So I popped my eardrum the otherday in Tugun while diving into a wave when trying to exit. Its all healed up now, but I don't want it to happen again. I currently wear the surfears, and I think it offers some protection. I recently got some impressions at the audiologist, but they have no idea what kind of earplug would be best for preventing ruptured eardrums again. They offered swimming plugs without vents, but from what I heard non-vented could increase the chance of rupture. Anyone here know a good manufacturer I can get custom earplugs that would be best for preventing another rupture?Thanks heaps in advance.

blutac

I bruised my eardrum twice in the surf. Then I started wearing a helmet with ear protection (ion hardcap). Havent hurt my eardrums since then, and Ive hit my head quite hard while foiling.

Heard blutac made it more likely to rupture, due to the lack of venting.

I dont think im quite at the stage where i need a helmet, but if it happens again, i might start wearing crazy stuff.

I have ruptured my left eardrum a few times and now it ruptures very easily. Long story..

Anyway I have found the Docs pro plugs seem to offer the best protection, but you need to get the correct size. You can buy packs on eBay that have various sizes so can find what size works best.

I thought surf ears would be the best but they dislodge a bit too easy and still allow a lot of pressure on the drum.

I have the vented Docs pro plugs but have blocked the hole with a bit of wax. Hearing was marginally better with the surf ears, but when water sits on the mesh it really diminishes. They are supposed to have a hydrophobic coating, but it doesn't seem to be that successful. Maybe the latest version is better...

Just my 2 cents...

Get a selection
Go out on the piss with your mates on your anniversary
Place in ears when you get home, you'll figure

Select to expand quote

Mark _australia said..
blutac

+1

I have to use an earplug in my left ear after ear surgery years ago (long story) ...
Docs pro plugs are great for scuba and free diving, but get blown right out of my ears (and lost) when surfing or kiting.

I like to use silicon plugs like these:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/like/281349411837

I've used blutac too, works great, but had a doctor tell me it increases risk of ear infection, though never had a problem.

Blutac

Snugs an option?

-YvxV5nEHg

needed from 3 doctors surgery (surfers ear)o my left ear went to a 4th specialist who said it is a horrible surgery and sent me to to the service at the hospital for custom earplugs. They put some jelly in, let it go hard and send it to the company that makes it. This is the only real good solution as your ears are assymetric. Been using them for 4 years and every year my ear gets better and no more surgery needed plus once you used them you don't notice it anymore, all the rest is just better than nothing of course , even doc's ear plugs come in sizes from small to xlarge but they are symmetric and even the sizes are rarely fitting perfectly. It should also be possible to get them at a hearing aid shop who works together woth a company that makes them, good luck

Alternatively having blown one drum out from powerboat ski racing - ive resorted to the below expandable soft ear plugs...
It fits any ear shape and the end is splayed out, so it load spreads if you get pummeled - but doesnt blast into your eardrum..
You can re-use if dried out properly.