What Type of Earplugs Can Easily and Frequently Be Removed?

[KristinOde]

Hi, I need some advice.

Due to a series of unfortunate events, I've ended up in the hospital on IV steroids multiple times a year (I'm in Europe, where they administer steroids via IV). Because of this, I wear earmuffs every time I go outside. They're easy to remove when I need to eat, but my jaw ends up hurting from wearing them so much.

I'm planning a vacation where I'll be walking around 20 km per day in a city and will need to eat multiple times a day. I'm looking for earplugs that are easy to remove up to five times a day. Unfortunately, foam earplugs don't work for me. I find it impossible to break the seal they create. Twisting them is extremely loud, and the seal remains intact no matter what I do. I've tried all sizes and types of foam earplugs available here, but every time I remove them, I hear a "pop," which isn't supposed to happen and can damage my eardrum.

Is there an alternative type, like silicone, that's easier to remove?

 

[Mark F.]

You do realize that you are supposed to sloooooowly and gently remove the foam earplugs, to break the seal without damaging your ears, right?

 

[KristinOde]

You do realize that you are supposed to sloooooowly and gently remove the foam earplugs, to break the seal without damaging your ears, right?

Of course, I try to do it as slowly and carefully as possible, but the seal doesn't break, no matter how long I twist it or how slowly I try to remove it. (I have a very small ear canal.) The longer I hold the earplug, the more it transfers extremely loud sounds from my fingers. Last time, I ended up crying in front of the mirror because it was impossible to remove, even with tweezers. So, I gave up on using foam earplugs.

 

[Mark F.]

Maybe look into getting custom molded earplugs, that are a perfect fit for your small ear canals. Hang in there!