Hi Guys,

It seems to be a while since the topic of hearing protection was discussed. I'm sure we're all aware of the Noise at Work regulations (UK) becoming applicable to entertainment venues from April 2008. Just wondering how people are dealing with this, especially live sound engineers? Have people had hearing tests or anything?

I recently had a hearing test which revealed some hearing loss in one ear. I don't notice it, and consider myself to have quite good hearing compared to some, so I was surprised! Anyway, I now have some custom molded ear plugs with flat response 15db attenuation. Only cost about £65 so not as much as I thought by a long way!

I was sceptical, but when I wear them everything does sound 'normal', just a bit quieter. I am primarily a lighting op, where I guess sound quality is not so much of an issue, but on Sunday I had to do sound for the first time wearing these plugs. I kept taking them out for a few seconds to have a 'proper' listen, but the balance/sound I heard was just the same as with them in. It looks like the technology is now here to allow sound engineers to be protected while still doing their job.

Anyone else tried these things? How do you find them to work with?

Ben.

£65 for custom moulds? I have to ask where and who do those? My custom plugs (which I agree are astoundingly good) were around £170. Well worth it, but always good to know a cheaper alternative.

Yes we were very surprised at the cost. This was from Specsavers (one of the larger shops which does hearing as well as vision). Apparently they have a good deal with the company who makes their custom mold hearing-aid inserts. The product is virtually identical to the branded ones costing £150+. I believe the audio filter is made by Siemens.

Biskit you have just made me a very happy man and saved me a lot of money
sam

just a quick question biskit how much attenuation have you got on yours?

That's ace! Custom fit ones for £65 and there's a Specsavers in Worcester!
I'll be visiting them tomorrow.