Custom fit flat response plugs are avialable in 15dB and 25dB models. They are usually molded by an audioligist jamming a special clay cr@p into your ear. Not fun.

My 15dB jobbies cost $220 about 7 years ago. If you want to still enjoy music the 15dB ones are the go as the 25dB models do change the sound/frequency response quite a bit. 15dB is enough protection to get you close to the safety zone for your ears. Most PA/Bands operate around 105-115dB. Obviously if you are going to stand right next to a PA stack plugs won't help and you should just leave the gas oven on and whack ya head in there later on...

Personally I never liked my custom fits that well as they were made a smidge too large on one plug and were not comfy for extended periods. I use them now and then but carry $35 E.A.R brand "Hi-Fi" 15dB plugs with me everywhere. They look like 3 tiered mushrooms and are very comfy. They sound very close enough to flat response and are very good fro the $$$ give em a try.

Oh also if you do need the 25dB models they are still flat enough in the speech range so that you can talk/yell at someone and understand the response. Foamies/gell etc are hopeless in this regard.

surf shops will sell surfing ones, they are pretty pricey. I'm sure I've popped an ear drum as aqua ear now hurts my inner brain like hell and I've taken to sticking blue tack in that one. keep it clean and jam a big lump in and it should be fine. I don't push it into the actual ear canal tho. I also don't advise keeping it in a beer bottle top because you didn't want it sticking to the carpet of your new car, mine now smells of beer!

i know a few people that do this and it does work.

I have had surfers ear and have it again, and the way they deal with it is to drill your ear canals out (once on the left and twice on the right) and you are out of the water for at least 6 weeks per side. Mine may have heriditory influence as I needed my right one done again just 5 years after it was initially done, usually its 10-15 if you dont change your ways!!!!

I used the docs pro plugs which were the best of the lot, but was never comfortable with any plug that goes in your ear. Since then on really cold days I wear a gath helmet and on warm days I wear a hat with a chin strap that has a covered section over my ears, this years new models look even better.

I take it you are doing this to prevent surfers/swimmers ear or infections?

Hi I'm an audiologist (and learning kitesurfing).
Phonak musician's plugs are $220 a pair and give good flat attenuation at 9 15 and 25dB. You can get cheaper models (GN resound $154 a pair) but from my experience don't fit as well and don't give flat hi-fi attenuation.

Water plugs are cheaper - $86.40 a pair.

all require me to take an impression and take about 10 days to get manufactured...

call (08) 9472 6000 if you are interested to make an appointment (not between 10 and 20 knts ofcourse)

regards tony

Just get Doc's Proplugs from any good surf shop.

They should have a tester for size.

www.proplugs.com/

sander said...

@ User,

Can you give me a name of a good surfshop that sells Pro Plugs?

Thanks

Send an Email to these guys and they will let you know the nearest dealer.

mailto:[email protected]

Currently have dual ear infection. Went to chemist and got silocen plugs to keep the water out. (the same day the doctor told me to stay out of the water for a week)
They worked great. I got nailed in the surf, they didnt budge. they only cause problems when i took one out to see if it was working. It was, but it was hard to get back in with wet sandy hands.
Only cost 10bucks and i got 6.