Otoplastiek is the Dutch word for a custom earplug that is made from an impression of your ear. Custom earplugs follow the exact shape of your ear canal and outer ear. That is why they seal well and stay comfortable. An interchangeable filter in the earplug determines how much sound is reduced.
In this article you will read what custom earplugs are, how they differ from universal earplugs, which materials and filters are available, how the ear impressions are taken and what to look for in terms of lifespan and price. For each topic, we link to a more detailed article in our guides.
What exactly is an otoplastiek?
The Dutch word is made up of 'oto' (ear) and 'plastiek' (shaping). So literally it means a moulded piece for the ear. In practice, an otoplastiek is hearing protection that is made for one person. A hearing care professional or specialist first takes an impression of your ear. Based on that impression, a laboratory makes an earpiece that only fits your ear. That earpiece holds an acoustic filter that reduces the sound. In English, these are usually called custom earplugs or custom-moulded earplugs.
At Audibling, all custom earplugs are made in our own lab in the Netherlands, Audiform in Kilder. So you do not get a standard size, but one earplug made for your left ear and one for your right ear.
What is the difference between custom earplugs and universal earplugs?
A universal earplug, such as a foam plug or a silicone plug with flanges, is made for an average ear. That often works fine. But according to Arboportaal, the Dutch government's website on working conditions, earplugs are not always inserted correctly into the ear canal, so the attenuation may not be enough. Custom earplugs have this problem less, because their shape is fixed. You insert them the same way every time.
| Feature | Custom earplug | Universal earplug |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Made from an impression of your ear | One shape or a few sizes for everyone |
| Inserting | Same position every time | Depends on how you twist or press it in |
| Attenuation | Set by the filter you choose, interchangeable | Fixed, often only one level |
| Sound | The filter can reduce selectively, so speech stays clear | Often stronger reduction of high tones |
| Use | Reusable for several years | Often disposable or short-lived |
Arboportaal names two advantages of custom earplugs. They can reduce certain frequencies selectively, so you can still have a conversation, and they can offer protection of up to 30 dB(A). The multidisciplinary guideline on occupational hearing loss by the NVAB, the Netherlands Society of Occupational Medicine, also states that custom earplugs are preferred for continuous exposure to noise. Want to compare the costs? Read custom earplugs versus universal earplugs. Torn between a universal brand such as Loop and custom earplugs? Read Loop Earplugs compared with custom earplugs.
Types of custom earplugs and their uses
Every custom earplug starts the same way, with an earpiece made to fit and a filter. What differs is the filter and the finish. That is why you choose your earplugs based on what you will use them for.
- For music and nights out, there are earplugs for music and, for musicians and demanding listeners, Music Premium.
- For motorcycling, there are earplugs for motorcycling, which reduce wind noise while you can still hear the traffic.
- For work, there are earplugs for construction, for food and pharma and for the office. For teams, there is Audibling Business.
- For impulse noise, there are earplugs for hunting and shooting and fireworks. Read more in hearing protection against impulse noise.
- For peace and focus, there are earplugs for general use, sensory overload and children.
You will find all uses in the custom earplugs collection. A broader overview is in what are custom earplugs used for?
Hard acrylic or silicone
Custom earplugs are usually made of hard acrylic or soft silicone. Hard acrylic is sturdy, smooth and easy to clean. Silicone is flexible and feels softer, which many people like when they wear their earplugs for long periods. There is no best material. It depends on your ears, your work environment and how long you wear them. The pros and cons are listed in hard acrylic or silicone, which should you choose?
The filter determines the attenuation
The earplug provides the seal. The filter determines how much sound gets through and which tones are reduced more or less. Audibling works with interchangeable membrane filters from Dynamic Ear Company in four series. The attenuation is expressed as the SNR, a single number for the average attenuation.
| Series | Description according to Dynamic Ear | SNR |
|---|---|---|
| DR | Filters for general use | 7 to 19 dB |
| DM | Flat attenuating membrane filters, for music and communication | 10 to 20 dB |
| DI | Industrial filters with extra protection against high frequencies | 22 to 26 dB |
| DIM | Level-dependent protection against impulse noise, while you stay aware of your surroundings | 15 to 19 dB |
Because the filters are interchangeable, you can switch to a different filter later if your situation changes. All variants and their values are on our filter page and in filters in custom earplugs explained. Does your own voice sound hollow with earplugs in? That is called the occlusion effect. Read more in the occlusion effect, why your own voice sounds strange.
How are the ear impressions taken?
Custom earplugs start with an ear impression. That takes a few steps.
- Choose. You design your earplugs online and get a design code and a PDF.
- Appointment. You have impressions taken at a partner hearing centre (book an appointment). The ear impressions are included in the price and you pay at the hearing centre. Companies with 10 or more people can also have the ear impressions taken on site.
- Impression. The specialist checks your ear, protects the ear canal with a small cotton or foam block and fills your ear with impression material using a syringe. The material sets in about five minutes and is then carefully removed.
- Production. The impression goes to our lab Audiform in Kilder, where your earplugs are made and the filter is fitted.
- Ready. Your earplugs are ready about three weeks after your ear impressions are taken. You agree with your hearing care professional whether you collect them or have them sent to you.
Curious about the details? Read how is an ear impression made? and what to keep in mind when having ear impressions taken.
Personalise with colour, logo or jewel
Custom earplugs do not have to be discreet. At Audibling, you choose your own colour or a jewel in silver, gold or rose gold. If you order 10 pairs or more, for example for a company or club, you can also add your own logo with our patent-pending logo print. Ready-made designs with a jewel are Audibling Silver, Audibling Gold and Audibling Rose Gold. Want to choose your colours well? Which colour earplug goes in which ear explains how the colour code works. For businesses, there is hearing protection in your company style.
PPE-3 and EN 352
Hearing protection falls under the European PPE Regulation in the highest risk category, Category III. Audibling custom earplugs are PPE-3 and compliant with EN 352. What these labels mean and what to look for on the packaging is explained in what PPE-3 and EN 352 mean.
Lifespan and care
With good care, custom earplugs last several years, but not forever. Materials wear and ears change. Arboportaal advises checking regularly whether custom hearing protection still fits and still gives the protection it is meant to give. The NVAB guideline mentions an annual check of hearing protectors that have been issued. Also read how long do custom earplugs last?, cleaning custom earplugs and common mistakes when using them.
What do custom earplugs cost?
The price depends on the use, the material, the colour, the filter and any extras such as a logo print or a jewel. On custom earplug prices you can see the current prices per product, the extra cost per option and what businesses pay. You can also work out your own price straight away in the Designlab. Want to compare providers on more than price? Read comparing custom earplugs on seven points.
Frequently asked questions
What are custom earplugs?
Custom earplugs are earplugs made from an impression of your ears. In Dutch they are called otoplastieken. You use them as hearing protection, for example at work, for music, on a motorbike or for sleeping. Every Audibling custom earplug has an interchangeable filter that determines how much sound is reduced.
What is the difference between custom earplugs and regular earplugs?
A custom earplug is made from an impression of your ear. A regular earplug is a universal model for everyone. Because of the fixed fit, you insert a custom earplug the same way every time.
How many dB does a custom earplug reduce?
That depends on the filter. The filters Audibling uses have an SNR of 7 to 26 dB. How to read that number is explained in the SNR value of earplugs explained.
How long does it take before I have my custom earplugs?
Your custom earplugs are ready about three weeks after the ear impressions are taken. You agree with your hearing care professional whether you collect them or have them sent to you.
Can I also use custom earplugs for work?
Yes. The earplugs are PPE-3 and compliant with EN 352. Do choose a filter that matches the noise level at your workplace. How loud is too loud is explained in decibels and hearing damage.
Sources
- Arboportaal, Gehoorbescherming (types, custom earplugs, checks), in Dutch
- NVAB, Multidisciplinaire richtlijn Preventie beroepsslechthorendheid (guideline on preventing occupational hearing loss, PDF in Dutch)
- Dynamic Ear Company, acoustic filters for custom moulds (DR, DM, DI and DIM series)
- Dynamic Ear Company, acoustic specifications of the filters, as shown on our filter page
More articles
Go to the guides →
Design your earplugs
Choose your colour and filter online. The ear impressions are included in the price and you pay at the hearing centre.