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?
11. What if I change my mind and want to cancel my order?

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. We also make custom fitted musician monitors and hunting hearing aids.
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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 and ear plugs, first you must obtain a set of ear impressions. For custom ear plugs and molds, we let you choose to make impressions yourself using the impression kit we offer with the purchase of your custom ear product, or you can visit a local audiologist to get impressions made professionally.

If you choose the kit option we will send the impression kit to you right away. You should get it in 2-5 days.

If you choose to get impressions made by a local professional, you will need to visit an audiologist or EENT and ask for a set of impressions. The cost is usually somewhere between $15 and $50. Please ask them to make full ear impressions. You will receive your impressions at the time of your visit.

Once you have impressions, send them to us and we will take it from there.

One more thing: Before you send us your impressions, if possible, please take a couple of pictures of them and email the pics to custom@earplugstore.com. We will look at them and let you know if they have any problems that may require a new set of impressions. This can save a lot of mailing expense and time and we will respond to these requests as quickly as possible.

When you are ready, send your impressions along with your name, address, email, phone number, and order number if you have one, to the following address:

Custom Fitting Department
Ear Plug Superstore
1709 Bell Road
Fort Gibson, OK 74434

The audiologist may give you a pre-addressed box in which to mail them. Just paste a label over the address if necessary.

PLEASE NOTE: For custom earphones and musician monitors, as well as custom hunting hearing aids we require professional made impressions. The one exception we make is for Got Ears? Challenger earphones, for which we will accept self made impressions.
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You will generally receive your finished custom molds or ear plugs in approximately 14-21 days from the time we receive your impressions, depending on the product you have ordered and the workload at the earmold labs we use. Custom earphones or musician monitors may take up to three weeks longer because they are more complicated to produce.
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If you choose the kit option, you can make your impressions for $18. If you choose to have an audiologist make your impressions, the usual cost is in the range of $15 to $50, depending on the particular audiologist you visit, so it can pay to shop around.
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Our custom labs provide a 90 day fit guarantee. Once you receive your finished ear plugs or molds, the lab will remake them at no charge if they are defective or uncomfortable, provided you contact us and send them in within 90 days. Note: International customers will be responsible for all shipping charges related to warranty remakes.
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Ask for a set of full ear impressions. If you are a singer, you may want to get open mouth impressions made. These will fit more tightly and stay in place when you are singing loudly. For most other applications, you should generally get closed mouth impressions made, as these will generally be more comfortable.
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If the price quote is more than $50, make sure to check that your audiologist is charging you for just the impressions, not for finished ear molds. Tell them you just want the impressions, and most audiologists will be happy to assist you. (If your audiologist will not make just the impressions for you, call around. There are a lot of audiologists out there, and most will be helpful.) Note that over the years, prices for ear impressions have gone up! These days, an audiologist charging up to $65 just for a set of impressions is not unusual. Of course, with the help of an audiologist, you can be sure you will get full and accurate impressions in exchange for your inconvenience, time and money.
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If you decide to buy from the audiologist who makes your impressions, and you have already entered your order for a custom product in our store, please let us know and we will cancel your order. 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.
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Our return policy for custom fitted ear plugs and ear molds is for fit only, not for function. If the ear plugs do not fit properly on the first try, we will remake the ear plugs at no charge if you send us another set of impressions, but we cannot refund the purchase price.
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