Are Ear Plugs "Not Metal"?
by 
Metal Martyr on September 6th, 2008
The Deciblog, the blog for Decibel Magazine ran a post awhile back and Metalsucks followed up on it this past Friday. I’m not trying to be a copy-cat, but it’s a great subject. I started wearing them at Mayhem Fest and I made my son wear them as well. I only wore them when I was up close to the speakers and trying to get pictures, but I’m glad I had them in.
Some people say they’re for “pussies” and that they have been to many concerts and don’t have any hearing loss, but seriously, how many people get a hearing test every now and then. I spent 13 years in the military and I know that I have suffered some slight hearing damage from the rifle range and from other loud, potentially occupational noise hazards.
After going to see Early Man back in July I decided that I would not only enjoy a concert up close with them, but would not have to hear that ringing in my ears for the entire next day. If you know anything about tinnitus, it can not only damage your hearing, but you equilibrium as well. Sure it looks funny, but in the end I think it’s for the better. Plus the music actually sounds better, especially at extremely loud gigs. What do you think about ear plugs at concerts?
Image Source: Hearos.com (I use the flesh-tone Ultimate Softness Series)
Tags: ear plugs, hearing protection, loud concerts| 2.9 |
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Editorials & Announcements
7 opinions for Are Ear Plugs "Not Metal"?
Sep 6, 2008 at 7:53 pm
I’ve always seem em’ but I never thought about wearing them before a show. Maybe when i get older.
Sep 6, 2008 at 10:56 pm
I played bass in a Seattle area metal band for a year, and I tried to wear ear plugs on stage all the time. One of the few nights I didn’t, we had a crap sound guy who set the lead guitar levels too high in the stage monitors. I was virtually deaf the next day, and had definite issues for over a week. After that show, I made sure I carried a few pair of ear plugs with me to every show.
Sep 7, 2008 at 6:07 am
it’s probably a good idea. but how many times on your way out the door to a concert do you go “wait, need my ear plugs”. normally too eager to get to the stadium to bother.
Sep 7, 2008 at 6:18 am
I keep a pair in my car, but I’m also one of those people that always starts talking to myself before I leave making sure I got everything like i have some invisible check list. I hate forgetting something or having to turn back a few miles away…but who doesn’t?
Sep 7, 2008 at 9:19 pm
whatever you say about them I think that wearing earplugs would not be “metal”.. maybe just the smart thing to do.
Sep 7, 2008 at 11:45 pm
yeah, you’re right but some people think that it’s a puss thing to do. I just got back from the Hatebreed show and I didn’t wear them. I was up front, center and it wasn’t too bad. It was only during each bands sound check that there were moments that it bothered me. My ears are a little ringy now but not as bad as they sometimes get when you’re too close to the speakers. If you’re right up front close to the speakers it is probably the smartest thing to do, but if you’re back from the stage where the sound isn’t so loud and is more clear then I don’t think it’s a necessity.
Sep 8, 2008 at 5:52 pm
i’ve played different instruments in different bands for a long time. i normally wear earplugs at practices, but not while playing on stage. i always try to wear them when going to see other bands — if i don’t have them with me, i’ll at least rip up a napkin and stuff a couple of bits in my ears to filter out the highs.
i have hearing loss in my right ear from playing without earplugs next to a particularly loud drummer.
any serious musician who thinks protecting your ears is unnecessary is fucking stupid and will regret it down the line. personally and for their career.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: