Gottastopbuyinggear Posted March 8, 2016 Share Posted March 8, 2016 A question for those that have custom moulded earplugs - not suitable for those put off by discussions on ear wax... I'm interested in giving custom moulded plugs a try in an effort to get something with a flatter response than the generic ER20 and similar things I currently use. I booked an appointment a while back with an audiologist at my local Boots with a view to getting fitted for ACS custom moulded plugs. He took one look in my ears and said there was so much wax in them he wouldn't be able to get the fitting done, and that I'd have to get my ears syringed and come back. Cue trip to the doctors, two weeks with olive oil ear drops and an appointment with the nurse for syringing. When I turned up for the syringing appointment I was told that they would only do as much as was necessary to enable them to see anything of the ear drum, and then they'd stop as soon as they had a glimpse of it. Hence I suspected that there was probably still quite a bit of wax in there. That coincided with a little bit of a hiatus in playing, though I'm back playing once or twice a week now, but probably have a bit more wax built up in the interim. Just wondered what experience other people have had - has anyone else been unable to get fitted for custom plugs due to having too much wax, and if so what did you do about it if syringing didn't clear it sufficiently? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
franzbassist Posted March 8, 2016 Share Posted March 8, 2016 (edited) I've had impressions taken twice for custom plugs, and both times it was emphasised me that the ear canal has to be absolutely clear of wax, so you need to tell the nurse why you need them 100% squeaky clean (i.e. it's not just to improve your hearing, it's to have custom earplugs made). Edited March 8, 2016 by walbassist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gottastopbuyinggear Posted March 8, 2016 Author Share Posted March 8, 2016 [quote name='walbassist' timestamp='1457444181' post='2998620'] I've had impressions taken twice for custom plugs, and both times it was emphasised me that the ear canal has to be absolutely clear of wax, so you need to tell the nurse why you need them 100% squeaky clean (i.e. it's not just to improve your hearing, it's to have custom earplugs made). [/quote] I guess a follow on question is whether syringing is usually enough for this or whether something else like microsuction is likely to be needed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
franzbassist Posted March 8, 2016 Share Posted March 8, 2016 [quote name='Gottastopbuyinggear' timestamp='1457446132' post='2998654'] I guess a follow on question is whether syringing is usually enough for this or whether something else like microsuction is likely to be needed? [/quote] Everyone is different, but syringing did it for me just fine on both occasions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LiamPodmore Posted March 8, 2016 Share Posted March 8, 2016 I had my ears syringed and that was good enough to do the mouldings for mine. Just have to tell the nurses that they're for ear moulds and they should be able to make sure they're 100% clear for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leroydiamond Posted March 8, 2016 Share Posted March 8, 2016 [quote name='Gottastopbuyinggear' timestamp='1457446132' post='2998654'] I guess a follow on question is whether syringing is usually enough for this or whether something else like microsuction is likely to be needed? [/quote] I have had both syringing and micro suction done. The Micro suction was performed by a Consultant Ear, nose and throat specialist and cost 100 euro. More expensive that Syringing, but a better procedure IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulWarning Posted March 8, 2016 Share Posted March 8, 2016 slightly different but there's a similar thread live at the moment http://basschat.co.uk/topic/280453-i-need-ear-protection/page__st__30 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gottastopbuyinggear Posted March 8, 2016 Author Share Posted March 8, 2016 [quote name='PaulWarning' timestamp='1457449085' post='2998688'] slightly different but there's a similar thread live at the moment [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/280453-i-need-ear-protection/page__st__30"]http://basschat.co.u...on/page__st__30[/url] [/quote] True, and also the one about IEMs for pub gigs, but I didn't want to pollute them with my ear wax! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Vader Posted March 8, 2016 Share Posted March 8, 2016 Well there goes my chances of getting moulded ones. Being deaf in my left ear, I was told never to get the other one syringed, ever. I'm a waxy deaf bugger at the best of times. Still, saved me a lot of money, and when my other ear goes completely I can get more from selling all my musical stuff. Always a bright side... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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