Hearing protection and musicians' ear plugs
Custom ear plugs
Custom ear plugs are moulded to your ears. They suit noisy work, live music, swimming and earphones. The audiologist who fits them is a musician too.
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How they fit
Moulded to your ears
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Fitted by
An audiologist who is a musician
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Made for
Work, music, swimming, earphones
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To have them made
Two short visits
How loud is too loud
How long you can safely be in loud noise
Safe Work Australia sets the work limit at 85 decibels (dB) over eight hours. Each 3 dB above that halves the safe time. Sounds under 75 dB are unlikely to harm your hearing.
- A vacuum cleaner 85 dB 8 hours
- An electric drill 94 dB 1 hour
- Riding a motorcycle 97 dB 30 minutes
- A rock concert 103 dB 7.5 minutes
- Earphones at maximum 106 dB Under 4 minutes
- An ambulance siren 109 dB Under 2 minutes
- A jet takeoff 130 dB No safe time
The line marks 85 dB, the limit for eight hours a day.
Sound levels and safe times come from Know Your Noise (National Acoustic Laboratories) and Safe Work Australia's Code of Practice. Levels vary with distance and equipment. This is general information only.
Why hearing protection matters
How loud noise affects your hearing
Loud noise can damage tiny hair cells inside your inner ear. Once damaged, they don't grow back.
Noise damage doesn't hurt, and it builds up slowly. Many people only notice when talk in noisy rooms gets harder to follow.
If you have sudden hearing loss, ear pain, fluid from your ear or sudden dizziness, see your GP or go to an emergency department today.
Custom ear plugs are moulded to your ears, so they feel comfortable. Comfortable ear plugs tend to stay in for a whole shift or gig.
Ear plugs only help when they're in your ears. A comfortable fit keeps them there.
The fitting process
How your ear plugs are made
Two short visits, and we do the rest.
- 01
We ask what you need
We'll ask what you need them for. A drummer, a builder and a swimmer each need something different.
- 02
We check your ears first
We'll have a gentle look in your ears. If there's wax, we'll talk you through the next step.
- 03
We take an ear impression
Soft material goes into each ear and sets in a few minutes. It feels full but shouldn't hurt.
- 04
Your ear plugs are made
Your ear plugs are made to the exact shape of your ears. They have the filter you chose.
- 05
We fit and check them
When they're ready, you come back in. We check the fit and show you how they go in.
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We're here after your fitting
If you have questions later, or the fit changes, call us. We're happy to check them for you.
Hearing protection questions
Questions about custom ear plugs
What makes musicians' ear plugs different?
They use a filter that lowers the volume evenly at every pitch. The music sounds the same, only quieter. You still hear your instrument.
Can I get ear plugs for noisy work?
Yes. Noise plugs suit builders, factory workers, military staff and concert goers. A custom fit means they should stay comfortable for a whole shift.
Can I get ear plugs for swimming?
Yes. Swim plugs keep water out when you swim or surf. They can help after ear surgery, or if cold water bothers your ears.
Can I get custom tips for my earphones?
Yes. We take an impression of your ears, and a specialist lab makes the tips from it. They suit many earphones, including in-ear monitors.
How much do custom ear plugs cost?
The price depends on the type of ear plug and filter you choose. We'll tell you the price when you book, with no surprises.
Do foam ear plugs work?
Yes, foam plugs help if put in correctly, but they can muffle sound. Custom ear plugs are moulded to your ears and seal well.
Book your ear plug fitting
Call us and tell us what you need ear plugs for. We'll talk you through the options and the price.
Julian, Orlando, Eva and Sara look forward to hearing from you.