Plug’em is raising awareness on preventing tinnitus
Tinnitus is more serious than many people realise and Plug’em is raising awareness of this fact. Tinnitus is hearing damage that comes in the form of a constant ringing or hissing sound in your ears that comes from exposure to live loud music.
The campaign aims to make more young people and those in the music industry aware of this danger. The best solution to preventing any hearing damage is to wear ear plugs. Plug’em even has a neat little list of the different kind of ear plugs you could use.
Foam Earplugs
Cheap. Fit everyone. Reasonably comfortable. Good attenuation up to 30dB (A) if properly fitted. 
Universal Fit – High Fidelity Attenuating
Affordable. Universal fit. Reasonable frequency response and clarity for listening to music. Good entry level, ready to go attenuating hearing protection.
Custom Molded
Bespoke fitting to your ear canal so perfect fit and seal. Guaranteed specific attenuation is assured. A range of attenuating high fidelity filters available, some with near flat frequency response, for different musical or environmental situations. High fidelity sound quality. Best for listening to music. Fashionable colours and neck cords available as an option.
In Ear Monitors (IEMs)
These are high spec earphones used by musicians or DJs to hear their specific ‘monitor mix’ on stage and control their sound levels accordingly.
Best way to have control of your sound levels on stage. Better high fidelity sound quality. Custom moulded provide best level of isolation to the ear so that the sound quality and level can be accurately controlled. A range of audio specifications.
How loud is loud?
If the sound pressure is 85dB (A) and above then you need ear protection they say. Unfortunately clubs, bars and outdoor events do not offer any indication as to exactly how loud the sound is and this is potentially dangerous.
This is a worrying indicator of how long one’s ears can withstand sound pressure:
- 85dB / Kitchen blender: 8 hours
- 88dB / Forklift truck: 4 hours
- 91dB / Tube train: 2 hours
- 94dB / Lawnmower: 1 hour
- 97dB / Industrial fire alarm: 30 min
- 100dB / Bulldozer, handheld drill: 15 min
- 103dB / MP3 player at full volume: 7.5 min
- 106dB / Motorbike: 3.75 min
- 109dB / Crying baby: 112 seconds
- 112dB / Live rock band: 66 seconds
- 115dB / Ambulance siren: 33 seconds
Plug’em is an initiative by the British Tinnitus Association. Well known music producer and DJ, Mark Ronson suffers from tinnitus and has this to say about it…
“I’ve had tinnitus for over 10 years and it affects me 24/7. I wish I had been smart enough to Plug’em earlier. I make sure that I do it now though.”
The project is spreading the word on the necessary use of ear plugs and how they could spare you from this.
For more info on tinnitus and ear plug safety go to Plug’em
