Frequently asked questions

1. What’s the best ear protection for drummers?

The best ear protection for drummers is moulded earplugs that are often held together by a leash.

They’re breathable and easy to insert, allowing the drummer to move freely and clearly hear their own sound. The Doc’s Pro Plugs Vented are an excellent example of these.

2. Do drummers have hearing damage?

Drums are the loudest instrument of them all, so drummers tend to suffer from hearing/ear damage, more so than other musicians.

There are multiple ear protectors out there that prevent any hearing damage in even the heaviest of drummers.

This article dives into the key ear-protection items on the market today for stress-free drumming.

3. How do I choose the right ear protection?

Firstly, consider the environment you’ll be drumming in. Although the drums may be the same, different environments project volume at different levels, meaning you’ll require stronger ear protection in some places.

Secondly, think about if you’ll be performing a lot or just practising at home. You might want to consider earphones or headphones that have noise reduction as well as playback abilities to drum along to.

Finally, being comfortable with your ear protection is important. Browse different styles and think about which will be the most pleasant to wear.

4. Do professional drummers wear ear protection?

Yes, it’s safe to say that almost every professional drummer wears ear protection whilst playing as this is vital to a long-lasting drumming career. They tend to use custom-moulded in-ear monitors that deliver the sound they need, protecting their ears without hindering their image on stage.

In-ear protection

There’s a huge range of in-ear protection to suit different drummers, from standard disposable foam earplugs to custom-moulded options. Each type suits different environments, giving you the best, most convenient protection.

One thing to keep in mind when looking at in-ear plugs is their size, particularly when it comes to moulded types, as they need to fit your ear perfectly in order to fully protect your eardrum.

SubZero Musician Ear Plugs, Pair

The SubZero Musician Ear Plugs are reusable and offer up to 20dB attenuation for your drumming session. One of the great things about these earplugs is that they only block out harmful frequencies, allowing you to still hear your sweet drumming sound and keep your groove.

Shop now | SubZero Musician Ear Plugs, Pair

Shure SE215 Sound Isolating Earphones

Being a drummer, you need to quieten down your drum kit sound and up your music playback. Luckily, there are plenty of noise-reducing earphones that do just that.

One industry-standard in-ear monitor is the Shure SE215 Sound Isolating Earphones. The ergonomic design is a favourite amongst drummers as they stay firmly in place throughout your whole set, no matter how vigorous your playing style is.

They’re also made with affordability in mind, making them great for every drummer.

With impressive sound quality and Shure’s intelligent sound-isolating technology, these are the ideal pair of in-ear monitors for touring drummers.

Shop now | Shure SE215 Sound Isolating Earphones, Clear

Minuendo Lossless Adjustable Earplugs

Although the Shure SE125s are an industry-standard, there are in-ear monitors that offer different functions to suit every drummer. Functions such as wireless connectivity and noise cancellation are featured on a range of in-ear monitors, perfect for home practice or even recording.

The Minuendo Lossless Adjustable Earplugs are wireless earbuds with the very best drivers for pitch-perfect sound and dedicated noise-cancelling technology to protect your ears. Their wireless design is ideal for drummers – you won’t need to worry about wires getting in the way!

They’re great for home practice or studio work, allowing you to focus on your session with the sound quality every drummer deserves.

Shop now | Minuendo Lossless Adjustable Earplugs

Over-ear protection

Over-ear protection may not look the prettiest but it certainly gets the job done. These types of ear protection are ideal for chucking on at home for a quick practice before dinner and are always reliably comfortable.

Nowadays, there are dedicated drumming ear-defenders that are lightweight and specially designed for drummers’ ears, and they still let you hear the groove.

Vic Firth Drummers Ear Defenders

The Vic Firth Drummers Ear Defenders are just what I’m talking about. They’re today’s industry-standard defenders for every drummer’s rehearsal session, and with a noise reduction of 25dB, they significantly reduce the risk of any hearing damage.

Plus, they feature a comfortable foam headband and inner cup lining for super durability and great comfort.

Shop now | Vic Firth Drummers Ear Defenders

Vic Firth SiH2 Stereo Isolation Headphones

You may be wondering, “but what if I want to protect my ears with defenders and play along to music at the same time?” Well, you’re in luck. Vic Firth have thought about just that and offer their SiH2 Stereo Isolation Headphones.

Like their ear defenders, they reduce outside noise by 25dB, providing the very best protection for your ears. They also feature your typical headphone drivers, so you can comfortably and effortlessly drum along to your favourite tracks.

Shop now | Vic Firth SiH2 Stereo Isolation Headphones

Ear protection summed up

In summary, ear protection really is a drummer’s best friend. It serves everything you need for a long, healthy drumming career, and with today’s technology integrated into each type of ear protection, it provides completely stress-free drumming.

Why not check out our huge range of ear protection and find the right fit for you?