Custom earplugs are tailor-made earplugs that protect your ears from loud noises and environmental noise. They are useful when you are frequently or for long periods exposed to noise. For instance, if you work in construction, industry, or the music sector. However, people also wear custom earplugs when attending festivals, engaging in shooting or motorsports, driving a convertible, or even for sleeping.
We create custom earplugs specifically for your ears, as each ear is unique. This ensures a perfect fit in your ear canal, providing a proper seal and protection against noise. They are crafted from acrylic or soft silicone for optimal comfort.
Furthermore, various types of custom earplugs are available, each designed for specific types of noise and activities.
It’s important to note that custom earplugs don’t just reduce noise; they also contribute to maintaining the long-term health of your hearing.
In this article, you will find all the answers to your questions about custom earplugs:
- Why custom hearing protection? The benefits!
- How many dB do custom earplugs attenuate?
- What is a leak test?
- What are the best custom earplugs?
- How are custom earplugs fitted?
- How long do custom earplugs last?
- Annual check of custom earplugs
- How to clean custom earplugs?
- More questions about custom earplugs? Ask us!
Why custom hearing protection? The benefits!
Using custom earplugs offers many advantages compared to disposable earplugs. We’ve listed some benefits for you:
100% protection
Custom earplugs provide much better noise protection than standard ear protectors because they are tailor-made to fit your ear canal precisely. This ensures a proper seal that effectively blocks out sound.
Comfortable
Custom earplugs are made from hard or soft materials and fit perfectly in the ear canal. Their snug fit eliminates comfort issues. They remain comfortable to wear, even during extended daily use, and they stay securely in place.
More hygienic and healthier
Custom earplugs are more hygienic than disposable earplugs. Why? They are designed for your ears and no one else’s. They can be easily cleaned under the faucet with soap or using our cleaning materials. The perfect fit prevents dirt, dust, or moisture from entering the ear canal around the earplug.
Also important: disposable earplugs cannot be (properly) cleaned and have a short lifespan. However, custom earplugs are reusable and can be easily cleaned using specialized cleaning agents.
Saves money in the long run
Although custom earplugs are more expensive than standard hearing protectors, they actually save you more money in the long run. This is because they have a much longer lifespan. Custom earplugs are made from durable materials, so they need to be replaced much less frequently than standard earplugs.
More likely to wear custom earplugs
Since custom earplugs are specifically made for your ears, they provide a comfortable fit. This increases the likelihood that you will wear them when needed. This effortless habit helps keep your ears young and healthy!
How many dB do custom earplugs reduce?
The level of noise reduction provided by custom earplugs varies. It depends on the type of earplug and the type of sound it needs to reduce. Generally, the noise reduction level typically ranges between 15 and 30 dB.
However, the noise reduction level also depends on your own ears: for example, if you use earplugs that do not fit 100%, sound often leaks around the earplug. Therefore, your ears are not fully protected. This is why it’s crucial to have custom earplugs made. This ensures you have the best sound reduction and protection for your hearing. The audiologist also performs a leak test to ensure that your ears remain truly safe during noise exposure.
What is a leak test?
An audiologist uses a leak test to check if custom earplugs fit well in your ears and do not allow air to pass through. Such a leak test is conducted when the earplugs are being fitted.
Here’s how it works: a little pressure is created between the earplug and the eardrum. This helps the specialist determine if air is escaping or not. If it does, it means that the hearing protection does not fit well. As a result, it doesn’t effectively shield your ears from sound.
A leak test ensures that your custom earplugs fit well and do their job. This way, you prevent hearing damage from occurring!
What are the best custom earplugs?
The best custom earplugs depend on their intended use. HearingCoach offers a wide range of high-quality custom earplugs for different situations:
Custom earplugs for construction and industry
If you work in construction or industry, you’re exposed to a noisy environment with a lot of machine noise. At the same time, it’s crucial to communicate effectively with your colleagues. Earplugs need to reduce loud noise, while still allowing you to understand others. Is that possible? Absolutely!
HearingCoach offers exclusive custom earplugs for these sectors. Our earplugs contain a special filter that allows clear communication and collaboration while filtering out loud noises from machines.
Hearing protection for musicians
For musicians, it’s important to ensure proper hearing protection while still being able to hear the music clearly.
We also provide a solution for this: you’ll find various types of custom earplugs with in-ear monitors and hearing protection with different levels of noise reduction. These earplugs enhance sound quality and simultaneously protect musicians’ hearing.
Enjoy your music without hindrance!
Custom earplugs for motorcyclists
While riding a motorcycle, you’re exposed to a lot of wind noise and engine sounds. This can lead to hearing damage. That’s why we offer specially designed custom earplugs for motorcyclists. These earplugs provide protection against wind noise and motor sounds while still allowing ambient sounds to pass through. This ensures a safer and more comfortable riding experience!
Earplugs for hunters and shooting sports
During hunting and shooting, your ears are exposed to short, loud noises. Our custom earplugs come with various levels of noise reduction to provide optimal hearing protection. These earplugs are also designed to be comfortable and not get in the way during hunting or shooting.
Aim high and shoot with low noise!
All our earplugs for industrial use are tested according to 89/686/EEC, comply with EU (2016/425) regulations, and are 100% in line with Directive 2003/10/EC.
Custom earplug fitting process: how does it work?
At HearingCoach, we have an easy way to measure your ears and create custom earplugs. Here’s how it works:
- Make an appointment
To get custom-made earplugs, all you need to do is make an appointment with HearingCoach. It’s easy to arrange! You can do this through our website, phone, or email.
- Hearing assessment
During your appointment, the HearingCoach will test your hearing to determine which type of custom earplug is most suitable for your needs. We’ll also check for any particularities in your ear canal or the presence of excessive earwax.
- Taking an ear impression
We’ll take an impression of your unique ear shape to ensure a perfect fit. These impressions will be scanned using a 3D scanner.
- Creating the custom earplugs
The 3D printer will produce the custom earplugs, which will then be finished with a hypoallergenic coating. We’ll also incorporate any special filters if needed. This process can take several days to a few weeks, depending on the type of custom earplug you’ve chosen.
- Fitting appointment
Once your custom earplugs are ready, we’ll schedule an appointment for a function check. During this appointment, we’ll ensure that the earplugs fit well and are comfortable. If necessary, we can make any adjustments to ensure a perfect fit.
- Delivery
Once your custom earplugs are fitting perfectly, we’ll provide them to you along with a storage case and care instructions.
[Schedule your appointment here]How long do custom earplugs last?
The lifespan of custom earplugs depends on various factors, such as:
- how well you take care of them
- how effectively you clean them
- how well they continue to seal the ear canal (this is the most crucial factor!)
Generally, custom earplugs last much longer than standard earplugs because they fit perfectly in your ear and are more resistant to wear and tear. If you maintain them well and clean them regularly, custom earplugs can last for years.
If you frequently wear your custom earplugs, it’s important to have their effectiveness checked annually.
Yearly check-up for custom earplugs
Your ears change as you age, and this can affect the fit of the earplugs over time.
For these reasons, it’s essential to have your custom earplugs checked every year. If they no longer fit optimally, you can have them replaced right away. This way, your ears will always remain well protected.
How to clean custom earplugs?
It’s important to clean custom earplugs regularly to maintain hygiene and extend their lifespan. Below is a simple step-by-step guide for cleaning your custom-made earplugs:
- Remove the earplugs from your ears and inspect them for any damage.
- Clean the earplugs with lukewarm water and mild soap. Use a soft brush to gently remove any dirt or earwax. If you want to make this even easier, you can use HearingCoach’s maintenance products.
- Rinse the custom earplugs thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of soap.
- Gently dry the earplugs with a soft cloth or let them air dry. Avoid using a hairdryer or other sources of heat to dry the earplugs, as this can damage the material.
- Regularly disinfect the earplugs with a specially designed cleaning spray or wipes. Follow the instructions on the packaging and allow the earplugs to dry completely before inserting them again.
- Store the earplugs in a clean and dry container or case to keep them neat and clean.
By regularly cleaning and disinfecting your earplugs, you maintain their hygiene, ensure they remain in good condition, and maximize the lifespan of the earplugs.
More questions about custom earplugs? Ask us!
Do you have any other questions about custom earplugs? Feel free to ask us! Our staff is here to assist you: