Testing Cheap vs Expensive Ear Plugs!

Summary

This video offers a personal and insightful comparison of different earplugs, focusing on their effectiveness in managing tinnitus, a condition the presenter has experienced for over 37 years. The presenter reviews both cheap and expensive earplugs, such as foam and silicone options, alongside higher-end brands like Eargasms and Vibes, which claim to preserve sound quality while reducing volume. He shares his experiences from concerts, sports events, and personal testing, ultimately advocating for ear protection as a preventative measure against tinnitus. The video serves as both a product review and a public service announcement about hearing health.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker has been living with tinnitus for over 37 years, experiencing constant ringing in the ears that never goes away.
• 😀 Tinnitus affects everyone differently, with some experiencing peaks and valleys, while for others, the ringing is constant and overwhelming.
• 😀 Wearing earplugs can help manage the condition by reducing the volume of environmental sounds without completely blocking all frequencies.
• 😀 Musicians, especially those exposed to loud music, are at a higher risk of developing tinnitus, which is why ear protection is essential.
• 😀 The speaker uses a variety of earplugs, including cheap foam and silicone options, as well as more expensive models like Vibes and Eargasm, to compare their effectiveness.
• 😀 Foam earplugs are inexpensive (18 cents per piece) and effective at blocking sound, but they tend to muffle the high and mid-range frequencies.
• 😀 Silicone earplugs are another budget option that block sound effectively, though they can feel bulky and less comfortable for prolonged use.
• 😀 Vibes earplugs, priced at $26.95, are designed to reduce the volume of sounds without muffling high frequencies, making them better for maintaining sound clarity.
• 😀 Eargasm earplugs, which cost $37.88, are designed to offer a more natural sound experience by filtering sound rather than completely blocking it, although they can be harder to position properly.
• 😀 Tinnitus is irreversible once it develops, but it is preventable by using earplugs in noisy environments, including concerts and work settings.
• 😀 The speaker shares their personal experience with tinnitus, advising others to use earplugs proactively to prevent hearing damage and tinnitus, as there is no guaranteed second chance once it occurs.

Q & A

What is tinnitus, and how long has the speaker been living with it?

Tinnitus is a condition characterized by a constant ringing or buzzing in the ears. The speaker has been living with it for at least 37 years and experiences it 24/7, never knowing what true silence sounds like.

What are some of the challenges the speaker faces due to tinnitus?

The speaker's tinnitus fluctuates in intensity, sometimes overwhelming their ability to hear other sounds, even in environments like concerts. It worsens when they get sick, and they have never experienced true silence.

Why does the speaker stress the importance of wearing earplugs?

The speaker emphasizes wearing earplugs to prevent hearing damage and protect from developing tinnitus, a condition that is irreversible once it sets in. They stress that tinnitus is often preventable, and earplugs are a simple solution.

What are the two types of earplugs compared in the video?

The video compares two categories of earplugs: cheap earplugs (foam and silicone) and more expensive ones (vibes and eargasms). These earplugs are tested to understand how well they block or reduce sound while preserving the listening experience.

What is the key difference between foam and silicone earplugs?

Foam earplugs are designed to block out sound by expanding in the ear canal, while silicone earplugs cover the ear to block noise. Both are effective at reducing sound but offer different comfort and fit.

How do the vibes and eargasm earplugs differ from cheaper alternatives?

Vibes and eargasm earplugs are designed to lower the volume without muffling frequencies, preserving the clarity of sound. In contrast, cheaper earplugs, like foam and silicone types, tend to block a wider range of frequencies, making the sound more muffled.

What was the speaker’s experience testing these earplugs at concerts and sports events?

The speaker tested the earplugs at various events, such as NHL games and concerts, and noted differences in how each type of earplug impacted sound quality. The more expensive earplugs (vibes and eargasms) allowed more frequencies to come through compared to the cheap earplugs, which muffled sound significantly.

What role did the speaker’s friends in the band Second Echo play in the testing?

The speaker visited the band Second Echo and discussed earplugs with band members who also suffer from tinnitus. The band members shared their experiences with earplugs, including how cheap earplugs often disconnect them from the music and how more expensive earplugs provide better sound quality.

What are some advantages and disadvantages of the eargasm and vibes earplugs?

Eargasm earplugs are praised for offering the most natural sound experience by preserving a wide range of frequencies, but they are harder to position correctly in the ear. Vibes earplugs also offer good sound quality but tend to fall out more easily due to their shallower fit.

What is the overall recommendation from the speaker regarding earplugs?

The speaker recommends wearing earplugs in loud environments to prevent hearing damage and tinnitus. They also suggest that if high sound quality is not a priority, cheaper earplugs are a fine option, but for better sound preservation, the more expensive eargasm or vibes earplugs are preferable.