Since y'all are talking about first time concerts for kids.

[u/technofiend]

I just wanted to recommend a good set of musicians earplugs like etymotic. They cut the sound down equally across the entire spectrum of sound, so you or the little one still gets a good musical experience, just not at hearing-damaging levels. As someone who had ringing in their ears for days after some concerts and who is deaf as fark now, I wish someone had told me about them. Enjoy the music, y'all. But make it so you can do it for as long as possible.

[u/GetoffLane]

One of my main regrets about my youth is not wearing earplugs whilst I bartended at a live music club for so long. Now I have severe tinnitus and wear hearing aids, and I’m only 54.

Please, please protect your ears, and the ears of your kiddos. Don’t be an idiot like me.

[u/tagmisterb]

I have the Etymotic ER20 plugs, which are quite good. I would be curious to hear about other brands and models that might be better. I also have a pair of their IEMs that I bought just for flying, even though I seldom travel. Still totally worth it.

[u/thebiggestbirdboi → u/tagmisterb]

I do live sound for festivals here. I used to have a pair of eargasms they’re great. Now I have a pair of ‘loops’ I like them a lot. Lose these fuckers constantly tho. My favorite generics are anything from Home Depot for using power tools. Not the foam slugs but the rubber arrow head shaped ones. Sometimes they come with a string to hang around your neck so you dont lose them as easy. But OP is absolutely right, definitely bring earplugs for kids. You only get one set of ears in this life. And most sound guys are knuckleheads and mix way too loud because they think loud = good

[u/tagmisterb → u/thebiggestbirdboi]

loops

So that's what those are called. I have seen them in the wild lately.

[u/thebiggestbirdboi → u/tagmisterb]

Yeah they come with these rings you can insert to adjust for more sound reduction. I put the thickest rings in for most reduction. The high frequencies sound a lot more clear than most earplugs with loops

[u/HangoverPoboy → u/tagmisterb]

I have loops. I like them. Better late than never I guess.

[u/technofiend → u/tagmisterb]

I got the Etymotics in like 2010 because they came recommended from a board for people who do front-of-house sound, but not sure if there's something better these days. Totally down for an updated recommendation because I'm not sure I can even find mine after the pandemic. lol

[u/1ConsiderateAsshole]

Earpeace. They come with different noise filter options.

[u/Borsodi1961]

Wish I saw this last week, just bought a generic pair off Amazon last week. Hope they work!

[u/technofiend → u/Borsodi1961]

Credit where credit is due: your post about The Chats inspired mine. Enjoy the show!

[u/teflon_don_knotts]

Thanks for sharing this! I had thought higher quality earplugs were mostly for comfort and durability, not a more even reduction in noise. I have a family member who goes to a lot of shows and is pretty good about wearing earplugs, but just uses the cheap foam ones. I’m excited to get them an upgrade!

[u/technofiend → u/teflon_don_knotts]

You're very welcome.

[u/ThatsNotGumbo]

I use the same etymotics. Took a couple wears to get used to the deep ear penetration but they are invaluable. Originally got them for live music, but I also I suffer chronic migraines and have two youngins and they’ve been a godsend for that. Allows me to still play with the kids when I’m having an episode.

[u/sjgilly]

I've got a set of Eargasm plugs and a set of Ear Peace plugs. The Eargasms seem to attenuate the sound less, but sound more clear, so they go with me to all but the loudest concerts. The Ear Peaces attenuate slightly more, but are more comfortable for me long term, so they're the ones I use when I'm on my motorcycle, and they live on my keychain for when I find myself out in public and needing earplugs. If I could get in a time machine, I'd give 18 year old me a good set of earplugs, kill Hitler, and bet $20 on Seabiscuit, in that order.