MY EARPLUGS GUIDE
I often get emails and Instagram DMs about the earplugs I wear, so I wanted to create a quick, simple, practical guide available for you at all times. I hope this information is helpful.
TYPES OF EARPLUGS I USUALLY WEAR:
1) IN-FLIGHT EARPLUGS:
These pressure-filtering ear plugs relieve ear discomfort, clogging, and popping during your flight. There are many brands and types available (some look like screws.) You can find them at your local pharmacy, supermarket, and department store. These are also sold at airports, so if you forget to pack them for your trip, you can always buy them last minute at the airport stores, but be prepared to pay a little extra.
2) CUSTOM-FIT MUSICIAN EARPLUGS:
Custom-fit high-fidelity earplugs come in different brands and shapes; the majority are made of soft silicone. Musician earplugs are comfortable protection with natural musical sound quality.
Costs usually range from $100.00 – $300.00 a pair, so it is a bit of an investment. Although information varies online, custom earplugs can last anywhere from 3 to 5 years, much longer than disposables (single use) and reusables (2-3 months).
I personally love wearing them because they were made for me and are incredibly comfortable. I can tell how much they help me protect my ears.
I struggle with Hyperacusis; my sound-induced ear pain is gone, but I still have difficulty tolerating high frequencies/high-pitched sounds. So, these earplugs are great for me when I go to restaurants, concerts, and when I am in large group settings. The negative of wearing these is that they block sound significantly, so when I am meeting with a big group of friends or family, I have a hard time catching parts of conversations, especially when I am wearing both.
My custom-ear plugs have an “H” designation – Average attenuation values for high-frequency sounds greater than or equal to 2000Hz.
3) CUSTOM EARMOLD IMPRESSIONS:
These are simply one of the molds the audiologist used to create my custom-fit musician earplugs (the clear ones.)
When I was at the audiologist getting my ear molds done, I asked her if I could keep them so I could have an extra pair. So, these are my “unofficial” earplugs. They DON’T have the sound filters my clear musician earplugs have, but they do the trick, especially when I want to block even more sound. I happen to love them too.
Getting my earmold impressions done at the audiologist office:
4) SOFT FOAM DISPOSABLE EARPLUGS:
These are comfy, inexpensive, and the most popular, but not custom-made for you. I always have a jar of Ultra Soft Earplugs from Macks around. (This is not a sponsored ad, just my personal opinion/recommendation.)
If you find this information helpful, please let me know in the comments section below and share it with someone who might need it too. I wish you a well-deserved relief for your ears when you try them.
All my best,
Nicolle
NOTES/DISCLAIMERS:
*My medical history includes a diagnosis of Meniere's Disease, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL), Tinnitus, and Hyperacusis. I often experience ear fullness and popping sensation bilaterally, dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to sound.
Visit this post for more details on my diagnosis and treatments.
**This blog entry will be updated as needed. The information shared here is based on my personal experience, my treatments, and information I've researched and learned as I navigate being a hearing loss patient. Please consult a medical professional about your condition to get the proper care plan customized.
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