High end earplugs? Going to concert
 

Hello,

So my husband surprised me by agreeing to send me to see my all time favorite artist in concert. However, my noise filtration symptom has reared it's ugly head. I am contacting the arena to see if I can use my Bose noise canceling headphones. If they don't allow it, I would like to use ear plugs. I have regular plugs my hubs bought at Home Depot. My question is there a high end plug- brand or certain qualities- I can look into bringing with me, that anyone can recommend?
Thank you!

I have tried many different cheap foam ear plugs. The yellow foam plugs do the best. The high end ear plugs are usually designed to block specific frequencies, etc. I can't see what Bose head phones would do. They would attempt to block all sound except sound provided by a connected sound system. I doubt the concert will have a sound feed for you to plug into.

Either way, I expect you will struggle, if not at the concert, at least the days after. You should plan for quiet time the week after the concert. Also, rest up with quiet rest before hand so your brain has maximum energy.

We often have to plan on making sacrifices after enjoying a favorite activity.

So, Who is playing ?

My best to you.

Hi arayuq,

I am a professional audio engineer.

I used custom-molded ear plugs before I sustained a concussion and afterwards. Since the accident, since I've been more sensitive to sound, I've even used them in circumstances that I wouldn't have before the accident.

They are expensive, but they are very comfortable and work very well to allow the user to hear all the frequencies. I really hate those foam earplugs because they cut off the high end of music and sounds. (Although they and the wax earplugs both worked well for me while I was in agony on the couch in a dark room the first six months I was in after the auto accident.)

You need to go to someone called an audiologist to get the custom molds done. You can discuss with them what you are using them for and you can get different inserts/filters for a small fee that can alter their effect on your hearing. IE: The filters can reduce the sound in terms of dB (volume), so you can have one filter to reduce the sound by 15 dB or another filter to reduce it by 25dB.

The appointment with the audiologist may cost $150 out of pocket and the earplugs may cost about the same with a couple of extra filters and depending on what area you live in. Most insurance companies won't cover these costs at all since it's not really medically necessary....

If you go with the cutom-molded plugs, I recommend you get a few filters so you can swap them out during the intermission if you don't like them at a certain level.

Start with a 25dB reduction and go down from there. It's better to have too much protection than to get overwhelmed with too little because it will probably drain your energy.

The filters are tiny, so you should probably only swap them out in the restroom or lobby during the show since the auditorium you'll be sitting in will most likely have dim or changing lighting.

If you have any sensitivity to moving/changing lights, or if you get overwhelmed to a lot stimulation then you should prepare yourself to sit down and close your eyes while still enjoying the music.

I used to attend and work countless shows before the accident I was in and now I'm not really able to, but I've gone to a few since the accident I was in and closing my eyes helped a lot. I also left a couple earlier than I would have liked too.

Another friend of one who sustained a concussion had to leave a show early once too.

As disappointing as this may seem to do, it might be the best option at the moment... so it's something to consider or be prepared for beforehand.

There are also these cheaper earplugs that I highly recommend for anyone attending a show regardless of whether they are recovering from a concussion or not:

http://www.etymotic.com/hp/er20.html

They don't cut out the high end so you can enjoy the show and they protect your hearing. (Most concerts are way too loud for even able-bodied and healthy people and once your hearing goes, there is no restoring it, so protect it while you still have it!)

I'm also curious who you're going to see!

Depending on the genre of music, there may be other variables you may want to prepare for, like a rowdy crowd, etc..

I wish you the best of luck and a great time at your upcoming show!!

Thank you! This helps. I have foamy ones- orange and purple ones. I figured the Bose ones would do that. Although with them on, my body is attuned to sensing loud sounds. I am apart of traditional dancing group. I learned post-injury that is how I tend to dance- feel the drumming vs hearing it. Can't seem to articulate it further than that. Yeah, I have to travel to Denver to see the concert. I am going a day early and have an extra day after for pre/post concert rest. I'll bring my therapy tools to use too (meditation, foot soak calms me down, classical music, etc.)
Oh the artist is Justin Timberlake.

Awesome information! I had recently seen an ad for those- the claim was artists use similar plugs when performing. Didn't seem to need them then. Now it is a great idea. Helps to hear someone's experience too- thank you.

Since I am not working, I'll look into all the cost up here. Really helpful to when/if try fishing this summer!

Justin Timberlake. First ten rows...at the time it seemed like a great idea...now it'll be interesting. Hahaha- if I have to leave early, I think I'll cry. Mostly the cost, partly have wanted to attend one of his concerts most of my life. Where I am from...small island in Alaska, concerts were part of far off dreams, unless they happened in the big city. Any way...soap box done- thanks for the mental prep- should it happen.

I imagine Justin Timberlake fans aren't too rowdy. You'll probably have lots of fun!!

Please update us afterwards about how it went and please feel free to ask any more questions you may have. :D

Thanks! I have read tons of screaming...but I'd imagine no mosh pits- or of the sort! :-) Just loud.

I will update certainly!!

concerts
 

I went to an Elton John concert in Nov. It was great, but I was not prepared for how tired I would be later.

The sound was not so much the problem -- but the lights and just the totality of working a full week, driving there, etc.

I know it set me back some. I had to wear my sunglasses to work a few times and I was just tired through and through from the exhileration.

But, that said, it was great. I'd do it again.

I hope you can rest rest rest before the concert and after too.

Cheering you on!

poetrymom

Thank you!
I purchased the earplugs mentioned above and you just reminded me I have indoor sunglasses for lights! Yes I will have time for rest before and after before traveling back home. We rarely have awesome concerts in Alaska.

You know... when I used to work with stage lighting a lot (every day), I would wear welding goggles or welding glasses because stage lighting is SO bright! And that was before I sustained a concussion! I literally had to look straight into the lights though to be able to tell if there was an issue.

But welding glasses might be the best "sunglasses" available for concussion survivors.

Something like these: http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/...d-goggles.html

But they have oodles of welding goggles available.