Hard or Soft Custom Earplugs (Otoplastics)

We literally make earplugs in every shape and size. Besides tailoring all of our hearing protection specifically to each customer, we also use several different materials. That means we make both hard and soft earplugs. We’re often asked exactly what the differences are. In this blog, we tell you more about hard and soft custom earplugs.

Hard otoplastics are made of acrylic. Acrylic is hard and smooth, but that doesn’t make them any less comfortable than soft otoplastics. Thanks to the hard material, the otoplastics have a smooth surface and are easy to insert into the ear. The material is also pleasant to wear in warm conditions. We recommend hard otoplastics for people who work in a bakery, for example. Another advantage is that hard earplugs are a little easier to clean, especially when some build-up has formed after wearing them for a long time.

Advantages of acrylic hearing protectors: a longer lifespan, more hygienic, and easy to clean.

A potential downside of hard earplugs is that they can become somewhat uncomfortable after wearing them for long stretches at a time (think more than 5 hours).

Soft otoplastics Silicone is soft and specially designed to minimise the occlusion effect — the effect where sealing off the ear canal makes your own voice sound muffled — which is why they’re often used by musicians, for example. Or by people who simply enjoy listening to music. The silicone hearing protectors are also a great fit for motorcyclists, sitting comfortably under a helmet.

Advantages of silicone hearing protectors: more colour options, and with silicone hearing protection you need less time to get used to them thanks to the softer material.

Have your earplugs made

Would you like to have hard or soft custom earplugs made too? Or simply want to learn more about our products? Then take a look at our range. And of course, you’re always welcome to get in touch with us.