We cannot stress enough the importance of wearing hearing protection if you are monitoring your drums at high SPLs (Sound Pressure Levels). Exposure to continuous sound pressure levels of 115 dB will start to cause hearing damage after only 10 minutes. A hard acoustic snare drum rimshot will typically be in the 120dB area, and Kenny Aronoff recently told me that his snare hit was measured at 125dB. 127dB is considered the threshold of pain. Please check out our hearing protection section first, especially if you play acoustic drums also.

Foam Ear Plugs
These foam ear plugs are available just about anywhere. At the very least, you should use this type of plug when practicing on acoustic drums or play electronic drums at high-volume levels. You roll them up, stick them in your, and they expand to fit your ear canal. They are designed to be disposable after one use, but you can use them a couple of times. They will definitely protect your hearing, but high frequencies are dramatically attenuated.
Street Price $1.00
Ear Muff Style Hearing Protectors
These are great for practicing on acoustic drums. Model shown is LEIGHTNING 31 (NRR 31) with an NRR 31 (reduces volume by 31dB) this is the highest available in the industry. Very comfortable and weighs only ten ounces, This is lightweight, heavy duty hearing protection. There are many ear muff styles available and range in price from $10.00 -$60.00. Excellent for use with in ear monitors for total isolation when recording.
Street Price $25.00
Universal Poly Ear Plugs
ER20 Universal Musician Earplugs from Westone are a low-cost alternative to foam earplugs, are very comfortable to wear, reusable, and easily cleaned. Again, high frequencies are dramatically reduced.
Street Price $10.00
Custom Molded dB Filters
ES49 Musicians Earplugs from Westone are custom molded filters. Available in three interchangeable filters at 9dB, 15dB, and 25dB attenuation. 15dB filters are recommended for musicians. These filters are different than plugs because they reduces sound pressure levels evenly across the frequency spectrum. This means you'll hear everything the same, just more quietly. For more information, contact Kris Cartwright at Westone. 800 525 5071.
Street Price $175.00