Are Custom Earplugs Worth It? Any Other Good Options? Foam Ones Keep Coming Loose

[Sointu]

I have difficulties using foam earplugs. They just don't fit or maybe they aren't right size. I have tried a couple of them. I am constantly scared they don't protect well enough because they are not deep enough in my ear. Maybe I just don't know the right technique to put them into my ear canals because they are constantly coming out from my ear. And if they aren't properly in the ear canal, they don't protect enough.

I have thought about buying custom molded earplugs that have 30 dB protection for louder situations but I still don't know if they would offer enough protection. I would like as much protection as possible in certain situations.

In everyday life I use Alpine earplugs (because of hyperacusis) and they are okay because I don't need as much protection and I hear speech well but in louder situations these earplugs just aren't offering enough protection.

 

[Juliane]

Yes, custom earplugs are definitely worth it!

 

[kingsfan]

I have difficulties using foam earplugs. They just don't fit or maybe they aren't right size. I have tried a couple of them. I am constantly scared they don't protect well enough because they are not deep enough in my ear. Maybe I just don't know the right technique to put them into my ear canals because they are constantly coming out from my ear. And if they aren't properly in the ear canal, they don't protect enough.

I have thought about buying custom molded earplugs that have 30 dB protection for louder situations but I still don't know if they would offer enough protection. I would like as much protection as possible in certain situations.

In everyday life I use Alpine earplugs (because of hyperacusis) and they are okay because I don't need as much protection and I hear speech well but in louder situations these earplugs just aren't offering enough protection.

1. Roll them up between your hands or fingers so they are long and thin.
2. Reach over your head with your left hand and pull your right ear up to open the ear canal.
3. Insert the earplug with your right hand until only a small amount sticks out (should be just barely enough to pull and remove it later).
4. Repeat with with opposite hands in the left ear.

How did the molding process of the Westones go?

My Westones never fit properly.

My 1 of 1 customs (ACS customs outside North America) fit much better, but I still have to use a bit of Oto-Ease in order to get a complete seal.

Some of the ACS filters (17 and 26) that block a lot of low frequency are clearly meant for live music. They make listening to music in my car sound very harsh because there is no bass. For some reason my 20 and 27 filters won't seal, but I've put off contacting ACS for over a year, so I'm probably screwed out of the cost for those. You basically have to call and leave a message or email, which causes my procrastination.