How do I stop myself from going deaf?

Normal earplugs take out all the high end, which means I can't hear what I'm doing.

I don't have a tinnitus problem yet, but at what point does the ringing never stop?

I also have an earwax problem. I produce enough of it for a fucking séance.

They do make filtered earplugs. Different types allowing different levels of high end, mid, and low frequency or decibels. They let in way more sound than normal earplugs and just block out the damaging levels of sound. That might help!

Etymotic Research is a company that makes custom, frequency flat earplugs. They are custom molded to fit your ear, and they can accept 3 different attenuation pads. A 10 dB, 15dB and 20dB pad is available. They are all relatively flat, however The 15 dB pad, aka the "Engineer's Pad", is the flattest of the three. You can check the link to their website above for more details. I have a pair of the 15 dB pads and am very happy with them. They are a huge step up from regular earplugs. Another feature of the earmmolds is to be able to insert earphones, which are also made by etyomtic research. The earphones fit into the same pocket that the pads do, and they are supposedly very accurate. They are great for on location recordings where you want to isolate yourself from what's happening around you. I believe they provide up to 40 dB of isolation from outside sources.

mike

wow. thanks for that. i just ordered a pair of the earplugs.

i have a pair which an audiologist made for me a couple of years ago for $150, and they suck. they're maybe a little better than kleenex, and they irritate my skin. there at least a 10 db loss in the high end. so i never end up using them. (im a guitarist) i like to hear the attack of the notes.

my inevitable deafness causes me quite a bit of anxiety. i would appreciate any information anybody has on this topic

Ari

hey

my filtered earplugs were made by westone

they have the little snap-in filter guys on the end

i think mine are 25dB

not the same as no earplugs--i can't wear them onstage, still

but good enough for everything else--watching live shows, practicing, etc.

earwax: do you have a little rubber splooshy ball? sorry, i don't know the technical name. ask at the pharmacy for a little rubber splooshy ball to get the fuckin' wax out of your ears. use warm water and put it in at an angle, splooshing over the sink, gently at first. you can get amazing and disgusting shit outta there. you might need drops if the wax buildup is heavy. i have to sploosh every few months, myself.

tm

Bulb syringe.

The best part of using the bulb syringe was criminally skipped over by Mr. Midgett: Hydrogen Peroxide. When you put it in you hear the wonderful sizzling noise as the peroxide chews away at that grody build-up. Great to whoosh in and out instead of water. For interesting results, you can use it on the beach on a sunny day and let the run-off get all over your hair.

Obvious things -

1. When using the bulb syringe before an important recording session, give your ears at least a few hours to settle. All that fluid running in and out and the rearrangement of the waxy buildup can fuck with your immediate perception.

2. I know everyone knows this, but keep Q-Tips the hell away from your ear canal. In fact, just barely stick the bulb on the syringe inside when using it. I like to think I'm pretty unflappable, but the phrase "punctured ear drum" gives me the complete willies.

3. Clearing buildup our of your ears gives you a clearer but more vulnerable position to sound. If you wash out your pipes, get those earplugs in before hitting the rock scene.

= Justin, who has a really gross and cool story about cleaning out ears

I have never used earplugs. I haven't noticed much hearing loss in the 13 years that I've played rock music. I say "much" because I'm sure there is some, I've just never been tested.
Lately, I've been using the semi-jokey excuse "what will I need my sensitive hearing for in my old age?" with my earplug-wearing bandmates.
But I really do think that I'd rather use up my eardrums now than later!

It's bad advice from a stupid old man, that's what it is.

Anyway...

Sakes.. ..
you may already know this but..

The 13 years of exposure without noticable loss is not a way to gauge what's really going on.

Hearing loss normally does not kick in until middle-age, unless you have some sort of unrelated medical condition. You might go until age 45 or 50 as you are now before you notice any loss, and then go completely deaf. and deafness fucking sucks in the worst way..

Ari

Another tip- Ginkgo Biloba cured my tinnitus. It doesn't work for everyone, apparently, but anyone kept up at night by the ringing may wan to give it a try.