WNC Audiology provides custom hearing protection in Asheville, NC.
Once hearing is damaged, it cannot be restored naturally. At WNC Audiology, we believe that protecting your hearing is just as important as treating hearing loss. Taking steps to safeguard your hearing today is an investment in your lifelong health, well-being, and quality of life.
Whether you spend your days working around loud machinery, love attending concerts, enjoy hunting trips in the mountains, swim regularly, or simply want a better night’s sleep, the right hearing protection can make a world of difference. Our experienced audiologists in Asheville provide both custom-fit and ready-made hearing protection designed for comfort, safety, and your lifestyle.
From simple foam earplugs to advanced digital shooting protection, we’ll help you choose the solution that works best for you.
Types of Hearing Protection We Offer
Ready-Made Hearing Protection
These affordable, pre-formed options are convenient and work well for everyday use.
- Earplugs: Inserted into the ear canal to reduce noise in places like concerts, sporting events, or busy restaurants.
- Semi-Insert Earplugs: Connected by a band and rest at the entrance of the ear canal, making them easy to put in and remove.
- Earmuffs: Cover the entire ear to block outside noise, often used for shooting or construction.
Ready-made products are simple and effective, though they may not provide the same long-lasting comfort or secure fit as custom-made protection.
Custom Hearing Protection
For the best comfort and performance, we recommend custom-fit protection. These are molded to the exact shape of your ear, giving you a secure fit and top-level noise reduction.
Below are common types of custom hearing protection:
- Custom Earplugs: Ideal for musicians, workers, or anyone exposed to regular loud sounds.
- Impulse Filter Earplugs: Designed for hunters and shooters, these block dangerous gunshot noise while still letting you hear voices or movement.
- Sleep Plugs: Soft and flexible, helping reduce snoring and nighttime noise so you can sleep soundly.
- In-Ear Monitors (IEMs): High-quality listening devices for musicians and performers that allow clear sound at safe levels.
- Digital Hearing Protection (SoundGear): Advanced devices for hunters, shooters, and industrial workers that respond instantly to sudden loud sounds while keeping safe sounds audible.
Hearing Protection for Every Lifestyle
- Music & Performing: Custom musician plugs and IEMs
- Hunting & Shooting: Smart plugs and digital devices
- Swimming & Water Sports: Custom swim plugs
- Sleeping: Soft custom plugs
- Industrial & Construction Work: Durable plugs and earmuffs
- Surfing & Outdoor Sports: Surf plugs
Materials for Custom Ear Molds
Custom ear molds are made from different materials, each offering unique benefits:
- Acrylic: Hard, smooth, durable, and easy to clean.
- Vinyl: Soft and gentle, often recommended for sensitive ears.
- Silicone: Flexible and water-resistant, excellent for swimmers or those needing all-day comfort.
How Custom Ear Molds Are Made
Getting custom hearing protection is quick and comfortable.
- An audiologist takes an impression of your ear using soft molding material.
- The impression is sent to a specialized lab.
- Your custom protection is created in the material of your choice.
The result is a comfortable, secure fit you can wear for hours without irritation.
How Long Do Custom Earplugs Last?
With good care, custom earplugs can last 3 to 5 years. Their lifespan depends on how often you use them, how well you clean them, and changes in your ears over time. We recommend occasional checkups to make sure they still fit properly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Protection
How do I clean custom earplugs or molds?
Wipe them daily with a soft, dry cloth. For a deeper clean, use mild soap and warm water, and make sure they’re fully dry before using again. Avoid alcohol wipes or harsh cleaners.
Can I wear custom plugs with helmets or other safety gear?
Yes. Because custom plugs fit entirely in the ear, they’re comfortable to wear under helmets, hard hats, or other protective gear.
Do earplugs block all sound?
No. They are designed to reduce harmful noise to safe levels while still letting you hear important sounds like speech, alarms, or music.
Are custom plugs worth the cost?
Yes. Compared to disposable options, custom plugs last much longer, fit more comfortably, and provide better protection. They are a worthwhile investment if you’re regularly exposed to loud environments.
Hearing Protection in Asheville, NC
At WNC Audiology, we are committed to protecting your hearing so you can enjoy a lifetime of better hearing health. From ready-made options to custom-molded devices, we’ll guide you toward the protection that best fits your needs, comfort, and lifestyle.
Call WNC Audiology today to schedule an appointment and explore our full range of hearing protection solutions in Asheville, NC.