Ear Plug Superstore - Official Blog

"Look Unusual, Work Well" - Mack's Pillow Soft Earplug Review

There's a lot more to ear plugs than the usual foam! If "regular" ear plugs haven't been working for you, you might find some inspiration in this customer's recent Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone Earplug Review:

Look unusual. Work well!

These are a little unusual if you're used to foam or soft plastic plugs to protect your hearing. These come in small wafers that you roll onto balls, flatten over the inside of the the ear, press into place, and go. Might sound fussy but once you try them, you'll be impressed with how easy they are to use and their effectiveness. One of my ears won't hold standard plugs so these have been a great find. They work especially well under ear muffs as well as under more elaborate head gear. After 5 uses or fewer, replace with new ones. And if you need something to drown out noise when you sleep, these are comfortable and will still be there when you wake up. Long review but it's from someone who's hearing loss has been attributed to use of power tools. I believe the lack of an effective second layer of hearing protection figures in. These work.

Pros: Effectiveness, comfort, adaptability to difficult-to-fit ears, adaptability to almost any headgear, do not need to be pushed into ear canal. Cleanliness - replace after a few uses.

Cons: Pricey. Take a little getting used to.

If you've never encountered a moldable silicone ear plug before, you may feel a little thrown for a loop - but if you need ear protection for water, or you find that typical foam and rubber ear plugs don't work for you, these moldable plugs are the way to go. Moldable earplugs are made of a soft putty-like material that can form completely to fit the shape of your ears, making these plugs ideal for folks who have different sized ear canals (more common than you might think!) or cannot tolerate having things inside their ears. This is possible because moldable silicone plugs are shaped into a ball and then pressed down over the opening of the ear canal to form a seal against sound and water: the ear is blocked and protected without the ear canal actually having much of anything inside it. Moldable earplugs are a great solution, and can be made out of a variety of materials ranging from silicone to wax and cotton.

Mack's White Pillow Soft Earplugs are some of the most popular moldable ear plugs in the world - and for good reason. They're perfectly smooth and soft, hypoallergenic, easy enough for kids to use (always supervise the little ones with plugs!), perfect for both water and moderate noise, reusable, easy to store, safe for use in hot weather and warm water, and relatively inexpensive. They're a top choice for float spas worldwide, where blocking out the noisy world (and the salt water!) in the most comfortable way possible is paramount.

Macks's silicone earplugs are a little more expensive than a pair of traditional foam ear plugs, but they'll also last several uses before needing replacement, as this customer found out. Unlike foam earplugs, which are designed to be thrown away after every use (a rule you don't have to follow, but deviating can put your ears at risk in more ways than one!), silicone plugs are actually intended to be multi-use, so they'll usually save you some money in the end. How long a pair of Mack's Silicone Earplugs lasts depends on a lot of factors, like your body's personal rate of earwax production and the environment in which the plugs are used. Never use a pair of earplugs that looks or feels dirty or grimy, or that isn't soft and pliable anymore.

Good luck experimenting with moldable ear plugs! And until next time, be safe and do the right thing.

Tom Bergman, Vice President
Ear Plug Superstore

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E-A-R Classic SuperFit33 Earplug Review: Stiffer Thermoreactive Ear Plugs

Thermoreactive foam? Absolutely! This customer found out why thermoreactive PVC foam makes for such great earplugs - check out this E-A-R Classic SuperFit33 Earplugs Review:

Sleep Trick

I use these because I am in a downstairs apartment and the people above wake up at 3 in the morning. That's fine, except I don't also need to be awakened at 3 am. These plugs are great if you have a bigger ear canal (like me) because they expand and really do a good job of blocking out the sound. They are a bit stiff out of the box but what I do is put each one between my palms and roll then into thin rolls. They soften with the warmth and put them in and get a better night of sleep.

Pros: As described.

Cons: A little stiff but soften when rubbed between the palms of your hands.

If you know you have larger ear canals, choosing a larger-size plug from go is a great way to save time and money - ear canal size is key when choosing a proper hearing protection earplug.

E-A-R Classic SuperFit33 Foam Earplugs

Try E-A-R Classic SuperFit33 Foam Earplugs for yourself and discover how the combination of a stiff foam material and thermoreactivity works for yourself - or try these along with several other large-sized earplugs with our money-saving Just the Largest Earplug Assortment Pack.

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

Tom Bergman, Vice President
Ear Plug Superstore

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Quies Boules Earplug Review - From Our Customers

There are a few products we carry that people absolutely love - and Quies are definitely one of them! Check out this recent Quies Boules Earplugs Review:

 

I live in an apartment, and I can't hear anything when I wear these wax earplugs (upstairs neighbor is a stomper and does laundry at 3 am; we also live next to busy roads). It's so amazing! Haven't had an experience with bass though. Also, these are soft enough that they don't hurt when you sleep on your side. They stay in most nights. When they do fall out, they only slightly dislodge (and stay in the ear area versus falling out completely). Very very happy I found these. All the foam ones were hurting my ears for the rest of the following days.

Pros: Comfortable, Blocks sound

Cons: Pick up dirt easily

 

An excellent breakdown of how Quies can help! The only part of this review I might quibble with is that a neighbor stomping around upstairs probably does qualify as bass. Ear plugs are certainly a boon for easing the noise problems that come with apartment living - and few hearing protectors can do it as comfortably as Quies Boules.

 

Quies Boules are made of a luxurious combination of natural wax and cotton, blended for softness, noise blocking properties, and, above all, comfort. The material is moldable, so you knead it to form a small ball, and then press the ball over (and only slightly into) your ear canal. The natural wax softens in response to your own body heat, conforming to fit the inside of your ear and stay put for hours at a time.

Quies Boules can be tricky to find in stores - but for the people who love them, absolutely nothing else will do. Few products get as many glowing reviews as Quies Wax & Cotton Ear Plugs! We've been importing them directly from France for our customers for years, and we suspect their devoted users will keep coming back for many more years to come.

If you haven't tried Quies yet, maybe it's time to find out if all the reviews are true for you, too.

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

Tom Bergman, Vice President
Ear Plug Superstore

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E-A-R Express Pod Plugs - A Customer Review

Sometimes a product review from a customer perfectly captures what makes a particular product uniquely great far better than we could explain it ourselves. I'd like to share one of those today - this recent E-A-R Express Pod Plugs No-Roll Earplugs Review:

 

These are the only standard type of ear plugs I use. It would be nice if they offered a bit more noise dampening but otherwise I won't use the standard plugs. These typically STAY IN, where they belong. I hate messing with regular foam plugs, rolling, squishing, trying to get them to fit right. They get filthy and fall out anyway. These are easy to use and they stay in, which is important when running any type of machinery. I'd give them 6 or 7 stars if they worked as well as ear muffs but they do have limitations. STILL, Best bang (or lack thereof) for the buck in my view.

Pros: Easy to use and insert They actually stay in Easy to clean

Cons: Maybe a tad more decibel control if it's even possible? Otherwise there ARE NO CONS

 

This customer's experiences are actually really common - and ear plugs like Pod Plugs were created especially for this reason!

When this reviewer talks about "standard ear plugs," you can tell he's an experienced PPE-user who's talking about standard foam ear plugs, which really can be tricky to properly fit. They do indeed need to be squeezed tightly and rolled down into a stiff cylinder before insertion. If your hands are dirty or you're in a hurry, this can be a real problem. And in fact, the main compliance problem with foam plugs is about insertion, too: it occurs when folks don't do the insertion roll-down correctly - understandable, given that it's a very particular process - and they end up wearing improperly-inserted ear plugs that don't properly block sound. Peoples' ears are left vulnerable.

E-A-R Express Pod Plugs to the rescue. These are a special kind of foam ear plug called No-Roll Foam Ear Plugs. Developed as a direct answer to the problems presented by standard foam ear plugs, namely insertion woes, no-roll foam plugs feature an innovative stiff central stem made of a different, firmer material than the rest of the plug. This sounds like a simple change, but it was a huge innovation in terms of making foam ear plugs cleaner and easier to use. Thanks to the addition of the central stem, the same soft foam that works so well to block noise and ensure a comfortable fit could still be used to achieve excellent noise-blocking for the majority of the plug, but with a whole new set of benefits from the stem that had previously been reserved only for reusable silicone and rubber ear plugs.

Instead of touching the foam to put no-roll foam plugs in and remove them again, your fingers only need to make contact with tip of the central stem that never enters your ear. As you can imagine, hygiene is drastically improved as a result. And instead of rolling the ear plug down before insertion, the central stem on a no-roll foam ear plug lets you insert these hearing protectors into your ear canals with a single quick motion for each plug. This eliminates a huge amount of errors with proper insertion. The speed matters, too; it's a few seconds of saved time that can add up big over days and weeks and years. Looking at how clean and convenient they are, it's no wonder that no-roll plugs are very popular... with those who know they exist!

What are the drawbacks, then? There are a couple ways in which standard foam ear plugs still beat no-rolls. The big one is price. Standard foam plugs are the cheapest, and they probably always will be. Another area where standard foam earplugs win out is when it comes to NRR - Noise Reduction Rating. In terms of pure decibels, a solid foam ear plug can block more sound than one interrupted by a central stem; regular foam tops out at a slightly higher NRR (33) than no-roll foam (31). That said, it's worth noting that anyone who's struggling with standard high-NRR foam ear plug insertion likely stands to gain a great deal of noise blocking by simply using properly-inserted plugs with a lower rating. Lastly, those looking for the softest ear plugs, or plugs for sleeping, may find no-roll ear plugs to be less ideal than standard foam, because no-roll plugs do have that firmer central stem. If a short, soft plug is your priority, stick with regular foam plugs. But for most other applications, and for customers like the gentleman who wrote the above review, no-roll foam ear plugs present some great innovations. Check them out if you haven't yet!

If no-roll ear plugs sound like a good fit for your unique hearing needs, take a look at our No-Roll Foam Ear Plug Trial Pack. This small assortment of different products is a fast and inexpensive way to try out the most popular no-roll plugs to see if they're a good solution for you. This is a great test to try before you have to commit to buying multiple pairs of the same type of plug. It's better to be safe than sorry. No-roll ear plugs are much easier to use and insert correctly than standard foam plugs, but it still will likely take some trial-and-error for you to find exactly the right size, firmness, shape, and noise reduction rating to suit your needs.

Of course, we're also happy to provide personalized recommendations for you - contact us any time at [email protected] and we'll be happy to help!

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

Tom Bergman, Vice President
Ear Plug Superstore

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MRI Safe Pro-Ears Ear Muffs - A Customer Review

With medical issues hitting close to home for so many of us this year, I'd like to share this recent MRI Safe Pro-Ears Ultra Ear Muffs Review from a customer, about their experiences wearing Pro-Ears during an MRI:

 

WOW!!!!!!!!!

Okay so first of all, I am an absolute scaredy cat when it comes to loud noises. I had my fair share of stupid decisions in my teens with going to loud events with no hearing protection, etc. So, when I learned I had to get an MRI, I wanted to get the best hearing protection on the market and double it up with earplugs. These headphones are the BEST!!!! I am telling you, they made me feel so comfortable during the procedure (an HOUR long)!!! AND...when I emailed customer service for help with adjusting them, they made a tutorial video just for me to help me!!! You will not regret working with these guys. My ears are perfectly fine after my procedure thanks to the high quality, and I will be a customer for LIFE!!! Thanks again!!

Pros: Everything! Sound attenuation and comfort were on point. Use earplugs (32dB) underneath them and NOTHING will bother you!

Cons: Nothing! You have to be a little bit forceful when adjusting them for the first time but that’s it.

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Getting an MRI is stressful enough well before you consider all the NOISE! We were able to help this customer get through it as painlessly as possible with a little care and a great pair of hearing protectors. If you've got an upcoming MRI and you're considering getting your own hearing protection, here are a couple of things to consider. First, contact your MRI scan center to ask if you're allowed to bring your own hearing protection. When you do, ask if ear muffs are okay. Most centers provide foam ear plugs or sometimes even a lightweight set of ear muffs for patients to use, but others do not; many will allow you to bring your own ear defenders. You may find that your MRI center already has good hearing protection ready for you upon arrival, or learn that you'll definitely want to bring your own. Rules have also changed in many locations due to the pandemic, so calling to confirm the rules and what is allowed is a good idea, even if you've brought your own hearing protection in the past.

If it's allowed, bringing your own high-NRR noise protectors can make a world of difference when it comes to keeping comfortable and calm during a long, distressingly loud medical procedure.

When it comes to choosing a hearing protector, it's hard to choose better than Pro-Ears Ultra MRI Safe Ear Muffs. These have high-NRR hearing protection (Noise Reduction Rating 30, which is very good) and a super comfortable ear cup that will keep your ears cradled and secure through the test. Note that these earmuffs are specifically safe to wear during an MRI scan, and bear our MR-Safe badge so you know they're okay. Most ear muffs are NOT safe to wear in an MRI! So make sure you're getting the right set of ear muffs, or you won't be allowed to wear them (or you could damage the medical equipment, or even get hurt!).

If you prefer an in-ear solution, MRI hearing protection ear plugs are actually much easier to find than ear muffs. I recommend picking up a Just the Highest NRR Foam Earplug Assortment Pack so you can quickly and easily find a pair of foam plugs that fit comfortably and block noise well. Foam ear plugs are always MR-Safe unless they are very specifically metal-detectable plugs, which are less common, clearly labeled, and cost extra. With the high NRR foam assortment pack, you can absolutely find a good pair of plugs quickly in one fell swoop, so you can get MRI hearing protection out of the way, and get back to focusing on the really important stuff.

If you're considering getting an MRI hearing protector such as ear muffs or earplugs and need advice, please don't hesitate to contact us! Email [email protected] and we'll do our very best to help. You can also check out our MRI Scan Centers and Patients page for more info and product recommendations.

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

Tom Bergman, Vice President
Ear Plug Superstore

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Cirrus Earplanes EP2 Review: Best Ear Plugs for Ear Pain

As the world begins to open back up, and more folks are looking at flying again, I'd like to share this recent Cirrus Earplanes EP2 Flying Ear Plugs Review from a customer, about how they overcame ear pain from flying:

Reduced My Ear Pain Significantly!!

I am adult have severe ear pain on landing on flights, because of narrow eustachian tubes in my ears. These are the best earplugs I have tried in the past years. They are so very comfortable, and really help reduce the ear pain on when landing on flights. I used them the entire flight. I am ecstatic to learn that they are also reusable, however, I wonder how many times one can reuse them, as it does not say on the package.

Pros: Easy to install in the ear. Comfortable to wear. Come in a convenient plastic case. Reduce the ear pain on landing on flights. Reusable.

Cons: It does not state on the packaging how many flights one can use the same pair, before replacing them for effectiveness.

 

When it comes to flying and your ears, there are really two factors to consider: noise, and pressure. The noise of flying is a big contributor when it comes to travel fatigue; hours on a cramped, noisy plane full of engine sounds and crying babies can be irritating and literally physically exhausting. Even so, it's the pressure that often poses the worst problem for air travelers. The ear pain comes from pressure changes - which happen quite frequently in an airplane, since the cabin is pressurized and elevation changes are the name of the game. Ear pain from pressure during a flight can be intense, making an otherwise-pleasant flight truly miserable. (Often, the reason babies cry on flights is because their ears hurt, too!)

Fortunately, ear plugs offer a great deal of relief - and it's fair to say that none are more popular than Cirrus Earplanes. These work by regulating the air pressure inside your ear canals, so the cabin pressure changes in the aircraft aren't so sudden and painful for your sensitive ear drums to try to cope with. These flying ear plugs also block some noise, which can help prevent travel fatigue. With great pressure regulation, moderate noise blocking, a comfortable fit, and a reasonable price tag, Cirrus Earplanes may be the best ear plugs for flying that you can get.

This customer has pointed out that the packaging doesn't give directions for how many times the ear plugs can be used effectively. But we can help! And there's great news - Cirrus Flying Ear Plugs are actually washable! When they get dirty or tacky or stiff, you can gently clean these by hand. Use warm water and gentle hand soap to rub them clean, removing all debris and ear wax, and be sure to set them somewhere to dry completely before the next use. If you care for your flying ear plugs with a gentle wash between uses, they should last for months or even years, depending on how often you fly.

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

Tom Bergman, Vice President
Ear Plug Superstore

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Can You Use Ear Plug Lubricant With Foam Ear Plugs?

The best ear plugs are comfortable enough to wear all day or all night, and foam ear plugs are known for being especially soft and comfortable. Meanwhile, ear plug lubricant usually exists to ease sensitive ears when it comes to wearing custom ear plugs and ear molds - custom earpieces made of much firmer material than foam. Still, when it comes to ear plugs for work and sleeping, especially, there is no such thing as an earplug that is too comfortable. And folks with dry ears or especially sensitive skin may find even the softest foam material leaves their ears aching for more relief.

So - foam ear plugs and ear plug lubricant: can you use them together?

The short answer: yes, you can use lubricant with foam ear plugs, and it's pretty likely to help you get a more comfortable fit. There is no conflict in the materials that will cause damage to the ear plugs or to your ears - but disposable foam ear plugs are only made to be used once, and using lubricant will definitely make using a new pair each time a must.

But it turns out there are other benefits to this combination that go beyond just comfort - and there's actually science to prove it. More on that in a second.

First, why does ear plug lubricant work with foam ear plugs, if foam plugs are already soft and smooth? It makes sense that lubricated foam ear plugs will likely fit a little better and more comfortably, because they'll be a little easier to insert deeply into the ear canal. In this case, lubricant will be the most helpful when it comes to getting a plug deeply, securely, properly inserted inside the ear canal. Foam ear plugs are a little tricky to insert correctly on their own, requiring a roll-down squeeze for deep insertion. An extra-silky feel tends to make that insertion a touch easier. Lubricant typically also helps prevent irritation, easing and soothing skin during potentially long hours of wear, and that still applies even when the ear plug itself is already very soft. So the ear plug goes in easier, and fits more deeply. And again, there is no such thing as "too comfortable," here.

Interestingly enough, lubricant doesn't just make ear plugs more comfortable - it also makes them more effective.

Or at least, more likely to be as effective as they were designed to be.

The thing about ear plugs is that ultimately, they're only as good as their fit. If your foam earplugs aren't rolled down tightly enough and inserted deeply enough, even a high-NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) hearing protector won't give you the rated noise blocking. That means your ears will be left vulnerable. With multiple factors in play, it's no shock that a lot of people aren't getting a good fit from their foam plugs.

Looking to figure out a good solution for that problem, the CDC actually did a study examining whether or not a good lubricant might make it easier for people to get the fit they need from their foam ear plugs in order to stay safe.

So what did the science say?

Well, it turns out that the same ear plug lubricant that makes plugs fit more comfortably also makes them more likely to fit correctly.

Taken from the CDC's study, "The effect of an insertion lubricant on the noise attenuation of foam earplugs," by Randolph & Kissel of NIOSH

The upshot of the scatter plot? A proper fit with foam ear plugs makes them more effective - and it's easier to get a good fit with ear plug lubricant. That means that if you use lube on the same kind of foam ear plugs you're already used to using, you could experience better sound dampening for an even smoother experience.

(One word of caution - with firmer PVC foam, the lube will likely not be as effective as it would be on smoother, softer UF foam ear plugs. Those plugs are comparatively porous, while the ear plugs used in the CDC study were the smooth-skinned Max UF foam ear plugs.)

So what's the best ear plug lubricant for foam ear plugs?

First, you don't want to use just any lube. The skin inside the ear canals is thin and sensitive, and we want to avoid causing irritation or discomfort. Fortunately, we have two ear plug lubricants specifically designed for use with ear plugs and earpieces. Designed for use with custom molds like the ones used for hearing aids and custom in-ear musician's monitors, these lubricants are ear-safe and soothing, and hold up well to hours of use.

Top Rated: Westone Oto-Ease Custom Earmold Lubricant

Originally created to compliment Westone's high-end custom molded musician's monitors, Oto-Ease is tried-and-true lubricant for custom ear plugs and ear molds. This water-soluble lube is designed to stay silky, never greasy, and is a top choice for hearing aids that should work equally well with foam ear plugs. Our customers give Oto-Ease a perfect 5-star rating.

Ear Balm: Crescendo Custom Earmold Lubricant

Crescendo presents another solution with a boutique approach: a small tube of premium balm. More of a gel than a liquid, this lubricant features aloe and other natural ingredients. A favorite of motorcyclists seeking a quieter ride and looking to optimize their hearing protection's performance, Crescendo Ear Balm is newer, relatively more expensive, and a bit harder to find in shops.

Not sure where to start? If you'd like to try foam ear plugs with ear plug lubricant, and you're starting from scratch, we recommend checking out our ear plug assortment packs - so you can try many different kinds for not a lot of money. Next, go with some Oto-Ease ear plug lubricant for now, since it's the more economical option and will give you more applications to experiment with. Try a few different combinations, until you find the right one for your unique ears.

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

Tom Bergman, Vice President
Ear Plug Superstore

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Westone Custom Series AC20 Earphone Review - A Drummer's Perspective

No matter how much we can tell you about Westone AC20 Earphones, actual customer reviews from professional musicians are always going to tell you more than we could. I'd like to share this recent Westone Custom Series AC20 In-Ear Monitor Earphones Review from a customer:

High Quality at an Affordable Price with Sufficient Bass for Performing

I've been using AC20s for 5 years now and they are still holding up well. I'm a drummer who occasionally sings. My preferred monitor mix for many years (before IEMs) was essentially a house mix with a little extra kick. I can get the same vibe using the AC20s in a smaller space, where I get a little reinforcement of low end off of my drums themselves. I usually ask for the kick through the drum wedge(s) to get the low sub-bass for a bigger show in a large space or outdoors. These wouldn't be my first choice for critical listening or bass heavy music, but I hear everyone one stage very clearly and I get enough low end to get the feel of a groove (and that's using a Beta 81A in my kick which focuses more on attack than sub-bass). If you want a quality set of earphones for live performances (even if you a re a drummer or bass player), this should be adequate if you keep your expectations realistic.

Pros:

• Have lasted 5 years and still going strong
• Build quality is great
• Sound clarity is very good
• Ample low end for performance

Cons:

• Sub-bass is lacking

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Based on input from customers, we can say that the AC20 is well-built and provides great value and solid performance at its price point - $379.99 at the time of this writing. There are a handful of cheaper models, but the AC20 is really an excellent workhorse monitor for a professional musician looking to step up to a "real," reliable in-ear monitor earphone.

You don't have to take it from us - according to our customers, the Westone AC20 should perform satisfactorily for most musicians. Its subpar sub-bass means potential buyers should temper their expectations; these won't please demanding audiophiles or musicians who need excellent bass, but most performers should find the AC20 to be a reliable choice for a pro-level in-ear monitor, at a very reasonable price.

For more demanding audiophiles looking for a top-tier product, better solutions are, of course, available. Some of the high-end Westone in-ear monitor earphones offer far more powerful bass - the Westone W60, for instance, features two dedicated bass drivers for a phenomenally-enhanced low-end. But with a current price of $999.99, incredibly faithful, powerful six-driver monitors like the W60 are only likely to be a reasonable choice for serious performers to whom heavy bass and stunning clarity is absolutely critical.

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

Tom Bergman, Vice President
Ear Plug Superstore

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MRI-Safe Earmuffs - Customer Review & Pro Tips

I'd like to share this MRI Safe Pro-Ears Ultra Pro Ear Muffs review from a customer:

WOW!!!!!!!!!

Okay so first of all, I am an absolute scaredy cat when it comes to loud noises. I had my fair share of stupid decisions in my teens with going to loud events with no hearing protection, etc. So, when I learned I had to get an MRI, I wanted to get the best hearing protection on the market and double it up with earplugs.

These headphones are the BEST!!!! I am telling you, they made me feel so comfortable during the procedure (an HOUR long)!!! AND...when I emailed customer service for help with adjusting them, they made a tutorial video just for me to help me!!! You will not regret working with these guys. My ears are perfectly fine after my procedure thanks to the high quality, and I will be a customer for LIFE!!! Thanks again!!

Pros: Everything! Sound attenuation and comfort were on point. Use earplugs (32dB) underneath them and NOTHING will bother you!

Cons: Nothing! You have to be a little bit forceful when adjusting them for the first time but that’s it.

 

It's not just you - getting an MRI scan can definitely be scary! Even if you're not nervous about the procedure, the noise is loud enough to be intimidating (or even overwhelming) for most of us. Most MRI scanning facilities will provide some sort of hearing protection, because the sound is just so LOUD, but this customer made a savvy decision in bringing their own gear.

Many places only offer ear plugs, that may or may not fit you comfortably and block noise especially well - a problem if your scan is a long one, for sure. Too, adding ear muffs can make a world of difference when it comes to coping with the noise and anxiety. This customer was smart to go for dual protection - that is, wearing ear plugs underneath a set of ear muffs, for maximum noise blocking. With the kind of noise an MRI machine produces, a higher NRR with more noise blocking is definitely better, and as a general rule, even one excellent hearing protector can't do as much to stop noise as two good protectors combined. 

If you're considering getting your own ear muffs for an MRI, you'll want to do a little research first. Make sure the hospital or clinic conducting your scan will allow you to bring your own hearing protection; you may need to call them to find out. And when you get the green light, make sure to choose your MRI ear muffs carefully. The muffs will need to be non-electronic, non-metallic, non-conductive, and non-magnetic - otherwise they could damage the MRI machine. The easiest way to find these very specific products is to check out our top recommendations for MRI hearing protection and pick one of the earmuffs listed there. If you're shopping elsewhere, be sure that the earmuffs you're looking at explicitly state that they are MRI Safe or "MR Safe" in their descriptions or packaging. You don't want to guess here, or you could risk getting told you can't wear your hearing protection the day of. (This customer went with MRI Safe Pro-Ears Ultra Pro Ear Muffs, which provide high noise blocking and premium comfort, if you'd like to follow their recommendation.)

If you want to add a set of your own ear plugs to wear underneath your MRI-safe earmuffs - and this dual protection is especially important if you have any sensitivities to sound, are prone to anxiety or headaches, or otherwise might find the noise very difficult to cope with - you have a lot more options to choose from. In fact, all our foam ear plugs are MR Safe unless they specifically state that they are metal detectable. Moldable silicone ear plugs are also a good choice, completely non-metallic, with a little less noise blocking than foam but a super comfortable fit that seals over the ear canal rather than going inside it (these are great for folks who cannot tolerate having regular foam ear plugs in their ears). Combining ear plugs and MRI-safe ear muffs is going to be the very best way to defend yourself against the high volume levels while you get important medical tests done.

Getting an MRI scan is already stressful enough without all the noise! Hopefully this customer's experiences and these tips will help you find good MRI ear muffs (alone or as part of a dual-protection solution for maximum noise blocking!), so you can feel a little safer and more prepared. And if you have questions about MR Safe ear muffs or need advice about hearing protection, we're here to help.

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

Tom Bergman, Vice President
Ear Plug Superstore

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Can I Make Custom Ear Molds if I Have Exostosis?

Q.Hi, I would like to purchase the surfing ear plugs. I have exostosis. Does that stop me from being able to do my own ear plug molds at home? I'm also interested in the sonolab V5 instafit. Same question about the mold process. I'm a carpenter and standard ears plugs irritate my ears. Thank you.

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A.I would be reluctant to give you an opinion as to whether you can safely make impressions or make ear plugs, given your medical condition. What I can definitely tell you is the safest bet would be to go to an audiologist and have impressions made, at least for your first go. While there you can discuss your condition and what you would like to try in the way of DIY earplugs or custom ear impressions, and the doc should be able to advise you.

The Sonolab V5 seems a little less risky since the mold material is fully contained inside a rubber bladder, but depending on the conformation of your canal, it is possible that the bladder may not expand enough to fill the canal properly, resulting in a poorly performing plug - or it could expand too much inside the canal to be able to remove it through the smaller opening... not good. I can't guarantee it wouldn't work, but given the uncertainty, and knowing how critical it will be for you to get ear protection that works flawlessly to prevent further damage, I wouldn't suggest taking the gamble.

If you're dead set on making your own custom plugs, at least talk to your family doctor first. And if you have the option, I would strongly advise you to err on the side of caution, and go to an audiologist or EENT to get your plugs made.

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

Tom Bergman, Vice President
Ear Plug Superstore

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