I’m about to start a new job working in an arcade and diner and want to wear some earplugs for when I’m working in the noisiest parts on-site, partly to protect my hearing but also to make it easier to hear customers and colleagues over the noise.
Do you guys have any recommendations for brands or particular earplugs types that would be good for this purpose?
You might want to have a look at musician ear plugs? They cost more than your generic drug store foam ones, but they have a filter in them that allows you to still hear vocals and what not when you’re on stage. I’ve used them in a variety of contexts outside of performing or attending a concert and they are nice to have. Mine came with a keychain holder, so I always have them on me.
I love my Etymotics. Bit pricey but so comfortable. I wore them for years as a musician and now for live shows.
Yup. First, check with your health insurance to see if you’re covered for audiologists. They’ll make the mould of your ear that you’ll be mailing to the earplug fabrication company. If the audiologist is covered, you’ll still be looking at ~$200 for the earplugs.
I’ve had a pair of flat response earplugs for years. They reduce sound evenly, so all sound is just quieter rather than being muffled. They’re comfortable enough to sleep in, and neutral enough to use in a musical performance.
For the use case scenario OP described I definitely agree that musicians plugs are the way to go. These Etymotics are what I use as my backups if I don’t have my custom molds with me.