Eugene,

Thanks for this information.

My situation: I'm getting irritation in the left ear when I’ve been playing the piano this last month. I've been to an ear doctor twice, the last time was the morning after playing the night before (and the left ear was again affected). Although, it feels like inflammation in the ear, the doctor visually sees nothing wrong.

Understandably, he doesn't play music and particularly a piano with a harsh bottom end.

I've been working on finding what's going on with that ear. In the meantime, I thought I'd best protect it from further damage.

I understand what you said about the ER-25’s. You think the ER-15’s would wear better for my needs? I’ve tried playing the piano with an OTC ear plug (for sleeping), but it drastically changes the music perception (as I’m sure you already know).

A question? Will I get hear the notes of the piano the same (in relation to each, forming chords, etc), only at a 15 db reduction in volume? Or will I hear it as I did with those OTC ear plugs? It’s a very strange world when you’re used to hearing an audience in the background and you’re playing at a comfortable volume, and suddenly (with the ear plugs) you don’t hear yourself the same anymore!

Do you feel ear plugs will allow me to still hear and play normally after the db cut?
Can you give me the site where I can view the Phonak ear plugs?
Shall I stick with the ER-15? You said YOU use them.
With what you wrote about the “seal” around the ear…can I do the mold accurately by myself?
If I go with the ER-15, is there a preferred site to buy them from?

Thanks

MC