Hello all,
In the April 3 issue of The New Yorker magazine is an article about tinnitus and hearing loss. The author mentions earmuff that hunters use to lessen the impact sound of the discharging gun. I'm wondering whether this ilk of ear protection might have uses in our profession? Does anybody out there use these, and if so, anyone care to comment on their effectiveness?  Am I speaking loudly enough? :)

------------------------------
Stephen Kabat
Lyndhurst OH
216-381-5662
------------------------------

This is what I use:

Hearos -
https://www.hearos.com/collections/music/products/ultimate-softness-series-ear-plugs 

32 db attenuation, which is a lot, and the smoothest frequency response curve of any hearing protection I have looked at. Originally designed for musicians.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-14-2017 12:30
From: Stephen Kabat
Subject: tinnitus/hearing loss

Hello all,
In the April 3 issue of The New Yorker magazine is an article about tinnitus and hearing loss. The author mentions earmuff that hunters use to lessen the impact sound of the discharging gun. I'm wondering whether this ilk of ear protection might have uses in our profession? Does anybody out there use these, and if so, anyone care to comment on their effectiveness?  Am I speaking loudly enough? :)

------------------------------
Stephen Kabat
Lyndhurst OH
216-381-5662
------------------------------

I use "Quiet Please" sponge earplugs during the industrial phase of a tuning, like during a pitch raise.  Since I'm just watching a dial anyway I spare my ears the banging.

------------------------------
Robert Callaghan
Reno NV
775-287-2140
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-14-2017 12:30
From: Stephen Kabat
Subject: tinnitus/hearing loss

Hello all,
In the April 3 issue of The New Yorker magazine is an article about tinnitus and hearing loss. The author mentions earmuff that hunters use to lessen the impact sound of the discharging gun. I'm wondering whether this ilk of ear protection might have uses in our profession? Does anybody out there use these, and if so, anyone care to comment on their effectiveness?  Am I speaking loudly enough? :)

------------------------------
Stephen Kabat
Lyndhurst OH
216-381-5662
------------------------------

I'm hooked on the Bose Quiet Comfort noise-cancelling earbuds. They are not cheap at $250 but they enhance the sound of tuning in a very interesting way. They lower the overall volume making test blows very easy on the ears, but they also seem to enhance the frequencies that help with tuning. 

Seattle Symphony technician Doug Wood turned me onto these as well as another one of Seattle's top techs, Yuri Melekh. It would be hard to go back now. They are rechargeable and I can go a few days between charges. 



------------------------------
Ryan Sowers
Olympia WA
360-705-4160
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-15-2017 01:20
From: Robert Callaghan
Subject: tinnitus/hearing loss

I use "Quiet Please" sponge earplugs during the industrial phase of a tuning, like during a pitch raise.  Since I'm just watching a dial anyway I spare my ears the banging.

------------------------------
Robert Callaghan
Reno NV
775-287-2140
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-14-2017 12:30
From: Stephen Kabat
Subject: tinnitus/hearing loss

Hello all,
In the April 3 issue of The New Yorker magazine is an article about tinnitus and hearing loss. The author mentions earmuff that hunters use to lessen the impact sound of the discharging gun. I'm wondering whether this ilk of ear protection might have uses in our profession? Does anybody out there use these, and if so, anyone care to comment on their effectiveness?  Am I speaking loudly enough? :)

------------------------------
Stephen Kabat
Lyndhurst OH
216-381-5662
------------------------------

I have been using Ear Shield hearing protectors for about 6-7 months now. I tried them by chance as I saw them in the firearms Dept when looking to get Balistol lubricant, etc. Intended for shooters who also need to hear spoken commands or instructions. 

They come in two dB levels, 26 and 31. I tried the 26db first but traded it in for the 31db which I like better.

Amazingly, at first it does not seem like they are doing anything at all, but the whole idea behind them is that they don't go IN your ears, but cover the ear canal from the outside. They say that loud noises are mostly routed up through the hollow sides and away from the ear. 

I figured it was worth $25 to try and see if it actually works since I really don't like earplugs in my ears. They do work, and actually seem to help me hear more of what I want to hear and less of what I don't want to hear. So I would recommend them to be tried.

The only drawback is that they have a slight tendency to fall down (that is the top part that goes over the crown of your head). But as long as I don't make too many jerky movements with my head it's not bad.

https://www.amazon.com/Otis-Technology

Pwg

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

Original Message:
Sent: 04-15-2017 03:07
From: Ryan Sowers
Subject: tinnitus/hearing loss

I'm hooked on the Bose Quiet Comfort noise-cancelling earbuds. They are not cheap at $250 but they enhance the sound of tuning in a very interesting way. They lower the overall volume making test blows very easy on the ears, but they also seem to enhance the frequencies that help with tuning. 

Seattle Symphony technician Doug Wood turned me onto these as well as another one of Seattle's top techs, Yuri Melekh. It would be hard to go back now. They are rechargeable and I can go a few days between charges. 



------------------------------
Ryan Sowers
Olympia WA
360-705-4160
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-15-2017 01:20
From: Robert Callaghan
Subject: tinnitus/hearing loss

I use "Quiet Please" sponge earplugs during the industrial phase of a tuning, like during a pitch raise.  Since I'm just watching a dial anyway I spare my ears the banging.

------------------------------
Robert Callaghan
Reno NV
775-287-2140
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-14-2017 12:30
From: Stephen Kabat
Subject: tinnitus/hearing loss

Hello all,
In the April 3 issue of The New Yorker magazine is an article about tinnitus and hearing loss. The author mentions earmuff that hunters use to lessen the impact sound of the discharging gun. I'm wondering whether this ilk of ear protection might have uses in our profession? Does anybody out there use these, and if so, anyone care to comment on their effectiveness?  Am I speaking loudly enough? :)

------------------------------
Stephen Kabat
Lyndhurst OH
216-381-5662
------------------------------

Yes, I've used hearing protection since I began tuning, and I can say that it saves my ears a lot of unnecessary noise, as well as helps me focus on the actual tuning process, not the customer in the next room. 

Ive used gun muffs before and they work great. However, on a day to day basis I tend to use earplugs.

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Piano Technician
Lompoc CA
805-315-8050
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-15-2017 15:19
From: Peter Grey
Subject: tinnitus/hearing loss

I have been using Ear Shield hearing protectors for about 6-7 months now. I tried them by chance as I saw them in the firearms Dept when looking to get Balistol lubricant, etc. Intended for shooters who also need to hear spoken commands or instructions. 

They come in two dB levels, 26 and 31. I tried the 26db first but traded it in for the 31db which I like better.

Amazingly, at first it does not seem like they are doing anything at all, but the whole idea behind them is that they don't go IN your ears, but cover the ear canal from the outside. They say that loud noises are mostly routed up through the hollow sides and away from the ear. 

I figured it was worth $25 to try and see if it actually works since I really don't like earplugs in my ears. They do work, and actually seem to help me hear more of what I want to hear and less of what I don't want to hear. So I would recommend them to be tried.

The only drawback is that they have a slight tendency to fall down (that is the top part that goes over the crown of your head). But as long as I don't make too many jerky movements with my head it's not bad.

https://www.amazon.com/Otis-Technology

Pwg

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

Original Message:
Sent: 04-15-2017 03:07
From: Ryan Sowers
Subject: tinnitus/hearing loss

I'm hooked on the Bose Quiet Comfort noise-cancelling earbuds. They are not cheap at $250 but they enhance the sound of tuning in a very interesting way. They lower the overall volume making test blows very easy on the ears, but they also seem to enhance the frequencies that help with tuning. 

Seattle Symphony technician Doug Wood turned me onto these as well as another one of Seattle's top techs, Yuri Melekh. It would be hard to go back now. They are rechargeable and I can go a few days between charges. 



------------------------------
Ryan Sowers
Olympia WA
360-705-4160
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-15-2017 01:20
From: Robert Callaghan
Subject: tinnitus/hearing loss

I use "Quiet Please" sponge earplugs during the industrial phase of a tuning, like during a pitch raise.  Since I'm just watching a dial anyway I spare my ears the banging.

------------------------------
Robert Callaghan
Reno NV
775-287-2140
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-14-2017 12:30
From: Stephen Kabat
Subject: tinnitus/hearing loss

Hello all,
In the April 3 issue of The New Yorker magazine is an article about tinnitus and hearing loss. The author mentions earmuff that hunters use to lessen the impact sound of the discharging gun. I'm wondering whether this ilk of ear protection might have uses in our profession? Does anybody out there use these, and if so, anyone care to comment on their effectiveness?  Am I speaking loudly enough? :)

------------------------------
Stephen Kabat
Lyndhurst OH
216-381-5662
------------------------------

Ryan, do you still use these or have you upgraded to a newer version? I'm looking to invest in something.

------------------------------
Rebecca Kayorie
Depew NY
716-997-1838
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-15-2017 03:07
From: Ryan Sowers
Subject: tinnitus/hearing loss

I'm hooked on the Bose Quiet Comfort noise-cancelling earbuds. They are not cheap at $250 but they enhance the sound of tuning in a very interesting way. They lower the overall volume making test blows very easy on the ears, but they also seem to enhance the frequencies that help with tuning.

Seattle Symphony technician Doug Wood turned me onto these as well as another one of Seattle's top techs, Yuri Melekh. It would be hard to go back now. They are rechargeable and I can go a few days between charges.



------------------------------
Ryan Sowers
Olympia WA
360-705-4160

Original Message:
Sent: 04-15-2017 01:20
From: Robert Callaghan
Subject: tinnitus/hearing loss

I use "Quiet Please" sponge earplugs during the industrial phase of a tuning, like during a pitch raise.  Since I'm just watching a dial anyway I spare my ears the banging.

------------------------------
Robert Callaghan
Reno NV
775-287-2140

Original Message:
Sent: 04-14-2017 12:30
From: Stephen Kabat
Subject: tinnitus/hearing loss

Hello all,
In the April 3 issue of The New Yorker magazine is an article about tinnitus and hearing loss. The author mentions earmuff that hunters use to lessen the impact sound of the discharging gun. I'm wondering whether this ilk of ear protection might have uses in our profession? Does anybody out there use these, and if so, anyone care to comment on their effectiveness?  Am I speaking loudly enough? :)

------------------------------
Stephen Kabat
Lyndhurst OH
216-381-5662
------------------------------

I developed tinnitus several years ago and it was a serious wake-up call for me.  I was planning on having a career in piano service but if my hearing gives out I have to move to another line of work.

Your hearing is your primary tool, abusing it only shortens or degrades your career's life span.

I bean using EAR UltraFit ear plugs (25 db):

https://www.amazon.com/Ear-Plugs-25dB-Cord-Univ/dp/B000660YJA?SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-d-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B000660YJA

Yes, they reduce your hearing, and at first it is annoying, but within a minute your ears adapt and there is little loss of useful sensitivity.  The advantage, besides prolonging your working life, is that you can seat strings with more vigorous test blows without doing yourself damage.

I have a couple of decibel meters and the noise level from normal tuning is often over 100 db; well withing the very harmful range.  Tuning is a damaging task for your ears!

Anything that blocks the ear canal is helpful, you don't actually need your ear canal open to tune as bone conduction alone will suffice for tuning.

------------------------------
Blaine Hebert
Duarte CA
626-795-5170
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-15-2017 01:20
From: Robert Callaghan
Subject: tinnitus/hearing loss

I use "Quiet Please" sponge earplugs during the industrial phase of a tuning, like during a pitch raise.  Since I'm just watching a dial anyway I spare my ears the banging.

------------------------------
Robert Callaghan
Reno NV
775-287-2140
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-14-2017 12:30
From: Stephen Kabat
Subject: tinnitus/hearing loss

Hello all,
In the April 3 issue of The New Yorker magazine is an article about tinnitus and hearing loss. The author mentions earmuff that hunters use to lessen the impact sound of the discharging gun. I'm wondering whether this ilk of ear protection might have uses in our profession? Does anybody out there use these, and if so, anyone care to comment on their effectiveness?  Am I speaking loudly enough? :)

------------------------------
Stephen Kabat
Lyndhurst OH
216-381-5662
------------------------------

I use a set up earbuds that are recently new to the market.  It's called Here One™ Wireless Smart Earbuds - Order Now

What's interesting about these is the "active" listening or ambient sound.  They are bluetooth earbuds that connect to my phone, so I can answer phone calls, listen to music, etc.  BUT, they also have microphones that listen to the ambient sound and allow me to adjust the sound that's coming thru.  I can adjust down to -22 dB or up to +6 dB and anywhere in between.  I can change the equalizer of the ambient sound and add effects, which includes focused listening towards a certain direction and cuts out all other sounds.  So, I've been able to lessen the dB to protect my hears, AND focus my hearing towards the piano so I can't hear the kids watching TV behind me.  
They are marvelous.  A bit pricey, but worth saving my ears.  I've used hearing protection for the past 5 years, either cheap or expensive, and it's worth the investment to me to protect my ears.

------------------------------
Dave Foster, RPT
Waterford MI
248-431-8804
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-14-2017 12:30
From: Stephen Kabat
Subject: tinnitus/hearing loss

Hello all,
In the April 3 issue of The New Yorker magazine is an article about tinnitus and hearing loss. The author mentions earmuff that hunters use to lessen the impact sound of the discharging gun. I'm wondering whether this ilk of ear protection might have uses in our profession? Does anybody out there use these, and if so, anyone care to comment on their effectiveness?  Am I speaking loudly enough? :)

------------------------------
Stephen Kabat
Lyndhurst OH
216-381-5662
------------------------------

I've tried a variety of earplugs over the years and am now happiest with custom molds (done by an audiologist) with an Etymotic filter. I initially got the 15 db filters but found they attenuated too much. 9db works well for me.

For what it's worth, I supplement with magnesium and NAC and personally feel it helps protect my hearing, especially the NAC.

http://www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2012/5/Strategies-Protect-Preserve-Your-Hearing/Page-02

------------------------------
David Bauguess
Grand Junction CO

------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-14-2017 12:30
From: Stephen Kabat
Subject: tinnitus/hearing loss

Hello all,
In the April 3 issue of The New Yorker magazine is an article about tinnitus and hearing loss. The author mentions earmuff that hunters use to lessen the impact sound of the discharging gun. I'm wondering whether this ilk of ear protection might have uses in our profession? Does anybody out there use these, and if so, anyone care to comment on their effectiveness?  Am I speaking loudly enough? :)

------------------------------
Stephen Kabat
Lyndhurst OH
216-381-5662
------------------------------

Original Message------

I've tried a variety of earplugs over the years and am now happiest with custom molds (done by an audiologist) with an Etymotic filter. I initially got the 15 db filters but found they attenuated too much. 9db works well for me.

For what it's worth, I supplement with magnesium and NAC and personally feel it helps protect my hearing, especially the NAC.

http://www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2012/5/Strategies-Protect-Preserve-Your-Hearing/Page-02

------------------------------
David Bauguess
Grand Junction CO

------------------------------

BTW there's a free phone app called sound meter and it tells you the sound level of whatever you're doing and whether you are in the danger zone.

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-19-2017 07:30
From: Michael Gamble
Subject: tinnitus/hearing loss

Hearing Aids. There must be a thread for this somewhere. As the need for a hearing aid becomes necessary there is one aspect in the amplification factor which I have found totally spoils the Sound of Music. - if Piano Tuning can be considered as Music - per se. This aspect is called 'Aliasing' and its effect is to modulate the music/tuning with a frequency of about 30Hz thus making the programme material unlistenable to. I found this in a pair of hearing aids which were quite expensive (more than $2000) A good audiologist is able to adjust this problem out - at the expense of lowered amplification.  My 2d. worth. (where 1d. = one penny and 240d. = £1. Geddit?

Michael   UK

so sad today sad dp

------------------------------
krish yadav
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-14-2017 12:30
From: Stephen Kabat
Subject: tinnitus/hearing loss

Hello all,
In the April 3 issue of The New Yorker magazine is an article about tinnitus and hearing loss. The author mentions earmuff that hunters use to lessen the impact sound of the discharging gun. I'm wondering whether this ilk of ear protection might have uses in our profession? Does anybody out there use these, and if so, anyone care to comment on their effectiveness?  Am I speaking loudly enough? :)

------------------------------
Stephen Kabat
Lyndhurst OH
216-381-5662
------------------------------

I use shooting earmuffs regularly. The specific ones I use are called Pro Ears Pro 200's. I like them well enough as they fold down quite small - I had to add some padding to the headband because they tend to dig in. They are no longer a current model but you can still get them -- however I think the newer ones with a shorter attack time may be desirable. Unfortunately they seem to have gotten larger and heavier in general as well; I think the ideal ones for piano tuning would be as light as possible with a little less attenuation, compared to what one would need at a gun range.

This place seems to still sell them; no idea if they're legit https://www.earplugstore.com/pro-ears-pro-200.html

------------------------------
Nathan Monteleone RPT
Fort Worth TX
(817) 675-9494
nbmont@gmail.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-14-2017 12:30
From: Stephen Kabat
Subject: tinnitus/hearing loss

Hello all,
In the April 3 issue of The New Yorker magazine is an article about tinnitus and hearing loss. The author mentions earmuff that hunters use to lessen the impact sound of the discharging gun. I'm wondering whether this ilk of ear protection might have uses in our profession? Does anybody out there use these, and if so, anyone care to comment on their effectiveness?  Am I speaking loudly enough? :)

------------------------------
Stephen Kabat
Lyndhurst OH
216-381-5662
------------------------------

Etymotic Research ER20XS  

I used this one at the beginning, but it was a bit hard, and the ear canal would be a little painful

Replace with Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs This brand is more comfortable

------------------------------
Zhanxi Huang
Benxi
86-18741420582
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-14-2017 12:30
From: Stephen Kabat
Subject: tinnitus/hearing loss

Hello all,
In the April 3 issue of The New Yorker magazine is an article about tinnitus and hearing loss. The author mentions earmuff that hunters use to lessen the impact sound of the discharging gun. I'm wondering whether this ilk of ear protection might have uses in our profession? Does anybody out there use these, and if so, anyone care to comment on their effectiveness?  Am I speaking loudly enough? :)

------------------------------
Stephen Kabat
Lyndhurst OH
216-381-5662
------------------------------

I recently got a set of EarPeace plugs that are the best fidelity of any I have tried, and they are also the most comfortable:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B099X8NCGC?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
They have other models for music, but these are the Concert series which are definitely better.  I also have the Eargasms, but prefer these.
FWIW.

------------------------------
Paul McCloud, RPT
Accutone Piano Service
www.AccutonePianoService.com
pavadasa@gmail.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-14-2017 12:30
From: Stephen Kabat
Subject: tinnitus/hearing loss

Hello all,
In the April 3 issue of The New Yorker magazine is an article about tinnitus and hearing loss. The author mentions earmuff that hunters use to lessen the impact sound of the discharging gun. I'm wondering whether this ilk of ear protection might have uses in our profession? Does anybody out there use these, and if so, anyone care to comment on their effectiveness?  Am I speaking loudly enough? :)

------------------------------
Stephen Kabat
Lyndhurst OH
216-381-5662
------------------------------