Custom ear plugs

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Krime

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I'm looking for custom made earplugs for my girlfriend and I - getting tired of the temporary ones.

Any recommended places? We're hoping to have them made in 2 weeks when we leave for a 2 week trip. We're located in Aurora and Richmond Hill, but work in Toronto.

Thanks.
 
Costco for about $50. go online to make sure your Costco has a hearing aid centre.
 
Any audiologist. The ones they make are pure silicone and offer better noise attenuation, though they cost more and take longer than the plastic ones you get elsewhere. Still, should get them back in a week.
 
+1 for the audiologist route. I had a pair made up. Very expensive but luckily it was covered 100"%" by my work health plan. I'm on the fence though whether they are any better than the generic ones. I had the manufacturer drill a small pressure equalization hole in each piece; helps with getting rid of that plugged ear feeling.
 
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^ the custom audiologist plugs have less sound reduction (about 20db) than the roll em up cheapies (25db+) but that's good enough to be safe and are more comfortable.
 
From what I've read, custom plugs can't be accurately rated for noise attenuation because they're custom. Each one is different. Where did you get the 20 dB value?
I found them better than any earplug I ever tried so I'm basing my claim on personal experience. Of course YMMV.
I said it before, best $100 I ever spent. Seriously.
 
I came across another issue with my custom made ones.

They blocked the noise all right, but because they were solid (silicone) the bike engine vibration was carried up through my spine and the ear plugs actually attenuated it and made it worse...

I literally felt in my head every single engine vibration....Mind you i ride a KTM big thumper and sit upright so YMMV all i know is that i cant wear them on that bike, at all.
 
fastar1 said:
From what I've read, custom plugs can't be accurately rated for noise attenuation because they're custom. Each one is different. Where did you get the 20 dB value?
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I work in a LOUD factory, and have custom earplugs made every year. My current ones are -24dB (left) and -26 dB (right). The fabricator has a setup where he can measure how much each actually attenuates sound, so that he doesn't get messed over should the Ministry of Labour check.

Granted, I don't know what kind an audiologist makes, but my silicone-like plugs are difficult to keep on when I put my helmet on. I just use these http://www.howardleight.com/earplugs/laser-lite because they're available at work, and I have asked for and received permission to take some home for sleeping on night shifts. I keep a couple of pairs in my textile pants, just in case.
 
I use the foamies and when they get dirty I just toss them in the laundry with everything else. Never lost one yet to the machine in years or to where ever it is that that 1 sock goes too. I have many pairs. I use 28 db so I can still hear traffic, horns, someone talking.... but still get hearing protection when on the highways. I tried 30 db but found them to be too much protection.
 
Funny this subject has been brought up, I've been looking for a custom pair to replace the ones I lost from the January motorcycle show. In my opinion they work really well and they're easier and quicker to put on than foam ones.

Does anybody know of a reputable hearing clinic I could get custom ones fitted?
 
Am I the only one here who finds it very ironic that a place that sells hearing aids also sells earplugs?!:p
 
ha ha they have little spikes that stick into your eardrums!
 
Slono said:
Does anybody know of a reputable hearing clinic I could get custom ones fitted?
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http://www.hearforlife.ca/musicians_corner
I got mine from Rhonda Martin several years ago. She is very nice and highly recommended.
I used -15dB filters for work back then (concert/club sound mixing) but got the -25dB filters for riding.
I was surprised to discover that I actually like the quieter ride with the orange foam plugs better for the bike though. For me- the musician/custom filters still allowed a little too much sustained high frequency helmet/wind noise that I really don't want to hear at all for any length of time. I feel like I can concentrate better without the extra background noise.
The custom plugs are great for protecting hearing and allowing frequencies to filter through for more clarity at a reduced volume, but for me they are not ideal for the long daily commute on the bike- especially at highway speeds.
The custom plugs do go in a lot quicker and feel more natural though.
Considering picking up the solid closed filters to see if they work any better.
Like these-
http://www.earplugstore.com/ersreforer15.html
 
A little update,dont leave your ear plugs where your dogs can get at them,for some reason they eat them lol,second set being made as of today.
 
I've been wearing customer ear plugs for seven years now. Noticed last season they weren't fitting as well as when new. Got a new set made at the February bike show. Best $100 I'll spend on riding this season hands down. They're ready for pick up now. I have tinnitus and while they do isolate the tinnitus so I can hear it clearer which is annoying at times, they eliminate a lot of the wind noise etc and prevent further damage to my hearing.
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