Quitting earplugs progress update

[Fulltimemuso]

So, as a singer working in care homes I was experimenting with all kinds of earplugs.

Plan 1 : All the earplugs

Protecting my ears whenever I could. I went down the rabbit hole (silicone/expensive pro moulds/filters) and in the end found CHEAP FOAM earplugs were actually the best. The really brought down the sound level, and no occlusion problems. I started to feel my ears calming down a bit. T was less noticeable.

However! The foam plugs are uncomfortable, and caused my ear drum pop/crackling issues, and also infections. My ear canals were not happy!

Plan 2 : No earplugs

So, as of around a month ago, I decide I would try and forgo earplugs for all but the loudest situations. So, acoustic gigs, or quiet (ish) care home gigs - I'd mostly not use earplugs at all. The gigs were so much more enjoyable! I felt free to express myself and connect with the audience. Wonderful. But alas, I must report , overall my T had gone up and I was noticing it a lot. I'd hoped it would plateau, but it seemed ever present and getting worse. Like my body was telling me - if you want to keep gigging you need protection.

Plan 3 : Sensible approach to earplugs

And here I am today, trying to find a middle ground. I think if I can accustom myself to the pro-moulded-filtered plugs I could find that sweet spot.

I can't go full foam, as there's too many irritation type issues. Silicone cheap ones, forget it.

I always had issues with the moulds as the sound I was hearing was not very nice, but maybe now I can get used to this altered sound. Also, if I wear them more, I can get used to connecting with my audience with plugs in.

For now, this is going to be my next step. Just use the moulded plugs I have (with 26dB filter) and see if I can make that work. I think I'll do it in all situations where I'm singing and playing.

Conclusion

T is a bit of a nightmare, but we have to fid ways to manage it. It's not perfect but if you can find a way to make it possible to conduct your life in a fairly normal way - you're doing ok! Best wishes everyone !

[Jamdonut]

Thank you for sharing and thanks for keeping us updated. My issue is that wearing ear plugs I can hear the screaming T more but need to wear plugs due to hypercusis. So I generally walk around without plugs but then my T goes up in volume. Anyway I wanted to ask . Which molded ear plugs are you recommended. Can you send me a link? Thanks

[Fulltimemuso in reply to Jamdonut]

Ah, that sounds like a tricky situation to mange, but good luck with it.

I am currently using ACS Custom moulded plugs. I would recommend, but just bear in mind they take a little while to produce 6 weeks or so I'd say.

[D-w-L2023]

You probably already know about this scheme but if not...

musiciansunion.org.uk/membe...

The comprehensive Hearing Health Scheme includes:

An audiological assessment and ear check-up (worth over £200) from an audiologist who specialises in musicians’ hearing

One set of custom-made, specialist musician earplugs (worth £149)

Expert advice on referral routes for any hearing problems you may have, and next steps to manage any problems, including contact with your GP

Optional wax removal at a subsidised rate of £50

The assessment is heavily subsidised by Help Musicians so you will only have to make a one-off payment of £50. The MU provides further a subsidy to bring the cost down to £37.50 for MU members.

You will receive an assessment and hearing protection worth almost over £300, as well as an optional follow-up assessment every two years for £80.

[Fulltimemuso in reply to D-w-L2023]

Hi, yes actually I did know about this - and I think I have had all these tests now. Also, I have the moulded earplug. Appreciate the help anyway though.

[Hidden in reply to Fulltimemuso]

Hi - Julian Cowan Hill helps many musicians, have you been able to contact him at all? He has a website.