Custom Hearing Protection Solutions
If you are exposed to loud noise through your work or hobbies, it is important to wear hearing protection! Earplugs can be made custom for your ears in order to ensure a good, comfortable fit.
Types of Hearing Protection
We offer various types of custom hearing protection to meet your specific needs.
Musician's Plugs
Music-lovers of all kinds, from professional musicians to avid concert-goers, are often in very loud environments. Over time, this can result in hearing loss and/or tinnitus.
The problem with traditional earplugs is that they create a "muffled" sound quality by cutting out more high pitches than low pitches. Musician's plugs provide equal attenuation across all pitches, allowing for more natural quality of music.
Sleep Plugs
Used for individuals who prefer to wear earplugs to bed. They are made of material that is soft and comfortable to lay on.
Swim Plugs
Swim plugs are for individuals who can't (or don't want to) get water in their ears. This may be due to a certain medical condition such as frequent ear infections, pressure equalization tubes, or a hole in the eardrum. They are designed to provide a good seal to keep water out of the ear while swimming or showering.
Shooter's Plugs
Designed for recreational shooters or hunters. These are electronic earplugs which amplify low-level sounds, while reducing loud impulse sounds such as gunfire.
How are custom earplugs made?
At your appointment, the audiologist will take impressions of your ears. First, a foam block is placed deep in your ear canal to protect your eardrum. Then, your ears are filled with a putty which hardens and forms a cast.
The ear impression is sent out to be made. Sounds of Life works with a variety of manufacturers of earplugs, including Starkey, Westone, and Microsonic. It takes approximately 3 weeks for the earplugs to be made.
In-Ear Monitors
Many in-ear monitor manufacturers require you to send in the ear impression yourself. If this is the case, we can make an ear impression for you to take home that day and send in yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about hearing protection
With proper care and maintenance, custom earplugs can last 3-5 years. Over time, changes in ear shape or material deterioration may require new impressions and replacements.
Yes, custom earplugs provide superior protection because they're precisely molded to your unique ear canal shape, creating a perfect seal that blocks more sound while being more comfortable for extended wear.
Most custom earplugs provide Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR) between 25-33 decibels, depending on the specific type and material. Musician's plugs can be customized with different filters offering various levels of attenuation.
Clean your earplugs regularly with mild soap and water, dry thoroughly, and store in their protective case when not in use. Avoid extreme heat, harsh chemicals, and rough handling that could damage the custom fit.
Protect Your Hearing Today
Schedule an appointment with a Doctor of Audiology who can help you select the type of hearing protection that is best for you.
Book Your Appointment