Best
Earplugs For Beginners
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Overall: Offers a staggering 27 decibels of noise reduction
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Best Feature: come with a durable aluminum case for safe storage
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Overall
Earplugs
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Overall: Designed with a discreet and low-profile shape
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Best Feature: 360-degree earphone rotation thanks to a lock-snap mechanism
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Earplugs for Professionals
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Overall: Flexible neck cord
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Best Feature: With filter tool and ACCU filters.
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TedScore™: 10/10
Have you ever had that ringing in your ears post-gig? That ringing is a sign of hearing damage, and without nifty gadgets like earplugs, drummers could be saying goodbye to our hearing.
It took me a bitter lesson or two to realize that the loud rumble of the bass and the crash of the cymbals are as electrifying as they are hazardous to our ears.
Hence this article on earplugs for Drummers!
It’s like a not-so-friendly souvenir from a night of rocking out behind my drum kit.
Now, I swear Alpine MusicSafe Earplugs are my silent heroes.
However!
Something else may work better for you, so read on to see what else I recommend.
As a drummer, I tell you that finding the perfect pair of earplugs can be as crucial as nailing that complex solo you’ve been perfecting for weeks.
It can be challenging due to individual ear canal size and shape differences, noise reduction needs, and personal comfort preferences.
So stick around because I will help you hit the high notes of ear health without missing a beat. Consider this your backstage pass to the ultimate drummer’s guide to earplugs.
Choosing the Right Earplugs
When I hit the drums during live shows, it’s not just about the rhythm and the beat but also about looking after my hearing. I know how important it is to protect my ears without compromising sound quality.
That’s a fine balance to play with; luckily, some great in-ear monitor options are designed to hit the mark for us musicians.
Shure SE215 Sound Isolating Earphones
High-fidelity earplugs are a drummer’s best choice for keeping that lovely natural sound.
Good ones, like Shure SE215 Sound Isolating Earphones, neatly reduce noise volume while maintaining sound clarity.
The ergonomic design ensures that the earplugs remain securely in position throughout the entire set, regardless of the volume or intensity of their playing style.
Shure SE215 Sound Isolating Earphones
FEATURES: Designed with a discreet and low-profile shape
OTHER INFO: 360-degree earphone rotation thanks to a lock-snap mechanism
- Durable construction for long-term use
- It looks virtually invisible when worn
- Includes various sleeves for a customized fit
- It is relatively expensive compared to standard earplugs
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Alpine MusicSafe Earplugs
Alpine MusicSafe Earplugs are exceptional due to their excellent high-fidelity sound attenuation.
This has been my first friend and go-to earplugs since then! The comfortable and secure fit and the interchangeable filters provide versatility and reliable ear protection for various environments and activities.
Alpine MusicSafe Earplugs
FEATURES: Made with Spline ThermoShape Synthetic
OTHER INFO: Has Alpine Conical Acoustic Filters
- Comfortable and secure fit for extended wear during performances or practice
- Interchangeable filters offer customizable noise reduction
- Other musicians' preferences for earplug materials and fit may vary
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs
Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs is known for its discreet and effective hearing protection with a modern look.
These earplugs offer a personalized fit for extended use, protecting and maintaining the clarity of music and speech with high-fidelity sound attenuation.
Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs
FEATURES: Low-profile, transparent design for minimal visual
OTHER INFO: Has sound-enhancing acoustic filters
- Soft interchangeable hearing protection
- Pocket-sized electronic kit
- Warm tonal balance shift
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Fender Musician Series Ear Plugs
Fender Musician Series Ear Plugs are truly impressive as they effectively reduce harmful noise levels in ear monitors while keeping the music clear and vibrant.
The earplugs come with a durable aluminum case for safe storage and easy portability, making them convenient for on-the-go use.
Fender Musician Series Ear Plugs
FEATURES: Offers a staggering 27 decibels of noise reduction
OTHER INFO: come with a durable aluminum case for safe storage
- Provide cost-effectiveness
- Comfortable and easy fit
- Reusable
- Earplug materials can vary based on individual preferences
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Etymotic MusicPro Electronic Musicians Earplugs
The Etymotic MusicPro Electronic Musicians Earplugs are innovative noise-reduction earplugs that automatically adjust the volume to eliminate the need for constant removal to hear.
I appreciate how these earplugs are natural hearing protection for soft sounds while preserving clear speech and reducing loud sounds by 9dB – 15dB to safeguard my hearing.
Etymotic MusicPro Electronic Musicians Earplug
FEATURES: Flexible neck cord
OTHER INFO: With filter tool and ACCU filters
- Instantaneously protects from too much sound
- Enables clear and natural hearing of soft sounds and speech
- It is relatively costly compared to standard earplugs
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Practical Buying Advice for Drummers
We all want high-quality ear protection at a reasonable price. When shopping, look for the sound reduction rate and consider the versatility for various situations, such as rehearsals, gigs, or music festivals.
High-fidelity, comfortable fit, and price are my top three ticks when choosing the best earplugs for drummers.
Practical Considerations for Drummers
Cost and Value
Sure, no one wants to break the bank. But trust me, spending more on quality drummer earplugs is a sound investment. You wouldn’t buy cheap old sticks or drum parts for playing drums.
Cheaper foam earplugs may need more protection with the same fidelity as those designed for musicians.
Hearing Health and Awareness
I’ve heard enough horror stories about hearing loss, and I’m not keen to become one of them. Knowing the warning signs of hearing loss gives me a heads-up to use ear protection for my ears before it’s too late.
Earplugs For Drummers:
Overall Experience
Selecting the right earplugs is like choosing a full band or drum set—it’s a personal decision, and finding the right balance between ear protection and sound quality is crucial, given the value of our hearing.
I love the Alpine MusicSafe Earplugs so much that I purchased a pair years ago – however, after trying out all of the above models, I’m seriously tempted to buy a new pair from Etymotic.
Despite their higher cost, I can confidently recommend the Etymotic Research High Fidelity Earplugs for their exceptional sound and comfort.
The Shure SE215 Sound Isolating Earphones also provide a snug fit for most ear sizes and effectively preserve music clarity.
Lastly, the nearly invisible Fender Musician Series Ear Plugs are ideal for beginners.
These choices protect my hearing and keep me connected to the music. That’s the dream, isn’t it?
So, invest in a solid pair or two. Your future self, enjoying the sweet sound of retirement without a hearing aid, will thank you. Trust me, your ears are worth it!
Wait, there’s more…
Explore the essential steps and tips for beginners learning to play the drums in this comprehensive guide.
super stoked to try those alpine ones, heard good things and my drums are LOUD
While the Shure SE215s are mentioned as sound isolating earphones, it’s vital to understand they’re earphones first, not traditional earplugs. Their primary function is for monitoring music, albeit they provide great isolation. This distinction is important for potential buyers focusing on hearing protection versus audio playback capabilities.
Exactly, they’re more suited for musicians or engineers who need to monitor audio while still wanting significant isolation.
So, would you say they’re not ideal for just drummers looking for hearing protection?
absolutely love the etymotic musicpro earplugs, been a game changer for me in the studio. they’re not just for drummers, imo everyone in music production should check em out
Hey, has anyone actually tried the Fender ear plugs? Wondering if they’re any good for live gigs where you’re close to the drums.
I’ve used them, and they’re pretty solid for reducing volume without losing clarity. Definitely worth a try.