Custom Earplugs
People are interested in custom fitted earplugs for a variety of reasons, including protecting the ears from loud noise or music, helping block out noise during sleep, protecting the ears from water when swimming, and fitting headphones or ear monitors in a secure comfortable way.
Custom earplugs are made by taking an impression of the ears with a silicone-based material, and sending these to a manufacturer to have the appropriate protection made. The following are the types of custom earplugs that are available.
Ear Defenders
Ear defenders are often worn by people working around loud machinery. Whether it is a jack-hammer, leaf-blower, table saw, jet engine, or any other loud equipment, many machines that people use on a daily basis are a hazard to their hearing health. Ear defenders are very effective at reducing the decibel level and protecting your ears from permanent damage. They can be attached to a clip-on cord for easy access. They can also have an optional filter which will allow some speech sounds to be somewhat audible while working. Ear defenders are also useful for firearms users (with the addition of earmuff protectors).
Sleep Molds
These are popular with spouses of snorers, and people sleeping with traffic noise nearby. Custom fitted sleep molds are useful for people that have trouble keeping the traditional foam or wax plugs in their ear canals.
Swim Molds
Some individuals require that their ear canals, specifically the eardrums, keep clear of water. Often this is because of a perforation or a tube that has been inserted in the eardrum for medical reasons. It can also be to avoid infection of the ear canal. For these people to continue to enjoy swimming it is useful to wear custom swim molds, which seal the ear canals from water, and are floatable.
Musician’s Plugs
Some musicians are exposed to loud instruments. Custom-fitted musician’s plugs are effective at reducing harmful levels of sound, but are filtered to allow a clearer, richer sound compared to traditional ear defenders. These can also be used by individuals who attend loud concerts, or even loud films.
Custom Ear Monitors and Headphones
Musicians, and others who enjoy listening to portable music players such as iPods can have their earphones customized to provide a secure fit. Ear monitors can allow a musician to hear their instrument well, while protecting the ears from loud external sound.
Most of the earplugs described here are available in a variety of colours, and are easily maintained. Fittings and follow-up are provided in our office to ensure that the earplugs are comfortable and effective. If you are not sure if you require custom earplugs, or what type is best for you, a consultation with your audiologist will help come up with a solution.
