Research companies that produce earplugs. Musicians' earplugs are a custom product, built to the specific musician's ear. "Sound heard with these earplugs has the same quality as the original, only quieter," says Etymotic Research Inc, a maker of custom earplugs for musicians. "The result is that speech and music are clear--you still hear the blend clearly, feel the bass, and distinguish each tone." The right earplugs should be from a company that houses hearing professionals and creates custom molds specifically for musicians. Avoid a company that does not create custom ear molds as the quality is unpredictable and, without the supervision of a hearing professional, the risk of damaged hearing is great.
Decide which level of hearing reduction is appropriate. A jazz musician may not require the same reduction in sound as a heavy metal guitarist. Research the company's specific methods for reducing the sound using earplugs. "Accurate sound reduction is achieved by combining a patented filter with the specific acoustics of a custom earmold," Etymotic Research Inc continues. "The combination of the two produces a resonance at approximately 2700 Hz (as in the normal ear) resulting in a smooth, flat attenuation." Once selected, the company should take a mold of the musician's ear and create the earplugs to specification.
Inspect the earplugs looking for any outward sign of defect such as drying or fraying. Moisten the earplug with petroleum jelly or other lubricant to reduce the friction of insertion. Pull the ear out and then up while gently easing the plug into the ear canal. To clean the earplug after use, remove the button for the ear mold and clean with water and mild soap only.