Types of Custom Earmolds

This may be surprising, but most hearing clinics do more than just hearing assessments and hearing aids! There are several different types of earmolds with uses outside of hearing aid care.  

While custom earmolds are all made with the same technique, the specifications of the final product allow for various uses. Let’s explore the different types of earmolds and how they can benefit your hearing health. 

Hearing Aid Earmolds 

The most obvious purpose for earmolds is for hearing aids. Hearing care is never one size fits all. Depending on an individual’s level of hearing loss, custom earmolds may be the best option for superior fit and sound quality.  

Custom earmolds can limit feedback (that annoying squealing sound) and make wearing hearing aids much more comfortable. Like anything made custom, these earmolds can be made in a variety of styles based on client needs and preferences. 

Earmolds for Noise Protection 

If you’re in need of hearing protection to wear while you’re doing basic yard work, then the foam earplugs you can find at the hardware store will do an okay job. Those types of over-the-counter earplugs are recommended for small amounts of noise exposure.   

However, if you’re regularly exposed to loud noises for long periods of time, you can benefit from custom noise protection. Protecting your hearing is crucial, as noise exposure is the second leading cause of hearing loss.  

Custom hearing protection molds have a better fit, and we can also account for a larger reduction in attenuation (noise dampening.) This means that we can create molds that block out almost all of the harmful sounds but still allow you to hear people talk. For anyone working in a factory, around big machinery or in other noisy environments, custom ear protection is the best option. 

Sleep Plugs and Swim Plugs 

Sleep plugs and swim plugs are very similar in style. The idea is to either keep sound or water out of your ears! Both are made of light, soft silicone material and completely fill the external ear. This gives you a complete, yet comfortable seal. These would be great options for individuals who are prone to swimmer’s ear or who have a partner who snores a little too loudly. 

Musicians Plugs 

Musicians plugs are similar to noise protection plugs. They also dampen excessive noise – just to a lesser degree. The filters in these plugs block out harmful sounds while still allowing the musician or singer to hear everything they need to.  

I personally use these while singing to make the sound more comfortable, especially in rooms with lots of echoes. 

Musicians In-Ear Monitors 

Some musicians take custom earmolds one step further with custom in-ear monitors. You’ll see most mainstream, touring musicians wearing these.  

Custom molds like these allow the musician to hear all the instruments and cues they need to hear directly in their ears. You can purchase basic in-ear monitors from most music stores, but customs are more comfortable for longer wear time and less likely to fall out of the ears if the musician really gets into the music! 

Custom Earmolds in Peterborough and Marmora areas 

Once you know what type of earmold you want or need, all it takes to get you started is a quick appointment with your hearing care professional during which they’ll take an impression of your ear. This is a simple process. A special material is placed in your ear canal for several minutes, and once it’s hardened, we’ll have an exact replica of your ear canal that the manufacturer can use to make the mold.