Ear Plug Superstore - Official Blog

InEarz Zen 2 vs InEarz Zen 4 Musician Monitor/Earphone Comparison Review

InEarz Zen 2 and Zen 4 earphones are in-ear musician's monitors that let you kick the old wedge to the curb - but whether you're performing on stage or just having a nice, relaxing listen, it's important to get the correct model for your needs and preferences. Both of these IEM's (In-Ear Monitors) are universal-fit, meaning no custom molding process is required, and both feature ADEL™ technology for incredible sound - but when it comes to their actual specs and sound profile, they are really two different creatures.

However, reviews that compare the two directly, Zen 2 vs Zen 4, are rare. That's why we made this (short!) InEarz Zen 2 vs Zen 4 Universal-Fit In-Ear Monitor Comparison Review (now that's a mouthful!), so you can see how the two InEarz off-the-shelf headphone models really stack up. Happily, the differences are, for the most part, pretty clear and simple.

 

InEarz Zen 2 vs Zen 4: Sound Profiles

The most notable difference between the two InEarz Zen universal-fit musician monitor models is that the Zen 2 is a dual-driver earphone, while the Zen 4 leverages quad drivers. Both use ADEL™ S1 Auto modules.

However, the sound signatures of the two models are notably distinct. The Zen 2 is an extremely high-clarity earphone with two dual-synced balanced armature drivers, offering one of the finest, most transparent listening experiences available from any dual-driver earphone, period. The Zen 4, on the other hand, has a more robust bass and smoother mids and highs, and many listeners find that its four quad-synced balanced armature drivers provide an expanded soundstage and more satisfying depth, vs the Zen 2.

The 2 is, overall, clearer and brighter, and more likely to please those seeking sparkling treble - while the 4 is warmer, richer, and very smooth, with fuller, expanded lows.

 

InEarz Zen 2 vs Zen 4 Profile & Accessory Differences

Both models are 3D printed and share the same ergonomic single-bore shell design. There should be no difference in physical profile, fit, or comfort between the two models, and both Zens come with the same fit tip accessories (three sizes each of foam and silicone tips). However, the Zen 4 has slightly more plush accessories, such as a stereo cable with gold-tipped pins and plugs.

Both models come with a 1-year manufacturer's warranty.

 

Zen Universal-Fit IEM Tech Specs Comparison

You can't always find these technical details listed anywhere but the back of the box - so let's summarize them here:

• Zen 2
• Inpedance: 41 Ohms
• Sensitivity 111.5 db SPL @ 1KHz
• THD at 1050 Hz-100mV 1.2%

 

• Zen 4
• Impedance: 28 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 113 dB SPL @ 1KHz
• THD at 94 dB SPL 0.2%

 

So, those are the most essential differences between the two models. To learn more about their features and get more details on what each Zen sound profile has to offer, see our InEarz Zen 2 and InEarz Zen 4 pages. And don't hesitate to let us know if you have any questions. We are here to help!

Until next time, be safe and do the right thing.

Tom Bergman, Vice President
Ear Plug Superstore

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What are the Lowest-Profile Ear Muffs for Shooting?

Q. Which are the thinnest most compact electronic muffs for trap and skeet shooting?

A. There are a few really good, slim, low-profile shooting ear muffs to consider. Of course, the "best" is always relative -- are you looking for the best quality money can buy, the most popular model, or the most recent design? Here are our best suggestions for a thin, compact electronic shooting earmuff.

Top-Notch Quality

The Pro Ears Stalker has a chopped ear cup that helps keep the muff from bumping the stock, so I would suggest these if you are looking for a high quality electronic muff. The price tag might be prohibitive, however, depending on your budget.

Popularity

Though the electronics are not as good, and there is no balance adjustment from ear to ear as with the Pro Ears, the Bilsom Impact Sport is one of the most popular electronic shooting muffs in the world, and with good reason. The build is top quality, the ear cups are nice and slim, the headband is metal reinforced for long life, and the price is remarkable.

New Design

I also like the Walker XPMB, their newest muffs, though I have not yet used them myself (I use Pro Ears), Walker has excellent products in every way and they have been updating their line more frequently than have their competitors, so you will not go wrong there.

What about non-electronic ear muffs?

If you prefer a passive muff, I would say choose a low NRR because high NRR means fat ear cups. Pick one with a wire, rather than plastic headband, and stay with Howard Leight/Bilsom, 3M Peltor, or Moldex brands and you will find what you are looking for.

Until next time, be safe and do the right thing.
Tom Bergman, Vice President
Ear Plug Superstore

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How to Remove Earwax Safely at Home Using Mack's Products

Removing earwax is a simple maintenance procedure that generally does not require an expensive visit to a physician's office. Once you experience cleaning your own ears you will wonder why in the world you waited so long to starting doing it yourself. The procedure is not difficult, dangerous or mysterious. But first, you need to make sure your ears are healthy. If they are not, then by all means pay a visit to your doctor to have the earwax removed. Indications that you should see a doctor include any of the following: ear drainage or discharge, ear pain, irritation or a rash in the ear, recent ear surgery that has not yet healed completely, any hole (perforation) in your eardrum, dizziness, or an active ear infection. If you do not have any of these indicators, it should be safe to clean your ears yourself.

Oh, one more: We recommend that children under 12 still see a doctor for earwax removal.

Earwax Removal Procedures:

1) Using earwax removal drops (recommended if you have a heavy build up of earwax that is affecting your hearing). Following the package directions, put 5-10 drops of Mack's Wax Away Earwax Removal Aid drops into each ear. Keep your head tilted to the side so that the drops remain deep in each ear to be treated, for 4-5 minutes or put an ear plug into each ear to hold the drops in, so you can treat both ears at the same time. For this you should choose reusable silicone ear plugs such as Mack's Aquablock. Repeat twice a day for up to 4 days. This procedure should dissolve the built up earwax, allowing it to drain out of the ear. If it does not come out after doing this for 4 days, consult with your physician, or use the syringe method in step 2) below.

2) Using the ear flushing method (recommended along with drops as in step 1 and for routine maintenance where earwax buildup is not severe). If you have had your ears cleaned by a doctor or nurse, they probably added a little hydrogen peroxide to some body temperature water, then squirted it into your ears until all the earwax was washed out into a little catch basin which you held under your ear. You can perform a similar procedure at home any time you wish, and Mack's earwax removal products make this very simple and easy.

a) Optional: If you plan to use Mack's Wax Away drops, tilt your head, put 5-10 drops into your ear and hold that position so that the drops remain deep in your ear canal. You will hear a crackling sound. This sound indicates the peroxide in the drops is foaming as it disolves and softens the earwax. Hold this position for several minutes or until the crackling subsides. Alternatively you can put an ear plug into each ear to hold the drops in, so you can treat both ears at the same time.

b) Fill the bulb or bellow syringe with clean body temperature water. Never use hot or cold water. Holding the head upright, and a catch basin against your head below your ear, gently squirt water into the ear using the bulb or bellow syringe you have, and carefully following the package directions. Be sure to leave room around the syringe tip to allow the water to exit the ear. Never push the tip of the syringe into the canal so far that it seals off the canal, and always be gentle as you squirt water into the ear. Refill the syringe and repeat until the water comes out clean. Check between refills to see how much earwax you have removed. If no earwax comes out after several flushes, treat that ear with drops twice a day for up to 4 days, following package directions and repeat this procedure once a day. By the fourth day if the Wax Away drops still have not softened the earwax enough to let you flush it out, go see your doctor.

Mack's Wax Away and ProRinse products:

Note: There are several other brands of earwax removal products out there, but we highly recommend the Mack's brand. They are always top quality and a good value. At Ear Plug Superstore we carry the following Mack's earwax removal products.

Mack's Wax Away Earwax Removal System includes Wax Away Earwax Removal Aid drops and a rubber bulb syringe for flushing the ear. Simple, low cost, and all you need in most cases.

Mack's ProRinse Earwax Removal System includes Wax Away Earwax Removal Aid drops, a high capacity bellows syringe for flushing the ear, a catch basin with a concave side to fit snugly against your head and a pair of Mack's AquaBlock ear plugs. This is a great kit with everything you need. No compromises.

Mack's Wax Away Earwax Removal Aid drops for those who just need the drops without the accessories in the kits. The drops might well be all you need, and if you have a kit, this option lets you just buy the drops you need when you run out.

Mack's ProRinse bellows syringe sold separately for those who do not need a full kit. If you have earwax that does not build up or get hard, a simple flush may be all you need and this little syringe could serve you well with nothing else needed.

 

Until next time, be safe and do the right thing.
Tom Bergman, Vice President
Ear Plug Superstore

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Have you done your good deed yet today? We're donating child ear muffs to needy students. Learn more & help now: http://sharetherelief.earplugstore.com/

Do-It-Yourself Ear Plugs for DIY Dynamos

Ear Plugs for Do-It-Yourselfers

		Everyone knows power tools can be dangerous without proper safety precautions. Crescendo DIY ear plugs were designed for Do-It-Yourself work and hobbies around the home workshop, lawn, or garage. These ear plugs cut hazardous noises while still allowing you to hear what's going on around you thanks to special filters (similar to the ones often used in musician's ear plugs). Improve your all-around safety with these easy-to-fit, low-profile ear plugs. These ear plugs may be used over and over for weeks, with just a gentle wash in warm water and soap after every couple of uses.

Dewalt is a name you can trust when you need serious tools -- and now Dewalt also offers ear plugs for serious noise. At NRR 33, Dewalt ear plugs provide some of the strongest noise protection you can get. These foam ear plugs are corded, so you can just sling them around your neck between uses. A bell-shaped design and slow-recovery foam help you get the fit you need to block hazardous noise effectively, while providing enough comfort for all-day wear. These inexpensive foam ear plugs should be replaced after just a few uses as an effective and hygienic part of your DIY safety kit.

		Pluggerz Hobby ear plugs are an excellent choice for projects both large and small. Even the all-mighty Dremmel tool, which is pretty quiet when you just turn it on, can drop some serious decibels during actual cutting and drilling. Whether you're looking to cut the ringing ears after a few hours of working on a project, or whether you need a set of good ear plugs for tasks around the house, Hobby ear plugs have you covered. These plugs not only cut noise, but also feature special filters that help keep important safe sounds such as voices clear and audible. A great hearing protector for DIY dads.

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Make Your Own Do-it-Yourself Ear Plugs

Did you know you can make your own custom molded ear plugs?

			Professional lab custom molded ear plugs offer the ultimate personalized fit for one-of-a-kind noise blocking and comfort for your unique ears. However, these professional custom molded ear plugs can be pricey, starting at around $100. DIY custom molded ear plugs offer a much less expensive custom hearing protection solution. With DIY custom ear plugs, you get the kit you need to make your own custom ear plugs right at home. Choose a color, mix the materials with a quick knead by hand, and you can create your own custom-fit ear plugs in about ten minutes. (Pick up a few sets and you can make custom ear plugs for the whole family!)

Fair warning: DIY custom ear plugs are only as good as you make them. Getting the ear plug material down into each ear canal far enough is critical for adequate noise blocking. Made correctly, you can achieve as much as NRR 26 protection from noise with a properly made set of DIY custom ear plugs.

Until next time, be safe and love your ears.
--Sarah Bergman, Web Developer

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No Foolin': 1 in 8 Children Already Have Hearing Damage; Alpine Muffy to Save the Day This Spring

Did you know that 1 in 8 children already suffer from hearing damage caused by hazardous noise by the time they become teenagers?
(source: Alpine Hearing Protection)

Now that spring has sprung, we can't wait to get out there and enjoy some concerts, sporting events, and races; it may be spring now, but we'll be checking out 4th of July fireworks in no time! It's the perfect season to get out there with the whole family to take in the fresh air, sunlight, and great entertainment.

Noisy entertainment.

This spring, make sure to protect your child's ears with hearing protection ear muffs.

Just in time for the season, we have the new Alpine Muffy Ear Muffs for Children! These come in a really fun, stripey design and are available in three kid-pleasing colors: pink, blue, and white & red.

These kid ear muffs are really nicely made, with a breathable padded headband that will help keep these cool and comfy all the way through the summer season.

And all year 'round, Alpine Muffy earmuffs for children can help out in the classroom. With Muffy earmuffs, students can learn better and more effectively, with fewer distractions during reading, writing, etc. This can help your kids get the most out of study time -- and they can also wear Muffy earmuffs during tests to improve focus.

Especially for kids who have trouble focusing, Alpine Muffy earmuffs can make a big difference.

Check out Alpine Muffy Earmuffs for Children.

Spring concert season can be fun -- and safe -- for the whole family if you just remember to always protect your children's ears.

Until next time, be safe and love the little ears in your life.
--Sarah Bergman, Web Developer

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Related articles

From Facebook to the Baby Earmuff Wall of Fame: Welcome Anderson!

WOW! Parker's 3rd Appearance on the EPSS Baby Ear Muff Wall of Fame!

Bling Bling, Baby: Welcome Corrigan to the Baby Earmuff Wall of Fame!

Emma Joins the EPSS Baby Earmuff Wall of Fame!

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Christmas Gift Ideas from Ear Plug Superstore

Cross It Off Your Shopping List

Baby Ear Muffs

Earphones for Work

Electronic Shooting Ear Muffs

Ear Plug Hats

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Great Gadgets

Sound Oasis S-850 Travel White Noise Alarm Clock

PlaneQuiet Solitude X Noise Cancelling Headphones

3M Tekk Worktunes AM/FM Radio Ear Muffs

Sleep-Eze 2013 In-Ear White Noise Generator

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Just for Kids

Disney Princess Little Mermaid Aqua Ears Ear Plugs

Disney Cars Aqua Ears Ear Plugs

ReVO Earmuffs for Babies and Children

Etymotic Ety-Kids Safe Listening Earphones

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Featured Gift Idea

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Music

Muffones Fashion Ear Muffs with Built-In Earphones

Alpine MusicSafe Pro Musician's Ear Plugs

Etymotic ER20 Musician's Ear Plugs

Crescendo Drummer Ear Plugs for Musicians

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Stocking Stuffers

NFL Ear Plugs

Snoring Relief Kit

Hatphones Fashion Winter Hats with Built-In Earphones

Mack's Dreamgirl Soft Foam Ear Plugs

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Bargains & Bundles

KonoAudio KidzSafe Earbuds for Kids + FREE Earphone Cord Winder (a $5.99 value)

Pro-Ears Ultra 26 Earmuffs Liquidation Sale - Save $6.96 off Regular Price!

Pink Plush Pack Bundle: Pink MyTMuffs + Pink Plush Headphones

Try 'em All Ear Plug Assortment Pack: 46 Assorted Pairs

Dynamic Ear e.a.r.Pods: Superb Safe Sound NOW $100 OFF!

Dynamic Ear e.a.r.Pods: Superb Safe Sound NOW $100 OFF!

e.a.r.Pods Earphones from Dynamic Ear are music listening headphones taken to a whole new level. These earphones have several great features: they provide NRR 25 sound blocking, they have a built-in volume limiter that will prevent you from accidentally damaging your hearing, and most importantly, they produce superb quality sound.

NOW e.a.r.Pods are available for $100 off regular price! Limited time only.

For serious audiophiles, e.a.r.Pods are a dream come true. These earphones let you block out the rest of the world so all you can hear is the music, delivered with high fidelity, clarity, articulate highs, and rich bass. e.a.r.Pods let you focus on the music you love anywhere, so you can forget the irritating noises around you.

e.a.r.Pods are also great for workers in OSHA controlled workplaces. Because these earphones have a built-in volume limiter that keeps sound to an 85dB max, along with a tested NRR 29 of hearing protection, e.a.r.Pods are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to listen to music on the job.

And e.a.r.Pods are great for kids, too! The plush padded headband is fully adjustable, so these extreme isolation headphones fit older kids, tweens, and teens well. With seven stylish designs, you can pick e.a.r.Pods your kids will love to wear -- and you can rest easy, knowing your child's hearing is safe thanks to the built-in volume limiter.

Dynamic Ear e.a.r.Pods Regular Price: $229.95
NOW ON SALE: $100 OFF! Sale Price: $129.95
Shop Now!

 

Seriously -- these are here just in time for Christmas, and this awesome sale won't last long. Quantities are strictly limited. Go get some while you can!

Until next time, be safe and love your ears.
--Sarah Bergman, Web Developer

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Crescendo: Hearing Protection for Any Active Lifestyle

Did you know your ears are as unique as your fingerprints? Not all hearing protection is made equal; what works for some may not work for others -- and you yourself may even find that you need different ear plugs for different tasks and activities. Finding the perfect ear plug to meet your unique hearing protection needs can be a big challenge.

Crescendo understands the need for different, specialized types of hearing protection to suit different noise levels, environments, and applications. To demonstrate that understanding, Crescendo has rolled out a complete line of ear plugs, each pair of which is specifically tuned and tailored to a particular activity.

Need ear plugs for mowing or edging? Gardening has you covered. Headed to the races? Pick up Moto. Need hearing protection for music? Take your choice of three high-end, professional models of musician's ear plugs, each of which is designed for a particular type of instrument and overall sound (drummer, woodwind, or vocals).

The new Crescendo lineup has the perfect plugs for whatever your active lifestyle calls for, from DIY ear plugs to wear when you finally remodel that bathroom, to Fly ear plugs to minimize airplane cabin pressure pain during flight.

With Crescendo, it's easy to find the best ear plugs for your unique ears so you can take control of your own personal sound level. Get Started Now.

Great Gift Idea!

 

Until next time, be safe and love your ears.
--Sarah Bergman, Web Developer

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Great New Stuff at Ear Plug Superstore

Spotlight: SureFire EarPro Sonic Defenders Ultra EP7

Why they're cool: These variable noise reduction ear plugs feature attached stoppers that allow you to change how you hear -- and how much protection you're getting -- on the fly. With the stoppers open, you can clearly hear everything around you, while internal Hocks Noise Braker filters reduce only dangerous sounds. Alternatively, close the stoppers for NRR 28 protection.

Why you'll love them: These are fantastic ear plugs for motorcycle riders. The ergonomic design makes them comfortable and ensures they won't fall out, and the low-profile fit means the SureFire EP7 fits comfortably under a helmet. With the stoppers out, you can cut the irritating wind noise -- and you can still hear important sounds like traffic signals, voices, alarms, and the throaty rumble of your engine.

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Until next time, be safe and love your ears!
--Sarah Bergman, Web Developer

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EPSS "Be Responsible" T-Shirts Now Available!

We at Ear Plug Superstore are thrilled to announce our very first t-shirt is now available!

Our Be Responsible tee features the motto, "Be Responsible: Always Use Protection," along with images of foam ear plugs. Printed front-only (blank back) in full color on white.

Now you can spread the word about the importance of hearing protection by simply wearing this fun T-shirt! Amuse your friends, and turn heads everywhere you go with the awesome power of knowledge.

 

Buy the shirt now!

 

 

Want to be famous? Sure you do! Send in photos of YOU in your new EPSS Be Responsible T-shirt, and you might get to see yourself in our newsletter, blog, store website, Facebook, and more! Email your photos to [email protected].

Until next time, be safe and love your ears!
--Sarah Bergman, Web Developer

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