Do i really need earplugs for djing?

[Jack Wald]

Hey. Im a beginning dj. do i really need earplugs? i dont want to damage my ears, but i also dont want to filter out too much sound. If so will the basic orange ones do? or is it worth spending an extra couple of bucks for "dj" earplugs? Thanks

 

[Salem Beats]

Yup, you need earplugs. That, or headphones made to attenuate noise.

-Ki
Salem Beats

 

[Jack Wald]

ok. I could imagine expensive ones arent all that much better than cheap ones. how about these?
Amazon.com : Etymotic Research ER20 ETY-Plugs Hearing Protection Earplugs, Large Fit, Blue Stem with White Tip (Blue) : Electronics

 

[bandcoach]

cost is indicative of effectiveness/sound reduction/attenuation

most dj gigs you are probably working in a 100db@1m or greater environment - everyday listening environment is 60db-70db so something that attenuates sound by 20db or more is imperative if you are to not suffer long term hearing damage/frequency sensitivity loss

 

[Salem Beats]

most dj gigs you are probably working in a 100db@1m or greater environment

^
Explains why so many practicing DJs never cross over onto the production side and are horrible at mixing/mastering.

-Ki
Salem Beats

EDIT: Did I just say that in the DJ Forum? Whoops! lulz. It's ok, you guys have a better sense of humor than we producers do, right?

 

[Tha Professor]

I'm trying to cross the DJ side from teh production side, and I am super concerned about my hearing while I am venturing this DJ journey! So lemme know the best method.