Ear plugs

[PunchBuggy]

I got a pair of permanent plastic earplugs molded to my ear but the hurt over time because they are stiff. Can I put Vaseline or baby oil on them so they don't bug my ear canal, or is this a bad idea? Like, I don't know, Vaseline will react with the plastic? or Vaseline will irritate my ear canal, etc. Does anyone have any experience with this?

[lufin]

Does anyone have any experience with this?

Yes, but not in my ear !!! Just kidding.
I would think the oil in both vaseline and baby oil would make the ear plugs harder over time.

[Schtum]

Originally Posted by lufin

Does anyone have any experience with this?

Yes, but not in my ear !!! Just kidding.
I would think the oil in both vaseline and baby oil would make the ear plugs harder over time.

So KY Jelly it is then..... I have the same problem with my moulded earplugs. So much so that I've pretty much given up on them and use filtered plugs instead.

[marc]

Saliva. It also helps ensure your plugs stay clean -- you tend to wash them once on a while when you know your going to be sticking them in your mouth.

[kurt1305]

I got mine through an audiologist's office. They included a bottle of water soluble lubricant that works very well.

[Chiba]

I got mine through my audiologist as well.

Don't put lube on them. Lube will attract dirt, which will gather in your ear canal and start a buildup of wax. The wax is there to protect your ear canal/ear drum from debris.

My plugs are made of silicon (silicone?) or some such substance. They are very firm, but feel slightly slippery. I never have to use lube on them - not even spit. The only time they bug me is when I leave them outdoors (say, in a jacket pocket) for a long time - then when I put 'em in, they're a bit uncomfortable til they warm up.

I've been using plugs like this for close to 10 years now with no problems. Do you guys know what your molded plugs are made of?

--chiba

[PunchBuggy]

The audiologist wants $50 for the office visit and $95 for the ear plugs. Is this about right?

[t6pilot]

look for a local gun show, they usually have a couple of vendors that mold the while you wait cost about 65 dollars.
if you don't want to spend that much surefire(flashlight folks) make some very comfortable plugs for about 9 dollars

[737Driver]

Try Avery Sound.com, they make ear sets for airline pilots. I've used them for twenty plus years and they stay comfortable for six to eight hour days sometimes longer.

[Beezer]

Try going to the local Drug Store and getting a pair (actually two pair) of "Macks" silicone earplugs for about $3. You push the silicone into your ear it forms to your ear canal and are totally effective and they are so comfortable you will forget you're wearing them.