When it comes to the cost of custom earplugs, there are many factors involved.
Not only does the company performing the mould play a role, but with custom earplugs, the quality of materials and the sound rating they offer do as well.
Typically, custom earplugs are not as expensive as you might think, and they definitely help save money on disposable earplugs. They are better at not only minimizing the effects of a loud noise but also reducing ear pain, and the custom fit increases comfort during a long day.
Custom Earplug Pricing in Calgary
In Calgary, I’d budget around $200–$300 for a pair of custom earplugs, depending on the clinic and type.
For musician earplugs, expect the higher end because they usually include special filters that reduce volume more evenly instead of just blocking sound. For sleep, work, swimming, or basic noise protection, they may be a bit cheaper.
A realistic estimate:
| Type | Approx. Calgary Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic custom earplugs | $180–$250 |
| Musician custom earplugs | $250–$350 |
| Custom in-ear monitor molds | $100–$200+ for impressions/moulds only |
| DIY mold kits | $20–$60 |
Local Calgary clinics that offer custom earplugs include Soundwave Hearing, Audiology Innovations, Prime Hearing, and other hearing clinics. Soundwave and Audiology Innovations both list custom options for musicians, work, swimming, and sleep.
For you as a musician, I’d lean toward custom musician earplugs with filters, not solid plugs. They protect your hearing while keeping music clearer and less muffled.
Below, we look at each of these factors in more detail so that you have a better understanding of why they are important and what to look for in each one. Let’s get started.
The Factors Affecting Custom-moulded Ear Plug Prices
The Company Performing the Work
The company creating the custom ear plugs will affect the cost of your custom ear protection and custom earplugs. Some companies will charge more than others because it is an irregular or additional service or because they have higher overhead costs. It’s best to work with a company that values competitive pricing if cost is an important factor to your business.
The Quality of the Materials
The quality of the materials used in custom earplugs can vary significantly. Ideally, you should look for a high-quality, dense material that provides good hearing protection but is still soft and comfortable to wear throughout the day while inside you ear canal. Our Ear Defender moulds provide long-lasting protection, are easy to clean, made from medical-grade silicone and come with a removable cord and clip for convenient storage and use.
The Sound Rating of the Ear Plugs
One of the most important factors involved, the sound rating of your custom ear plugs must be taken into consideration. The more sound the custom earplugs can block, the better, as very loud spaces may require double-hearing protection otherwise. We offer several classes of attenuation to choose from so that you can get the right hearing protection for the noise level at your business.
Another consideration however is the type of fit that the hearing protection provides. The rating on the box may or may not be accurate depending on howw the ear plugs fit in your ears. RM Hearing provides hearing protection testing for fit and quality.
Quick Tip – What is attenuation?
Attenuation refers to the reduction of the intensity of sound. It is the process by which loud sounds are diminished to protect your hearing from damage or discomfort.
Various methods of sound attenuation include the use of custom molded earplugs, which are designed to fit your ear canals and provide noise reduction in loud environments. These earplugs are particularly effective in noisy environments, such as those with loud volume sounds or loud noises, where exposure to high sound levels can lead to pain or even hearing loss.
Custom molded earplugs can be tailored to reduce the impact of loud environments, offering a balance between comfort and sound attenuation. In this way, attenuation helps to manage and minimize the risk of hearing damage while still allowing for communication and environmental awareness. Think of it like volume and clarity, with custom earplugs, you will be able to manage both.
Attenuation is usually measured in Db or Decibels.
In terms of sound attenuation, a range of good to better decibel (dB) reductions typically refers to the effectiveness of hearing protection devices like earplugs or earmuffs in reducing harmful noise levels.
- Good attenuation generally means a 10-20 dB reduction. This level is usually sufficient for moderate noise environments, such as a busy office or background machinery.
- Better attenuation refers to a 20-30 dB reduction, which is more suitable for louder environments, like construction sites, industrial settings, or concerts, where noise levels can reach hazardous levels (85 dB or higher).
For extreme noise levels (e.g., near jet engines or in a shooting range), hearing protection might provide a 30-40+ dB reduction, offering maximum attenuation.
Ultimately, the effectiveness depends on the type and fit of the ear protection. Custom earplugs or high-quality earmuffs can offer higher dB reductions compared to standard foam earplugs. The right level of attenuation helps to prevent hearing loss, ear pain, and discomfort caused by prolonged exposure to loud sounds.
Get Your Custom moulded ear Plugs Today
To learn more about the factors that influence the cost of custom earplugs or to get a quote for your business, contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Are Custom Earplugs Expensive?
No, custom earplugs are actually cheaper than you think, and when you ad up all the money you would spend on foamies or other earplugs it really makes sense. You can also clean your custom earplugs and keep them working well for a long time. Ear plugs are critical for certain types of work and keeping your hearing health at optimal levels.
At Rocky Mountain we can help you get the best moulds and custom earplugs for your situation. We can also perform a hearing protection fit test to make sure you are getting the protection that you need.
How often should I clean silicone ear plugs?
Silicone earplugs should be cleaned regularly to help prevent buildup, irritation, and reduced performance. Because they are designed for repeated use, proper care helps them stay comfortable, hygienic, and effective for noise reduction, swimming, work, or daily wear. For step-by-step instructions, read our full guide on how to clean your earplugs.
Rocky Mountain Mobile Hearing Testing is your locally owned and operated Calgary business. We are committed to providing mobile hearing testing services and other safety tests to numerous industries and companies in Western Canada. Our services are part of the WorkSafeBC Provider Network, while our sound booths are approved by the CSA. We offer audiometry testing, mask fit testing, custom earplugs, noise measurements, help with implementing a hearing conservation program, and spirometry testing. If you want to improve your workplace, leave it in the hands of our team. Contact us today at (403) 399-4775.