We often get asked, what are custom earplugs? Custom earplugs or ‘hearsavers’ are made specifically to your ear shape. They can be used for a range of applications from noise protection in the workplace (or around the house) to protection from infections and irritation caused by water.

Why do we need custom earplugs?

Looking specifically at noise induced hearing loss… In Australia, noise induced hearing loss is a major health and economic problem amounting to $41 million in workers compensation claims each year. In fact, occupational noise induced hearing loss alone impacts around 4700 Australians each year, with its incidence on the rise (Rutlin, 2020).

While many noisy workplaces have mandated hearing protection, unfortunately uptake among workers varies significantly. Other problems with hearing protection in workplaces are:

– ill-fitting earplugs resulting in discomfort or ‘acoustic leaks’,
– workers not being trained properly with regard to when or how to use them and
– wearing incorrect protection that does not have the appropriate attenuation

There also seems to be a lack of awareness when it comes to mundane jobs around the house that are potentially destructive to your hearing, such as:

– lawn mowing,
– using power tools and
– vacuuming for extended periods of time.

Unless suddenly exposed to an extremely loud sound, more common than not, noise induced hearing loss is a gradual process. This means that often younger workers do not realise the significance of the damage they are doing because it is not having an immediate impact on them.

What most younger individuals do not realise is that the alternative to not wearing noise protection now, is the premature use of hearing aids.

As fantastic as modern hearing aids are, I am sure you can agree that most people would want to avoid this for as long as possible. One of the only ways to prolong this is wearing noise protection early and consistently.

So, why do we need custom earplugs? I think that answers your question.