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| Mack's SafeSound Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs |
Introduction: Earplugs may not be the most fashionable accessory that you wear to a concert or gig, but they may well be the most important -- that is, if you want to protect your hearing and help avoid the long-term complications of too much noise. Loud noise over a lifetime can cause severe hearing loss.
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| Single Mack's SafesSound Ultra Earplug |
About Noise: Loudness is measured in decibels. Ordinary conversation takes place at about 60-70 decibels, while a motorcycle hums along at 100 decibels. A loud rock concert checks in at 115 decibels. And I am convinced that the NAMM show -- the biggest exhibit of music products in the United States, and featuring the world's loudest cymbal (tested hourly to make sure it is still the loudest) -- is even louder than that. The amount of noise that can damage your hearing is generally thought to be sustained exposure at over 90-95 decibels, or sudden exposure to impulsive noise at over 140 decibels (such as gunfire). An increase of one decibel is generally an imperceptible change, while a 10 decibel increase is twice as loud, and a 20 decibel increase is 4 times as loud. Playing certain instruments is also loud enough to damage your hearing. For instance, violin checks in at 82-92 decibels, cello at 85-111 decibels, and a symphony at fortississimo can be as loud as 135 decibels. Higher frequencies are more damaging. (Put a check in the winner's column for the violists and cellists among us).
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| Mack Stack |
About the NRR: Packages of earplugs come stamped with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) rating that indicates how much they can cut the noise entering your ear if optimally fit. The NRR is measured in decibels. However, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has recommended subtracting 50% from the NRR of any foam or silicon mass-produced earplug. Mack's SafeSound Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs have an NRR of 32. Thus, their actual noise reduction may be as low is 16 decibels. However, a 16 decibel decrease is still quite a large reduction in volume and can take most loud noises below the damaging level. Therefore, even if they don't perform as well as advertised, these foam earplugs can still protect your hearing.
Fit and Finish: Mack's Safesound Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs are some of the best foam earplugs I have tried. First, they are skin colored and less noticeable. Also, they fit my ears and actually stay in place, creating a seal that can last overnight.
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| Instructions for Using Foam Earplugs |
Before discovering the SafeSound Ultras, my earplugs of choice had previously been Mack's silicon earplugs, because they were the only ones that would stay in my ears. Their noise reduction is 22 decibels -- lower than most foam earplugs -- but at least they stayed in place (more or less) with minimal irritation to the ear canal. The SafeSounds also are soft, with a slightly tacky surface, and less irritating than other foam earplugs I have used. They also seemed to reduce noise better than any other earplug I have tried.
Earplug fit and comfort is very individual. Thus, sometimes you need to try a variety of styles and brands to find one that fits comfortably. Also, following the instructions as listed on the package can help those who have had difficulty using foam earplugs. (See instructions at right for foam earplugs).
Conclusion: Wearing earplugs at loud concerts and other noisy events, and even while practicing your instrument, can help protect your hearing over the long term. Mack's SafeSound Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs are an excellent option for hearing protection and especially worth a try for those who typically have difficulty with earplug fit.
Price: A pack of 10 pairs can be purchased for about $4.00 online.
