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Custom ear plugs

As a counterpoint to some of the experiences here, I got some custom Westone earplugs made and am very happy with them. I don't remember if the model/material has a name, but it is intended for motorcyclists. An audiologist in SF took the molds. They cost around $150.

The main advantage of these over foamies is that they tend to stay in my ears better. The foamies like to unseal when I put on/remove my helmet or sometimes while I'm riding. I also prefer the noise isolation I get from the fitted plugs. They diminish baffling/whistling more than adequately without making me feel like I'm in an isolation chamber. I can still have conversations with them in.
 
I don't really understand the hype with custom ear plugs. I mean the disposable ones, in theory, will fill up your ear channel perfectly so why do you need to spend 30-40 bucks on one pair?
 
CantCatchMe said:
I don't really understand the hype with custom ear plugs. I mean the disposable ones, in theory, will fill up your ear channel perfectly so why do you need to spend 30-40 bucks on one pair?
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Because evertime you move your jaw your ear canal changes shape, which "squeezes" the foam plugs out of the ear so they end up in your helmet :thumbup

Once you try a custom set you will feel the difference :thumbup
 
CantCatchMe said:
I don't really understand the hype with custom ear plugs. I mean the disposable ones, in theory, will fill up your ear channel perfectly so why do you need to spend 30-40 bucks on one pair?
Click to expand...

My custom ones are far easier to put in and take out. They also stay in place better as I put my helmet on.

Also, not all ears are the same-just because it works for you....
 
I got mine at the San Mateo show a few years back...company was Big Ear and I love them. I know folks who have had not so good luck with other brands so YMMV...
 
a guy in this month's AMA mag says to use lube with the foam plugs. anybody already doing this?
 
CantCatchMe said:
I don't really understand the hype with custom ear plugs. I mean the disposable ones, in theory, will fill up your ear channel perfectly so why do you need to spend 30-40 bucks on one pair?
Click to expand...

You will if you move past 'thinking' you know what they are like, to actually using them.
 
NoahSt said:
As a counterpoint to some of the experiences here, I got some custom Westone earplugs made and am very happy with them. I don't remember if the model/material has a name, but it is intended for motorcyclists. An audiologist in SF took the molds. They cost around $150.
Click to expand...


The one's pictured? If so, just be aware that they aren't the most isolating models Westone makes. They're about 15db isolation (according to Westone). You can have them make more isolating ones... up to about 25db. The reason the motorcycle-specific ones aren't the most isolating is to avoid blocking too much noise (ie mostly a legal issue).

+1 on everything else you said too. I've been happy with westone customs, and even the ones pictured work pretty well.
 

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bluesjr said:
a guy in this month's AMA mag says to use lube with the foam plugs. anybody already doing this?
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I wouldn't do that. If you roll them tightly they go in with no resistance at all, and then expand for a good seal. Lube will just let them fall out easier.
 
I work in an industrial site where you gotta wear ear plugs. I have never heard of it falling out of their ears before. You gotta stick them in deep
 
bluesjr said:
a guy in this month's AMA mag says to use lube with the foam plugs. anybody already doing this?
Click to expand...

A lot of times you will see people lick them before shoving them in their ears. They are using their saliva as lube. Don't do that. Do it the way the video I posted instructs and they will work as intended.
 
Licking the plug?? Lovely way to introduce your mouth germs into your ear canal.

Doctor, Doctor, give me the news, I've got a bad case of wet willy. :laughing
 
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