Comparison of two types of earplugs by musicians

Abstract

This research compared the preference of musicians across two earplugs; a typical earplug with un-even attenuation across the frequency range (Clarity 695) and another with relatively flat attenuation (ER-20). Thirty-three musicians with normal hearing were first oriented to hearing loss, benefits of using earplugs and the correct procedures for inserting earplugs. Then, they played music for three minutes in five conditions (Trial 1 with First earplug type, Trial 1 with second earplug type, no earplugs, Trial 2 with first earplug type, Trial 2 with second earplug type) and completed a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The VAS scores for the ER-20 earplugs were significantly higher and a significantly higher percentage of musicians preferred the ER-20 earplugs (74%) over the Clarity earplugs (26%). This preference may be related to the relatively flat attenuation provided by the ER-20 earplugs across the frequency range or the lower Noise Reduction Rating (NRR:13) of this earplug compared to the clarity earplugs (NRR:21). The VAS scores improved on trial 2 over trial 1 suggesting some adaptation to the use of earplugs over time. [Funded by the 2015 – 2016 Wirt C. and Mae S. Belcher Graduate Education Award at West Virginia University.]