Custom Fit Ear Plugs and Ear Molds: Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if I need custom fitted ear molds or ear plugs?
2. What is the NRR rating of custom fitted ear plugs?
3. How do I get custom fitted ear molds or ear plugs?
4. How long will it take to get my finished custom ear molds or plugs?
5. What does it cost for a set of impressions?
6. What if my custom plugs or molds do not fit properly?
7. What do I ask for when I call or visit the audiologist?
8. The audiologist quoted me $60 for impressions! What is the deal?
9. What if I decide to buy my ear molds or plugs from the audiologist?
10. Can I get my money back if I do not like the custom fitted plugs or molds?

In general, if you use ear plugs frequently, and/or if you cannot get a comfortable and effective fit with generic ear plugs, custom fit ear plugs are highly recommended. With custom fit ear plugs, you will get a perfect fit. We offer a full range of custom noise reduction and sleeping earplugs, musician ear plugs, swimmer's ear plugs, shooting ear plugs, motorcyclist ear plugs, and more. In addition we offer custom fitted ear molds that will greatly improve the fit and function of your isolation earphones, as well as most other kinds of in-ear devices, including pilot's headsets, two-way radio headsets, cell phone headsets, stethoscopes, and more. If it goes into your ear, chances are very good we can make a custom mold that will make it work and feel better.
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What is the NRR rating of custom fitted ear plugs?

Our custom fitted ear plugs are not usually rated for NRR, though a few are. The manufacturers tell us that NRR is used to represent the "real world" best case average performance, and with custom fitted plugs, you get performance that is just like the lab because they always fit. Our custom noise protection earplugs are made of a tough, soft silicone or vinyl material that varies from a low of 28dB at the lower frequencies you can hear, to more than 40dB at frequencies above 2000 Hz.

If that all sounds like a bunch of techno-babble, here is a more practical explanation: Foam earplugs, when properly inserted deeply into your ear canal can offer results that are similar to the results you should experience with your custom earplugs. If you have used foam or wax earplugs, your custom earplugs will always be as good or better than the typical experience you have achieved with these. Custom earplugs will always fit properly and they will not put pressure on your ear canal to form a seal because they are fitted exactly to your contours. They are simple to insert and they will last for many years--at least 2-5 years or more with regular cleaning and proper care.
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For custom fitted ear molds or ear plugs, first order the custom product you need, then you must obtain a set of impressions.

Our custom products include our impression kit and we will send the kit right away when you order. You can make your own impressions and return them to us at the address below. The kit comes with everything you need including fully illustrated instructions. It is simple, safe and easy and takes just 10 minutes or so. Here are the impression kit instructions you can review if you like, to see what you are getting into before you order.

As an alternative, you can visit a local audiologist and ask for a set of impressions. The cost is usually $15-$50 and it takes less than 10 minutes. You will receive your impressions at the time of your visit to the audiologist. Mail the impressions to us and we will do the rest. Please make sure you mail them to the following address:

Custom Fitting Department
Ear Plug Superstore
1709 Bell Road
Fort Gibson, OK 74441

Our kit contains a pre-addressed box you can use to send your impressions to us.

The audiologist may give you a pre-addressed box in which to mail them. Just paste a label over the address if necessary.
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You will receive your finished custom molds or ear plugs in approximately 10-14 days from the time we receive your impressions.
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The usual cost is $15-$50, depending on the particular audiologist you visit. Many audiologists will be surprised by your request for impressions, because they mainly do business with people who need hearing aids and they simply include the impressions in the cost of the hearing aides (which usually cost $1500 and up!). Our do it yourself impression kit costs $15 if purchased separately, but it is included at no charge when you buy most of our custom products.
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We guarantee the fit! If your finished ear plugs do not fit satisfactorily, we will remake the earplugs or ear molds, at no cost to you, from a new set of impressions you send to us, and we will send you additional materials from which to make a replacement set of impressions if needed. We make this offer because we will not be satisfied until you are satisfied.
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Ask for a set of full ear impressions. Be sure you ask if they use silicone or paste. Most audiologists use silicone impression material, but a few still use the outdated paste technology. The reason we suggest that you insist on silicone is that the impressions it makes are more accurate, and the impressions are far less susceptible to damage during mailing and production of your finished custom ear molds or ear plugs. There is no difference in the cost of the two materials and the silicone is easier for the audiologist to use, which is why you usually will not have any trouble with this issue.
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If the price quote is more than $20, most likely they are quoting you finished ear molds. Tell them you just want the impressions and most audiologists will be happy to assist you. If they will not just make the impressions for you, call around. There are a lot of audiologists out there and most will be helpful. Unfortunately, not all audiologists understand what customer service means.
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If you decide to buy from the audiologist who makes your impressions, please let us know and we will cancel your order with Ear Plug Superstore. We suggest that you ask a lot of questions to make sure you are getting the right product for your application, and that you make sure you know all the costs involved. Be sure to ask for their policy on fitting guarantee. The audiologist will probably send your impressions to one of the same earmold laboratories we use. The biggest differences will be in the cost of the finished ear molds or ear plugs. Because we are a worldwide business, our volume is greater than that of most any independent audiology office, and we pass along the resulting lower costs to our customers. In the event your custom order with Ear Plug Superstore is cancelled before your custom molds are made, you will be refunded the price of your custom order less the non-returnable impression kit and associated shipping costs.
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