[finsup]

Hello all, and Happy New Year wishes to you.

I have twin 16 year-olds, both with special needs, both who love, love love music.  One of them, Chris, has autism and even though he enjoys music immensely, some sounds can be pretty overwhelming for him.  His sensitivity to sound, even some ordinary noises, will at times cause him to plug his ears and make a low humming sound --maybe a sort of white noise for him to block out all the other sounds assaulting him.  I really notice this in the car (music playing or not), and in restaurants.

I've tried inserting those cheap spongy things into his ears but he doesn't seem to like those very much.  So -I thought I'd ask those of you, especially the musicians among us, for your recommendations.  Are there any comfortable ear plugs in the $20-30 range that he can try?

Thanks.
--Michael

[Berndt]

I have been wearing the standard disposable earplugs for the last 30 years.
Just one month ago I received a set of custom ear plugs from my employer.
I believe they were 75$ for 2 pair.
If I would have known how comfortable and quiet custom ear plugs were vs. roll ups I would have been wearing these things long ago.
I can't believe I waited for so long. I highly suggest custom fitted earplugs to anyone interested in hearing protection, to me it is night and day as far as comfort and quietness.
You could also try shooting supply stores for recomendations for local custom ear plug fitters.
Good Luck!

[Phil]

These work.   Much better than standard stuff:   http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20.aspx

[BradJudy]

The custom molds are a good idea.

There some very good re-usable non-custom ones too, but comfort seems to be very relative, so you might have to try several. 

I have some of these for concert going - http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/profmusearpl1.html  They are great, but stick in the ear pretty far.

You might want to try the reusable plug trial pack here - http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/reustrialpac.html 

[alwayslearning]

This site will give you a bunch of info & many products as you search it.   Info on ear plugs specifically:

  http://www.earplugstore.com/foam_industrial_plugs.htm

These get good reviews.   NRR is a measurement of noise reduction, with a higher number reflecting better noise reduction.

http://earplugsonline.com/

Over-the-ear used by industrial folks:
  http://www.thefirestore.com/store/category.cfm/cid_1554_pro_ears_passive_ear_muffs/

Good luck!

[finsup]

Thanks, everyone for your help.  I am going to check all these suggestions out and give them a try. 
--Michael