Hearing protection

We hugely understand the joy of live music, and the allure of wild swimming waters.

Nearby to our Totnes clinic you could find a morning of world-class whitewater down the river Dart, and in a breath be catching the perfect afternoon wave surfing Bantham’s Atlantic swell.

Or perhaps you’re closer to our Bristol clinic, enjoying the city for a night of reverie and gigs down by the Harbourside.

In these exhilarating activities your ears are often placed directly in harms way - either cold water or hazardous noise levels make the need for protection essential.

Please see below for our top 5 recommendations in hearing protection, ranging from in-ear monitors to total blockout plugs. The below prices of each product are based on a ‘pair’ and excludes the impression consultation (+£60) plus postage.

Browse our favourite five

  • Ear plugs on DJ desk

    ACS Pro Series

    £150

    The ACS PRO Series is designed specifically for musicians and audiophiles, providing the most accurate frequency responses of any hearing protectors in the world. This means you get to hear the music just as it should sound – quieter, with no risk of noise damage, and no loss of fidelity. Their vented design reduces occlusion, keeping your voice's natural quality. Made from a hypo-allergenic medical grade silicone custom moulded to your ears ensuring they're comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

    - Choose from interchangeable 10dB, 15dB, 17dB, 20dB or 26dB filter strength

    - Option to add cording or grips, free of charge

    - Translucent clear is the standard silicone colour (+£10 to choose colour).

  • Surfer with ear plugs

    Snugs Aqua

    £109.95

    Prevent ear infections and surfer’s ear with Snugs AquaProtect. Custom-fit swim plugs create the perfect in-ear seal for maximum waterproof protection, limiting the ear canal’s exposure to cold, chlorinated or contaminated water. Easy to clean, they'll make sure your ears stay infection-free.

    SnugsAqua can be made with an awareness filter (+£19.95 per set) for people wanting to hear their surroundings clearly, whilst still preventing water from getting trapped in the ear.

    - Choose for either plug to be blue, red, pink, orange or green

    - For added security, there is the option to include a lanyard for £5.

  • Custom in-ear music monitors

    Cosmic C8A's

    £1399

    Cosmic Ears manufacture compact, custom-fitted earpieces that seal the ear canal, providing both hearing protection and exceptional sound quality. They allow you to monitor your performance or listen to music with unparalleled clarity whilst reducing exposure to harmful noise levels. In the world of In-Ear-Monitors (IEMs), drivers are the heart of the operation. The more drivers an IEM has, the more accurately it can reproduce a dedicated range of frequencies. The C8A flagship model features an almighty 8 balanced armature drivers per ear, delivering deep thudding lows, wholesome balanced mids, and crisp delicate highs. Truly ideal for those seeking a wonderfully nuanced sound.

    - Choose from various faceplate designs including translucent or solid, or upgrade to shimmer or powder (+£25 per ear).

  • Woman with sleep plugs

    ACS SleepSound

    £84

    Sleep problems can be caused by a number of different reasons, including snoring, noisy neighbours, loud environment, or maybe just an irregular work pattern. The ACS SleepSound have been designed for light sleepers to block out ambient noise from the outside world to ensure sure you get a peaceful rest. Voted the best earplugs for sleeping by The Telegraph!

    Eco-friendly too, reducing the number of disposable foam earplugs going to landfill over time, costing you and the world much less in the long run!

    - Approximately 25-27dB reduction of ambient noise

    - Built from 40 Shore medical grade silicone finished with a hard wearing flexible lacquer

    - Translucent clear is the standard silicone colour (+£10 to choose colour).

  • Man listening to music

    Snugs Pro

    £169.95

    Ever struggled to keep your earphones safely nestled in your ears? Find they're falling out all the time? Fear no longer - the perfect solution for small or awkwardly shaped ears is here! SnugsPro are designed to be easily retrofitted onto your earphones, compatible with all major brands, effectively replacing the generic domes that are provided at purchase. They are 3D printed using your exact physical ear impressions, so they are guaranteed to fit your ears securely and comfortably. Their precise fit provides superior passive sound isolation, maximally reducing outside noise without reliance on electronics. No need to pump it up to eleven just to hear your tunes, you’ll find you can listen at a much lower volume, making them much safer for your ears.

    - Available in a range of colours and effects for either ear.

Preventative healthcare for your ears

  • Noise

    Noise-induced hearing damage is permanent, but entirely preventable. Custom earplugs help you hear clearly, whilst simultaneously keeping the ears safe from harm. You can select the level of attenuation to suit your needs - whether its working in heavy industry, or fine tuning piano’s.

  • Cold

    Winter, and adventurous activities can wreak havoc upon our exposed ear canals. Exostoses are abnormal bony growths that develop in the ear canal, typically caused by repeated exposure to cold water or wind. If left untreated, they can lead to discomfort and hearing problems, and they often require surgical removal.

  • Tinnitus

    Tinnitus is an umbrella term, for an array of phantom sounds perceived by an individual. This would typically be a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound with no external source. Alleviating this symptom often includes bespoke devices designed to mask the noise and/or prevent any further hearing damage.

  • Music

    In the relentless pursuit of musical excellence, musicians often find themselves in environments where the volume can reach deafening levels. Whether you're rocking a stadium stage, producing in the studio, or jamming with fellow musicians, protecting your hearing is paramount. Read more about In Ear Monitor’s on our blog posts here.

  • Water

    Keeping the ears dry is essential, especially if you have ever had a perforation of the eardrum. Water entering the middle ear through a perforation can lead to severe complications, potentially resulting in permanent hearing loss. Beyond preserving your hearing, waterproof earplugs play a crucial role in preventing ear infections, of which trapped water is the leading cause.

  • Sleep

    Moulded to fit the unique contours of your ears, with super soft hypoallergenic silicone, a snug-sealing plug can help you get a peaceful night. By blocking ambient noise and fitting with perfect comfort, you can truly rely on an undisturbed rejuvenating rest.

Who we partner with, and why

ACS

ACS pride themselves on their versatile range of solutions, catering not only to audiophiles seeking budget-friendly custom in-ear monitors, but also providing excellent options for swimming and sleeping plugs. Their comprehensive lineup appeals to a wide audience, offering quality yet affordable options in all the various spheres of hearing protection. For more info on their In-Ear Monitors, read our ‘Best of British’ blog post.

Cosmic Ears

As a premier UK-based manufacturer, Cosmic Ears embodies the epitome of bespoke audiophile technology. Renowned for their dedication to high-spec, tailor-made in-ear monitors, they stand as a superior choice for those seeking exceptional sound quality and personalized fittings. Their products exude sophistication and excellent craftmanship in the realm of in-ear monitoring solutions. For more info on their In-Ear Monitors, read our ‘Best of British’ blog post.

Snugs

With a focus on niche customization, Snugs take the lead in transforming generic headphones into personalized fits. Their expertise lies in crafting cost-effective custom tips, especially for intricate or difficult ear shapes which standard domes can struggle to accommodate. From addressing tinnitus-related sleep issues to providing hearing protection solutions for motorcycle helmets, Snugs excel in highly specialized / tailored to purpose offerings. 

UE

Positioned as a powerhouse in the industry, Ultimate Ears reigns supreme in crafting cutting-edge in-ear monitors. Renowned for their pioneering technology and top-tier quality, they stand tall as the ultimate choice for those seeking unparalleled excellence in sound precision and innovation. For more info on their In-Ear Monitors, read our ‘Born in the USA’ blog post.

Wave Plugs

Born in Cornwall and tailored for the adventurous water sports enthusiast, Wave Plugs specialize in earplugs designed to keep water out whilst maintaining comfort and natural sound perception. Ideal for preventing surfer's ear (exostoses), these comfortable and floatable plugs not only ensure a water tight seal but also allow sound to pass through unhindered. All Wave Plugs come in a neoprene case made from wetsuit offcuts, with sustainability in mind.