Custom earplugs can vary in terms of quality and value for money because unfortunately not all manufacturers aim for the same standards. Here are a few simple questions which you should ask a hearing protection company before you agree to any purchase to help ensure that you are buying the very best earplugs in your price range.
What material are your custom earplugs made from?
Medical grade silicone is the best material to use for custom hearing protectors. This has a number of great properties such as being extremely flexible, and also extremely comfortable and easy to wear. Other materials used include acrylic, which is hard in the ear and does not flex as your body moves.
Flexibility is important as it ensures that your earplugs always create a perfect seal within your ear canal. Earplugs made of hard acrylic don't form a perfect seal, and are therefore less effective at blocking out noise.
How long do your custom earplugs last?
When compared to the traditional foam based earplugs, you will find that custom earplugs can offer great value for money and fantastic long term savings. Of course, the initial cost of purchasing custom earplugs is higher, but they will last for years. To make your money stretch the furthest you should only consider custom earplugs which have a lifespan of at least 4 years.
As the human ear changes shape, you should be looking to replace your custom earplugs every 4 years to maintain the seal with your ear, and make sure your earplugs are 100% effective.
What guarantees do you offer on the hearing protectors?
Custom earplugs may not be suitable for everyone, so always enquire about whether there is a guarantee offered, and what the terms of the guarantee are.
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.
Is it possible to choose the level of attenuation (noise reduction) available?
Different working environments pose different levels of risk to workers, and therefore need differing levels of hearing protection. Ask whether your hearing proection is available with a choice of filters so that you can tailor your earplugs to match the location in which you work.
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 is your after-sales service if I find they dont fit properly?
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.
Enquire if the company will adjust your earplugs for free if you find that they don't fit first time, or if they are uncomfortable to wear. - 15615
What material are your custom earplugs made from?
Medical grade silicone is the best material to use for custom hearing protectors. This has a number of great properties such as being extremely flexible, and also extremely comfortable and easy to wear. Other materials used include acrylic, which is hard in the ear and does not flex as your body moves.
Flexibility is important as it ensures that your earplugs always create a perfect seal within your ear canal. Earplugs made of hard acrylic don't form a perfect seal, and are therefore less effective at blocking out noise.
How long do your custom earplugs last?
When compared to the traditional foam based earplugs, you will find that custom earplugs can offer great value for money and fantastic long term savings. Of course, the initial cost of purchasing custom earplugs is higher, but they will last for years. To make your money stretch the furthest you should only consider custom earplugs which have a lifespan of at least 4 years.
As the human ear changes shape, you should be looking to replace your custom earplugs every 4 years to maintain the seal with your ear, and make sure your earplugs are 100% effective.
What guarantees do you offer on the hearing protectors?
Custom earplugs may not be suitable for everyone, so always enquire about whether there is a guarantee offered, and what the terms of the guarantee are.
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.
Is it possible to choose the level of attenuation (noise reduction) available?
Different working environments pose different levels of risk to workers, and therefore need differing levels of hearing protection. Ask whether your hearing proection is available with a choice of filters so that you can tailor your earplugs to match the location in which you work.
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 is your after-sales service if I find they dont fit properly?
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.
Enquire if the company will adjust your earplugs for free if you find that they don't fit first time, or if they are uncomfortable to wear. - 15615
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earPLUG are passionate about helping you to lose the noise ... not your hearing. Visit our blog to find more articles on custom earplugs.
