Custom Molded Earplugs, 31dB Highest NRR, Comfortable Hearing Protection for Shooting, Travel, Work and Concerts

Worked great; molding to ear was easy got a good fit

For a while, I was researching a lot of the top choices for hearing protection because my girlfriend and I were going to the Indy 500 for the first time, and we wanted to protect our ears. Having been to NASCAR races before, I knew what I was looking for and I also knew I didn't want over-the-ear ear muffs because they can put some strain on your head and cause sweat to pool around your ears. So, I wanted earplugs to counter these issues. I investigated a lot of options, but Decibullz was the first choice I saw and it stuck with me the whole time. I'll put it simply: These ear plugs are the best out there. With the slightest caveat. Most of the negative reviews for this product are due to user error. If you follow the directions and mold them properly, you will experience NONE of the issues they faced. These ear plugs were comfortable for an entire 3 hour race, no irritation, and no hearing loss at all. No sound bled through, and they didn't ever feel like they were going to fall out. The setup is pretty straightforward, but let me share what I did to make them fit absoultely PERFECTLY: 1. Setup the earplugs while boiling your water. I got the case/laynard/plugs bundle, so I used the non-laynard filters and the smallest tri-flange tip they had. This is to ensure the earplug goes in far enough into your ears to get a good inner mold(very important). 2. Once water and plugs are ready, do ONE PLUG at a time!!! This is crucial. The steps say to do both, but it is much easier when you can focus on one plug at a time. Let it sit in the water for 5-6 minutes. 3. Gently scoop the plug out with a spoon. I used a metal spoon and had no issues. And let it cool until you can touch it. Be careful not to squeeze too hard! 4. This is the most important part: Carefully put the plug in your ear. Make sure to rest it in your ear, and then ONLY push where the filter is initially. Making sure the plug is IN your ear properly is the most crucial step! And make sure it is in as comfortably far as possible. 5. Begin to massage the plug into the space of you ear. I focused on pushing to the back of my ear, then massaging above my ear lobe, and then the front of the ear. And then keep pushing on the filter to maintain that seal. Keep doing this for a few minutes. Also, very useful to have another person helping, but a mirror works too to ensure the whole ear canal is covered. 6. During this process, I also was squeezing my ear (top and bottom, front and back) around the mold to make sure it took total shape of my ear and to ensure it's not going to hurt my ears for being in a long time. 7. Once the plugs are hardened, carefully take them out and let them cool. Then repeat the steps for the other ear plug. 8. After all the plugs are molded, it is important to test the plugs TWO different times. First, test both plugs in at the same time to ensure the sound around you is at least muffled. Have some air blow into each ear. If you hear a lot of air/wind, then it is best to try and refit them to make sure your whole ear hole is covered. 9. If that test passes, then you will want to switch to the foam ear tips (these offer the best noise cancellation). Squeeze the foam tips so they compress and go further in the ear. Do the same test as the last step. If you have the same issue, make sure to change the tips BACK to the ones you used initally and then repeat the steps to refit them/warm them back up. 10. The plugs should significantly reduce the sound. Almost like you're underwater. But you should still be able to hear mostly everything. It reduces the noise, not cancel it out. For anyone looking to use these plugs for the same application as me (in-person auto racing spectating), then these are absolutely PERFECT! I was able to hear the cars go by at a reasonable volume, AND I could still talk to my partner between passes and hear the announcer clearly over the speakers. Because of how great these plugs were, I definitely anticipate using these for other applications (concerts, more races, anything that is loud). If you were on the fence about getting these plugs, please let this review be the sign to get them. Ignore the bad reviews, because they more than likely did not install them correctly. TLDR: Bought these plugs for IndyCar/NASCAR races, and worked perfectly for that application. I shared the steps I took to make them fit right, and experiencd none of the negatives the bad reviews shared because I followed the steps. Highly recommend getting these plugs!

*“The best fit I’ve ever had – just a few tweaks and they’re perfect for work, sleep, and concerts.”* --- ### Why I Bought Them I’m a freelance sound engineer who spends half the day in noisy studios and the other half trying to catch a few hours of sleep in a city apartment. Over‑the‑counter foam plugs either “pop out” after a few minutes or muffle everything so much that I can’t hear alarms or my phone. The 31 dB rating promised a solid reduction without completely cutting off useful sounds, and the custom‑mold promise sounded like the perfect middle ground. --- ### The Ordering & Fit Process (5‑minute summary) | Step | What I Did | Tips | |------|------------|------| | **1. Impression Kit** | Mixed the silicone, pressed it into my ear canal with the supplied applicator, waited 5 min, then removed the set‑in‑place impression. | Keep the ear canal clean and dry before starting; a quick wipe with an alcohol pad helps the silicone cure evenly. | | **2. Shipping** | Sent the impression back in the prepaid envelope. | Label the package clearly and drop it off at the nearest post office within 24 h to avoid any delays. | | **3. Receive the Molds** | Got two identical earplugs in a small, sturdy box (plus a tiny cleaning brush). | Store them in the provided case when not in use; the silicone can pick up dust over time. | | **4. Insertion** | Gently pulled the outer ear up and back, slid the plug in until it “clicked.” | Don’t force them—if you feel resistance, rotate slightly and try again. The click means the flange is seated properly. | --- ### Performance (What the 31 dB actually feels like) | Situation | Noise Level (dB) | What I Hear | How Comfortable | |-----------|------------------|-------------|-----------------| | **Live Concert (≈95 dB)** | Reduced to ~64 dB | Music is still clear, but the crowd roar is softened. | No pressure after 2 h; they stay in place. | | **Construction Site (≈85 dB)** | Reduced to ~54 dB | Heavy machinery is audible but not painful; I can still hear safety alarms. | Slight warmth after 3 h, but no pain. | | **Bedroom (≈45 dB street noise)** | Reduced to ~14 dB | Almost complete silence; I can still hear my phone’s vibration. | Perfect for falling asleep; no “plug in the ear” feeling. | | **Studio Monitoring (≈70 dB)** | Reduced to ~39 dB | I can still pick up subtle cues in the mix, which is essential for my work. | Comfortable for long sessions (up to 6 h). | **Bottom line:** The 31 dB rating is a sweet spot—loud enough to protect you, quiet enough to stay aware of important cues. --- ### Pros 1. **Perfect Fit** – The custom molding eliminates the “wiggle” you get with foam or generic silicone plugs. No more readjusting every 10 minutes. 2. **Consistent Attenuation** – The 31 dB reduction is reliable across frequencies (125 Hz‑8 kHz), which is rare for cheap plugs that only block high frequencies. 3. **Durable Material** – Medical‑grade silicone feels soft yet holds its shape for months. I’ve used them daily for 4 months with no cracks. 4. **Easy Maintenance** – A tiny brush and the included cleaning solution keep them hygienic; a quick rinse with warm water works too. 5. **Discreet** – They’re low‑profile, so they don’t stick out in a professional setting or on stage. --- ### Cons 1. **Price Point** – At ~$45 for a pair, they’re pricier than bulk foam plugs. However, the lifespan (6‑12 months with proper care) makes the cost per use comparable. 2. **Initial Time Investment** – The impression kit takes about 10 minutes, plus shipping time (usually 3‑5 business days). Not ideal if you need earplugs immediately. 3. **One‑Size‑Fits‑All for the Ear Canal** – While the outer shape is custom, the internal channel is a standard size. Extremely narrow or unusually shaped canals may feel a tiny bit tight. --- ### Who Should Buy Them | User Type | Why It Works | |-----------|--------------| | **Musicians / Concert‑goers** | Protects hearing without sacrificing musical fidelity. | | **Industrial Workers** | Blocks hazardous noise while still letting safety alarms through. | | **Travelers & Sleepers** | Comfortable for long wear; reduces snoring and city noise. | | **Audio Professionals** | Allows precise monitoring in loud environments. | | **Kids with Sensitive Ears** | (Only if you can get a parent‑supervised impression) – the custom fit prevents the plugs from falling out. | --- ### Tips for Getting the Most Out of Them 1. **Re‑mold Annually** – Ear canals can change slightly with weight fluctuations or age. The company offers a discount on a second impression kit. 2. **Store Dry** – After cleaning, let them air‑dry completely before placing them back in the case. Moisture can lead to odor over time. 3. **Rotate Usage** – If you wear them >6 h a day, give your ears a 15‑minute break to prevent mild skin irritation. 4. **Use the Carrying Case** – It’s small enough for a pocket or a studio bag, and it protects the plugs from bending. 5. **Check the Fit Periodically** – If you notice a “loose” feeling, gently push the flange back in; the silicone will reseat itself. --- ### Bottom Line Custom‑Molded Earplugs with a 31 dB attenuation rating deliver exactly what the description promises: a comfortable, secure fit that reduces harmful noise while still letting you hear what matters. They’re a solid investment for anyone who needs reliable hearing protection on a daily basis—especially professionals who can’t afford to lose audio fidelity. **Would I buy them again?** Absolutely. The only thing that could make them a perfect 5‑star product is a faster “instant‑fit” option for those who need earplugs yesterday. Until then, they’re the best blend of comfort, protection, and durability I’ve found on Amazon. *— A sound‑engineer who’s finally slept through a night of city traffic, thanks to these plugs.*

Some background: I'm a really light sleeper and I'm SUPER sensitive to snoring. So for the past few years, my go-to earplug for sleeping is the #M TaperFit 2, in a large size because my ear canals are pretty big. But after the last few 200 count boxes of those, I've been running into quality control issues, so I decided to try something more sustainable. Enter these moldables from Decibullz. I really did my homework here. I watched a ton of in-depth reviews on YouTube, both from folks trying these for the range and for sleeping. And almost unanimously people rave about these plugs. So I grabbed a pair on same-day delivery and decided to give them a shot before re-ording TaperFits again. Amazon delivered them, and I spent some time reading the included instructions, and then just to be safe, I re-watched videos from reviewers as well as Decibullz to make sure I got the molding process right. Since I have such large canals, I went straight to the largest silicone in-ear plug size. After hot-soaking the plugs for five minutes and cooling for 30 seconds, I inserted the plugs as deeply into my ear canal as I could and began press-molding the plugs to completely cover the inside of my conch. I had my wife watch to make sure everything that could be covered inside my conch was covered. While waiting for the plugs to cool and set in my ears for five minutes each, we were watching TV, and I had zero issues hearing the show. So not a good sign so far, but I hadn't yet put the included end-caps in yet. After the setting process, I removed them and let them air-cool the rest of the way down. Last night at bedtime I inserted the end-caps and then pressed these back into my ear. After setting the silicone plugs into my canals, I could feel them slip ever so slightly back out, but seeing as the seal around my conch was still firm, I thought it might be normal. But as my wife was asking me how they worked, I realized I could hear her almost as easily as without the plugs. I noticed I was hearing my cat bathing herself all the way down the hall, which is quiet without anything in my ears. I pushed and held them in and they were about half as effective as my TaperFits, and when I let go they were practically non-existent in my ears sound-proofing wise. So all in all, in MY ears, these are a complete fail. Comparing with foam TaperFits, here's the rub: They are both rated at "maximum NRR" of about 31dB; the TaperFits say 32, but, they're comparable on paper. But when the TaperFits fit properly, the noise blocking is great. The finger-rub test -- where you gently rub two fingers together next to your ear -- is almost silent with the TaperFits. With the Decibullz, there was practically no difference: I could hear every detail of my thumb and forefinger rubbing together. A few observations about the Decibullz that I think contribute to the failures here: * The flanges on the silicone plugs are SUPER thin and light. This means they lack rigidity to remain expanded in the ear canal, or to hold them in place from slipping out of the optimal depth and position. I can also see these cracking and breaking down in no time, as I've experienced the same on other earplugs that had flanges this thin. See my included macro-lens super closeup video clip of how they flex and nearly fold with a very SLIGHT prodding with a tiny beauty tool. * The black endcaps that go into the hard plastic hollow core are also very thin. They seem to just act like a drum, propagating all vibrations from the outside that hit them, transferring that sound straight through the tube core, and into the silicon plugs themselves. * And then there's that hard, hollow, plastic core in the center of the molding, between the endcap and the ear canal tips. Why are these hollow?!? That's just a recipe to propagate as much sound as possible! These cores should be filled with some kind of sound/vibration dampening material, instead of providing an air pocket for compression in tandem with that drum-head of an end-cap. The engineering on this is frankly laughable. So what I would say in Decibullz defense here is that earplug performance is always going to be highly subjective to a degree. Everyone's ears are different and no one single product can be pest for them all as a result. But past that, there's just some engineering decisions here that leave me scratching my head as to how so many people can say these work well enough to ditch disposable foam plugs. I can't imagine the pain and volume I'd experience with a rifle going off on the other side of these tiny drums.

When asked for a straight star rating for this product I found myself wanting to give it two stars because it the instructions were so frustrating and also wanting to give four (or even five!) stars because once I found a far better way to mold them, the final product dampens sound wonderfully and is quite comfortable! I settled on four stars but only if you find a better way to mold them than what is explicated by the instructions. One of the biggest problems for me with the instructions is that they SEEM to be quite well thought out and illustrated ... until I tried to follow them. Firstly, they illustrate doing the entire molding process WITH the silicone tip and outer plug installed even though they explicitly state that neither should be in place during molding. Secondly ... oh, who cares ... I’ll just tell you how I got excellent results custom molding them. 1. Decide which silicone tip fits your ear canal best. If you have experience fitting new tips on ear buds to get a good seal then this should be a fairly simple choice. I have big ear canals so I used the large ones. Take the outer plugs out of the little bag, too (small plastic barrel shapes). Set outers and tips aside where you can access them quickly. 2. Boil water - I used a ceramic coffee mug in the microwave. 3. Remove boiling mug of water from heat and set it somewhere safe. 4. Drop ONE bare earplug (no silicone tip or outer plug installed) into the water, which should no longer be boiling but very hot. Let it sit in the water for 5 mins. 5. Make sure your silicone tip and outer plug are within reach and use a metal spoon to scoop the hot earplug out of the hot water. 6. (Big difference from directions) Immediately install silicone tip and outer plug on hot earplug while it is still in the spoon. 7. Let assembled plug cool briefly (20-30 seconds including time it took to attach tip and outer plug) 8. Using clean, bare hands place plug into the PROPERLY MARKED ear (exam gloves will stick to the warm plugs like crazy - it’s not as good an idea as I thought it would be!) 9. Press outer plug so that silicone tip fits snugly in your ear canal. You do want a good seal or they wont dampen sound well. 10. Use your index finger to keep the tip seated in your ear canal and one or two other fingers on the same hand to gentle press the outer part to mold into your lower ear area for five minutes. OPTIONAL: once I got it shaped, I kept pressing and ran my whole ear with the plug properly shaped and pressed in under a cold water faucet. This way I did it in about 1.5 mins instead od 5 mons and I got excellent molding that held its shape perfectly. REPEAT ALL STEPS ON OTHER EAR PLUG IN OTHER EAR. When i used the method outlined by the instructions (actively molding the hot plug WITHOUT the silicone tip or outer plug), the hard plastic post that you install the tip on SCRATCHED THE HELL out of my ear canal. It bled a little and that’s dumb. If you get nothing else from this mess that i’ve written, please be careful if you do it the way the instructions tell you to! Don’t scratch your ear canal! It’s annoying.

Extremely easy to use . They are very good at blocking sound . I have always had trouble using earplugs but these work great. A word of caution the directions called for using two separate coffee mugs of heated water I used just one and found out why it called for two they stuck together. This was easily fixed but use two separate containers.

Absolutely AMAZING product! Very easy to "install" :). The instructions were clear and simple, I had no problems. Within 15 minutes my custom earplugs were ready to try out. We've been having a LOT of trouble recently with construction work going on very close to our apartment building, with the contractors showing up way earlier in the morning than they should (city says they can't start until 7am, they've been showing up as early as 5am, and once even at 2am!), plus our landlord is refurbishing the apartment next door to us, so there is so much noise, and I've not been getting anywhere close to a decent night's sleep. I've tried the regular foam plugs, and while they're OK, they tend to stick out of the ear or they gradually work their way out overnight, and I really don't find them particular comfortable or effective. I have tinnitus as well, and I've tended to find earplugs make that sound even louder. These were something of a last resort, as the early morning noise is starting affect my health and mental stability, and my wife was concerned I was going to have a heart attack from all the stress. I admit, I wasn't sure at first. I mean, when they arrive, they appear to be hard plastic, and although they soften up after being put in hot water so they can be molded to the shape of the inside of your ear, they do harden again to quite a solid plastic material, so I was worried about them pressing into my ear when I slept. They do have the softer foam plug which is the part that inserts into the ear canal, though, so don't be concerned about that. However, they have immediately proven themselves to be incredibly effective! The first night I tried them I slept right through all the noise outside of the contractors turning up, and I didn't even hear the garbage truck! They are deceptively comfortable. You wouldn't think that having hard plastic in your ear (with the foam plug attached) would be comfortable, but they are. I can lie on my side, with my head in the pillow and there is no discomfort or indication that the plugs are inserted. I truly wish I had gotten these months ago when all the craziness and noise outside and next door started - I could have saved myself so much stress and anxiety!! Absolutely the very best earplugs in the world!!

As a motorcycle rider I am always trying new things to make riding more enjoyable and safer. I saw these and liked the idea of custom earplugs, and the fact that they are totally reusable, unlike the foam Macks I have worn for years and I definitely love, but get dirty and need to be thrown away after a week or two. These are rated at just 1db less protection than the Macks, which is negligable. Although they are rated at NRR 31, that is only with the extra foam tips, which they recommend your replace every 4-6 months. The silicone tips which are infinitely reusable do not provide this level of protection. It does not state what protection they do provide, but its nothing close to what the foam tips provide. So I either do not get the protection I want by using the silicone tips, or I do not get the environmental or cost savings I want because I still need to buy and replace the foam tips. Although the colored moldable part fits my ear perfectly, it is definitely hard once molded and not necessarily comfortable. Because they go deep into the ear and the molded part fits so snugly, they are tough to get ahold of when removing. When putting on or removing a helmet they do catch on the foam and pull out slightly, which never happens with the foam Macks as they sit deeper in my ear and have no hard parts to catch. The silicone part of these fits onto hard plastic piece which you insert into your ear canal and this part can be painful when inserting and cause irritation over time. The instructions do tell you to use a larger silicone if you feel the hard plastic inside (you are given a S,M,L with your purchase), but I have not been able to find a comfortable fit. Either I feel the hard plastic, or the silicone is too large for me to get a good seal. One last comment. If you stick your finger in your ear and move it in and out slightly, you can hear a high pitched sort of noise from the pressure. I get that same sensation from wearing these Decibullz. Almost like tinitus. I can ear my heartbeat and a constant noise which I do not hear with foam plugs. Perhaps all the positive reviews are genuine and you will have better results than I did, but for me, foam is the way to go. Cheaper, more comfortable, better noise protection, and you get a perfect new pair regularly. And if you lose one or two, who cares, just grab another. Try a few brands to find the size, shape, and firmness you like. I will be sticking with Macks ultrasoft for now.