Can Someone Recommend a Good Ear Plug?

[Debbi]

Okay, it's been nearly 12 months since surgery and I still have hypersensitive hearing in my hearing ear - very annoying.  I spend a fair amount of time with a finger pressed against the ear to block shrill or loud noises because they are so uncomfortable.  I am wondering if anyone here can recommend a good ear plug that would help when I am in heavy noise environments??

I've tried the drugstore foam ones, but they really don't work worth a darn.  Any suggestions gratefully accepted!

Debbi (pipe down over there!)

[mikjul1]

http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/  They might have something for you Debbi hope this helps. 

[nancyann]

Hi Debbi:  I can relate to the hypersensitive hearing.  I had an earplug made specifically for my ear canal through the ENT dept. @ Univ. of Miami where I had my surgery.
They made a 'cast' of my ear & sent it to be made, works very well, but costs about $100.00 or so (can't remember).
So,  you may want to ask your otoneurologist about it.

Always good thoughts,  Nancy

[CHD63]

Debbi ....

I asked my audiologist about an earplug and we discussed it briefly .... decided to hold off when she told me they were very expensive.  Then someone on this site mentioned the AquaNot made by Wetstone.  It also has to be made specifically for you but is much less expensive.  Check www.wetstone.com/content/210.html  Is this the kind you have Nancy?

My sensitivity seems to be getting worse and I'm beginning to withdraw from going places I know there will be loud noise so I think it is time for me to explore this more thoroughly.

Clarice

[jerseygirl]

Debbi,

Any audiologist can make you a custom earplug. also called a musician's earplug because they have them made to protect their ears from loud music. it costs about $80-100 and comes in different "strengths". The audiologist needs your audiogram to determine which one is best. Good luck!

                           Eve

[Debbi]

This is very helpful - thanks all!  I kept thinking the sensitivity would diminish, but it seems like this is just what it is now - so time to investigate options.  I'll report back when I get something - hey, there may even be pictures!

[Mickey]

Hi Debby!  When I play raquetball I put cotton in both ears to at least muffle the sound of the ball crashing against the wall. If I don`t when I`m done I notice my tinnitus kicks up a notch and bercomes more annoying. I also limit my coffee drinking and have replaced it with herbal teas especially green tea which still has a little kick but is easy on the nerves. Hoping you find something which will subdue the annoyance. Sometimes its takes time. Best Wishes, Mickey

[nancyann]

thanks Eve, I forgot - mine is a musicians's earplug.

[chocolatetruffle]

i posted aquanot as a alternate ear plugs a couplle of weeks ago and it is cheaper than musician's ear plug and it actually block more noise too. a musician ear plug block up to 25 decibels whereas the aquanot block up to 27 decibels.  they stick this "taffy thingy" into your ear to make a cast and you get to chose a whole range of colors and it takes about 2 weeks for them to custom make this ear plug for you. I have not gotten mine yet, will get it next week and i can't wait!!!  time to throw the neon orange ear plugs away!

[raj_06]

My aquanot earplug arrived today..It really fits very well in the ear and checks a lot of noise..And, yes it costs $40 for a piece (I just ordered one piece).

[Debbi]

Good to get some real-time info on the aquanot - I think I may try that to start.