Those of us that play drums are at a unique disadvantage of having to deal with possible hearing loss. I know this is the last thing you want to hear if you’re a drummer, but believe me... I know from experience!!

We play a "loud" instrument, and with dynamics and the "attack" of mostly snare drums, rim shots, and cymbal crashes, the instrument turns into a dangerous ones for the delicate parts of the ear.

A few years back, I was diagnosed with Meniere's Disease. This is a disease that causes vertigo attacks as well as a plugged ear feeling, and ringing in the ear. Fortunately, my vertigo attacks are not all that common, but I do suffer from hearing loss, and let me tell you, there is nothing worse for a musician then not being able to hear. It's frustrating, and most of all it can ruin your career.

My answer to this was getting a pair of custom made earplugs that fit in my ear and have filters that "attenuate" sound rather then muffling it. These allow me to hear the proper range of frequencies that we all need to balance our sound with that of the group, while protecting my ears from further damage. The model I have is called the ER-15. They have filters that attenuate 15db and were made for me by a local audiologist. The cost was about $125.00. I found this to be an excellent investment. I use these for practicing, live gigs, listening to live music that is loud, and even under headphones while playing with recorded music. In fact, I have even used them during fire alarms, and while using loud motorized equipment like lawn mowers. I really feel everyone should have a pair!

As I said, I found these to be the best investment that I've ever made, but I know that there are many drummers out there who don't want to make this kind of investment at first.  That's why I've teamed up with the company that makes the filters for my ER-15's to be able to offer these great filters in a one-size-fits all plug. 

 These are MUCH better then the foam ones that you might see at music stores or in gun shops.  These are MADE for musicians, so we can hear all of the frequencies we need to hear to mix our playing with that of the rest of the band.  The result is just that the sound level is just lower then without the protection.

If you’re serious about music and your hearing, you'll look into getting a pair of these!!

Louis A. Stavris
Hearing Protection

ER-20 Musician Earplugs Code: ER20 Price: $24.95 Quantity in Basket: none

Hear The Music - Hearing Loss Prevention Book Code: Book Price: $19.95 Quantity in Basket: none

Baby Blues Hearing Protection Code: BabyBlues Price: $24.95 Quantity in Basket: none