Description

AH Attenuators in partnership with Etymotic Research has introduced a line of attenuators for custom musicians plugs. Musicians practice and perform in a variety of different settings. They are exposed to high levels of sound, sometimes for long periods and may require different amounts of protection depending on sound levels encountered during rehearsals and performance. Some musicians use one type of attenuator in one ear and one type in the other, depending on the source and location of the sound.

Our musician plugs are also a perfect option for concert goers, sporting events, or any loud environment that sound is a concern!

Development

In the late 1970s Elmer Carlson, an engineer at Knowles Electronics, developed what we now call Musicians Earplugs. His design replicated the natural response of the ear canal so that sound heard with these earplugs would have the same quality as the original, just quieter.

In 1985, while consulting with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Mead Killion, Ph.D., president and founder of Etymotic Research, concluded that there was a real need for Carlson’s earplugs. Etymotic continues to certify laboratories to make Musicians Earplugs, and requires rigorous standards for all laboratories, to ensure uniform product quality and performance. Musicians Earplugs have protected the hearing of tens of thousands of persons around the world.

What’s Included

• Attenuator Filter (Each)
• 1 year warranty

Technical Specifications

Musicians Earplugs™ buttons have a diaphragm which functions as an acoustic compliance, while the volume of air in the sound bore of the custom earmold acts as an acoustic mass. The combination of the two produces a resonance at approximately 2700 Hz (as in the normal ear), which results in smooth, flat attenuation.

• ER-9 Provides flat 9-dB sound reduction through the mid range and 15 dB in the highs
• ER-15 Provides uniform 15-dB sound reduction across frequencies
• ER-25 Provides 25-dB relatively flat sound reduction across frequencies

Instructions for Use:

Musicians Earplugs need to seal the ears. Molds that are too short may provide protection, but will produce occlusion effect (amplified, boom sound) from your own voice when talking or singing, and when playing an instrument that has a mouthpiece. Long earplugs create a deep seal (past the second bend of the ear canal) to reduce the occlusion effect.

Earmolds should fit snugly but comfortably. A commercially-available lubricant such as Otoease® can be used to ease insertion, particularly for new users. Deep-fitting earmolds may require a wearing schedule; i.e., wear them for short periods of time at first, and gradually increase wearing time.

Cleaning
Remove the filter from the molds. Wash molds with water and mild soap. Allow molds to dry before reinserting the filters.

Individual cleaning swabs such as Audio-Wipes™ can also be used to clean the molds. Simply wipe them to remove built-up earwax or other substances. Audio-Wipes are particularly useful for individuals who experience itchy ears when wearing earmolds or insert headphones.
Filter buttons should be kept dry. If dust or dirt accumulates on a button, remove it gently with a cloth or small soft brush.

Replacement
Musicians Earplugs are designed to last for many years. Etymotic Research recommends that earmolds for Musicians Earplugs be made only out of silicone (not vinyl) because it does not shrink or change shape over time. Persons who lose a large amount of weight may find their earmolds no longer seal properly. In this case the earmolds need to be remade for a better fit.