Thread: In ear hearing protectors - Recommendations

Originally Posted by 6x47

Decibels is abbreviated to dB. "fb" is possibly feedback but that's of no relevance here.

I think you're actually asking about attenuation, ie, the effectiveness of blocking out sound. I only once measured my plugs on a "real ear" probe mic system and from rough memory, they were giving a good 35dB attenuation from 1K up. You will only get that outcome from a good fit and this is the result of high-quality impressions and correct treatment by the shell lab. If either of those isn't good, the fit will be hopeless and the electronics won't save you.

I've only had experience with Peltor muffs so can't comment on any in-the-ear options.

Great point - yes attenuation is what Im after. I have seen some of the electronic in ears but they come with harder plastic earpieces, which would do nothjing to seal the eardrum. The other thing Im looking for though is the ability for the earpiece to allow me to hear people nearby and understand what theyre saying. Some non electronic ones I had years ago allowed that, but that was in loud on stage band interractions, so I could hear the vocalist while I was drumming.
Not sure you can get anything like that?