Why Hearing Protection Should Be a Standard Part of Every Musician’s Gear

Musicians Protect Their Instruments—Why Not Their Ears?

Every musician knows the importance of maintaining their gear. Guitars get polished, drumheads get replaced, and cables get neatly coiled. But one of the most important pieces of gear is often ignored—hearing protection.

Your ears are your most valuable instrument, yet many musicians don’t realize they’re damaging them until it’s too late. Just like tuning an instrument before a performance, protecting your hearing should be a standard part of your setup.

The Silent Threat: How Loud Is Too Loud?

Sound Source

Decibel Level (dB)

Safe Exposure Limit

Normal conversation

60 dB

Unlimited

Drum kit

100-120 dB

15-30 minutes

Guitar amp at full volume

110-120 dB

15 minutes

Live concert (on stage)

110-130 dB

10-15 minutes

In-ear monitors (at max volume)

90-110 dB

1 hour or less

Permanent hearing damage can start at 85 dB, and most live performances far exceed that limit. Every gig, rehearsal, and studio session adds up, making hearing loss a real risk for every musician.


The Reality: Famous Musicians with Hearing Damage

Many legendary musicians have suffered irreversible hearing damage because they didn’t use protection early in their careers.

  • Brian Johnson (AC/DC) – Almost had to quit touring due to severe hearing loss.
  • Lars Ulrich (Metallica) – Struggles with chronic tinnitus from years of performing without protection.
  • Will.i.am (Black Eyed Peas) – Has persistent tinnitus and warns others about protecting their hearing.
  • Neil Young – Wrote about his hearing damage in his song Driftin’ Back.
  • Phil Collins – Lost significant hearing in one ear, impacting his ability to perform.

These musicians had access to the best studios and equipment, but they couldn’t prevent hearing loss after years of exposure.


Why High-Fidelity Earplugs Are the Best Solution

Foam earplugs muffle sound, making it hard to hear the details of your performance. Spares High-fidelity earplugs offer clear, balanced sound while reducing dangerous noise levels.

  • 🎵 Preserves sound quality – Reduces volume without distorting the mix.
  • Comfortable for long wear – Perfect for rehearsals, gigs, and studio sessions.
  • Lets you hear yourself & the band clearly – No more guessing if you’re on pitch or tempo.
  • Reusable & durable – A smart investment for every musician.


How to Integrate Earplugs Into Your Gear Setup

  • Keep them in your gig bag – Store your Spares with your picks, cables, and extra strings.
  • Wear them at every rehearsal – Protect your ears just like you protect your instruments.
  • Use them during live performances – Even if you have in-ear monitors, extra protection helps.
  • Talk to your bandmates – Make ear protection a standard for everyone in the group.


Protect Your Ears, Protect Your Career

Hearing loss isn’t just an inconvenience—it can end a musician’s career. The best way to ensure you can keep playing, recording, and performing for years to come is to start protecting your hearing now.

Make earplugs as essential as your instrument. Grab Your Spares today!