what do we know about custom-fit earplugs?

[81SC]

I’ve been working in the Coal Mining & Coal Preparation Plant work environment for the last 31 + years, during this time I have used all the available hearing protection options.

For me the moulded ear plugs that are made to an individuals ear are second to none for protection & comfort. We constantly see 125+ dB on a daily basis & I have very minimal if any hearing lose, which is pretty good for a 57 year old in my industry.

Our company replaces the ear plugs on a need too basis or every 2 years. I take my old ear plugs home so I can use them, whether that is in the yard doing mowing or whipper snipping & in the garage working on car projects. The photo shows the set of ear plugs that I currently use at home.

[TimT]

A license audiologist can cast the plugs for the eventual hard inserts way deeper in the ear canal safely. He/she will also know of any ear wax or blockage that might compromise the new plugs.

I'm not saying that most if not all of the suggestions so far are not good ones. If it works, then do it. But as in anything, there are levels of quality and expertise that can be attained over a DIY job. Let's think of your individual hearing profile and the various plastic densities that are available. I wouldn't have a clue. And the worst damage done is done by what you aren't hearing w/o protection.

GMAFB

You don't know if your ears are free from wax or blockage? WTF?

I've had "custom made earmolds with transducer" made before... and the ones I DIY look almost identical to the ones I paid $550 for...

[PD41]

Originally Posted by vash

i dont find them all that comfortable for all day wear. i wear them at music concerts now.

I don't find work boots very comfortable either.
I used to hate wearing a tool bag all day in 25 years as a industrial electrician.

There is different types of the ones you call "cheapo" I suggest you try various types.
18 years Longshore now and when 40' 10 - 30 ton containers are put on a Bombcarts it is pretty loud when your 5 feet away while sucking in diesel fumes.

Almost 60 and many years (when I was younger 20's - 30's) without them
hearing loss sucks.

You could try changing careers ? Maybe a librarian ?

[vash]

Originally Posted by PD41

I don't find work boots very comfortable either.
I used to hate wearing a tool bag all day in 25 years as a industrial electrician.

There is different types of the ones you call "cheapo" I suggest you try various types.
18 years Longshore now and when 40' 10 - 30 ton containers are put on a Bombcarts it is pretty loud when your 5 feet away while sucking in diesel fumes.

Almost 60 and many years (when I was younger 20's - 30's) without them
hearing loss sucks.

You could try changing careers ? Maybe a librarian ?

funny. you should try changing careers too! maybe be a life coach or motivational speaker. something that utilizes your insights and powers of "obvious"


i know all the foam plugs. we biuy them all at work. i know the ones i like best and have a huge box. but even those are uncomfy to me. i wear plugs all the time and muff when i can.