If you are a DJ or performer, Hearing is the very essence of your art.
If you are a listener, or frequent clubs and venues, hearing is something we often take for granted. If you experience ringing in your ears after leaving a venue, this is a sign that you have irrepairably damaged your hearing.
Many club's sound systems can approach or exceed that of the level of a Jet Engine at 50 feet distance.
A simple way to protect your hearing
is to wear earplugs. Here are examples of what I feel are the best earplugs
available:
Sonic II by North Safety:
Quite possibly the best earplugs ever made. They contain a small pressure sensitive audio valve. The valve opens and closes depending on the sound pressure level, while at the same time, filtering out a precise threshold of damaging high frequency. These are great for steady levels of high volume noise like a concert venue. They are NOT recommended for use around firearms as they are not fast enough to block the initial gunshot bang.
I've been using the Norton style earplugs
since 1982 to protect the hearing I have left. If I only started using
these sooner, perhaps today, I would not have the loss I have now.
You can also keep the dispenser on your keychain so they are always handy.
About $10 at most Sam Ash, Guitar Center, or sporting goods stores.
For more info, visit the Manufacturer's
website at: http://www.northsafety.com/pluguse.htm
Hearos Line
A little cheaper, designed for musicians,
these are very cost effective, but may not be the best for hearing vs.
sonic accuracy. Be sure you also get the right one for the right
application.
available at: http://www.hearos.com/
Basic Foam hearing protectors
Available at most music stores and hardware stores, with or without string. these are the cheapest you can get, and offer the most protection. You may not be abe to hear anything at all depending on the brand, and how far you push them in. Available at Most Hardware Stores, Home Depot, Sporting goods stores.
Hearing Protection Dispenser for Large Venues
These dispensers can be placed at the entrances where people pay, they can also be at waitress stations and dispensed as needed. I've seen these at the coatroom where they are given out for the asking in return for tips. The dispenser is about $30. Available from most safety equipment supply houses.
Sound Level Meters:
If you are a Dj or owner of a venue,
sound level meters are a good way to monitor what's happening in a responsible
way. Many townships have noise level ordinances, so if you are running
a club or party, it might be a good idea to find out the legal levels,
and stay within them, and/or offer free disposable hearing protectors like
the foam ones shown above. Some places can close you down merely for exceeding
the legal sound pressure levels inside of a venue. Sound level
meters can be purchased at Radio Shack, or many other electronics suppliers.
Remember:
Your hearing is delicate and precious. Protect it. I've had 23 years of assult on my hearing, unfortunately, the first 5 years of my Djing days, I didn't know enough to protect my hearing. Only in 1982 I was alerted by a friend to the dangers and actively sought to protect my hearing. At times, even though I owned hearing protection, I neglected to be diciplined enough to wear them once in a while. You only get one set of ears, and if your hearing goes, there's no equipment in the world that's good enough to match the fidelity of your ears. They are the best piece of audio equipment you could ever own....and they're built in! Take care of them.