Ear Plugs in Marching Band?

Question

I want to get a pair of ear plugs for marching band practice because my section sits/practices right next to drumline and we have a ton of snares and they absolutely love to play loud. And our marching instructor uses a gok blok (sp?) during warm ups and sets to keep us in time. So I want something that will still let me hear what's going on but will help my ears. I was thinking about the Hearos brand in either High Fidelity or Skull Screws. Which would you suggest or do you use a different brand?

Answer 1

I beg to differ with Revilo - if your drumline is playing loud, then earplugs are going to save you from permanent hearing damage. What you need is flat attenuation plugs - they cut all frequencies evenly so you still hear everything the same but quieter. I know a lot of sound engineers who use them and it doesn't hurt the mix at all - in fact it improves it because the engineer can hear better and isn't boosting the frequencies that they can't hear properly to compensate. The High Fidelity plugs look like they have a flatter attenuation than the Skull Screws so they're going to suit your purpose better - but it's worth getting some custom-made if you don't mind shelling out a bit more $$$. But if you don't want to do that, I'd be going for the High Fidelity plugs.

Answer 2

Band Ear Plugs

Answer 3

Any brand that cuts all frequencies evenly should do the trick for you; that way you get a reduced sound level but no muffled sounds. If you use them a lot, it's really worth the moderate expense of having a set custom made for your ears.

Answer 4

i would never suggest using ear plugs for marching band. sorry. using anything that can inhibit the way you hear things from the sound you produce with your horn or ensemble-wise is not a good idea. things sound different if they're out in the open or muffled. i would suggest asking your drumline to play less loud or asking them to practice at a different location. my band director gets upset if anything covers our ears because it might change our perception on what we hear. also, i would ask your band director if it would be possible to wear ear plugs. if they allow it and it helps then so be it.