Ever get annoyed at those "earbuds" that slip out of place while you are running, exercising, or just bobbing your head to the rhythm of the music? Or perhaps you are one of those folks who can't listen to your iPod or MP3 player for very long because your ears start to ache due to poorly fitted buds?
The staff at the Reid Hearing Center in Richmond, IN, knows all about the challenges faced by athletes, swimmers, and music lovers who simply want a better fit from their in-ear listening devices. For 30 years, the hearing center has been developing custom earbuds that can deliver a perfect and pain-free fit.
Vicki Dawes with Reid Hearing Center/Reid ENT said demand for personalized buds continues to grow from athletes, swimmers, and music lovers who want a better fit for their ipod or MP3 players.
"They are much more comfortable than standard earbuds," Dawes said. "They started from the same principal as the hearing aid ear mold."
A fitting is as simple as making an office appointment and spending the five minutes necessary to have an ear mold created. A wait of 1-2 weeks is required while the buds are being fashioned, Dawes explained.
She added that some of the in-ear designs are created for sleep plugs, others are designed to hold music buds more firmly in the ear, and some are also developed with electronics such as stage monitoring, pilot headsets, sound gear for musicians and other uses.
"They get sound closer to the ear drum for better hearing, and they reduce background noise," she said.
For more information about Reid's custom earbuds or to make an appointment for a fitting, call (765) 935-4477.