Compromised Integrity of Earplugs (Etymotic ER-25)

[Elfin]

Morning/evening/good day all,

I have some ER-25 earplugs and as I was removing the filters to clean them, the filter broke/disintegrated somewhat (photo below). *yes, the plug is messy and a bit waxy, hence I was trying to clean it!*

The filter has separated so that the top part and bottom part are no longer connected. Now, I am ordering some replacement filters, but these take 2-3 days to arrive.

My questions are thusly: (1) has anyone else experienced this? (2) can this filter still be used if pushed back into the plug, where it seems to stay? (3) will the performance of the plug be noticeably affected? (4) I travel and work in London. I wear these plugs commuting and in and around the office. Will I still be protected by this filter? (5) is it recommended that I take some days off until the new filters arrive?

Any help, opinions and similar experiences greatly welcome!

Thanks,

 

[Digital Doc]

@Elfin Hard to tell from the image how bad the disintegration is. I would try and put it back together, and see how well it works... or not with some lower noise, such as the TV set. These musician earplugs are reusable, and depends on how much you wear them, but the longevity is months supposedly, and yours look older than that.

You can consider taking time off, vs picking up some ear plugs (which may be easier to find foam ones) from your local pharmacy, at least for the commute.

 

[derpytia]

Morning/evening/good day all,

I have some ER-25 earplugs and as I was removing the filters to clean them, the filter broke/disintegrated somewhat (photo below). *yes, the plug is messy and a bit waxy, hence I was trying to clean it!*

The filter has separated so that the top part and bottom part are no longer connected. Now, I am ordering some replacement filters, but these take 2-3 days to arrive.

My questions are thusly: (1) has anyone else experienced this? (2) can this filter still be used if pushed back into the plug, where it seems to stay? (3) will the performance of the plug be noticeably affected? (4) I travel and work in London. I wear these plugs commuting and in and around the office. Will I still be protected by this filter? (5) is it recommended that I take some days off until the new filters arrive?

Any help, opinions and similar experiences greatly welcome!

Thanks,

I've experienced this. If they no longer work you can order new filters online for about $30. Not cheap change but better than going into your audiologist...

 

[Elfin]

Thank you for your replies!

Do you know whether these filters can be brought from any ER earplug supplier? Are they standardised?

The reason I ask is that the original supplier is claiming that the filters are specific to the plug and that they can only be brought from them, whereas another supplier, who I've already ordered with (and will get the filters here tomorrow) tells me that if the plugs are ER then all ER filters fit.

Confused and required help! Want to ensure I have protection for going out this weekend! Taken the day off work to avoid loud, unprotected commuting as well, but will need to go in tomorrow!

 

[hans799]

I have custom-molded silicone earplugs with ER-25 filters in them.

1. The audiologist said that the filters are replaceable, if they break, I can just order new ones, pop the old ones out and put the new ones in. So I think they are standardized.

2. I have serious doubts about the integrity of your filters. These are precision items, a break like this can possibly compromise their filtering ability badly. I think you're better off picking up some cheap foam plugs and tolerating their uneven attenuation for a few days, as opposed to going out with compromised plugs and risk being underprotected.