Ear Protection

Hearing protection is a MUST for BYU Drumline participation. We strongly suggest obtaining proper protection before arriving. You can purchase bulk earplugs at many locations, especially stores with sports/hunting sections. Additionally, many varieties are available on the internet from LabSafety Supply. (We do not endorse any specific brand of earplugs.)

Foam disposable earplugs are available in a large variety of types, and are pretty cheap in bulk. (The standard cylindrical shaped yellow E•A•R® Classic Soft™ Earplugs are commonly used; they can cost around $25 for a box of 200 pairs, or $7 for 30 pair.) These are a good option and work fine. However, some musicians do not like how the noise reduction distorts the frequency spectrum, reducing the high frequencies much more than the lowfrequencies.

For those that want a flat reduction across the frequency spectrum, there are custom-fitted musicians plugs which should last many many years. Richard Harris (Professor of Audiology) on BYU campus can custom-fit these earplugs for you from $89-$125 per pair, which includes one set of attenuating filters with 9, 15, or 25 dB flat reduction. (Most musicians generally get the 15 dB reductionfilters standard with the earplug order. Additional filters just pop in or out, and can be purchased for $38 per pair.) These earplugs are somewhat pricey, but they are considered some of the finest available. If you wish to be fitted for these custom earplugs, contact Richard Harris directly.