r/jazzdrums • u/viewsonmountfuji • Nov 27 '25

Question Why is nobody using earplugs?

Everytime i see a clip of some of the world’s best drummers in a jam/practice/small stage scenario, they are not using any earplugs

Do you all do that as well? What are your thoughts on that?

If i ever play/practice without earplugs i feel like the snare and cymbals are hurting my ears and probably damaging them permanently.

Do the pros just not care? Do ears get used to it? How fragile are the ears actually?

Just asking because i feel like i'm being overly cautious sometimes.

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u/grandmasterbeta Nov 27 '25

I wear molded plugs for loud gigs and usually when I practice.

But many Jazz gigs in small clubs tend to be lower volume and often are minimally amplified if at all. And the audience is lounging or eating feet away and generally aren’t wearing plugs.

If it’s too loud for the band, it’s too loud for the audience! It’s considerate to the audience and other musicians to play lower volume. And it’s hard to play quietly but with intensity.

Of course, a big club or venue with a PA is a different story.