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Hearos Ear Plugs

  • 1.  Hearos Ear Plugs

    Posted 02-27-2018 18:38
    I have been using Hearos High Fidelity Ear Plugs every tuning day. I use as directed inserting and clean them regularly. Today for the second time the tip of the plug tore loose and I've just returned from the doctor inspecting my ear for the torn plug. 
          The first torn plug was removed by my ENT. I was reprimanded br Hearos for not using it properly. This time I'm looking for another brand better than Hearos High Fidelity Ear Plugs. 
         Any recommendations. Hearos is way too risky for me.

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    Thomas Black
    Decatur AL
    256-350-9315
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  • 2.  RE: Hearos Ear Plugs

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-27-2018 22:39
    I've been using Hearos Ultimate Softness foam ear plugs for years. Rated at NRR 32. I checked specs on ear plugs before I started using these. They not only have the highest decibel reduction but also the flattest frequency response. (When used as directed.) I like them a lot! I wear them for about a week then just toss them for a new pair. Package of 20 pair will run you $7 - $10 depending on where you buy them. 

    However, I just discovered that Hearos also makes a NRR 33 foam ear plug. Unfortunately, while that extra db is actually quite a lot, the frequency response is not nearly as smooth as the NRR 32.

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    Geoff Sykes, RPT
    Los Angeles CA
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  • 3.  RE: Hearos Ear Plugs

    Posted 02-27-2018 23:06
    I'm pretty obsessive about protecting my ears both while tuning and when around other loud volume levels, and I have used a number of different brand of plugs. Until a 3½  years ago I mostly used Etymotic ER-20 plugs, Then I bit the bullet and got a pair of custom musician plugs. Without question they are the best I've used. I got them at a hearing aid business. They made the custom molds for my ears. Because I had read about these custom plugs before my appointment, I followed the advice to have the molds go through the two bends in the canal. Maybe that doesn't matter. An audiologist might have a recommendation. 

    The audiologist that fit me used Westone HearPro style 49 custom Earplugs. The molds (made of silicone) have an opening in which a filter is inserted. The brand I got (and would recommend) is Etymotic. It was my choice how much attenuation I wanted, and after studying this chart, I chose the ER•15 filters because they seemed the most versatile. 

    https://www.etymotic.com/consumer/hearing-protection/erme.htmlicians Earplugs

    Etymotic and probably other companies can also supply moldings. 

    For me, the attenuation was too much. I talked with someone at Etymotic who told me from what he heard from piano tuners, the ER•9 filters were preferred. I bought a pair (an extra cost) and have found them to be right for my ears. I mention this because a thoughtful, informed decision up front will save the extra money for another pair.

    I carry the plugs in the case they came, and before I put them in the case, I check to make sure the filter didn't come out. They fit reasonably snugly but one time I apparently knocked one out of the molding and searched for it in vain for. Then on laundry day my wife asked "Do you know what this is?" The filter had apparently fallen in my shirt pocket as I pulled the plug from my ear. I mention this because the replacement filters are not cheap.

    I paid $160 for my plugs. It appears current prices are closer to $200. Even if it took a couple of tunings to pay for them, for years of excellent protection, I feel it's a bargain...and a tax deduction.

    Technology for hearing aids has advanced significantly, so what I've shared is what I chose 3½ years ago. If I were buying today, I'd see if there are newer options worth considering.​

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    David Bauguess
    Grand Junction CO
    970-257-1750
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  • 4.  RE: Hearos Ear Plugs

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-28-2018 03:57
    I have been using E.A.R UltraFit 25 db ear plugs for years with great results.  They are easy to insert, effective and I can tune all day without problems. 

    A pair lasts me for years and they are not expensive:
    https://www.earplugstore.com/ultrafit25.html

    Only wash these with soap, do not use alcohol!

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    Blaine Hebert
    Duarte CA
    626-795-5170
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  • 5.  RE: Hearos Ear Plugs

    Posted 02-28-2018 09:40
    Thanks for all your responses. I’m following up on your info.

    Sent from my iPhone




  • 6.  RE: Hearos Ear Plugs

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-28-2018 11:33
    I bought a pair of musician's ear plugs from Etymotic Research a 12 years ago. They are custom made to fit your ear canal and have removable filters that come in 3 different attenuation levels: 9dB, 15dB, 25dB. I use the 15dB filters. Save for having to replace a filter that I smashed with an upright lid some years ago, my plugs have been a great product that stands the test of time. Worth every penny. 

    www.etymotic.com





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    Kate Redding
    Greenville NC
    252-328-6069
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  • 7.  RE: Hearos Ear Plugs

    Posted 02-28-2018 11:56
    Thank you Kate. I’m impressed with the longevity of your plugs. Am checking on them now. Thanks, again

    Sent from my iPhone




  • 8.  RE: Hearos Ear Plugs

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-28-2018 11:56
    I also invested in Musician's Ear Plugs, and found that the 9 db filter was plenty. I've tried Etymotics in the $10-20 range, but found they run really small.

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    Scott Cole
    Talent OR
    541-601-9033
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  • 9.  RE: Hearos Ear Plugs

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-28-2018 12:05
    I've used Hearos, ER-20's and other similar plugs which reduce the overall sound level. They do have different sizes, so you do have choices there. I had some custom fitted Musician's Ear Plugs many years ago, but found they were uncomfortable. The ER20's fit me well and were much more comfortable. Plus, they don't cost too much, and I don't worry if I lose them. The MEP's were over $100 even 20 years ago, so losing them was a big deal. I hate not having them when I need to tune, so I keep several pairs in various places, in my car, etc.
    Paul McCloud
    San DIego




    Scott Cole
    I also invested in Musician's Ear Plugs, and found that the 9 db filter was plenty. I've tried Etymotics in the $10-20 range, but found they run really small.

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    Scott Cole
    Talent OR
    541-601-9033





  • 10.  RE: Hearos Ear Plugs

    Posted 02-28-2018 14:37
    Kate,
    I just had the musician’s molds made of my ear canal. The audiologist is a knowledgeable musician and uses the Etymotic
    Filters...buttons. He confirmed 15 DB filters is what I need. Cant wait to get them. I appreciate the info. He confirmed they will last for years.
    Sent from my iPhone




  • 11.  RE: Hearos Ear Plugs

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-01-2018 09:56
    Thomas,

    I have been using the "Earshield" from Otis Technology for almost two years now. I like them much better than ear plugs of any sort . They don't go in the ear, but block around the outer part of the ear canal. I have found that they protect from the high-decibel impacts, yet they actually help me hear more of what I need to hear and less of what I don't want to hear. I can tune all the way to top and bottom with ease. And still carry on a conversation (not while tuning of course). They told up and take up little room. Not expensive either.

    Pwg

    EarShield™ Hearing Protection
    Otis Technology remove preview
    EarShield™ Hearing Protection
    Otis Technology presents a smarter way to protect your hearing while improving your response to range commands and other communication. EarShield's™ new Sound Reduction Chamber Technology changes the sport shooter experience. Now you can shield your ears from high-decibel noise comfortably while hearing other sound frequencies such as speech, clearly, without removing your gear.
    View this on Otis Technology >



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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    603-686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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