Product Description

ETY-Plugs (TM) earplugs use patented technology that replicates the natural response of the ear canal so that sound heard with these earplugs is as clear as the original, just quieter. ETY-Plugs earplugs have nearly the same fidelity as Etymotic's Musicians Earplugs (TM) (custom earplugs worn by professional musicians) and are a low cost alternative. Hearing loss is a function of exposure time, the average sound level, and the peak level of very loud sounds. Exposure to excessive noise can cause permanent hearing loss depending on the intensity and duration of the sound. Some persons are more susceptible to hearing loss from high-level sound than others. Protect your ears. In high-noise environments, wear Ety-Plugs. Includes one pair of Ety-Plugs, carrying case, black neck cord and instructions.

Product Details

• Brand: Etymotic Research
• Model: ER20-SMCa
• Dimensions: .75" h x 4.00" w x 6.00" l, .15 pounds

Features

• Reduces noise while preserving sound quality
• Speech is clear, not muffled
• Note: The Baby Blues are for smaller ear canals
• All sound is reduced evenly by 20 dB
• Helps prevent noise-induced hearing loss

Customer Reviews

these earplugs make you look smart to smart ppl
+4 for effectiveness (dropping decibels)
+1 for value for your money (vs the personal molded earplugs)
-1 for aesthetics (the little stems make you look a little dorky but you can easily recognize other ety wearers- hi there!)

I use these in club/blasting music situations on a weekly basis. They seem to fit fine, don't fall out, and I can still hear ppl speaking/yelling as well as the music.

I had hoped for more
I got these hoping that I could use them when mixing at especially loud shows. I got them in the mail three days ago and I've brought them out twice now. They definitely alter the sound significantly and I won't use them for anything but punk rock.
Frequencies are cut unevenly as is shown on the reading material which comes with the plugs... and the chart only goes up to 8k. I think that highs above this are cut significantly more than others and the lows become significantly more muffled than the highs- which losses the attack of the kick and bass more than a guitar for example.
I did find that by playing with them and pulling them a little further out than I would normally wear plugs that the low's had more definition but that the highs were still cut unevenly, plus I doubt that this got me more than a 5 db overall gain reduction. Still though 5 db is something, especially where high volume is concerned (a 5db cut at 100db is a significant larger reduction in actual power compared to 5db at 90db since db is logarithmic). I would wear these to see shows and probably even as a musician... but I will have to find another way to protect my hearing at work.
Everyone under 20 years of age who is interested in keeping their sensitivity to frequencies above 10k sharp should always wear these in live environments... the rest of us should as well if the show is above 95 common db and we can get away with it. If you are at a loud show for a long time and you can barely hear your friend shouting right next to you, you can be sure that you are permanently loosing your sensitivity to certain frequencies. So take care!

Etymotics earbuds have saved my life!!!
I have a brain injury and as a result am extremely sensitive to light and sound. I have a pair of regular sized and baby blue size ear buds. I LOVE THEM. I wear them anytime I leave my house (and anytime it's a bit noisy in my house) I can hold conversations in loud restaurants and groups and I don't get headaches or tired as quickly. I even wore them to Vegas and I can't tell you the difference these little babies made for me. My ears were a bit sore after the second or third day of wearing them for days on end, but other than that I am extatic with my purchse and would recommend them to anyone!