Ear Impressions for Swim Plugs or Noise Reduction Ear plugs

What are custom ear plugs used for?

Custom ear plugs for swimming are devices that are used to prevent water from entering the ear canal.

Custom ear plugs for noise reduction are worn to help prevent hearing damage through exposure to occupational or recreational loud noises. Noise reduction ear plugs are often used by musicians and hunters.

How can I get custom ear plugs?

To create custom ear plugs, ear impressions are taken of one or both ears and are sent to an earmold company. The earmold company uses the impressions to make the actual swim plugs or ear plugs.

What to expect:

An appointment for custom ear plugs can be broken into several parts: evaluating the need for custom ear plugs and making recommendations, making the impressions, and fitting the devices once they arrive to the clinic. During the evaluation, the reason for getting the ear plugs is discussed (are they for swimming, noise reduction, etc.) and recommendations can be made by the audiologist. Then, impressions are taken by filling the ear with a putty-like material. This dries in the ear for about 5 minutes and is then removed. After this, the impressions are sent to the company to be made. Once the plugs arrive at the clinic, the patient returns to be fit with them.

FAQs / Summary

• Who can use custom ear plugs?
  Anyone who is exposed to loud noises can benefit from the use of custom ear plugs as forms of hearing protection. For example, many hunters, musicians, or those who work in industrial settings can use custom ear plugs to protect their hearing. Additionally, those who wish to keep water or liquid out of the ear canal can use custom ear plugs while bathing and swimming.