Custom in ears fitting

[steviedee]

I have a couple of sets of custom in ears I had made by Inearz audio in the states, was years ago and they’ve been great but recently they seem to fall out a wee bit and are not as isolating. I suppose over time the old lugs might have changed any tips on how to get a better seal? The sound great but …. I could tape them to my head but I might look like a weirdo!

[steviedee]

This maybe in the wrong topic mods?

[Bolo]

Most custom moulds need replacing every 3-5 years 

[mike257]

Your ears continue to grow/change shape and around 4 years is when you'd usually look at replacing moulded IEMs. If "years ago" is longer than that, then it's probably time for fresh ones!

 

I can highly recommend Cosmic Ears. UK based, options at various price points and very good service. 

[Leonard Smalls]

Most popular round here is ACS - they seem more expensive than Cosmic but their price includes ear impressions, and there's a BassChat discount code...

[BlueMoon]

It’s true that as we age cartilaginous structures, like the ears and the nose, appear bigger with time. Gravity and the slow breakdown of cartilage will impact the size and shape of the ear canals - and hence fit of custom IEMs - as time goes by. Nothing we can do about it except consider getting news moulds taken, unfortunately.

[mattpbass]

Just to play devil’s advocate, I read all this about replacement when I got my IEMs, which is now just over 4 years ago, can’t say mine feel any different today than they did when I got them, still fit perfectly. 

Edited September 27 by mattpbass

[Bolo]

IEMs have a different job than earplugs do. A perfect seal isn't required to hear something, but it is necessary to reliability reduce sound pressure levels.

 

Some brands, like Alpine, have pro shops where they can measure if your protectors are seating properly. 

[joeystrange]

As mentioned it’s recommended that you get new moulds taken every 5 years or so as your ears will continue to change.

 

If you’re wanting new ears I fully recommend The Custom IEM Company. They carry a few brands that they believe to be the best (in sound and build quality), after years in business, and you can book a demo session to try out whatever you like and then decide on which ones you want to go for. Then they’ll take the moulds and sort everything out for you.

The turnaround for my Ultimate Ears was just over a week from impressions to them arriving at my door.