4 Best Hearing Protection For Drummers: Safeguard Your Sound
Let’s talk about something that hits close to home for all of us drummers – our hearing. Did you know that prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing damage? And guess what? A typical drum set can easily reach 120 decibels! That’s like standing next to a jet engine taking off. Yikes! As someone who’s been pounding the skins for over three decades, I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to protect your ears. You don’t want to end up like Pete Townshend of The Who, who famously struggles with hearing loss and tinnitus. In this guide, we’ll explore the best hearing protection for drummers.
Understanding the Importance of Hearing Protection for Drummers
I’ve been drumming for over three decades now, and luckily I started using hearing protection very early on in my career, which has certainly been a blessing!
The impact of hearing loss on a drummer’s career and quality of life is no small thing, and we’ve seen it happen to some of the greats. They end up struggling to hear cues on stage, missing out on conversations at low volumes, and worst of all, losing the ability to fully appreciate the music they’ve dedicated their lives to. It’s heartbreaking, totally preventable.
Sometimes hearing loss can be a total accident. For example, the great Thomas Lang was in a car accident a few years ago, where the airbags deployed and he found that his hearing had been affected in the ear which hit the airbag.
You might think that wearing hearing protection will mess with your ability to hear the nuances in your playing, as well as what other band members are doing. This is true if you use a form of hearing protection that block all frequencies, such as simple foam earplugs.
However, good quality musician’s earplugs will actually help you hear better by cutting out the harmful frequencies while still letting you catch all the details of your music. Products like Hearos for example will not only reduce the decible level but also filter the sound to allow those valuable frequencies through.
These days, I never do a gig without these. And the best part? I can still rock out just as hard, but without the worry of damaging my hearing.
Remember, our ears are incredible instruments themselves. They’re what allow us to experience the joy of music in the first place. So let’s treat them with the respect they deserve.
Types of Hearing Protection Available for Drummers
First up, foam earplugs. These little guys are everywhere, and for good reason. They’re cheap, easy to find, and do a decent job of blocking out noise. They worked okay, but I felt like I was playing underwater.
The pros? They’re affordable and disposable, which is great if you’re always losing them. The cons? They can muffle the sound too much, making it hard to hear the nuances in your playing.
If you go this route, make sure you’re inserting them correctly. Roll them up tight, pull your ear up and back, and let them expand in your ear canal. It takes some practice, but it makes a big difference. They’re cheap, and great if you’re in the audience at a metal concert, but not so much if you are the one playing.
Custom-molded earplugs are a whole different ballgame. I got my first pair when I was in high-school. These are made specifically for your ears, so they fit like a glove (since they are molded from your ear canal).
The sound quality is way better than foam plugs – you can hear everything clearly, just at a lower volume. The downside? They’re pricey, and you gotta go to an audiologist to get them made. But in my opinion, they’re worth every penny.
For those marathon practice sessions, over-ear protection can be a lifesaver. They’re super comfortable for long periods and provide great coverage. Plus, you can usually plug them into your electronic kit or monitoring system. The only drawback is they can get a bit sweaty during intense sessions. But hey, that’s rock ‘n’ roll, right?
Now, let’s talk about the fancy stuff – noise-canceling electronic headphones. These high-tech wonders are like having a sound engineer in your ears. They automatically adjust to the volume around you, cutting out harmful noise while still letting you hear everything clearly.
The catch? They’re expensive and require batteries (or recharging). But for professional drummers, they’re a solid investment.
Lastly, let’s chat about Hearos High Fidelity Musician Ear Plugs. These are kind of a middle ground between foam and custom plugs. They’re reusable, come in different sizes, and are designed specifically for musicians.
I keep a pair in my stick bag at all times. They do a great job of reducing volume without muffling the sound too much. The best part? They’re way more affordable than custom plugs but offer better sound quality than basic foam ones.
No matter which type you choose, the most important thing is consistency. It’s like wearing sunscreen only when you go to the beach, but not when you’re out running errands. Your ears need protection all the time.
I’ve tried all these options over the years, and honestly, what works best can vary from drummer to drummer. It depends on your playing style, the type of music you’re into, and your budget.
Start with something affordable like the Hearos or basic foam plugs to get used to playing with protection. Then, as you get more serious, consider investing in custom or electronic options.
Top 4 Earplugs for Drummers
Westone DefendEar Digital Shooter
First up, we’ve got the Westone DefendEar Digital Shooter. These bad boys offer an impressive 30dB of noise reduction while still allowing for clear communication. The digital sound processing is top-notch, letting you hear your bandmates clearly while protecting your ears from those skull-crushing decibels.
Etymotic Music PRO Elite Earplugs
Next on the list is the Etymotic Music PRO Elite. They offer adjustable protection levels (9dB, 15dB, or 25dB), which is super handy when you’re dealing with different volume levels throughout a recording day. The natural sound quality is incredible – it’s like turning down the volume on the world without losing any clarity. They’re a solid choice for serious hobbyists or gigging drummers.
3M PELTOR TEP-200 Rechargeable Ear Plugs
The 3M PELTOR TEP-200 is rechargeable and has an impressive battery life. They’re a bit bulkier than some other options, but the convenience factor is huge. Plus, their color makes them easy to see and hard to lose!
Sensaphonics Musicians Earplugs
Last but not least, we’ve got the Sensaphonics Musicians Earplugs. These are a solid all-rounder, offering great sound quality and comfort at a mid-range price point. What I love about these is the soft silicone material they use – they’re so comfortable you might forget you’re wearing them. They come with your choice of 9dB, 15dB, or 25dB filters, and you can even order additional filters separately if you need more options.
When it comes to comfort and durability, all of these options are leagues ahead of generic earplugs. They’re all made from high-quality materials that are designed to last for years with proper care.
One thing to keep in mind is that the process of getting custom molds made can be a bit of a hassle. You’ll need to visit an audiologist to get impressions of your ears made. It can feel a bit weird having someone squirt silicone into your ears, but trust me, it’s worth it for the perfect fit.
Remember, your ears are your most valuable asset as a musician, as hearing damage is cumulative and irreversible. Don’t skimp on protecting them. Whatever option you choose, make sure you’re consistent about wearing them.
Investing in quality hearing protection isn’t just about preserving your hearing – it’s about safeguarding your passion and career. Whether you opt for high-tech electronic earplugs or stick with trusty custom-molded options, the most important thing is that you’re taking action to protect your precious hearing.
Don’t wait until you start noticing problems; be proactive and make hearing protection a non-negotiable part of your drumming routine. Your future self will thank you when you’re still grooving hard years down the line, free from the frustration of hearing loss or tinnitus.
Drum kits come in many different forms and variations. Check out these articles for help on choosing a drum kit, the best drum sets for beginners, and the best electronic kits if you need to keep the noise down.
