EtymoticResearch® ER-25 Single Filter for Musicians' Earplugs™ (Blue)

I have purchased and used these filters many times. I have tinnitus and, as anyone who suffers from tinnitus knows, once it has developed you need to do everything you can to protect your hearing in the hopes that your tinnitus won't become worse than it already is. So, for instance, I always use earplugs whenever I'm mowing my yard or using a string trimmer or noisy power tool. After I first developed tinnitus seven years ago, I had custom-fitted ear plugs made and found that the Etymotic Research ER-25 filters were a more affordable filter choice and tried them. As far as the sound-suppression aspect of the filter goes, they are just fine. The problem is that in much too short a period of time you'll find one day that one of them isn't working. When you remove your earplug you can see that the larger circular portion of the filter has separated in the middle - broken into two pieces - and one piece is still inserted in the earplug and the other piece has disappeared, fallen out on the ground or the floor somewhere. And so there you are, back on Amazon ordering another filter at $40, as I've done many times now. My guess is that this two-piece construction could be accomplished in a way or with an adhesive that lasted quite a bit longer than it has in my experience, but then again, you wouldn't have to keep buying them at $40. Most recently, when this occurred, I got lucky..........the separated piece didn't get lost. I was able to find it and I'm going to attempt to Super Glue the two pieces back together, which will require some delicacy........probably application of the glue with a toothpick, but it's worth a try. Just be aware that this is going to happen.

Just received this earplug and it is clearly marked "15" indicating it reduces sound by 15 decibels. Yet as advertised it purported to block 25 decibels - and I bought it so it would match another 25 dB plug I currently own. I now have learned this item non-returnable so I am left with a useless item for which I paid $40. This is wrong.

I’ve use these products for at least 30 years As a traveling musician. My hearing is very good. My friends are pretty much deaf. That’s all you really need to know !!

I can’t tell the difference from the 15 dB filter, and it’s annoying that it’s blue. I wish I could get a refund.

Prior to investing in expensive custom ear molds, I thought it was less costly to spend constantly on lower cost foam or other type of earplugs. Custom earplugs last a long, long time, as well as Etymotic ER-25. Worth the money!

Do what it's claiming, I use it as passive noise reduction for when I'm flying helicopter inside my headset or helmet

I bought this for more protection than the 15db filter and it's performing as I'd hoped. Great for concerts and plane rides.

15 db not 25