Etymotic Research ER125-MP9-15BN User Manual
Normal conversation
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What makes earplugs high-fi delity?
Most earplugs reduce sound more in the high frequencies
than the lows and mid-range, which produces unnatural,
muffl ed sound. Etymotic’s high-fi delity earplugs reduce sound
evenly at all frequencies so sound is unaltered, just quieter.
How much noise is too much?
Noise-induced hearing damage depends on the intensity,
duration and frequency of exposure (how loud, how long,
and how often). Some persons are more susceptible to
hearing damage from loud sound than others. Tinnitus
(ringing in the ears) and temporary hearing loss can occur
from a single concert, sporting event, or sudden loud noise
like a fi recracker or gunshot. Over time, tinnitus and hearing
loss can become permanent. This damage usually occurs so
gradually that it isn’t noticed until it’s too late. Noise-induced
hearing damage is permanent, and there is no cure. The best
treatment is prevention.
How do I know if I need standard or large?
Both sizes fi t most ears, but the standard earplugs are more
comfortable for many users with smaller ear canals. Studies
by Etymotic Research and an independent, accredited lab
show that most users can achieve a seal with the standard
fi t. Ear size cannot be predicted by a person’s physical size,
age or gender.
About Noise reduction rating (NRR)
NRR is a single number based on a formula required by
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to indicate the
amount of noise reduction expected from hearing protectors.
WHICH EARPLUG IS RIGHT FOR ME?
READY•FIT EARPLUGS
ETY•Plugs® are ready-fi t high-fi delity
earplugs, developed as an alternative
to Etymotic’s original custom Musicians
Earplugs. Both ETY•Plugs and ER•20XS
earplugs have the highest fi delity of any
non-custom earplugs available today.
ER•20XS earplugs are small, discreet
high-fi delity earplugs that match the
response of ETY•Plugs. They give the most
options when it comes to proper fi t and
comfort. Choose 3-fl ange or foam eartips.
Advanced technology lowers sound levels
evenly by 20 decibels. Music sounds natural
and clear, only safer.
ELECTRONIC EARPLUGS
Music•PRO
a choice of either 9 or 15 dB automatic
sound reduction. They are ideal for persons
who want natural hearing when sound
levels are safe, and automatic protection
when sound exceeds permissible levels. This
minimizes the inconvenience of removing
earplugs to hear soft sounds and speech.
There is instantaneous protection from loud
percussive sounds, and 6 dB of amplifi cation
if desired.
CUSTOM•FIT EARPLUGS
®
electronic earplugs provide
Rocket launch
Shotgun blast
Firecracker
Rifle blast
Jet engine
Jackhammer
Ambulance siren
Chain saw/Jet ski
Loud sporting event
Snowmobile
Motorcycle/Subway
Power mower
Loud traffic
Noisy restaurant
Vacuum cleaner
Washing machine
Quiet office
Whisper
Leaves rustling
Decibel Level
Without
earplugs the
risk of hearing
106 dB
102 dB
91 dB
damage
happens after
< 4 mins
< 10 mins
15 mins
1 hr 15 mins
2 hrs
4 hrs
Music
Environment
Rock Concert
Range: 80-120 dB
Drumline
Range: 92-110 dB
Marching Band
100 dB
Range: 85-115 dB
Concert Band
93 dB
Range: 89-97 dB
Symphony
Range: 80-102 dB
Orchestra Pit
88 dB
Range:
Typical dB
82-95 dB
Using
ETY•Plugs
or
ER20XS
Earplugs
<6 hrs
SAFE
SAFE
SAFE
SAFE
SAFE
high•fi delity
HEARING
PROTECTION
From the inventors of the original Musicians Earplugs
™
ETY-Plugs and ER-20XS earplugs provide 20 dB of protection
(attenuation) across frequencies. Their NRRs (12 dB for
ETY-Plugs and 13 dB for ER-20XS earplugs) underestimate
the protection of these plugs when properly fi tted.
MusicPRO electronic earplugs provide either 9- or 15-dB of
attenuation across frequencies, yet have an NRR of 25 dB.
Both examples, along with decades of research, illustrate that
the NRR is an outdated label that usually does not represent
the actual protection achieved by the user.
Musicians Earplugs™ are a customized
product made from ear impressions and
purchased from hearing professionals.
The combination of custom molds and
Etymotic’s attenuators (fi lters) produces
a resonance that replicates the response
of a normal ear canal, resulting in smooth,
fl at sound reduction. Interchangeable
fi lters are available in three levels of
sound reduction: 9 dB, 15 dB and 25 dB.
Color options: Clear, Beige, Brown, Blue and Red
ABOUT ETYMOTIC
Etymotic Research is committed to protecting and enhancing
the listening experience for musicians, music educators, audio
professionals and consumers. For over 30 years, Etymotic has
manufactured products to help people hear better now, and
preserve their hearing for the future.
www.etymotic.com 847-228-0006 • 888-389-6684
Musicians Earplugs, ER•20XS, ACCUFit and ACCUFilters are trademarks of Etymotic Research, Inc.
Etymotic, Music•PRO, ETY•Plugs, ER20 and ACCU-Technology are registered trademarks of Etymotic Research, Inc.
EREM-B19-E
©2015
• Ready-fi t and electronic earplugs
• Sound is reduced evenly
• Communication is clear
• Fatigue from noise is reduced
• Richness of music is preserved
Average Attenuation in dB
ER•20XS vs. Standard Foam Earplugs
Average Attenuation in dB
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Can Be Prevented
Hearing loss is cumulative over a lifetime. Using high-fidelity
hearing protection reduces the risk of hearing damage from
noise in the workplace, loud music at concerts and excessive
noise at venues such as air shows, parades, athletic events and
motor sports.
A little time may be required to acclimate to any earplugs.
Ultimately, most musicians report that when they use highfidelity earplugs they can hear their own instrument better, as
well as the balance and blend with those around them.
History of Musicians Earplugs
Musicians Earplugs are the original high-fidelity earplugs,
developed over 25 years ago by Etymotic Research, based on
a design by the late Elmer Carlson, an engineer at Knowles
Electronics. Carlson’s design replicated the natural response of
the ear canal so that sound heard with these earplugs would
have the same quality as the original, only quieter.
In 1985, while consulting with the Chicago Symphony
Orchestra, Mead Killion PhD, CTO and founder of Etymotic,
concluded there was a real need for Carlson’s earplugs. Killion’s
study revealed that musicians are at risk for occupational
hearing loss just like workers in industry, but musicians need
special hearing protection that allows them to hear clearly
and without compromising sound quality. Musicians Earplugs
were the first high-fidelity hearing protection available to
musicians. The filters attenuate by 9- 15- or 25 dB, and attach
to custom earmolds. These custom products are made from ear
impressions and are purchased from hearing professionals.
®
ER-15
Small s trings
Larg e strings
Woodwinds
Percussion
Vocalists
Acoustic guitar
Amplified instruments
March ing band s
Music t eacher s
Recording engineers
Sound crews
ER-9
Brass
Flutes
Ref: Chasin , M. Musicians and t he Prevention of H earing Loss. Si ngular Publishi ng Group. 1996.
ER-25
ETY•Plugs
Harmful Sound Comes From:
ER-20 XS
Own instrument
Brass section
Brass section
Own instrument, other brass
Percussion
Own instruments, other percussion
Own voice, speakers, monitors
Drums, speakers, monitors
Speakers, monitors
Instruments behind
Multiple sources
Speakers, monitors
Speakers, monitors
Reusable
•
READY
ETY•Plugs use a tuned resonator and acoustic resistor to
replicate the natural response of the ear canal. Their unique
construction and proprietary sound path reduce sound levels
evenly across the frequency range. When sound enters the
earplug, it is reduced without changing sound quality—
the same as the ear would hear it, only quieter.
STANDARD FIT LARGE FIT
Includes:
• 1 pair earplugs
• Neck cord
earplugs
• Reduces sound evenly by 20 decibels
• Reusable
• 2 sizes: standard and large
• Removable neck cord
0
10
20
30
40
50
125250 5001000200040008000
ETY•Plugs provide almost equal sound reduction across the range of hearing.
Foam earplugs reduce high frequencies more than lows, which degrades the
quality of speech and music.
FIT
Standard
Foam Earplugs
• Pouch
• Instructions
Frequency (Hz)
Discreet & reusable
LOW PROFILE
earplugs
ER•20XS high-fidelity earplugs give the most options when
it comes to proper fit and comfort: choose 3-flange or foam
eartips. Advanced technology lowers sound levels evenly by
20 decibels. Music sounds natural and clear, only safer.
• Reduces sound evenly by 20 decibels
• Reusable
• Discreet, in-ear low profile design with pull tabs
for easy removal
• Three sizes of interchangeable foam and 3 flange eartips.
• Removable neck cord
0
10
20
30
40
50
STANDARD FIT LARGE FIT FOAM (UNIVERSAL FIT PACKAGE)
Includes:
• 1 pair earplugs with pull tab
• Neck Cord
Standard
Foam Earplugs
125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000
Frequency response characteristics and performance of ER•20XS earplugs
are essentially the same as those of ETY•Plugs.
Frequency in Hz
3-Flange Eartips
Foam Eartips
• Pouch
• Instructions
The only
high•fidelity
.
ELECTRONIC
Musicians Earplugs
Music•PRO circuitry automatically changes output levels
as sound input levels change. Hearing is natural, as if nothing
is in the ears, until sound exceeds safe levels. As sound levels
increase, earplugs gradually provide 9- or 15-dB sound
reduction. Natural hearing is restored when sound returns
to safe levels.
• Provides either 9-dB or 15-dB protection
• Enhances soft sounds if desired
• NRR=25dB. When deeply sealed, earplugs provide
35-40 dB of sound reduction for very loud sounds.
Includes:
• 1 pair earplugs
• ACCU•Fit
• Flexible neck cord
™
eartips
• Filter tool and ACCU•Filters
• Cleaning tool
• #10 Batteries
• Protective case
.
™
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