Ear Plug Superstore - Official Blog

Hearos F4 Series Ear Plug Review - A Life-Hack from a Customer

A customer recently sent in this helpful part-review part-lifehack for the Hearos F4 Series 7421 Ear Plug, and it's well worth a read:

 

Excellent Product! I use them as earphone tips, not as plugs - see below.

As another reviewer mentioned, they are partly hollow down the middle of the shaft. I removed the white plug from the outer end, unfolded a paper clip and shoved the inch or so long wire in to test how deep the hollow center is - and it goes to within about 1/16 inch from the inner most domed small end. I then removed the paper clip.

I wanted some 3 flange tips for my Etymotic and Westone earphones, so, I cut off the end smallest blue dome (this reveals the center shaft hole), and then cut away one section of the outer shaft, leaving enough shaft to grab them. They fit very tight on both earphones. I did not cut the 1/8 inch section off the outer shaft for the Etymotics because I needed more to grab onto to get them out.

The center shaft hole is small but it does not affect the sound quality - perhaps a tiny bit of attenuation only. The 2 middle shaft rings and big outer dome "ring" make a soft, comfortable 3-ring seal. The outer dome is big and squeezes and seals the entrance to my tall oval ear canals, and the inner 2 rings are much smaller to seal my rapidly smaller inner canal area. They are short, so, they don't push on the sensitive bend-2 area. (The photos make the product look way too long. The parts that count are not too long as above).

Hearos F4 Series reusable ear plugs - not yet altered

It's incredible how customers have found so many ways to use ear plugs over the years. Making your own better, more comfortable ear tips for various earphones isn't a new one, but this is the first time I've heard of someone using Hearos F4 reusable earplugs to do it. Note that, just as the reviewer points out, you will not get much (if any) practical noise-blocking when you re-purpose an ear plug like this. In fact, anything that alters an ear plug in any way - such as cutting it down to a shorter length - can seriously reduce the noise reduction that plug can provide. Still, using ear plugs to create earpieces for headphones and other devices is one of our favorite hacks... just remember that the benefit here is the comfort and fit, not the hearing protection.

You can get Hearos F4 Series Ear Plugs right here, if you're interested.

Also, if you're not in a DIY mood, it's worth noting that we do have a pretty robust selection of premade replacement tips for both Westone and Etymotic earphones, if you'd just like to buy triple-flange tips (for pretty close to the same price).

And until next time, be safe and do the right thing.

Tom Bergman, Vice President
Ear Plug Superstore

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How to Care for Custom Ear Plugs

Your custom ear plugs have arrived. They're perfectly molded to fit your ears, they should fit more comfortably and work more effectively than any other ear protector out there, and they'll literally last for years if you care for them properly.

So... how do you care for your custom ear plugs properly?

Here's what you need to know.

First off, what's with the dots?

Your new custom ear plugs will often come with a red dot visible on one plug, and a blue dot visible on the other plug. This handy color-coding is designed to help you remember which ear plug goes in which ear. The red marker plug goes in the right ear - helpful since they start with the same letter! - while the blue marker plug goes in the left ear. Note that some models of plug have these red and blue dots, while others have L and R letters marked somewhere - while still others, especially the do-it-yourself custom molded kind, have no markers at all, and might require a little trial-and-error to figure out.

Some have removal filaments...?

If your ear plugs are canal-only models, there may be a thin plastic piece that extends out of each ear plug. This tiny bit of (usually clear) plastic is called the removal filament, and it will help you get the ear plugs out of your ear.

These are a really odd shape!

Yes, they are! Everyone's ear canals are different - as unique as finger prints, in fact. And most aren't anything close to a straight line.

Is it hard to insert these?

No, but it can take a moment to get them settled comfortably when you're first getting used to using custom ear plugs. It can take a little practice to get them in quickly. One general tip: adding a twist is often more comfortable and effective than pushing the plug straight into the canal. For insertion, twist backwards as you push the plug gently into the ear canal. And for removal, twist forward gently, which will break the seal and make the plugs come right now.

Do I need (more) gel or lubricant?

A small amount of gel often comes with many new custom molded products. But do you need more? If your plugs didn't come with any, should you get some? Well, maybe - but not necessarily. Custom ear plug lubricant is especially helpful for new custom ear plug users, as they learn how to get their plugs seated properly in their ear canals, and get used to the feeling of wearing ear plugs. Many ear plug users don't need the lube after becoming accustomed to their ear plugs. Others swear by it, and use it daily.

How do I clean my custom ear plugs?

You can wash the ear plugs with a disinfectant cleaner or use warm soapy water; either will work. Whichever method you use, be sure to rinse the plugs thoroughly with clean water afterward, to ensure there's no soap or residue left that could irritate the delicate skin of the ear.

How do I store my custom ear plugs?

Store the ear plugs somewhere clean and dry. If you've been sweating or out in damp weather, be sure to let them thoroughly dry before storing.

 

Want to learn more?

You can check out our professional custom lab-molded ear plugs right here if you'd like to see what kinds of custom plugs are available. Most are designed for hearing protection, but a few are created specifically for water blocking.

If you're looking for custom ear plug gel, we have two excellent options, one of which is a slightly more liquid lubricant/gel, and one of which is more of a balm; both are very well reviewed and work with virtually all pro custom plugs (and actually with most reusable ear plugs and various universal-fit earpieces, too).

And if you've got questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected] - we are here to help.

Until next time, be safe and do the right thing.

Tom Bergman, Vice President
Ear Plug Superstore

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