TALKING EARS
News about Earmark Hearing Conservation and the podcast Talking Ears.
Musicians Earplugs - Part 1: The Science Behind The Sound
“How do Musicians Earplugs actually work?”
This is one of the most common questions I answer during Hearing Conservation Consultations, so it is as good a place as any to start a blog series on Musicians Earplugs...
“How do Musicians Earplugs actually work?”
Musicians Earplugs (tm) photo credit: www.sensaphonics.com
This is one of the most common questions I answer during Hearing Conservation Consultations, so it is as good a place as any to start a blog series on Musicians Earplugs. Further installments in this series will cover the available filter levels, importance of build material, purpose an acoustic seal in the ear canal, and tips for acclimating to the use of earplugs during rehearsal, performance, and audio production work.
What are Musicians Earplugs?
Attenuation mimics the natural resonance of the open ear canal
Custom musicians earplugs are the standard professional option for reducing sound levels while maintaining the fidelity of the signal. They are custom built molds made from impressions of the individual's ears. The design allows them to mimic the natural resonance of the open ear canal, which differs from the acoustics of foam earplugs or other generic 'music earplug' options.
How do they work?
The answer is wonderfully simple, but it also speaks to the high level of quality control that is required on the part of the lab to ensure a relatively flat broad-band attenuation (sound level reduction). This is accomplished by combining a sound attenuating filter with a resonance channel that emulates the acoustic parameters of an open ear canal. The following technical information is presented by Etymotic Research, the company that developed the design and manufactures the ER-series filters:
Musicians Earplugs™ buttons have a diaphragm which functions as an acoustic compliance, while the volume of air in the sound bore of the custom earmold acts as an acoustic mass. The combination of the two produces a resonance at approximately 2700 Hz (as in the normal ear), which results in smooth, flat attenuation.
ER-9 Provides flat 9-dB sound reduction through the mid range and 15 dB in the highs
ER-15 Provides uniform 15-dB sound reduction across frequencies
ER-25 Provides 25-dB relatively flat sound reduction across frequencies
Attenuation/frequency response of ER Series Musicians Earplugs (tm) compaired with generic foam earplugs. www.etymotic.com
What do they sound like?
In the simplest terms, listening through Musicians Earplugs sounds like the original signal, but quieter; it could be said that they are the closest thing to a volume control for real-world sounds available. Dr. Brian Fligor created a clear demonstration of the sound of Musicians Earplugs by using data from in-ear sound level measurements. You can listen to these sound examples on the Boston Audiology Consultants webpage.
Though Musicians Earplugs are often marketed as "flat" or "uniform", it is important to point out that nothing is every truly flat. If you've ever worked with any sound device, electronic or acoustic, this is an accepted and understood fact. It would be more fair to describe Musicians Earplugs as "balanced" and "accurate", as they maintain the relative balance of tonal components and harmonics across a very broad spectrum. Everyone has a different perception and response, so check out the tutorials section for individual reactions.
Further reading about Musicians Earplugs
Contact Earmark Hearing Conservation to discuss whether custom earplugs are right for you and your individual situation. For more information about our services, please visit our services page.
Announcement: Expanded clinical services now offered at Aberdeen Audiology
... Earmark Hearing Conservation is now offering expanded clinical services at Aberdeen Audiology. Led by Dr. Tom Goyne, Aberdeen Audiology is a premier Audiology practice located in Philadelphia’s Main Line suburbs...
It is with great excitement that we can announce that Earmark Hearing Conservation is now offering expanded clinical services at Aberdeen Audiology. Led by Dr. Tom Goyne, Aberdeen Audiology is a premier Audiology practice located in Philadelphia’s Main Line suburbs. With a unparalleled dedication to quality patient care and a motto as perfectly phrased as "live life loud and clear", Aberdeen Audiology and Earmark Hearing Conservation are an obvious match up.
Earmark's Dr. Wartinger will be offering the same clinical services as his standard mobile practice, with the addition of comprehensive diagnostic hearing testing in Aberdeen's state-of-the-art clinical facility. For appointment inquiries, please contact Earmark Hearing Conservation at EarmarkHC@gmail.com.
For location, directions, and other audiology services provided by Dr. Tom Goyne and his incredible staff at Aberdeen Audiology, please visit aberdeenaudiology.com or call 610-981-1072.
Aberdeen Audiology
230 Sugartown Road
Suite 10
Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087
Hearing Protection Myths and Recommendations: The Lowdown from Two Rock-Star Audiologists
Reverb, the gear-driven marketplace/community, may be young (started in 2013) but it is proving to be wise beyond its years. With a series of articles regarding hearing wellness...
Reverb, the gear-driven marketplace/community, may be young (started in 2013) but it is proving to be wise beyond its years. With a series of articles regarding hearing wellness, Reverb.com has shown a commitment to not only helping musicians get the gear they want/need, but also helping musicians keep the hearing they have. This emphasis reminds the reader that it isn't all about the gear, it is really all about the ear.
Army's Smart Earplug Damps Explosive Noise, But Can Enhance Whispers
NPR recently aired an accurate and well produced piece about the Army's newest efforts to address communication and hearing conservation for soldiers.
Similar technology is available for hunters, construction workers, and others in need of situational awareness as well as sound isolation from high intensity impulse sounds... but it tends to look so much cooler when paired with fatigues and worn by a guy who's name is "Sgt. Bacon".
Pearl Jam and MusiCares joining forces
Hearing Protection at Concerts
Making hearing protection at concerts a positive headline is something we can get behind. Good on you, Pearl Jam!
MusiCares is Raising Awareness
MusiCares is the charitable arm of the Grammy Foundation and the Recording Academy. Their mission statement says it all:
MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.
Read more about this exciting partnership that is bringing considerable attention to hearing wellness in the concert attendee audience.
"Stop touring immediately or risk total hearing loss”
Doctors advised AC/DC singer Brian Johnson to "stop touring immediately or risk total hearing loss." http://consequenceofsound.net/2016/03/acdc-frontman-brian-johnson-ordered-to-stop-touring-immediately-or-risk-total-hearing-loss/
I hope there is more to this story, for Brian Johnson's sake. Not only is AC/DC known as one of the loudest bands of all time (http://tinyurl.com/jhyfgx9), Mr. Johnson has cited race car driving as a cause for hearing damage in past interviews. Whatever may be the exact cause, musicians like Brian Johnson rely on their hearing to deliver their performances, night after night. It is a real tragedy when a performer can no longer continue due to hearing problems.