MP3 sound level?

    I can hear my MP3 player in the house at level three. When I go outside the general noise is so loud it seems as though I can no longer hear it.  Is that what really happens?  Does the outside noise drown out the softer sound or can I really still hear it?
    So if I am listening to a CD from work that I have to memorize do I have to turn it up or can I actually still hear it enough to memorize it - like listening to the television commercials in the background while making dinner?

[Enoch Choi, MD]

yes, the ambient outside noise would make it difficult to hear the mp3 headphone sounds.

if you can't consciously hear the work CD, you can't remember it. You have to be able to understand it to remember it.

watch out, too loud and it can hurt your hearing

consider the earbuds that are foam or silicone and block out ambient sound, those are the best, but you risk not being able to hear things you want to hear, like oncoming traffic!

[Wear/a/Jimmy]

Sollution:  ER4P   http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er4.aspx

They are hands down the best single driver head phones in the US market. (notice I said the US)

They have the best "isolation" rateing out of all the isolation type head phones in the US market, and the sound quality is really good for a single driver. Price....  shop around, the list price at 300$, but I know e-bay sells them for 160 range.  Now you may say   "OHH that is expensive, but I bet your I-pod cost you 200+.   Trust me, if you get you a nice set isolation headphones you will be amazed.

They will isolate the ambient noise, you will turn down your MP3 & you will be in acoustic heaven.

For cheaper but yet still quality, search for the Shure E3. They are no longer manufactured but are still on the market. I don't find them to be very comfortable, but other people do.

BTW, my company manufactures isolation head phones, custom and non-custom.... so trust me I know what I am talking about. (and in my opinion, mine are better than the ER4P, cheaper too)  But, we do not market in the US, yet.

[Enoch Choi, MD]

i agree with Wear/a/Jimmy that etymotic makes great in-ear headphones, but my 6i's broke from the kids playing with them, and i was sore at the $200 down the drain.

much better to isolate out external sound and save your hearing

Wear/a/Jimmy, what are the ones your company makes?  in thailand?  i'll be coming  to phuket soon for vacation and could pick some up.

[Wear/a/Jimmy]

Better yet, contact:

Fisher Hearing Technologies
830 SUNSHINE LN
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL
32714-3902
Phone: [phone]

Ask to speak with Kim. (Kim Fisher) He is the owner and a very nice guy. He can fix your 6i's and may even take the drivers out and build custom IEMs for you. It is up to you. His rates are very reasonable.

[Enoch Choi, MD]

thanks for the tip

what are the ones your company makes?  i'd like to pick up some in phuket

[Wear/a/Jimmy]

Enoch,

Just let me know the exact date so I can call our office and let them know when you intend on being there. They will take an ear mold impression. Right now, we can offer you a custom product single driver, cic to canal size. The sound quality is awesome.  We are currently developing multi-driver systems, and a silicone body for custom products. Custom is ultimately the way to go any how.  Just look at the prices that UltimateEars demand! We will have it rushed to be built for you. But you darn sure better write a review of my product. Deal?


Oh yes, how to find us. Go to the BKK Phuket international hospital. Face your back to the front of the hospital. There will be a street runing parrallel to the hospital, walk to the right of that street. There will be a Kasikorn bank on your left hand side, and a 7-11 on your right. We are about 3 shops down from the 7-11. (same side as the 7-11) It is a hearing aid distribution office, I beleive it is open 7 days a week, and even in the late evening hours. Yea, I know it seems odd I am not sure about the hours, but we have over 20 shops....  it is hard to keep track of them.

I don't want to release our name. I don't like to plug myself on medical web sites etc.

[Enoch Choi, MD]

I may be there in February, or maybe May. If you message me at http://www.medhelp.org/private_messages/new?recipient_id=242516  I can give you my email that way.  I don't like to give it on the public pages.