https://www.hearformusicians.org.uk/join-nowWant a free hearing test and £170 worth of professional, moulded earplugs for £40? Apply above, share with your musician buddies.
Don't be put off by the application form; music is not my primary income source and I'm not gigging a lot at the moment; but I've still benefitted from this scheme. it will be in their interests to get people involved as it will be government funded, so don't be afraid to fudge your musical credentials a bit!
EDIT: I should add - the earplugs are exceptional. Try and get your ears cleaned before you go for your appointment (the NHS will do it for nothing) because they will need you to have clean ears and will charge £50 for the privilege.
When ask about the earplugs you want, you may be asked whether you sing or play a brass or woodwind instrument. Say that you do; even if you don't. You will be given special filters that help to even out the pressure in your skull that sometimes occur when you block your ears. In comparison with my previous earplugs they are far superior as the sound is untouched. Very clear highs.
EDIT: 2 Link updated
Comments
It turns out the plugs you get are actually ACS Pros. I already have some Pro 17’s which had started to get uncomfortable as the impressions were taken about 8 years ago. As we’re generally playing at a reduced stage volume these days due to modelling and whatnot I opted for the 10dB filters (I can swap in the 17dB filters if necessary).
The new plugs haven’t arrived yet obviously but I know what I’m getting so can fully recommend the scheme.
https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/working-retired-musicians/musicians-hearing-health-scheme
I will report back!
I was petrified of anything going into my ear. Just cleaning them with olive oil last night was hard enough! They made the process painless though and were really thorough with explaining stuff.
They also did a hearing test which showed my hearing fell into the 'Normal' range.
I have been concerned with my hearing of late as I gig quite frequently. I'm only 31 and have tinnitus so was growing more worried thinking about the future.
To find out my ears are reletively healthy and to have the hearing test has given me peace of mind and was worth the price of admission alone. The plugs themselves are ACS pro's which was mentioned above. I have no experience of them so cannot comment.
Overall I would encourage anybody regularly gigging to sign up.
https://www.hearformusicians.org.uk/
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Am typing this having just left my appointment. 15minutes for the hearing test and impressions fitting. Colour options included in the scheme - I went for Red!!
weirdest experience with the impressions setting, as I went totally deaf for about 3 minutes... was reassuring that there was no background ringing I’d gotten used to.
approx 3 weeks more to wait for the actual plugs.
(formerly miserneil)
A little over 3 weeks for delivery, but that included a bank holiday - so pretty decent!
However, I’ve gone for bright red this time...
(formerly miserneil)