warwickhunt Posted September 29, 2019 Share Posted September 29, 2019 I've worn ear plugs for over 10 years; started with rubberised preformed ones (a step up from foam) but moved on about 6 years ago to proper moulded to my ear jobbies with attenuating filters. I've noticed recently that I'm perceiving that there seems to be a bit more volume getting through than I remember there being previously. I don't think the bands I'm playing with are getting louder and I'm not positioning myself any different, nor has any equipment changed significantly. I'm wondering if: 1) my brain is processing the sound differently as I've used them for so long. 2) my ear canal is changing in shape and letting sound pass. 3) the plug is deforming. 4) the attenuating part is deteriorating. Anyone else had this experience or could offer insight? I am considering getting fitted for new plugs btw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skybone Posted September 29, 2019 Share Posted September 29, 2019 I would expect that after 6 years, the filter would deteriorate. You should be able to get new filters though. Or just retire them, and get some new ones made. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Bay Posted September 29, 2019 Share Posted September 29, 2019 I get earplugs moulded for work, we get new ones done every three years, apparently the ear canal does change shape over time so that could well be the issue. Or it could be the filters breaking down perhaps. Some have replaceable filters, others are fixed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowregisterhead Posted September 29, 2019 Share Posted September 29, 2019 The ear canal and surrounding tissues can shrink/change shape over time, all part of the ageing process, unfortunately! If you've got 6 years out of them, I would have thought that's pretty good going. I had some ER15s that lasted about the same length of time before they started exhibiting similar symptoms. They also seemed to harden slightly over time, so when the ear canal changes shape when you sing or even open your mouth (well, mine do, anyway) they were less flexible and gaps tended to open up. Maybe time for a new pair. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FinnDave Posted September 29, 2019 Share Posted September 29, 2019 I've been noticing the same thing, my ACS plugs are at least 5 years old. I ought to drive out to Banbury and get new moulds made. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dood Posted September 29, 2019 Share Posted September 29, 2019 1 hour ago, warwickhunt said: I've worn ear plugs for over 10 years; started with rubberised preformed ones (a step up from foam) but moved on about 6 years ago to proper moulded to my ear jobbies with attenuating filters. I've noticed recently that I'm perceiving that there seems to be a bit more volume getting through than I remember there being previously. I don't think the bands I'm playing with are getting louder and I'm not positioning myself any different, nor has any equipment changed significantly. I'm wondering if: 1) my brain is processing the sound differently as I've used them for so long. 2) my ear canal is changing in shape and letting sound pass. 3) the plug is deforming. 4) the attenuating part is deteriorating. Anyone else had this experience or could offer insight? I am considering getting fitted for new plugs btw. My audiologist told me that especially with moulded ear plugs, they should be remade every four years. This is because your ears (canals etc) do change shape and size. Some brands of filter are more susceptible to damp (sweat etc) so it would be wise to maybe get fresh filters when you get new plugs. In the short term you can use a gel to help keep an airtight seal - Yes, KY Jelly is your friend! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted September 29, 2019 Share Posted September 29, 2019 I've got 2 year old ACS PRO26's for my loudest bands and still use my 12 year old ACS ER15 plugs for the quieter bands. I've replaced the ER15 filters several times. According to ACS the ER15's should have been replaced after 5 years but they still seem to be effective so I'm continuing to use them. I've noticed that when I put my plugs in the area that I'm pushing includes the outside/face of the filter. I guess overtime oils from my fingers will get into the filters and make them less effective. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowregisterhead Posted September 29, 2019 Share Posted September 29, 2019 9 hours ago, Dood said: My audiologist told me that especially with moulded ear plugs, they should be remade every four years. This is because your ears (canals etc) do change shape and size. Some brands of filter are more susceptible to damp (sweat etc) so it would be wise to maybe get fresh filters when you get new plugs. In the short term you can use a gel to help keep an airtight seal - Yes, KY Jelly is your friend! You're quite right, Dood. I discovered I had run out of the 'ear ease' gel for my ACS IEMs just as I was loading up to head off for a string of dates during the summer. In desperation, I grabbed a dispenser of, err, 'intimate lubricant' from the bedside cabinet. It works a treat, and my ears don't even get stiff! Sadly, not much apart from my joints does at my age... 😞 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stewblack Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 On 29/09/2019 at 12:24, Dood said: In the short term you can use a gel to help keep an airtight seal - Yes, KY Jelly is your friend! Will Durex Tingle work? (AFAF) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FinnDave Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 I use vaseline (on my earplugs!) ACS said it would work and it does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dood Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 2 hours ago, stewblack said: Will Durex Tingle work? (AFAF) I heard it can be hard-on your ears. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stewblack Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 Just now, Dood said: I heard it can be hard-on your ears. I can't believe you just said that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FinnDave Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 1 minute ago, stewblack said: I can't believe you just said that! I couldn't even hear it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dood Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 Just now, stewblack said: I can't believe you just said that! I can't believe how easily the words slid in to the ears. *Probably should stop asap. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mep Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 3 hours ago, FinnDave said: I use vaseline (on my earplugs!) ACS said it would work and it does. I do too. So does my audiologist. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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