[Harp-L] Ear Protection

[shuffling@xxxxx]

Two options of which I’m aware are “musician’s” earplugs and audio earphones. Neither are inexpensive, but they might work for you.

Musician’s earphones are custom made by an audiologist. They are molded for your individual ear canal and can take different noise filters with different levels of noise attenuation depending on preference. They tend to reduce the sound level without distorting the sound spectrum as much as regular ear plugs so that the sound you hear is more natural, just at a quieter level.

The other option are audio headphones/earbuds that block outside noise, but feed to you the output from the venue’s sound system, so you get the full sound of the band at a volume you can control. Not sure what collateral equipment you or the house needs to make this work, but it may be worth looking into.

You point to a real and ongoing problem for harp players so thanks for raising and hope this list can come up with good solutions. Good luck!


> On May 17, 2019, at 10:34 AM, Robert Hale <ynfdwas at xxxxx> wrote:
> 
> Yes I understand your challenge.
> 
> "Head tone" or bone conduction of sound will be present with any material
> that plugs the ear canal. I suppose the only other approach is over-the-ear
> muffs, such as used in industrial applications. These reduce sound without
> filling the canal.
> 
> But then, it's inconvenient, uncomfortable, and everyone knows you think
> your band is too loud. I actually do like the typical foam plugs, because
> they act to dampen sound, plus behave like a personal monitor for me
> because of the head tone.
> 
> Robert Hale
> Serious Honkage in Arizona
> youtube.com/DUKEofWAIL
> Robert at xxxxx
> 
> On Fri, May 17, 2019 at 7:10 AM Christopher Sprankle via Harp-L <
> harp-l at xxxxx> wrote:
> 
>> I'm currently playing in a loud rock band.  I've tried several types of
>> cheap and expensive earplugs, and all I can hear is the harp resonating in
>> my head while I'm playing.  Does anyone have any recommendations other than
>> asking my bandmates to turn down?
>> 
>> Thanks.
>>