Custom ear molds
#1
Line Holder
Thread Starter
Joined APC: May 2006
Position: LCA, A&P, IA
Posts: 58

Looking to get a plantronics headset. Since I jumpseat on UAL quite a bit and see these headsets alot I figure that some ORD based crews would know where to get the ear molds made here in Chicago or the burbs. Any recommendations and cost would be great. A PM would be fine.

#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2008
Position: LAX 350 A
Posts: 561

Looking to get a plantronics headset. Since I jumpseat on UAL quite a bit and see these headsets alot I figure that some ORD based crews would know where to get the ear molds made here in Chicago or the burbs. Any recommendations and cost would be great. A PM would be fine.
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2008
Posts: 420

I had ear molds made (at the time in Denver, I don't remember the doctor's name) for the Lightspeed Mach 1 headset and I was never able to get used to having a mold in my ear. After 30 minutes or so my inner ears would get really sore and sensitive.
Maybe the molds were not very well made, I don't know. But now I don't ever use the molds. When I use the Mach 1 headset I use the no roll foam ear plugs that come with the Mach 1 and they work great.
Just my two cents. If you have molds made, I hope you have a better result.
Maybe the molds were not very well made, I don't know. But now I don't ever use the molds. When I use the Mach 1 headset I use the no roll foam ear plugs that come with the Mach 1 and they work great.
Just my two cents. If you have molds made, I hope you have a better result.
#4

I have used the Telex 5X5 for my years in the military on the DC10 and for Delta on the MD-88. Your dentist can make the ear molds. No, I'm not joking. Ironically, it is their area of expertise (don't ask, just believe).
If you use the headband to support your boom mic, your ears should not get sore. However, if you use the earmolds to support your boom mic, the torque applied to your ear canal / ear might give you some grief.
I hope this helps ...
-Fatty
If you use the headband to support your boom mic, your ears should not get sore. However, if you use the earmolds to support your boom mic, the torque applied to your ear canal / ear might give you some grief.
I hope this helps ...
-Fatty
#6
On Reserve
Joined APC: Oct 2008
Position: Office Desk Captain
Posts: 23

Try Custom ear plugs, hearing protection & in ear monitors :: Westone
and the "Find and authorized Westone dispensor or dealer" link on the right side. I've seen these ear molds advertised with Plantronics aviation headsets, so might be a good place to start.
I fly with the LightSpeed Mach 1 and must say I love the custom ear molds. However my molds were done by Sensaphonics and the audiologist who did my molds does a lot of them for musician in ear monitors. It's a weird feeling/process (injecting your ear with an epoxy and having to hold your head sideways for 10 minutes while it cures), but was worth it in the long run.
But, I do know a lot of people who absolutely can't stand the feeling of something in their ear and I think the custom ear mold route is more a personal comfort issue than anything else.
and the "Find and authorized Westone dispensor or dealer" link on the right side. I've seen these ear molds advertised with Plantronics aviation headsets, so might be a good place to start.
I fly with the LightSpeed Mach 1 and must say I love the custom ear molds. However my molds were done by Sensaphonics and the audiologist who did my molds does a lot of them for musician in ear monitors. It's a weird feeling/process (injecting your ear with an epoxy and having to hold your head sideways for 10 minutes while it cures), but was worth it in the long run.
But, I do know a lot of people who absolutely can't stand the feeling of something in their ear and I think the custom ear mold route is more a personal comfort issue than anything else.
#10
New Hire
Joined APC: Mar 2007
Posts: 8

I wear ear plugs with my telex 750 at fast airspeeds. Would you guys recommend getting these mach 1 or plantronic things? I don't want to spend a bunch of money on them when i could just buy custom ear plugs and crank the volume on the telex's. Thanks for your opinion