Ars Technica:
Custom fit earphones, where the some or all of the earphone is moulded to fit your ear exactly, have undergone something of a resurgence. Traditionally worn by musicians, new materials and technologies have given custom fit earphones a new lease of life as a viable option for consumers that demand the most comfortable fit possible. Custom fit earphones have historically demanded a visit to an audiologist to create moulds (which is an interesting experience to say the least), but the arrival of 3D scanners, 3D printing, and new materials mean moulds can be made quicker and cheaper, even at home.
The question is, do custom fit earphones offer a tangible advantage over foam tips, which cost a mere £12 for a set of three? And can the cheaper options compete with a traditional audiologist mould?
I’ve had a few sets of custom fit earphones and have loved (and sadly, lost) them.
Interesting article. But (as an Audiologist) I’d add that having an ear impression done is not painful. It feels weird and certainly feels plugged. But if it hurts its been done incorrectly. I do them on newborns to teens to geriatrics. It’s doesn’t hurt. When I have kiddoes aged 2 dancing around and playing with the impression material firming up in their ear, you know its not that bad.
Agreed. I’ve had it done three times and while it definitely feels weird, it was never painful.
Just got a pair of Decibulls, which use hot water to soften a molding material that goes into your ear. I’ve only had the chance to use them a couple of times, but they seem great so far and the molding process was fairly easy and totally painless.
I have been wearing HA’s for nearly 45 years, both hard and soft shell, too many impressions taken to remember now, and I have never ONCE had impressions taken with a bite block like the article described, nor have I ever had a problem with the earmold or aids ‘falling out of my ears’.
In fact the most comfortable earmolds I’ve ever gotten were when I was very careful not to talk or open my mouth while they were taken.
That’s just strange.
As for what it feels like: pretty much like your ears are filled with cool pudding. 🙂
Shawn, it seems to me the greatest advantage of custom moulded ear pieces would be to at least minimize loss. That is why I resist the Airpods. My regular iOS headphones fall out of my left ear even if I remain completely still. I’d love to find a solution for that.