Last Saturday on April 5th, the Now Hear This© team had the incredible honor of serving Fantasia Barrino and her band at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh! As a high-energy performer with a powerhouse voice, Fantasia relies on precision sound to deliver a flawless performance — and that’s where custom hearing protection comes in.
Our very own Dr. Shopovick performed earmold impressions for Fantasia and her crew, ensuring their in-ear monitors (IEMs) were perfectly tailored for comfort, clarity, and protection. Afterward, we joined the crowd and enjoyed an unforgettable show, made even more meaningful knowing we played a small part in protecting the hearing health of such talented artists.
🎧 Why Custom Earmolds for In-Ear Monitors?
For performers, musicians, and even avid concert-goers, custom earmolds are a game-changer. They don’t just improve sound quality—they actively protect your ears from harmful noise levels, which can exceed 100 dB at live events.
✅ Benefits of Custom Earmolds:
- Perfect fit: Tailored to the exact shape of your ear canal for comfort and acoustic seal.
- Enhanced sound clarity: Musicians can hear themselves and their bandmates clearly without needing dangerously high volume.
- Hearing preservation: Reduces the risk of noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus, and auditory fatigue.
- Discreet and durable: Designed for long-term use and often less noticeable than universal monitors.
🛠 How to Get a Custom Earmold Impression (Step-by-Step)
If you’re curious how the process works, here’s what goes into making those pro-level in-ear monitors or hearing protectors:
1. Otoscopy (Ear Exam)
The audiologist checks your ears to ensure they’re clear of wax or any obstructions. Your ear canal needs to be clean for an accurate impression.
2. Block Placement
A small foam or cotton block (called an otoblock) is gently inserted into the ear canal to protect the eardrum from the impression material.
3. Impression Material Injection
A soft, medical-grade silicone material is carefully injected into the ear canal and outer ear. You’ll feel a bit of pressure, but it’s completely painless.
4. Setting Time
The material takes about 5–10 minutes to harden into a precise mold of your ear’s shape.
5. Removal
The impression is gently removed and inspected for accuracy. Once approved, it’s sent to a lab where your custom monitors or hearing protectors are crafted.
🎶 A Reminder for Concert-Goers: Protect Your Hearing!
Whether you’re on stage or in the crowd, hearing protection is non-negotiable. Damage from loud music is cumulative and permanent—but also totally preventable.
🔊 Quick Tips:
- Bring high-fidelity earplugs to concerts — they reduce volume without muffling sound.
- Stand away from speakers.
- Take sound breaks if you’re at a long event or festival.
- Book a hearing check if you’ve experienced ringing or muffled hearing after shows.
At Now Hear This©, we’re grateful Fantasia and her team trusted us with something as personal and vital as their hearing health. Whether you’re a Grammy-winning artist or just someone who loves live music, custom hearing protection helps ensure you can enjoy it for years to come.
