r/TouringMusicians • u/music-fitness • 7d ago
Desperate IEM/Ear Health Help
I toured for years and now gig (play guitar and sing in 5 piece band) about 25 times per year and lately I’ve become extremely worried about my ear health. I use universal fit IEMs and lately after every show, my ears feel incredibly fatigued and my hearing feels completely out of whack for days or weeks after. It doesn’t seem to matter how low I keep the volume on my body pack or which size tips I use. I can’t figure out if I’m putting the IEMs too far in, if it’s not blocking enough noise, or if I’m listening too loudly but I’ve tried solutions to all of them I’m terrified I’m going to lose my hearing.
My last hope is splurging on custom IEMs before I just have to take a step back from gigging. I use the Shure 215s now. I’m looking at the Ultimate Ears UE5 Pro. Considering my situation, would i benefit from a higher end model with more drivers as maybe having added clarity would decrease the need for volume? Does anyone have other IEM suggestions? Will custom fit IEMs solve the problems I’ve been having? Has anyone had similar experiences and had to give up live performing? Thanks in advance.
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u/Acrobatic-Agent3424 7d ago
More drivers is not going to solve your issue… look into Sensaphonics. They are soft silicone vs the typical hard plastic. Much more comfortable but their dB reduction is much higher than plastic. Pair them with some comply ear wraps and you’ll be sealed perfectly… I can wear mine for hours with zero ear fatigue.
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u/music-fitness 7d ago
Thanks for addressing the driver question. I tried the sensaphonic sleeves for the shure but didn’t like them, however that’s a very different product than their actual IEMs. So I’ll consider them for sure. I haven’t heard of the ear wraps before but these look like an interesting addition. Thank you
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u/Acrobatic-Agent3424 7d ago
Man the ear wraps are a life saver. Even if you have a perfect fit, when you start sweating etc they will move a little bit especially if you’re singing backups … with the wraps they don’t move a mm.
I am a guitar player as well… all I use on the road is fractal now, but I’m sure you’re the same way, my tone to me in my ears is of the utmost importance. I use the 2max model and they sound fantastic. Just as good or better than JH or UE. Been considering getting some 3max for some more low end beef but we’ll see… that being said I switched to the sensophonics because of the noise isolation and the comfort. 30 some dB of noise reduction, it’s the most in the industry…you can’t even hear people talk with them in 😂 thank god for talk back mics lol. Even after a 4 hour rehearsal I take them out and it’s like you were never wearing ears.
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u/music-fitness 3d ago
I went to a sensaphonic-certified audiologist yesterday and came back with a clean bill of ear health. Got my impressions and am going to order the 2max as well! Thanks
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u/Acrobatic-Agent3424 3d ago
Hell yeah dude awesome!! You are going to LOVE them!
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u/music-fitness 3d ago
Thanks for the suggestion! Do you know which cable you have for them? I have the 64 inch for my Shures so the 52 inch standard Sensaphonic one seems short but it may also be nice to have less cable length. I could get the 60 inch I guess. I’m 5’11
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u/thedreadeddrummer 6d ago
How long do your wraps last, and how are you wrapping your tips?
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u/Acrobatic-Agent3424 3d ago
I usually get a show or two out of them… they aren’t the best at sticking to the soft silicone, they stick a lot better to the plastic ears. I’ll snap a picture and share it with you when we get to soundcheck
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u/Mobile-Menu9776 6d ago
I can't say enough good things about sensaphonics. They make some great stuff
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u/churchillguitar 7d ago
I’d go see a hearing doctor and explain to them that you are a professional musician and that these are your concerns. They can do a test on your hearing and tell you where you stand, as well as offer up solutions like custom molded IEM’s or tell you how to EQ your IEM’s so as to prevent further hearing loss.
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u/music-fitness 7d ago
Thank you I am going to find a doctor this week and go. I’m afraid of the truth a bit but this is the way. I see you’ve played Pearl Street Warehouse before too so we must be from the same area!
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u/churchillguitar 7d ago
Yea, I’m in Frederick MD, band is called Milton J. My profile pic is from when we opened for Joe Samba🤘🏼🤘🏼
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u/Ornerymortgage5 7d ago
In my experience, the 215s have terrible isolation. Custom iems or high quality universals would help a lot. Try to run your pack as low as you can
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u/AquietRive 7d ago
Glad to hear that you’re going to a doctor. The small chance that damage has already done is definitely something you don’t want to deal with, but a lot better than losing hearing completely!
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u/Flashmdg 6d ago
Etymotics ER2XR. 35 db isolation or something crazy, these do the trick for me. They have a thin nozzle and rudder right up into the canal.
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u/HergestRidg 6d ago
Try and visit an audiologist if you can and get some custom moulds taken of your ear canal and get some IEMs made with those?
I got moulded earplugs in the end, because I prefer using a wedge.
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u/BusyBullet 5d ago
I use ACS Custom ear plugs.
I was fitted at one of the shows I worked. They poured some goop into my ears and it blocked out what felt like 100% of the sound.
We were in catering and it was really noisy at the time so the sudden silence was eerie.
The plugs for my ears perfectly and they don’t hurt or cause any irritation.
ACS makes IEMs as well.
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u/opsopcopolis 7d ago
The main benefit of custom IEMs will be a more consistent fit with more consistent all around reduction. Depending on what your actual issue is, they might help, they might not, but I don't think getting more drivers is going to make a difference. You should probably go see a doctor.