Custom earplugs
Custom earplugs made to fit your ears
Foam plugs fall out and muffle everything. Custom earplugs are moulded from an impression of your own ear, so they seal properly and stay comfortable all day. Fitted and checked in our clinic.
Many types: noise, swim, sleep, music and more
Impressions taken in the clinic in minutes
Made to last for years
Fitted and checked by a hearing instrument specialist
The fit
Why a custom fit matters
Every ear canal is a different shape. Off-the-shelf plugs are a compromise: too loose and noise leaks in, too tight and they ache. A custom ear plug is made from a mould of your canal, so it seals without pressure. That gives you three things foam cannot:
- Consistent protection every time you put them in
- Comfort for hours, including while you sleep or swim
- A choice of filters, so music plugs lower the volume evenly instead of muffling it
Custom plugs are also washable and reusable. A single pair, looked after, typically lasts several years, which usually works out cheaper than a steady supply of disposables.
What we make
Custom earplugs we make
Noise plugs
For anyone who works or spends time around loud sound: construction and manufacturing, landscaping, motorsport, shooting, or a loud commute. Solid noise plugs give the highest level of reduction. Filtered versions let you hear speech and warning sounds while cutting the harmful levels. Repeated noise exposure is one of the most common causes of permanent hearing loss. Noise plugs come in a range of noise reduction ratings, and we will talk through the best option for you in the clinic based on what you do.
Swim plugs
Custom swim plugs keep water out of the ear canal, which matters if you are prone to swimmer's ear, have ear tubes, a perforated eardrum, or simply don’t like the feeling of water trapped in your ear. They are made from a soft, floatable material so they are easy to find if one comes out, and they work in the pool, the lake and the shower. Often recommended after ear tube surgery, and popular with adult swimmers.
Sleep plugs
Made from a very soft silicone so you can lie on your side without feeling them. Sleep plugs take the edge off a snoring partner, traffic, or a noisy building while still letting alarms and other important sounds through. Because they are moulded to your own canal, they seal without pressure, so nothing is pressing against the pillow and nothing works loose overnight. Unlike foam, they do not expand in the canal or need replacing every few days.
Music plugs
Musicians' earplugs use an acoustic filter that lowers the volume evenly across the frequency range. Music still sounds like music, only quieter, so you can hear the mix, the audience and your own voice. They suit performers, DJs, sound techs, music teachers and anyone who goes to a lot of concerts. Filters come in a range of strengths and can be swapped later. We will talk through the best option for you in the clinic once we know what you play and where.
The process
How custom earplugs are made
Ear examination
We look in your ears first. Wax or irritation has to be dealt with before an impression can be taken, and we can remove wax in the same visit as a separate service with its own fee ($95 per session, whether we treat one ear or both).
Impressions
A small foam block is placed in the canal and a soft silicone material is gently injected around it. It sets in a few minutes and comes out as an exact mould of your ear. It feels odd, but not painful.
Choose your type and colour
We confirm the plug type, material and any filter, and you pick a fun colour or a clear finish.
Made by the lab
Your impressions go to the manufacturer. Turnaround is usually 10 business days.
Fitting
You come back to try them. We check the seal and comfort, show you how to insert and clean them, and make any necessary adjustments.
Cost
How much do custom earplugs cost?
Custom earplugs at Hear & Co are $295 a pair for noise, swim and sleep plugs, and $395 a pair for music plugs. Impressions and the fitting appointment are included. Some workplace health plans cover custom hearing protection for people who work around noise, and we can provide the documentation for your claim.
Care
Looking after your earplugs
Wipe them after each use, wash them in mild soap and water now and then, and store them in the case they come with. Do not use alcohol or solvents on silicone. If your ears change shape over the years, or a plug starts to feel loose, come in and we will check the fit. Children's ears grow, so kids' swim plugs usually need remaking every year or two.
Good to know
Common questions about custom ear plugs
How much do custom ear plugs cost?
$295 a pair for noise, swim and sleep plugs, and $395 a pair for music plugs, including impressions and fitting.
How long do custom earplugs take to make?
Impressions take about fifteen minutes in the clinic. The finished plugs are usually back from the lab in 10 business days.
Are custom earplugs better than foam?
For regular use, yes. They seal consistently, they are comfortable for hours, they are reusable, and music and filtered versions preserve sound quality in a way foam cannot. Foam is fine for the occasional one-off.
Can children get custom swim plugs?
Ask us about custom swim plugs for children. Custom swim plugs are commonly recommended after ear tube surgery. Because children's ears grow, plan on remaking them every year or two.
Do you make custom moulds for earbuds or in-ear monitors?
Yes. We take impressions for custom moulds that fit your own earbuds or in-ear monitors, so they seal properly and stay put.
Book
Book your earplug fitting online
Impressions take minutes. Book online, call 289-246-8005 or email info@hearco.ca.