my hearing too much longer, so I feel I need to do something....Does anyone here use earplugs or some sort of head phones to protect yur hearing?  if so, what products do yu use, and how do you think they work as far as allowing you to hear the music and protect your hearing at the same time?

[bigblackdrummer]

I always do! You can buy ones that give you all the highs and lows but bring the volume down to protect your hearing. You have to get used to it...But after you do you will never play without them!!!!

[Dr C]

I always do! If not, and I am practicing to a click or CD then I use a Sennheiser headphone with good sound insulation. Either way I am still able to hear what I am playing.

Got to take good care of your ears!! If Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) sets in, it can be very painful, annoying and in some cases lead to permanent hearing loss!

[BigFoot_BigThumb]

I use them according to the setting.  I use these things called sound filters or something like that.  They're similar to what BBD is talking about.  You can also go to an audiologist and get some custom made/fitted earplugs that will allow to hear as well as protect.  That will be my next route.

[buzz95]

For individual practice?  Yes, 95% of the time, I do.  At home, I use Vic Firth's dB22 Isolation Headphones.  At church, I use my E5c IEMs (in hear monitors).  For the E5cs, I went to an audiologist to get a custom mold for better isolation (well, actually, the Shure fit kit products did not fit my ear canal at all). 

[JFunky]

For individual practice?  Yes, 95% of the time, I do.  At home, I use Vic Firth's dB22 Isolation Headphones.  At church, I use my E5c IEMs (in hear monitors).  For the E5cs, I went to an audiologist to get a custom mold for better isolation (well, actually, the Shure fit kit products did not fit my ear canal at all). 

....hmm.  That's strange.  My good friend "Jkay" did the same thing you did.

[buzz95]

because it's j_kay!  *lol*

[keydrummer]

Yes, Every time I Play.

[buzz95]

They do mass manufacture produts, you know!  Ima just be username"j_kay" lol!

[shall176]

I am surprised so many use them.  Unless they is going through a board and are hearing the whole band, I have never seen anyone in person use plugs or headphones for the sake of saving their hearing.  I am pleasantly surprised that so many of you guys have the forsight to guard yourselves against possible damage to your hearing. 

I went and purchased the vic firth isolation headphones today.  I will give that a go.....

[theLearner]

most of the time.....
i use disposable ear plugs