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Ear Protection

Protecting your hearing is the best first step of preventing hearing loss. Hunters, military personnel, musicians, and swimmers are at high risk for hearing damage without proper protection. Learn more about the custom solutions our team can provide for you.

Hunter aiming gun in the forest

What are Hunter’s Earmolds?

Hunter’s earmolds are special earplugs that reduce damaging sounds while still allowing important, subtle sounds to enter your ears. They can be custom-made from individual molds of your ears, or you can purchase them as generic plugs. Hunter’s earmolds can help protect your hearing and improve your overall quality of life.

Guns are one of the biggest threats to your hearing. They can cause instant, permanent, and irreversible damage to your ears. Understandable, given the fact that a gunshot produces sounds at 120–160 decibels—louder than a jet engine.

Many hunters, police officers, sharpshooters, and military personnel avoid wearing basic earplugs because they block out both important, safe sounds as well as damaging sounds, simultaneously. Military and hunter’s molds solve this problem by distinguishing between good and bad sounds using advanced digital and mechanical technologies.

Male with gun over his shoulder in wide open space

What are Musicians Earplugs?

Musicians earplugs are specifically designed to protect a musician’s hearing while still allowing them to enjoy the music. Unlike traditional earplugs which can muffle sound and make it difficult to hear, musicians earplugs are designed to reduce the volume of sound without distorting it. This is essential for musicians who need to be able to hear clearly while they are performing.
Teenage male drummer performing in a studio

What Makes Musician’s Earmolds Different?

Musicians’ earplugs are made up of a diaphragm and earmold that work together to produce attenuation (reduction in sound) that is smooth and flat across the entire frequency range. Many feature interchangeable attenuators that provide multiple levels of sound reduction for different listening situations (e.g., private rehearsals vs. full-scale concerts).

They can be used in place of loudspeaker monitoring systems, which typically crowd the stage and increase noise levels significantly. Despite their name, these earplugs aren’t solely for the use of musicians; they also benefit concertgoers, all those who work in noisy environments, and people with hypersensitive hearing. Musicians’ earplugs can be used in other noisy environments such as airshows and sporting events.

Female in music studio holding an electric guitar in front of a microphone

What are Swim Earmolds?

Swim earmolds are a type of earplug specifically designed for use while swimming. They are made from waterproof silicone and create a seal that prevents water from entering the ear canal. Swim earmolds are customized to each individual’s ears to ensure a snug, comfortable fit.

Swim earmolds aren’t just for swimmers – they can be used for any type of water activity, including surfing, kayaking, canoeing, and more. Whether you’re a casual swimmer or an avid water sports enthusiast, swim earmolds can help you enjoy your time in the water while protecting your hearing. Custom swim molds are used for activities such as the following:

  • Boating
  • Jet skiing
  • Canoeing and kayaking
  • Rafting
  • Paddle boarding
  • Swimming
  • Bathing and showering
  • Attending waterparks
  • Doing water aerobics

Swim molds provide protection from several serious ear-related illnesses, including ear infections and surfer’s ear.

Two young boys play in an inflatable pool

Ear Infections from Water Exposure

Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) and surfer’s ear (exostosis) are common infections of the outer ear due to moisture. Symptoms of swimmer’s ear can include itching, swelling, and pain, as well as the elimination of a pus-like substance. Swimmer’s ear almost always requires treatment with antibiotics. However, the condition is not infectious between people. The most common cause of swimmer’s ear is infected water in swimming pools and other water areas. Swimmer’s ear is completely preventable with the use of well-fitting custom swim plugs.

Surfer’s ear is a similar infection, but it is caused by exposure to cold water and wind. The best way to prevent surfer’s ear is to wear a wetsuit or other protective gear while surfing. If you experience any symptoms of swimmer’s ear or surfer’s ear, call our office to schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist.

Little girl with flower behind her ear in pool

ENT Care You Can Depend On

You don’t have to live in discomfort or pain from your ENT or allergy disorder. Call our office to schedule an appointment.

Common ENT Conditions We Treat

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