our services

Custom ear plugs in Christchurch

Foam plugs from a chemist are made to an average ear. Custom plugs are made from an impression of yours, so each one is shaped to that ear. Taking the impression is one short appointment at our Halswell clinic. Here is how the whole thing works.

Custom Ear Plugs

Ear plugs moulded to your own ears

hearing with heart logo

What it is

  • We take a soft impression of each ear in the clinic — this is the appointment you book
  • The impressions go to a laboratory, which makes plugs to that exact shape
  • You come back to collect them and we check the fit with you
  • They are reusable and washable
  • We make them for three purposes: work and music, sleeping, and swimming
hearing with heart logo

Who it is for

  • Foam plugs fall out, work loose, or press uncomfortably
  • You need the same plugs day after day rather than a disposable pair
  • You want to lower the volume without losing all the detail — particularly for music
  • You need plugs that keep water out for swimming
  • You are having earmoulds made for hearing aids — same impression process

What happens

How an ear impression is taken

This is the part people are usually unsure about, so here it is in full. It is quick and nothing goes near your eardrum.

  1. We check the canal is clear

    We look in with an otoscope. If there is wax in the way, that has to be dealt with first — see our ear wax removal page.

  2. A small stopper goes in

    A soft foam stopper with a cord sits a little way into the canal. It stops the putty going any further than it should.

  3. The putty goes in

    We fill the canal and the bowl of your ear with a soft putty. It feels cool, then like a firm plug. It sets in a few minutes while you sit still.

  4. We lift it out

    In one piece, using the cord. We check it has picked up the shape properly, then it goes to the lab.

  5. You come back to collect

    Once they are ready you come back in. We check they seat properly, show you how to get them in and out, and adjust if anything rubs.

Book an appointment

Common questions about custom ear plugs

How do ear plugs work?

They sit in the ear canal and reduce the amount of sound energy reaching your eardrum. A plain plug lowers everything it can. A filtered plug lets some sound through in a more controlled way, which is why musicians tend to use them. No plug removes sound completely.

Each one is shaped for one specific ear, so check which is which — they are usually marked, commonly red for right and blue for left. Line the plug up the way it was moulded, push gently and give it a small twist until it seats. We show you in the clinic when you collect them, and it is worth practising while someone can watch.

Used sensibly, plugs are a normal thing to wear. What does cause problems is poor hygiene and ignoring symptoms: wash them as we show you, let them dry, and do not wear them when your ear is sore or discharging. If you get pain, itching or discharge, stop wearing them and come and see us.

The impression appointment itself is short. The plugs are then made at the laboratory, and we let you know when they are ready to collect.

The putty is soft going in, the stopper keeps it well clear of your eardrum, and the whole thing takes a few minutes. It feels cool and full while it sets, and the removal can feel slightly odd. Tell us if anything is uncomfortable and we will stop.

Yes — it is the same process. If you are getting moulds made for hearing aids, this is the appointment that does it.

Ready when you are

Book an appointment

Pick a time that suits you. If you are not sure which service you need, book anyway and we will work it out together.

Book an appointment

The three types we make: work and music protection, sleep plugs and swim plugs. Canals need to be clear of wax first — see ear wax removal.