Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphones (full-size) › Well long time use of earplugs affect custom molding for custom IEMs?
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Well long time use of earplugs affect custom molding for custom IEMs?

post #1 of 10
11/13/04 at 6:18pm
Thread Starter 
I have been using some 33dB foam earplugs when sleeping at night because I live in one of my college dorm and it really gets quite noisy and I'm really sensitive to smallest noises. I want to get a pair of custom IEM but wonder if earplugs had changed my ear canal shape and if I discontiune using earplugs later my canal would change shape yet again thus rendering the fit of the custom IEM less optimal. Should I be worried about that?
Reply
post #2 of 10
11/13/04 at 8:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zuerst
I have been using some 33dB foam earplugs when sleeping at night because I live in one of my college dorm and it really gets quite noisy and I'm really sensitive to smallest noises. I want to get a pair of custom IEM but wonder if earplugs had changed my ear canal shape and if I discontiune using earplugs later my canal would change shape yet again thus rendering the fit of the custom IEM less optimal. Should I be worried about that?
I don't think so... The custom molds will take the shape of your ear canal at the moment so even if you stop using the plugs your ears will stay the same shape as the IEM's as long as you continue to use them.
Reply
post #3 of 10
11/14/04 at 12:26am
Hi Zuerst --

I can't imagine that being a problem. After all, the foam earplugs expand to conform to your ears, not vice-versa. You ears remain what they are, foam earplugs or not.

I've used 33 dcb foam earplugs for years as I am a ridiculously light sleeper. (Was that YOU I heard last night? Keep it down, willya? ) The only thing that concerns me is that someone told me that they read somewhere that using earplugs increases the risk of deafness. This makes no sense to me either -- and so I contintue to use them anyway!

By all means get your IEMs. About the only thing that will affect their eventual fit is how much weight you gain or lose!
Reply
post #4 of 10
11/14/04 at 1:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by random person
Hi Zuerst --

I can't imagine that being a problem. After all, the foam earplugs expand to conform to your ears, not vice-versa. You ears remain what they are, foam earplugs or not.

I've used 33 dcb foam earplugs for years as I am a ridiculously light sleeper. (Was that YOU I heard last night? Keep it down, willya? ) The only thing that concerns me is that someone told me that they read somewhere that using earplugs increases the risk of deafness. This makes no sense to me either -- and so I contintue to use them anyway!

By all means get your IEMs. About the only thing that will affect their eventual fit is how much weight you gain or lose!

Hmm, I use earplugs to sleep as well (damn neighbors!), I've not heard of this rumor. Maybe it's worth looking into?
Reply
post #5 of 10
11/14/04 at 1:06am
yes maybe we can get Big D to chime in on this one (he's an aneasthesiologist (spelling?) in an Ear Nose Throatt practice so he should know.

The person who told me this could not remember the article she read -- so I am choosing to ignore her!
Reply
post #6 of 10
11/14/04 at 1:22am
Thread Starter 
If using earplugs cand cause one to go deaf then listening to jet engine all day long would certaintly improve one's hearing?
Reply
post #7 of 10
11/14/04 at 9:05am
Maybe the article was referring to the increased risk of infection if you use earplugs and don't change them often enough?

That's the only way I envision ear plugs to cause deafness...
Reply
post #8 of 10
11/14/04 at 1:34pm
The only thing you have to remember with any custom
earplug, is they are only good for about 2 years, before they start leaking badly.

Betcha didnt know your ear's continue to grow your entire life, didya?

Another thing to remember, is foamies for earplugs, dont have
a great lifespan either. Like a few weeks if that.

I use custom molded earplugs both for work and for sleep. Cost
about 75$ each, but you get consistent 33db reduction until
about 2+ years. The foamies wont give you a consistent
reduction due to many issues.
Reply
post #9 of 10
11/14/04 at 9:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeffie
I use custom molded earplugs both for work and for sleep. Cost
about 75$ each, but you get consistent 33db reduction until
about 2+ years. The foamies wont give you a consistent
reduction due to many issues.
$75 each for custom earplugs, eh? That much moolah would buy a lot of foamies!
Reply
post #10 of 10
11/14/04 at 9:42pm
It wont buy you 2-3 years worth of foamies...
(If you wear daily for sleeping)

Nor the consistent noise reduction that custom plugs give
you.
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Headphones (full-size)
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphones (full-size) › Well long time use of earplugs affect custom molding for custom IEMs?