The questions you should ask when purchasing custom earplugs
March 14, 2009
By Dionne Payn
Not all custom earplugs are made in the same way or to the same standards of quality and value for money. Deciding where to buy your custom earplugs can be confusing, so here is a list of things which you should consider before making your purchase which will help make sure that you are getting the very best earplugs you can afford.
Which material(s) are used to manufacture the custom earplugs?
In terms of comfort and flexibility, the best material to look out for is medical grade silicon. Some custom earplugs are made from acrylic, which can be cold in the ear and inflexible with body movement.
This lack of flexibility means that the acrylic earplugs cannot create a proper seal in your ear, and are therefore not going to offer protection that is 100% effective.
Will your custom earplugs last a long time?
When compared to the traditional foam based earplugs, you will find that custom earplugs can offer great value for money and fantastic long term savings. Of course, the initial cost of purchasing custom earplugs is higher, but they will last for years. To make your money stretch the furthest you should only consider custom earplugs which have a lifespan of at least 4 years.
As the human ear changes shape, you should be looking to replace your custom earplugs every 4 years to maintain the seal with your ear, and make sure your earplugs are 100% effective.
Are your products guaranteed?
Custom hearing protection is not for everybody, which is why it is important to ask whether the company provides a guarantee.
Ideally, your hearing protection provider will offer a time period within which if you change your mind you can receive your money in full. In addition, look for a company who will replace or repair your hearing protectors for free, if the material or filters are found to be defective within the first year of purchase.
Is there a choice in the level of attenuation (noise reduction) available?
People work in different noise environments, so need different levels of protection. Discuss with your provider whether your custom earplugs are available in a range of filters so you can tailor you hearing protection to suit where you work.
For example, musicians often have different requirements for hearing protection compared to construction workers, and the custom earplugs provided would be different in each case.
What about your after-sales care and customer service?
Custom earplugs are much more effective when the customer is shown how to use them. A good company should offer some form of fitting service and training to ensure customers know how to get the most from their hearing protection.
Enquire if the company will adjust your earplugs for free if you find that they don't fit first time, or if they are uncomfortable to wear.
Which material(s) are used to manufacture the custom earplugs?
In terms of comfort and flexibility, the best material to look out for is medical grade silicon. Some custom earplugs are made from acrylic, which can be cold in the ear and inflexible with body movement.
This lack of flexibility means that the acrylic earplugs cannot create a proper seal in your ear, and are therefore not going to offer protection that is 100% effective.
Will your custom earplugs last a long time?
When compared to the traditional foam based earplugs, you will find that custom earplugs can offer great value for money and fantastic long term savings. Of course, the initial cost of purchasing custom earplugs is higher, but they will last for years. To make your money stretch the furthest you should only consider custom earplugs which have a lifespan of at least 4 years.
As the human ear changes shape, you should be looking to replace your custom earplugs every 4 years to maintain the seal with your ear, and make sure your earplugs are 100% effective.
Are your products guaranteed?
Custom hearing protection is not for everybody, which is why it is important to ask whether the company provides a guarantee.
Ideally, your hearing protection provider will offer a time period within which if you change your mind you can receive your money in full. In addition, look for a company who will replace or repair your hearing protectors for free, if the material or filters are found to be defective within the first year of purchase.
Is there a choice in the level of attenuation (noise reduction) available?
People work in different noise environments, so need different levels of protection. Discuss with your provider whether your custom earplugs are available in a range of filters so you can tailor you hearing protection to suit where you work.
For example, musicians often have different requirements for hearing protection compared to construction workers, and the custom earplugs provided would be different in each case.
What about your after-sales care and customer service?
Custom earplugs are much more effective when the customer is shown how to use them. A good company should offer some form of fitting service and training to ensure customers know how to get the most from their hearing protection.
Enquire if the company will adjust your earplugs for free if you find that they don't fit first time, or if they are uncomfortable to wear.
About the Author:
earPLUG are passionate about helping you to lose the noise ... not your hearing. Visit our site to find more articles on custom earplugs.
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