Custom Hearing Protection

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is so prevalent in American society today, it’s estimated that even as many as 20% of teenagers have measurable hearing loss in one or both ears.

Fortunately, NIHL is a type of hearing loss that is completely preventable. All we need to do is avoid loud noise.

Sometimes, however, noise is not avoidable. Many activities that are important to us involve dangerous noise levels. Musicians of all stripes, concertgoers, gun enthusiasts, hunters, motorcyclists, and countless others need to protect their ears to safely enjoy these passions or professions.

And noise is not the only issue that may require hearing protection. Swimmers who are susceptible to ear infections, or those who need to wear earplugs when they sleep, can also benefit from custom hearing protection.

Off-the-Shelf Earplugs

Off-the-shelf earplugs are a great option for many, especially if they are not required to use them on a daily basis, or for long periods. Foam earplugs can provide very adequate noise protection, though they drastically alter the frequency spectrum of the sound coming in. They tend to attenuate high frequencies much more than low ones. And because they stay in place by expanding inside your ear canals, they can be uncomfortable for long periods of wear. In spite of these drawbacks, they are very inexpensive and suitable for use in many situations, such as shooting or motorcycling.

Silicone models cost a little bit more (in the $15–30 range), but provide a better experience. They attenuate noise more evenly across the frequency spectrum, though still do not provide the flat response that some companies claim. Their silicone “fins” are more comfortable to wear for longer periods. They’re a better choice for listening to music, or when it’s still necessary to understand speech while you have them in.

Swimmer’s ear plugs tend to be made of a waxy substance that is pressed into the ear canal. This may be fine for the occasional swimmer, but can become tedious if you swim regularly. The substance cannot be reused indefinitely.

Custom Earplugs

Custom earplugs are the “Cadillac” of earplugs. They’re molded of a silicone-based material to fit perfectly into your ear canals. This makes them very comfortable for extended periods of wear. They can be fitted with a number of attenuators (the part that blocks some sound while still allowing some through) or even a solid plug when maximum protection is required.

The attenuators we use in our custom earplugs have the most flat response of any earplugs available. You can hear just as much high frequency information as low. You can wear them at a concert and hear the music exactly as if you didn’t have them in, only quieter. This makes them the perfect choice for regular concertgoers and musicians alike.

They’re also an excellent choice for construction workers. You can get just enough protection to keep your ears safe from NIHL, but not so much that you can’t hear what’s going on around you. The flat frequency response means that you’ll still be able to identify the types of sounds you’re hearing, rather than everything sounding muffled.

Custom Earplug Fittings: What to Expect

If you’re interested in custom hearing protection, make an appointment with us today. When you come to the office, we’ll have you fill out a short questionnaire. Then you’ll talk with your audiologist about your lifestyle and which of your regular activities require hearing protection. They’ll be able to help you determine which type of earplug and degree of attenuation is right for you.

They’ll also administer a hearing test, so you can see whether you have any measurable degree of hearing loss. Regular hearing tests are an important part of maintaining your best hearing health throughout life, and they help you keep track of whether your protective measures are effective long before noticeable hearing loss becomes an issue.

Then we’ll take an impression of your ear canals. This involves using a syringe to inject a small amount of a silicone-like substance into each of your ear canals. The process is totally painless and only takes about five minutes. We’ll ask you to move your mouth and face for a few minutes while the substance dries. By moving during the drying process, the impression will be sure to result in the most comfortable set of earplugs.

The impressions are then sent to a specialty lab where a mold will be made from them. Your custom earplugs will then be made from this mold. The process may take a week or two, and then you’ll have your new custom earplugs.

Call Hearing Consultants, Inc. today to set up an appointment and start your journey toward better, more comfortable hearing protection!

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