Earplug FAQs

CUSTOM MOLDED EARPLUGS FAQ’S

Q: I HAVE A COMFORTABLE MOLD, BUT CAN STILL SURROUNDING NOISE?
A: If you think you have a good mold and just need more noise isolation, move up to a larger size of foam tips.

Q: WHAT SIZE OF FOAM TIPS CAME IN THE PACKAGE?
A: The medium foam tips came in the package of the Custom Molded Earplugs.

Q: WHAT IF ONE SIDE FITS BETTER THAN THE OTHER SIDE?
A: 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).

Q: WHICH TIP DO I USE FOR MOLDING, THE FOAM OR THE SILICONE?
A: Use the silicone tip for molding.

Q: WHAT SIZE TIP DO I USE FOR MOLDING?
A: 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.

Q: HOW LONG DO I LET THE MOLD COOL IN MY EAR?
A: Leave the mold in the ears for 5 minutes.

Q: THE MOLD SEEMS UNCOMFORTABLE AFTER A FEW HOURS OF USE, HOW CAN I MAKE MORE COMFORTABLE?
A: If the molding material goes under the folds or ridges of your ear it can become uncomfortable. Remold the earplugs and make sure that all of the molding material is contained in just the concha (bowl) of the ear.

Q: CAN I SMOOTH THE SHARP EDGES AFTER MOLDING?
A: Yes, put the mold in the hot water for 2-3 minutes and smooth the molding material just around the sharp edges with your fingers.

Q: WHAT DIRECTION DO THE EAR CANALS GO?
A: For most people, the ear canal goes forward (toward the eyes), so angling the earplug forward will help improve fit and sound isolation. However, each ear canal might angle differently, so the finished Earplug may look different with each ear.

Q: I HAVE VERY SMALL EARS, WILL THESE WORK FOR ME?
A: If you have small ears, you can trim the mold down a little with scissors after it is heated. After heating the earplug molds, trim excess molding material off of the top and then put the mold back in the hot water for 1-2 minutes. This will make the edges softer for the molding process.

Q: I HAVE LARGE EARS, WILL THESE WORK FOR ME?
A: If you have large ears, try to create more of a shell than a plug—this helps cover the concha (bowl) of the ear.

Q: AFTER MOLDING AND MOVING UP A SIZE OF FOAM TIPS, WHAT IF I STILL NEED BETTER NOISE ISOLATION?
A: You can use a bite block while molding—this opens the ear canals and allows the material to get a little deeper.

Q: WHAT IS A BITE BLOCK?
A: A bite block is something that holds your jaw open 1-2", it opens your ear canals and lets the tips get a little deeper. When you close your mouth the ear canal tightens over the tip and you get a little better seal. Keep the bite block in until the molds are cooled and you remove the molds.

Q: CAN I CLEAN THE EARPLUGS?
A: When the foam tips get dirty, replace them with a clean pair. When the silicone tips or molded plastic earpieces get dirty, wash them with mild soap and warm water, then rinse them well. Look closely at your earpieces each time you wear them. Examine the Earpieces before putting them in your ears. For both foam and silicone ear tips, if you see a tear or other damage, throw the tips away and get a new pair.

Q: I HAVE PIERCINGS IN THE CONCHA OF MY EAR, CAN I USE THESE?
A: We recommend that you do not mold with any in-ear piercings. The piercings must be removed before molding as the molding material may adhear to the piercings.

Q: CAN I USE THESE EARPLUGS WITH A LANYARD?
A: Yes, they are compatible with the Earplug Lanyard.

Q: HOW DO I TEST MY EARPLUGS?
A: 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.
You can also check the fit once you are done with the molding process by cupping your hands tightly over your ears. If the surrounding sounds seem more muffled with your hands over your ears, then the earplugs might not have the secure seal that is needed. Try the various sizes and combinations of tips to improve the seal of your earplug or you might need to remold to obtain the desired fit and 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.