Earplug Molding Tips

First of all, if you think you have a good mold and just need more noise isolation, just moving up a size of foam tips will make all the difference. The medium foam tips came in the package, but we'd be happy to work with you to get you a different size if you think this is the issue.

Otherwise, here are the molding tips, please read all carefully so these Earplugs are comfortable and fit perfectly for your ears:

If any part of the mold feels hard or is not pliable during the molding process, simply place the mold back into the hot water for a few minutes to let it fully soften.

Ensure the canal tip is headed in the correct direction of the ear canal. Then FIRMLY push it into the ear canal (each ear canal goes in a little different direction), then smooth out the molding material while keeping a finger on the back plug and with another finger, smoothing the material around the ear. Then, leave in your ear for five minutes, while you wait, firmly press the back plugs every 30 seconds or so.

If you find that one ear fits better than another, sometimes each side can require a different size of tip.  So please use any combination needed to ensure a great fit. (Example would be a small foam tip in the right ear and medium foam or silicone in the left ear).

Once an isolating seal is achieved, use the pad of your finger to press and smooth the mold into the bowl, or concha of the ear. Effective noise isolation is achieved when the tips sit deep in the ear canal.

Here are some tips for getting a good fit:

• Have someone help you mold them

• Use a mirror so you can see where you are moving the material to

• Start with a silicone tip that is a size smaller than you need. This makes it easier to get into your ear and start molding. After the mold is cooled, swap out the tips for the size the fits you best

• Try not to “over mold”; that is, try not to swipe/spread the material too much. Typically, gently pushing inward and upward works well.

• Use the folds or ridges of your ear to help lock the mold in place.

• Ensure everything is lined up right. For most people, the ear canal goes forward (toward the eyes), so angling the earplug forward will help improve fit and sound isolation.

• If you have small ears, you can trim the mold down a little with scissors after it is heated. Just snip a little off the top.

• If you have large ears, try to create more of a shell than a plug—this helps cover the concha (bowl) of the ear.

For better noise isolation:

• Use a bite block while molding—this opens the ear canals and allows the material to get a little deeper.

• Mold as instructed and let cool for one minute; then gently press into the ear again and let cool for the full five minutes.

• Angle the tip into the direction of the canal as you're pushing the mold into your ears.

The foam tips will offer the highest noise reduction, the Medium foam tips came with the Custom Molded Earplugs, but we do offer additional sizes on our website. Also, regarding the foam tips, if you compress the foam tips to as small as possible, then quickly insert the Earplug into your ear, this will allow the foam to expand in your ear allowing for maximum protection.

Once the molding process is complete, we recommend trying out different sizes and combinations of tips to ensure that you are getting the best sound isolating seal possible. Keep in mind that there may be size and shape differences between your left and right ear. Whether both ears use the same size of tips, or two different sizes, be sure to find the combination that protects you best.  

It is extremely important to test your earplugs in progressively louder environments. You can do this by gradually increasing your noise exposure. Another great way to test your earplugs is to talk out loud. While wearing your earplugs the sound of your own voice should become deeper, hollow or muffled in BOTH ears. If the change is not in both ears or there is no change at all, you have not achieved a secure seal.

Keep in mind that you will still hear some surrounding frequencies and noises while wearing your Decibullz earplugs. However, the surrounding noise should be muffled and you should always feel a secure seal.