Whistles Lead to Hearing Loss

[Raymond]

Funny, as someone who is mildly Asperger-ish I have always been bothered by loud sounds but I have never been bothered by whistles.

And I'm always surprised when a fan, cheerleader, or player gets startled by an unexpected whistle blast from me.

[Rooster]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

And I'm always surprised when a fan, cheerleader, or player gets startled by an unexpected whistle blast from me.

It's a little sadistic ,I know, but I always have to fight back the little chuckle on this.

[ODJ]

I use custom-made ear pieces from Etymotic Research outside Chicago. They're the same company musicians use.

I started using the foam plugs ages ago, but the problem is they cut down all noise, including coaches and players yapping at each other. My E.R. set cut the dBs while allowing me to hear more ambient noise, so yes I do hear the coaches more, but it allows me to communicate better.

As a former DJ and attendee of many loud sporting events in my youth, I had hearing loss long before I started officiating. My first year, before plugs, I held my whistle on the right side of my mouth. Result is my right ear has greater hearing loss.

GET THEM!

Contact an audiologist who can do the foam fittings. My set was $150.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by ODJ

I use custom-made ear pieces from Etymotic Research outside Chicago. They're the same company musicians use.

I started using the foam plugs ages ago, but the problem is they cut down all noise, including coaches and players yapping at each other. My E.R. set cut the dBs while allowing me to hear more ambient noise, so yes I do hear the coaches more, but it allows me to communicate better.

....

GET THEM!

Contact an audiologist who can do the foam fittings. My set was $150.

Which model?

[ODJ]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

Which model?

Custom from foam molds made of your ear canals. Only takes a few minutes. The molds are then sent to E.R. for casting. (It's a small shop but does work for major stars.) You can select the dB filter you want. Mine are -15.
The website has a list of audiologists they work with.

No wires attached for your iPod. (That's extra.)