Monday, February 23, 2009

What should you be aware of when purchasing custom earplugs?

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.

What are your custom earplugs made from?

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.

How long do your custom earplugs last?

Custom earplugs can offer much better value for money when compared to traditional foam-based disposable earplugs, even though the initial purchase price of custom earplugs is higher. To ensure you get maximum value, you should only consider earplugs which have a minimum lifespan of at least 4 years.

The human ear is constantly growing and changing shape, so to ensure that your earplugs are always creating the best seal with your ears it is recommended that you replace your custom earplugs after 4 years. This helps to make sure that your hearing is always getting the most effective protection.

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.

You should really be looking for companies who offer a money-back guarantee if you change your mind about your purchase. This means that you have a fixed time period where you can send your hearing protection back to the company and receive your money back in full. It is also best to deal with companies who offer a manufacturer's warranty - this means that they will replace or repair any product free of charge if it becomes defective within the first year of use.

Are there different levels of attenuation (noise reduction)?

Not everyone works in the same environment, and it is therefore important to pick a set of earplugs which are matched to the level of noise you work in. Many companies offer a range of filters which allow customers to choose the level of protection they need.

For instance, you may need protection from loud machinery noise such as in a factory or on a construction site, or you may need to retain the clarity of music if you are part of a band. For this reason the custom earplugs supplied would be different because of the different environments.

What levels of customer care and after-sales service do you offer?

When trained how to use and maintain custom earplugs, many people find their custom earplugs are much more effective. Ideally, you should buy from a company who offer a fitting service and who are willing to show you how to use your earplugs.

Ask your hearing protection provider whether they are happy to adjust the fit or replace your custom earplugs for free, if you find that they are uncomfortable in any way.

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