custom molded ear plugs?

[Al Lu]

Can I ask if these solid custom plug from the Audiologist will give me troubles with compacted ear wax? It seems that I get that once in a while and doctor say NOT to use Q-tips to clean out.

Any solutions?

 

[quest450]

Yes, Wax Rx.....use code Bongino

 

[spclark]

Any solutions?

“...soak a cotton ball and drip a few drops of plain water, a simple saline solution, or hydrogen peroxide into the ear with your head tilted so the opening of the ear is pointing up. Keep it in that position for a minute to allow gravity to pull the fluid down through the wax. Then tilt the head the other way and let the fluid and wax drain out.”

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/got-an-ear-full

 

[D Coots]

D Coots,
In general, if a fitted plug is made properly, it should have attenuation close to 40dB. And, that is as good as it gets for hearing protection. yellow foamies can be just as good but most folks don't insert them properly and do not get safe protection. A well made solid custom plug will go past the second bend and not feel right if not inserted correctly, therefore better than a foamie.
BUT,,,, I would tell the audiologist up front that when you get them in and before you leave the office she/he must measure the attention in your ears with the new plugs. If the attenuation isn't at least 38dB, you aren't getting what you pay for.

AND for all you guys using someones sisters plugs or buys their "made on the spot" plugs, just be aware that if you buy the kit to make them your self it is VERY difficult to make a proper impression that goes all the way past the second bend of the ear canal. It is also an un-known how well that person at the show knows what they are doing. If the person making the impressions for custom plugs has a hearing aid dispensers license, he/she was tested for correctly making impressions or they don't get a license. I know this as I had to take this test even tho I did the graduate course in Audiology. I don't believe most states make a hearing aid dispensers license mandatory for also making ear plugs. So, you have no idea how good those plugs are. In addition, the plastic used for the made at the show plugs has to be a two part material and may not be stable enough to maintain the original shape. The plug a competent hearing aid dispenser/audiologist makes by first making an impression then sending the impression to a mold laboratory to make the plug out of a stable plastic that is tested for being inserted into the ear canal, while more expensive, it also maintain its shape for a long time.

It amazes me how many folks will pay $2500 to $3000 for a bench rest scope then will only use $25 to $50 hearing protection!

Good info Norm. Thanks

My fitted plugs do well, but IMO don't provide enough protect to use individually when at the bench.

 

[longtrapshootn]

I have tried 4 different brands with zero success. They form great the first time and then when you put them back in, they never fit the same again. I believe it also has to do with the shape of your inner ear. Works for most but not all. I now use the surefire plugs with the foam insert.

 

[normmatzen]

Here is what I mean by "past the second bend." My first earplugs were made by a guy at the yearly conference of the AAA (American Audiology Association. He made an impression at the show and sent me the earmold later. This is the example of a poor job. Notice the other plug is longer and extends past the second bend of the plug. If they don't extend that far, you get VERY poor seal and thus low attenuation.
These plugs are actually ER-25 musicians Earplugs. My employer developed and patented the active part and they are designed for musicians who practice making LOUD music every day for 8 hours! A lot of folks don't know that musicians suffer more than most due to the daily loud noise exposure. So, my Boss designed the ER-9,15 and 25. Each has precisely 9, 15 or 25dB attenuation along with great fidelity (important to concert musicians). Plain solid plugs look similar except these in the picture have a little button plugged into the outside of the plug and the solids do not. Both need an excellent fit PAST THE SECOND BEND to be effective. This is nearly impossible to get in do-it-yourself kits or show plugs.

 

[normmatzen]

By the way,
These plugs in the picture above were made in about 1995 and still fit perfect!!

You cannot say the same for "At the Show' make while you wait plugs. Totally different materials.
You get what you pay for!

 

[Al Lu]

Norm what kind of material you would consider ideal for custom ear plugs? Thanks.

 

[leclairk]

I have a set of custom plus made by my ear doc. They do not block as much sound as foam earplugs but are much more comfortable. Since I mostly shoot rifle I use plugs and muffs together. If I were to shoot pistol outside I would go only muffs or only foam plugs, but not only custom plugs.

 

[msinc]

I have a pair of the "made while you wait at the gunshow" plugs and they work perfectly well. I have had these same plugs for probably over 15 years and being lucky enough to have my own range in my backyard I shoot a lot.
I too have kind of sensitive ear canals and I find that some Neosporin Plus Pain Relief spread thinly on the ear plugs helps the aggravation of having something in your ear. It also helps to block out even more sound, making the ear plug way more effective.
As far as "non-custom molded" ear plugs go, I'd have to say that the ones made by Surefire are very good. They are silicone and also last a very long time. They are easy to install, very effective and they have a little pullout plug thing in the middle you can unplug so you can hear normal conversation at the range. {at least that's what I believe it's for...it might have some other purpose, but it works this way too.}

 

[Pwc]

Something missing here is bone conduction. When you get a good cheek weld the stock transimits thru your cheek bone. A double thickness of mole skin may help. Can't say definately, but is also warmer on the cheek on cold winter days too.

 

[normmatzen]

Al Yu,

I think most of the mold labs use a medical grade silicone material. But, I do not think that is the only material used by competent mold labs.


For other commenters, don't EVER think you can even estimate how good your protection works!
For an accurate metric, you must depend on valid lab testing or actual testing in your ears in a lab condition.

 

[TrxR]

Transmition through cheek weld wont be a problem as i dont allow my face to touch the stock.