Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Earplugs
All of our custom earplugs are expertly crafted from the finest medical-grade silicone, which is hypoallergenic, non-porous, and completely body-safe.
Silicone is an ideal material for custom earplugs because of its unique combination of flexibility and durability. It is soft and supple, providing a natural feel and allowing for easy insertion, while also being strong enough to withstand the rigors of regular use.
Our silicone earplugs are designed with your comfort and protection in mind, and the superior quality of our materials ensures that you’ll enjoy endless hours of satisfaction. They are also easy to clean and maintain, ensuring that you can enjoy them for years to come.
Custom earplugs can block out a significant amount of sound. Generally, they block out around 25 to 30 decibels, which is enough to reduce the volume of loud environments to a safe and comfortable level.
The exact amount of sound reduction will vary based on factors such as the earplug’s design, materials, and filters.
Sound demonstration during appointment: When you have your ear impressions taken, your ears will be filled with silicone impression material. While it’s curing in your ears, it will be blocking the same amount of sound that you can expect from your earplugs.
You might be surprised to know that the shape and size of your ears – even the mass of your skull can affect how much sound can be suppressed with earplugs.
Our custom earplugs made of high-quality silicone and can last 4-5 + years with regular care.
Our ears grow with us, so yours might change size or shape over the years to affect the fit of your earplugs over time.
The only maintenance required is regular cleaning, safe storage, and avoiding contact with sharp objects.
Yes we can.
No, the colour is part of the silicone. It doesn’t wear off or transfer under any circumstances.
However, depending on the color of your earplugs (i.e. white), they may discolor slightly over the years due to contact with dark earwax.
No, our custom earplugs are made easy to insert and remove. They fit your ears in a specific way so you don’t have to mess around with them. You just push them in – no rolling or squishing, and twisting – they just fit.
They fit consistently and the exact same way every time you wear them. No guesswork.
To remove just grab them by one of the edges and pull gently.
Best answer… probably. We have a lot of experience working around or integrating custom earplugs with ear piercings. We’ve only ever encountered 1 where the piercing interfered with the earplugs.
If you have any hardware you are concerned about, contact us below. Feel free to upload a picture and we’ll let you know if it’s worth your time to take the next step – booking an appointment so we can see it in person and take ear impressions .
Custom molded earplugs should not cause any negative side effects or discomfort if they are properly made and fitted by a trained professional. However, as with any type of earplug or hearing protection device, there is a small risk of discomfort or irritation if the earplug is not inserted correctly or if there is an underlying ear condition that has not been diagnosed.
That’s why we complete a thorough inspection of your ears before taking ear impressions to ensure your ears are healthy and suitable for wearing custom fit earplugs.
Custom molded earplugs are a great option for people with sensitive skin or allergies, but it’s important to choose the right materials and work with a qualified professional to ensure a proper fit.
Our custom earplugs are made from medical-grade silicone, which is hypoallergenic and generally safe for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
1 Pair of custom earplugs
Premium zipper pouch
Ear balm
Cleaning tool (if required)
Instruction card
3 year Warranty
Lifetime support
The best way to clean them is with soap and water. We recommend mixing them into a hand wash or at the kitchen sink. Use any soap that’s convenient or even wet-wipes if you have them handy.
If you have filters in your earplugs (i.e. Concertos, Protector Pros) or electronics like our Drifters Pro or VCEP Custom IEMs, you’ll need to take precautions to protect them. More info on cleaning filtered custom earplugs.
The majority of people replace their custom earplugs because their ears have changed or grown over time, which can affect a a proper fit. It is recommended to replace the earplugs every 5 years. However, if they are still comfortable and functioning well, there is no reason to discontinue their use.
Custom earplugs can provide a high level of noise reduction, but it’s impossible to completely block out 100% of the noise. They are designed to provide a snug fit in your ear canal and block out most of the noise. However, some sound may still be able to get through, especially if the noise is very loud.
When you come in for ear impressions (casts), it’s the perfect opportunity to hear for yourself how much sound is blocked.
That’s because the silicone material we use to take the casts is very similar to the finished earplugs.
When it’s in your ears, it blocks the same amount of sound that the earplugs block. That way, you’ll know how much sound blockage to expect.
Yes, you can wear custom molded earplugs with a helmet or other headgear.
In fact, custom earplugs can provide a better fit and more comfort than standard earplugs when worn with headgear. However, it’s important to ensure that the earplugs are inserted properly.
Yes, custom molded earplugs are safe to use during flights or air travel.
They can help block out the noise of the aircraft and create a more comfortable environment, especially during long flights or if you’re sensitive to prolonged noise.
Disclaimer: It’s important to follow all airline rules and regulations regarding the use of earplugs or any other hearing protection devices during air travel.
Custom earplugs are individually molded to the shape of your ear, providing a precise and secure fit that effectively blocks out noise. In contrast, generic earplugs and earmuffs can be uncomfortable and may not fit properly, leading to gaps that allow noise to enter. This can result in reduced noise reduction and discomfort during use.
Studies have shown that custom earplugs can provide superior noise reduction compared to generic earplugs and earmuffs. For example, a study published in The Laryngoscope found that custom earplugs provided a greater average noise reduction of 27.2 decibels, compared to 15.8 decibels for generic earplugs and 20.7 decibels for earmuffs.*
They can also be made with filters that allow speech to be heard more easily in environments where noise levels are less extreme.
Custom earplugs also offer more long-term benefits compared to generic earplugs or earmuffs. Since they are made specifically for your ear, they are more comfortable and can be worn for longer periods of time without causing discomfort or irritation. Additionally, custom earplugs can last for several years with proper care, while generic earplugs and earmuffs may need to be replaced more frequently.
Overall, custom earplugs offer a more effective and comfortable solution for hearing protection, making them a worthwhile investment for individuals who are frequently exposed to loud noise.
*Title: Comparison of custom and generic earplugs in industrial workers Authors: Matthew Bush, Nathan Wyatt, Christopher Switalski, and Peter Rabinowitz Publication: The Laryngoscope Volume: 121 Issue: 2 Pages: 333-338 Year: 2011
If your ears are unusually small, custom earplugs are the BEST option for you. They’re designed to fit the unique contours of your ear, regardless of its size or shape.
During the ear impression process, a trained professional will carefully take an impression of your ear canal using a specialized silicone material. This impression is then used to create a custom mold that is specifically tailored to your ear.
Custom earplugs are designed to fit snugly and securely in your ear, so they should not fall out during normal use. The ear impressions used to create the custom molds are made to accurately capture the unique contours of your ear, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.
That being said, it’s important to remember that everyone’s ears are different and there may be rare cases where a custom earplug does not fit properly. If you are experiencing discomfort or your earplugs feel loose or fall out, it’s important to have them checked by a professional to ensure they are fitting properly and providing the intended level of protection.
Some health insurance plans list “custom hearing protection” explicitly and some people get covered under a supplemental Health Spending Account – if their plan has one.
“Audiology Services” on most insurance refers to hearing aids services as hearing aids are registered medical devices. Hearing protection (earplugs) don’t fall under the medical device category.
We don’t direct-bill any insurance plans.
No, custom earplugs should not cause more earwax or push it further into your ear canal
The Process
No, you don’t need a doctor referral. Just book your appointment online and get started!
You’ll be seeing a licensed hearing healthcare professional at your appointment for ear impressions.
Nothing. Just bring your ears. Feel free to bring whatever other earplugs you’re currently using so you can compare them during your appointment (optional).
Earwax is rarely an issue during ear impression appointments. Of course, if you know your ears are blocked, then it’s important to address it before using custom earplugs.
Custom earplugs take about 3-4 weeks to ship once the ear impressions hit the lab.
*Rush orders are available upon request.
Ear impressions are molds of your ear canals that are taken to create custom-fit earplugs or other hearing protection devices. During the impression process, a hearing healthcare professional will use a soft, pliable material to make a mold of your ear canal.
This process typically involves inserting a small foam block or cotton ball into your ear canal to protect your eardrum, and then injecting the impression material into your ear canal. Once the material sets, it is removed and used to create a replica of your ear canal.
These ear impressions are then used to create custom-fit earplugs that are designed to fit the exact shape of your ear canals, providing a superior level of comfort, fit, and protection compared to generic earplugs or earmuffs. The process of taking ear impressions is quick and painless, and can usually be completed in just a few minutes.
If you can visit us at our Burnaby or Surrey office in BC, we’ll do them for you. We include ear impressions for building your earplugs in the price of our earplugs.
Yes, we offer a 7-Day Rush Service. The cost is $75/order.
Standard manufacturing time for custom-fit products is 3-4 weeks, not including shipping time. Using the “Rush Processing” option reduces the manufacturing time to 7 business days. Manufacturing starts the next business day after we receive your order or your ear impressions, whichever occurs later.
Yes, please book your appointment here.
After Sale Support
We offer a 100% Conditional Money-Back Guarantee on our custom earplugs. If you have any issues with your earplugs within 30 days of delivery, simply let us know and we’ll make it right. Our guarantee includes an in-person check to identify any problems and to ensure a perfect fit.
If necessary, we’ll take new ear impressions and remake your earplugs at no additional cost to you. Our goal is to deliver custom earplugs that fit you perfectly and to make the process as easy and hassle-free as possible.
If we are unable to make them comfortable for you, we’ll offer a full refund. 😊
This very rarely happens because we’re fanatical about them fitting you perfectly the first time.
Yes, we keep your ear impressions (molds) on file for about 6 years.
We can build replacements or any other earplugs from your impressions in the future.
If you feel you need a different filter from the one chosen at ordering – no problem.
Once you’ve had a chance to use your earplugs, we offer a free swap out to a different filter within 30 days of them being delivered.
We make the exchange as easy as possible. You’ll have the option to pick up filters at the office or we can mail them to you with a return postage paid envelope to send the other filters back to us.
In thousands of earplug clients, we have never heard of or seen allergies or any type of skin or autoimmune reaction to any of the materials we use in our earplugs.
If you experience an allergic reaction to your custom earplugs, you should stop using them immediately and contact us. We will work with you to determine the cause of the reaction and provide a solution, whether that means making a new set of earplugs with different materials or providing a refund.
If you lose your custom earplugs, don’t worry. We keep your ear impressions on file for at least 6 years, so you can simply contact us to order a replacement pair. We’ll use your existing ear impressions to create a new pair of earplugs for you, without the need for another ear impression appointment. Just keep in mind that the replacement earplugs will be charged at the normal price.
We keep your ear impressions on file, so you can simply contact us to order a replacement pair. We’ll use your existing ear impressions to create a new pair of earplugs for you, without the need for another ear impression appointment.
If you’re having trouble getting your custom earplugs to fit properly, don’t worry, we’re here to help.
First, make sure you’re following the insertion instructions we provided carefully. If you’re still having trouble, try applying a small amount of lubricant to the earplugs before insertion. If the fit is not perfect, contact us and we’ll schedule a visit to have a look at the earplugs in person. We may need to make some adjustments or take new ear impressions to ensure a proper fit. Our goal is to provide you with comfortable, effective hearing protection, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re having any issues.