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Whether you’re attending a concert, hopping on a motorcycle, spending the afternoon at the shooting range, or trying to sleep through the night, earplugs can make a major difference in your comfort and hearing health. But with so many custom earplug options, how do you choose the right type and use them correctly?
Let’s break down the difference between custom vs. standard earplugs, how to put earplugs in correctly, and why a personalized hearing health approach makes all the difference.
These are molded to fit the unique shape of your ear canal, offering superior comfort and sound protection. Custom earplugs require a licensed hearing health care provider to take an ear mold impression, which creates the custom fit. These are ideal for:
Because they’re made to fit your specific ear shape, custom-molded earplugs provide long-term value, especially if you’re continually exposed to loud sounds.
“Approximately 22 million Americans are occupationally exposed to hazardous noise levels 85 A-weighted decibels or above.” [1]
Custom earplugs are made through a precise process that begins with a hearing health care professional creating an impression of the user's ear canal using a soft silicone material. This mold captures the unique shape and contours of the ear, ensuring a snug and effective fit. Using this model, the earplug is crafted from medical-grade silicone or acrylic, depending on the intended use—such as for musicians, industrial workers, or individuals using them for sleep. The final product is polished and tested for comfort and fit before being delivered to the user.
Over-the-counter earplugs are widely available and can still be effective if used correctly. Foam earplugs are the most common, but they rely on proper insertion for effective noise reduction.
Poorly inserted earplugs are one of the most common reasons people think earplugs “don’t work.” Let’s look at the correct way to insert them.
For custom-molded earplugs, simply insert them according to the orientation provided during your fitting. They should slide in securely without pressure or discomfort.
If you’re not sure whether you’re doing it right, a hearing care provider, like our dedicated experts at Amplifon Hearing Health Care, can guide you through the process.
Though custom earplugs are made by hearing health care providers like those in Amplifon Hearing Health Care network, earplugs are usually not covered by insurance. However, the investment of earplugs for prevention of hearing loss and tinnitus is well worth it and earplugs are much more affordable than hearing aids. Trust us- you'll thank yourself later for investing in your hearing health today!
If you need help or have questions about what earplugs make the most sense for you, don’t hesitate to contact us - we can help!
Amplifon Hearing Health Care believes hearing protection is an essential part of hearing health, and shouldn’t be treated as an afterthought. Our approach is about more than just hearing aids (although we specialize in those, too!) We support preventive care, education, and personalized protection strategies for a wide range of needs so your hearing health lasts.
No matter your lifestyle or profession, protecting your hearing should never be optional. Our network of providers can assist with making and fitting custom earplugs. Whether you choose custom molded earplugs or standard foam ones, the key is using them correctly and consistently.
Need help finding the right solution? Schedule an appointment at a nearby hearing care clinic.
Request an appointment at a hearing care provider near you.
Sources
1. National Library of Medicine. “Preventing Occupational Hearing Loss: 50 Years of Research and Recommendations from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.” Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10562059/
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “How to Wear Soft Foam Earplugs.” Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/mining/UserFiles/content/hearingloss/earplug.pdf
