Types of Hearing Protection Devices

Custom Noise Plugs

Offers the best attenuation of any type of custom ear plug. Noise plugs fit completely in the ear canal and can attenuate up to 25/26 dB. They are mostly used in loud industrial settings to block out as much noise as possible.

Custom Filtered Noise Plugs

Equipped with a filter or vent that filters some of the unwanted noise. It is not a complete occlusion as the filter or vent will leak some sound. Filtered noise plugs typically attenuate up to 20 dB and are used in situations where attenuation is important, but they need to be able to hear people talking with the plugs inserted.

Custom Musicians’ Plugs

There are several brands of custom-made musicians’ ear plugs. The hallmark of good musicians’ ear plugs is that they will reduce the noise level our ears are exposed to equally across the frequencies.

Most musicians’ plugs are offered in varying attenuations such as 25 dB, 15 dB and 9 dB.

They come with special filters that determines the amount of attenuation. It is recommended that you consult with one of our clinicians to determine which filter would best suit your needs as different levels of music exposure or environments will require a different filter. Please note, the filters usually can be exchanged or multiple filters can be used with a single set of musicians’ plugs as needed.

Communication Molds

We offer services to take impressions for communication molds from varying companies. Our earmold providers are limited in the communication molds they can build. We can assess the communication set requiring molds and determine if it can be done by our provider and if not take the impressions for the communication company to use directly.

Sleep Plugs

Sleep plugs are an occluded plug with no filter or vent that are sculpted to make comfort the primary goal because they are worn when sleeping. They tend to be a bit more concave and have less bulk in the bowl of the ear.

Swim Plugs

Swim plugs are very similar to custom noise plugs but are floatable. The primary use is for the protection of the outer ear when swimming. Quite often worn by kids and adults who have swimmer’s ear, are prone to outer ear infections, have undergone ear surgery or have experienced an eardrum perforation.

Multi-Use Non-Custom Musicians’ Ear Plugs

We carry non-custom plugs for musicians that come in standard sizes. These do not always provide the same quality of attenuation or comfort as custom musicians’ plugs, but these are a great option for people who may not want to purchase musicians’ plugs at this time but realize the importance of hearing protection.

Earmuffs

We do not carry earmuffs in the clinic, but we can point you in the right direction to find a quality device that will work for you.

Non-custom Earplugs

In a pinch, we do carry non-custom earplugs. Standard earplugs can also be purchased at pharmacies and many department stores that sell pharmaceutical-related goods and home and automotive stores. We recommend visiting Canadian Tire, Walmart, London Drugs, Shoppers Drug Mart, Princess Auto and any work safety providers.