FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHICH EARPLUG IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Rocket launch

What makes earplugs high-fidelity? READY•FIT EARPLUGS

Most earplugs reduce sound more in the high frequencies ETY•Plugs® are ready-fit high-fidelity Shotgun blast
Without Using
earplugs the ETY•Plugs
than the lows and mid-range, which produces unnatural, earplugs, developed as an alternative Firecracker risk of hearing or
muffled sound. Etymotic’s high-fidelity earplugs reduce sound to Etymotic’s original custom Musicians Music damage ER20XS
Environment Typical dB happens after Earplugs
evenly at all frequencies so sound is unaltered, just quieter. Earplugs. Both ETY•Plugs and ER•20XS Rifle blast
Jet engine Rock Concert
earplugs have the highest fidelity of any Jackhammer Range: 80-120 dB 106 dB < 4 mins < 6 hrs
How much noise is too much?

high•fidelity
non-custom earplugs available today. Drumline
Range: 92-110 dB 102 dB <10 mins SAFE
Noise-induced hearing damage depends on the intensity, Ambulance siren
Marching Band
duration and frequency of exposure (how loud, how long, ER•20XS earplugs are small, discreet Range: 85-115 dB 100 dB 15 mins SAFE

HEARING
Chain saw/Jet ski
and how often). Some persons are more susceptible to high-fidelity earplugs that match the Loud sporting event Concert Band
93 dB 1 hr 15 mins
Range: 89-97 dB SAFE
hearing damage from loud sound than others. Tinnitus response of ETY•Plugs. They give the most Snowmobile
Symphony
(ringing in the ears) and temporary hearing loss can occur options when it comes to proper fit and Motorcycle/Subway 91 dB 2 hrs SAFE

PROTECTION
Range: 80-102 dB
Power mower
from a single concert, sporting event, or sudden loud noise comfort. Choose 3-flange or foam eartips. Orchestra Pit
88 dB 4 hrs
Loud traffic Range: 82-95 dB SAFE
like a firecracker or gunshot. Over time, tinnitus and hearing Advanced technology lowers sound levels Noisy restaurant

loss can become permanent. This damage usually occurs so evenly by 20 decibels. Music sounds natural
From the inventors of the original Musicians Earplugs
™
and clear, only safer. Vacuum cleaner
gradually that it isn’t noticed until it’s too late. Noise-induced Washing machine
hearing damage is permanent, and there is no cure. The best Normal conversation
treatment is prevention. ELECTRONIC EARPLUGS
Music•PRO® electronic earplugs provide
How do I know if I need standard or large? Quiet office
a choice of either 9 or 15 dB automatic
Both sizes fit most ears, but the standard earplugs are more sound reduction. They are ideal for persons
comfortable for many users with smaller ear canals. Studies who want natural hearing when sound Whisper
by Etymotic Research and an independent, accredited lab levels are safe, and automatic protection
show that most users can achieve a seal with the standard when sound exceeds permissible levels. This Leaves rustling
fit. Ear size cannot be predicted by a person’s physical size, minimizes the inconvenience of removing
age or gender. earplugs to hear soft sounds and speech.
There is instantaneous protection from loud Decibel Level

About Noise reduction rating (NRR) percussive sounds, and 6 dB of amplification

NRR is a single number based on a formula required by if desired.
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to indicate the
amount of noise reduction expected from hearing protectors. CUSTOM•FIT EARPLUGS

ETY-Plugs and ER-20XS earplugs provide 20 dB of protection Musicians Earplugs™ are a customized
(attenuation) across frequencies. Their NRRs (12 dB for product made from ear impressions and
ETY-Plugs and 13 dB for ER-20XS earplugs) underestimate purchased from hearing professionals. ABOUT ETYMOTIC
the protection of these plugs when properly fitted. The combination of custom molds and • Ready-fit and electronic earplugs
Etymotic Research is committed to protecting and enhancing
Etymotic’s attenuators (filters) produces the listening experience for musicians, music educators, audio • Sound is reduced evenly
MusicPRO electronic earplugs provide either 9- or 15-dB of a resonance that replicates the response professionals and consumers. For over 30 years, Etymotic has
of a normal ear canal, resulting in smooth, • Communication is clear
attenuation across frequencies, yet have an NRR of 25 dB. manufactured products to help people hear better now, and
flat sound reduction. Interchangeable preserve their hearing for the future. • Fatigue from noise is reduced
filters are available in three levels of
Both examples, along with decades of research, illustrate that • Richness of music is preserved
sound reduction: 9 dB, 15 dB and 25 dB.
the NRR is an outdated label that usually does not represent
the actual protection achieved by the user.

[Link] 847-228-0006 • 888-389-6684

Color options: Clear, Beige, Brown, Blue and Red Musicians Earplugs, ER•20XS, ACCUFit and ACCUFilters are trademarks of Etymotic Research, Inc.
Etymotic, Music•PRO, ETY•Plugs, ER20 and ACCU-Technology are registered trademarks of Etymotic Research, Inc.
EREM-B19-E ©2015
 Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Can Be Prevented
Hearing loss is cumulative over a lifetime. Using high-fidelity
hearing protection reduces the risk of hearing damage from
noise in the workplace, loud music at concerts and excessive
noise at venues such as air shows, parades, athletic events and
motor sports. The only
A little time may be required to acclimate to any earplugs.
Ultimately, most musicians report that when they use high-
Reusable Discreet & reusable high•fidelity
fidelity earplugs they can hear their own instrument better, as
well as the balance and blend with those around them. READY•FIT LOW PROFILE ELECTRONIC ..

History of Musicians Earplugs

earplugs earplugs Musicians Earplugs
Musicians Earplugs are the original high-fidelity earplugs,
developed over 25 years ago by Etymotic Research, based on
a design by the late Elmer Carlson, an engineer at Knowles ETY•Plugs use a tuned resonator and acoustic resistor to ER•20XS high-fidelity earplugs give the most options when Music•PRO circuitry automatically changes output levels
Electronics. Carlson’s design replicated the natural response of replicate the natural response of the ear canal. Their unique it comes to proper fit and comfort: choose 3-flange or foam as sound input levels change. Hearing is natural, as if nothing
the ear canal so that sound heard with these earplugs would construction and proprietary sound path reduce sound levels eartips. Advanced technology lowers sound levels evenly by is in the ears, until sound exceeds safe levels. As sound levels
have the same quality as the original, only quieter. evenly across the frequency range. When sound enters the 20 decibels. Music sounds natural and clear, only safer. increase, earplugs gradually provide 9- or 15-dB sound
earplug, it is reduced without changing sound quality— reduction. Natural hearing is restored when sound returns
In 1985, while consulting with the Chicago Symphony
the same as the ear would hear it, only quieter. • Reduces sound evenly by 20 decibels to safe levels.
Orchestra, Mead Killion PhD, CTO and founder of Etymotic,
concluded there was a real need for Carlson’s earplugs. Killion’s • Reduces sound evenly by 20 decibels • Reusable • Provides either 9-dB or 15-dB protection
study revealed that musicians are at risk for occupational • Reusable • Discreet, in-ear low profile design with pull tabs
• Enhances soft sounds if desired
hearing loss just like workers in industry, but musicians need • 2 sizes: standard and large for easy removal
• NRR=25dB. When deeply sealed, earplugs provide
special hearing protection that allows them to hear clearly • Removable neck cord • Three sizes of interchangeable foam and 3 flange eartips.
35-40 dB of sound reduction for very loud sounds.
and without compromising sound quality. Musicians Earplugs • Removable neck cord
were the first high-fidelity hearing protection available to ER•20XS vs. Standard Foam Earplugs
musicians. The filters attenuate by 9- 15- or 25 dB, and attach 0 0

Average Attenuation in dB
Average Attenuation in dB

to custom earmolds. These custom products are made from ear 10 10 3-Flange Eartips
impressions and are purchased from hearing professionals. Foam Eartips
20 20
5

30
ER 5

ETY•Plugs ® 30
-2
-9
-1

ER-20XS Harmful Sound Comes From: Standard Standard

ER
ER

Foam Earplugs Foam Earplugs

Small strings Own instrument 40 40

Large strings Brass section 50 50

125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000
Frequency (Hz) Frequency in Hz
Woodwinds Brass section
ETY•Plugs provide almost equal sound reduction across the range of hearing. Frequency response characteristics and performance of ER•20XS earplugs
Brass Own instrument, other brass Foam earplugs reduce high frequencies more than lows, which degrades the are essentially the same as those of ETY•Plugs.
quality of speech and music.
Flutes Percussion

Percussion Own instruments, other percussion

Vocalists Own voice, speakers, monitors

Acoustic guitar Drums, speakers, monitors

Amplified instruments Speakers, monitors

Marching bands Instruments behind

Music teachers Multiple sources

STANDARD FIT LARGE FIT STANDARD FIT LARGE FIT FOAM (UNIVERSAL FIT PACKAGE)
Recording engineers Speakers, monitors
Includes: Includes: Includes: • Filter tool and ACCU•Filters™
Sound crews Speakers, monitors • 1 pair earplugs • Pouch • 1 pair earplugs with pull tab • Pouch • 1 pair earplugs • Cleaning tool
Ref: Chasin, M. Musicians and the Prevention of Hearing Loss. Singular Publishing Group. 1996. • Neck cord • Instructions • Neck Cord • Instructions • ACCU•Fit™ eartips • #10 Batteries
• Flexible neck cord • Protective case