Drummer Hearing Protection
Isolation Headphones
Let's face it - acoustic drums are LOUD! Unless you play with brushes or use rubber silencing mutes on your drum set, then drummer hearing protection should be taken very seriously. Hearing loss can sneak up on you over time and have a negative affect on your musical and drumming enjoyment.
Why use hearing protection earmuffs? To save your precious hearing! Seriously consider the highest DB reduction models as your first choices. Your ears deserve the best.
Below are a few common decibel ratings.
- Threshold of human hearing - 0
- Quiet recording studio - 10
- Speaking Conversation at 6 inches - 60
- Average home stereo - 80
- Cymbal Crash - 125
- Snare drum hit hard from six inches - 150
- Jet engine close up - 160
Ear protection headphones will also help you avoid Tinnitus which is a medical condition of constant ringing in your ears. This can be the result of prolonged exposure to loud drums, music or any sounds with a High DB (decibel) rating. Common sense is the key here.
Earmuffs to the Rescue
There is an inexpensive and very helpful solution to full volume practice. Ear muffs which not only help protect hearing but also have the advantage of greatly improving the sound that a drummer hears.The kick drum, snare and toms will sound deeper and more focused. Most drummers don't know this little secret. The effect is almost like studio EQ with the fatiguing higher frequencies filtered out. The sound reflections in a harsh sounding room are also controlled. Different models and brands will vary, so make sure you do the research and make a choice just right for you.
Sure, you won't hear the sizzle, but your ears will adapt and be much less in danger of permanent damage. In extremely loud bands or while playing mega loud drums, an inner ear plug and ear muffs will really push the ear protection up a notch.The amount of protection will vary depending on which ear muffs, ear plugs or combination of the two used. Following are a couple of suggestions based on my personal experience. Please understand that this is not medical advice, just my take on a few products.
Industrial ear muffs such as Peltor, Bilsom, Howard Leight, and North and can be quite effective in the highest DB reduction models. The Peltor Ultimate 10 or Peltor H10A Optime 105, both rated at about 30 DB reduction, have best combination of isolation and comfort in my experience! Extreme Isolation HP-25s are more compact and are rated at 25 DB reduction according to the manufacturer. Viv firth has a similar pair. They work well but with noticeably less isolation.
Peltor Ultimate 10
Peltor Optime 105
These are also great for mowing the lawn, using a vacuum, blender, loud drum students, and peacefully meditating on the latest drumbeat or fill your working on. They are fairly comfortable up to 30 minutes or so. Remember that the clamping pressure has to make a tight seal to be effective. Steady use will break them in and help reduce the pressure.
Check out Peltor, Bilsom, Howard Leight, North, Pro Ears and others to see what models are available. ALways try to test them in person before buying.
Also click the "Drummer Headphones" article in the menu to
learn about "listening earmuffs". Deciding to protect your ears now
before any damage is done is a move you'll never regret. Enjoying crystal
clear music for a lifetime is worth the small effort and expense!
