Earplugs, made to measure?

[veracocha]

I am currently using silicone jobbies at the moment which seem to keep helmet noise down a bit but come a few hours later my lugs itch like a mangey dog. At motorcycle live I saw what I think was people having a gel like solution squeezed into their ears to form a custom fit solution. Any recommendations as to how good they are/are not and any recommendation for a decent supplier. Is it a case of going to them to get fitted out and one last thing, cost?

[Pie man]

I've had several pairs of custom fit ear plugs, the most comfortable ones being Auritech Custom Guards(£129), and the worst being Custom Fit Guards (£99). The Auritech ones were small and fitted within the ear, the helmet did not press against them,  where as the CFG are quite filling of the ear and after time the helmet pressed against the plugs, causing pain after around 2 hrs. Now I use the Auritech Universal biker plugs. (£19.95)

CFG

Auritech universal

Edited February 19 by Pie man

[keith1200rs]

Go to any audiologist (hearing aid supplier) and get them done properly rather than DIY. cost from £100 to £150. I prefer the softer type from Starkey - nearer £150 last time I had them done. Tell them why you want them and the sound reducing insert will suit motorcycling. 

[Stu]

I have had a set of these for the last 4 or 5 years 

 

https://mercurycustomplugs.com/ 

 

I can't complain! they are comfier than the foam ones over a long distance/time but not as good as the foam ones at blocking sound but more than good enough 

 

The wife has a set too and she doesn't moan! 

[RideWithStyles]

12 hours ago, veracocha said:

I am currently using silicone jobbies at the moment which seem to keep helmet noise down a bit but come a few hours later my lugs itch like a mangey dog. At motorcycle live I saw what I think was people having a gel like solution squeezed into their ears to form a custom fit solution. Any recommendations as to how good they are/are not and any recommendation for a decent supplier. Is it a case of going to them to get fitted out and one last thing, cost?

that's the question, why are your ears aching? is it from fit or from material?

if its material of silicone there is no guarantee that the custom ones will be much or any different to what you currently use now? as most if not all are silicone based.

if another potential personal problem is if your ears change size or characteristics, in the heat do the canals expand, become smaller and sweat more but in the cold of winter get larger and dry? so fit and comfort will change.

if your a summer use only best get them fitted at that time of year ull use most often. 

 

other hygiene reasons can be added.

these will have impacts on the product you may have to think over.

 

they don't block out quite as much (anything from 10-20ish db for the best ones) as foams, can harmonise/vibrate depending on characteristics of the slicone/bike/wind/helmet doesnt dampen out which you may or not notice. 

[veracocha]

I'm pretty sure the silicone is causing the irritation as the foam inserts are fine but too effective in drowning out my tunes. I can only use simple soap otherwise I'll itch all over after a bath/shower. Price for having such youthful skin and young looks I suppose.

[S-Westerly]

I use custom molded ones sometimes. They are generally comfortable and I can wear them for hours. My favourites though are 3M disposable foam plugs used for various activities including motorcycling and shooting.

[RideWithStyles]

if that's the case then i'd go looking for the web for the smallest and medium db reduction foamy.

i found Howard Leight by Honeywell Laser-Lite Single-Use Earplug Refill Pack, SNR 35, 200 pairs (pink and yellow mix colours) ones the smallest and softest for me, very good db reducing (which is what i was after) but they do loads of others with different characteristics that should be to your suiting. 

Edited February 20 by RideWithStyles

[S-Westerly]

It's the pink and yellows I use. I find them the best.