project86
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2007
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Quote:
You've spent quite some time with customs, so any advice on how to assess fit for the long-term within the first 30 days? I think I remember you saying something about "if you can eat without losing seal" somewhere in the last 101 pages.
Something to keep in mind is that all ear canals are different. Some people experience an expansion of the inner canal when they open their mouth wide. Others experience a contraction. Some people even have different reactions in each ear. Some people have very expressive faces where a smile greatly moves their ears. Others not at all. So it is different with each person. I also think that is why we see different instructions for impressions; for some people open mouth is key, for others closed mouth might be better.
All I can say for sure is that in my case, I can't get an unbreakable seal no matter what I do. My canals open widest with a wide open jaw, but even taking impressions that way, I still break the seal slightly when I wear my customs and open extremely wide. The good part is that when I close my mouth the seal is restored. So I guess it isn't completely breaking it. Still, this means that I have a comfy fit and a nice seal 99.9% of the time.
I'd start by wearing them for a short period of time, and then increasing it a bit the next day, and so on until you have worked your way up to wearing them for long periods of time. Note any discomfort that persists after a week or 2. Expect a good tight fit most of the time, but also be aware that some people (like me) aren't made for that. But it shouldn't feel loose or delicate when you are listening closed mouth or slack jawed. After 2 weeks of critical use, I'd assess the situation and see if it is something you feel you can live with, or if you feel there should be improvement. If so, contact the dealer/maker and start talking refit.
EDIT I didn't see Rawrsters post, but I agree with him: pain that persists past the initial breaking in period is not normal. Your ears initially object to having an object inserted like that, and some mild aching or discomfort is pretty normal, but it should subside after a week or 2 of solid use. Sharp unbearable pain is never acceptable though; you are either inserting them wrong or they are made wrong.