User:Samuelpenni/In-ear monitor

Earpieces
Impressions for custom in-ear monitors are typically performed by an audiologist. In order to achieve the most isolation, the audiologist should use a high viscosity impression material with a deep impression of the ear canal. The musician should also mimic their embouchure while the impression material is setting so that the fit is comfortable while performing. Custom in-ear monitors made of a softer silicone material can be inserted deeper in the ear canal and will provide more isolation from outside noise.

Some performers may desire a more natural sound from their IEMs with both the music mix and ambient sounds. Passive ambient IEMs have a small bore drilled into the earpiece to allow some natural ambient sound into the ear canal; however, this can potentially lead to increased sound exposure as it reduces the signal-to-noise ratio for the mix and causes the musician to increase the levels from the IEM. Active ambient IEMs use external microphones to reproduce the ambient sound in the mix that mimics the frequency response of the open ear and may sound more natural to the performer.

(New Heading) Safety
Many performers choose to use IEMs as a way to reduce their overall exposure to loud sound and prevent hearing loss. However, education on the use of IEMs is a crucial factor for limiting exposure as performers have a tendency to set their IEMs to similar intensity levels that were previously used in their floor monitors. Musicians need to train themselves to listen at lower levels to take full advantage of the sound level reduction capability of IEMs.

Some musicians with two IEMs may choose to take out one of them during a performance in order to hear more ambient sound. The increased risk of hearing damage in this scenario are twofold. Removing one IEM negates the improvement in signal-to-noise ratio from isolation and the binaural summation effect which causes an increase in perceived loudness from using two sound sources. Therefore, the performer will likely turn up the IEM in the other ear to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. Also, the ear without an IEM is potentially exposed to loud ambient sound.

Many IEMS use peak limiters or compressors to limit potential damage from sudden loud sounds. However, this does not prevent the performer from turning up the IEM to unsafe levels.