Product information
Customer service Custom-Made earplugs
Find answers to questions about Custom-Made earplugs. We’re happy to help!
Choosing between custom earplugs and universal hearing protection depends on your needs, budget, and the level of comfort and noise reduction you expect. If you require hearing protection regularly and value a good fit and sound reduction, custom earplugs are often the best choice.
Fit
Custom earplugs are specifically made for the unique shape of a person’s ear canal. Impressions are taken of the ear canals, which are then used to create custom earplugs that fit perfectly. Universal hearing protection, on the other hand, is produced in standard sizes and does not fit every ear perfectly.
Comfort
Because custom earplugs fit precisely in the ear canal, they generally offer superior comfort compared to universal hearing protection. Universal earplugs can sometimes feel uncomfortable or fall out of the ear, especially during prolonged use.
Noise Reduction
Custom earplugs provide better noise reduction than universal options, particularly when blocking specific frequencies. This is because custom earplugs seal the ear perfectly, reducing the chance of sound leakage.
Applications
Custom earplugs are often recommended for people who need hearing protection regularly, such as musicians, concertgoers, workers in noisy environments (e.g., construction sites or factories), or people who have trouble sleeping. Universal hearing protection, such as foam earplugs or reusable silicone earplugs, is more suitable for occasional use or situations where custom options are not readily available.
Cost & Delivery Time
Custom earplugs are usually more expensive than universal hearing protection due to their unique design and labor-intensive production process, which is almost entirely handmade. Creating custom earplugs requires craftsmanship and precision.
Compared to universal earplugs, which can typically be delivered within one to two days, custom earplugs take longer to receive. Because they are made specifically for your ear canals, you can expect delivery within two to three weeks. The custom production and adjustment to your unique ear canals require this extra time, but the result is earplugs that are perfectly fitted and provide excellent comfort and protection.
We can imagine that the PartyPlug Custom and MusicSafe Custom may seem very similar at first glance. The key point is: both earplugs provide excellent hearing protection.
Our MusicSafe earplugs feature a linear filter that ensures all tones are evenly reduced, preserving a clearer and more natural sound compared to the PartyPlugs. Additionally, the filters for MusicSafe and the filters for PartyPlug can be purchased separately and swapped, allowing you to adjust the level of attenuation depending on the occasion.
The PartyPlugs have a conical filter that primarily reduces high and harmful frequencies. A conical filter attenuates sound differently than a linear filter. For people with a trained ear, such as musicians or true music enthusiasts, we recommend MusicSafe earplugs. However, if you only use earplugs occasionally for a festival or concert, the PartyPlugs are also an excellent choice.
Custom earplugs are available for almost any situation. Whether you need protection while motorcycling, swimming, sleeping, or something else, we’ve got you covered!
Sometimes your specific activity may not be listed in our products or product descriptions, but our earplugs often still perfectly meet your needs. For example, for skydivers or cyclists, our MotoSafe earplugs, which provide protection against wind noise, are very suitable!
Do you have trouble concentrating and are looking for earplugs that can help you focus better? Then take a look at our PartyPlug. Despite its festive name, these earplugs are excellent for supporting concentration.
If you want more specific information about which earplugs are best for your situation, don’t hesitate to contact us.
All our custom earplugs are made from a soft silicone material. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend checking the FAQ on "Nanolak."
The hardness of our custom earplugs is expressed in Shore. Shore is a unit used to describe the hardness of a material, similar to how 'km per hour' measures speed.
Shore hardness is measured using a device with a protruding pin at the bottom. This pin is pressed into the material to measure how much the material resists the pin. The measured value ranges from 0 to 100, where 0 is the softest material and 100 is the hardest.
- SleepSoft – 25 Shore
- PartyPlug / MotoSafe / WorkSafe / SwimSafe / FlyFit – 40 Shore
- MusicSafe – 60 Shore
It is difficult to say exactly how long custom earplugs last, as it varies from person to person. It’s not so much the material that deteriorates, but because the ears are made of cartilage, they continue to grow and change throughout your life. This process can eventually cause the earplugs to fit less securely in the ear canal.
As a result, the earplugs may become less comfortable or even allow sound to leak. More information about sound leakage and the leak test can be found in the FAQ “Leak Tests” under Warranty & Service.
On average, earplugs need replacement after 4–5 years. As much as we’d like to, we cannot guarantee this. Some people are “unlucky” with quickly changing ears, and this process may occur after just two years. Others are more fortunate and can use their custom earplugs for up to 10 years.
Sound and filters
Alpine Custom Pro filters are interchangeable filters designed for Alpine MusicSafe Custom earplugs. You can easily order and swap these filters yourself. Orders can be placed via this link.
Swapping the filters is simple and intuitive. Remove the filter from the earplug by pulling on the small tab attached to the filter. Insert the new filter by gently pressing it into the opening. This allows you to easily adjust the level of attenuation for different uses.
- White, linear attenuation, 19dB
Suitable for: singers, DJs, keyboardists, percussionists, string orchestra members, during concerts, in clubs, etc. - Black, linear attenuation, 22dB
Suitable for: wind instrument players, guitarists, sound engineers (on stage), during concerts, in clubs, etc. - Red, linear attenuation, 26dB
Suitable for: drummers, bar staff, sound engineers (front of house), etc.
These Alpine Custom Pro filters attenuate evenly across all frequencies, known as linear or flat attenuation. This preserves the quality of the sound while reducing the volume to a safe level, allowing you to hear music very naturally. Conversations also remain perfectly understandable.
More information about the attenuation levels of our Pro Filters can be found in the FAQ “Pro Filter Attenuation.”
This chart and tables show the sound attenuation values and Single Number Rating (SNR) of our PRO filters (MusicSafe). This indicates how effective our filters are at reducing sound and protecting your hearing. A higher SNR provides greater sound attenuation and better protection.
This chart and tables show the sound attenuation values and Single Number Rating (SNR) of our Cone filters. This indicates how effective our filters are at reducing sound and protecting your hearing. A higher SNR provides greater sound attenuation and better protection.
The strength of sound is measured in decibels, abbreviated as dB. The decibel scale is quite complex because it is a logarithmic scale. This means that an increase of 3 dB corresponds to a doubling of the sound level, while an increase of 10 dB means the sound is ten times as strong.
Accessoires & Extra's
Do you think you’ll often be taking your earplugs in and out? Then it might be wise to choose a wearing cord.
With the wearing cord, you can wear the earplugs around your neck when you remove them from your ears. A handy clip allows you to attach the cord to your clothing. Using the cord does not affect the function of the filter; the attenuation remains the same.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to add a wearing cord to all of our earplugs. The exceptions are: SleepSoft, SwimSafe, and MotoSafe. Our WorkSafe earplugs are delivered with a cord as standard.
Once you have fully selected your earplugs and added them to your shopping cart, a menu will appear where you can add the wearing cord to your order.
Note: Select the wearing cord when customizing and purchasing your custom earplugs. During production, a small loop is installed on the earplugs to attach the cord. The cord is removable.
If you have sensitive skin or suffer from eczema, our nano-coating could be the solution for you!
Our nano-coating is a thin, invisible layer of nanoparticles applied to the surface of the earplugs. This antimicrobial layer helps reduce the growth of bacteria and fungi. It contributes to improved hygiene and durability of the earplugs, which is especially important for those with sensitive skin.
When ordering your earplugs, you can add the nano-coating to your order. Once you have selected your desired earplugs and added them to your shopping cart, a menu will appear where you can choose to include the nano-coating. Your earplugs will then be produced with the nano-coating applied.
This way, you can enjoy earplugs that not only suit your taste and needs but also take your skin sensitivity into account.
Note: Select the nano-coating during the ordering process. It is applied during production, so it cannot be added afterward.
Our Custom Walkie-Talkie earplugs can be connected to a walkie-talkie and serve not only as a communication tool but also provide excellent hearing protection in noisy or hazardous environments.
Standard walkie-talkie earpieces often have a poor fit and can be uncomfortable, making communication with colleagues more difficult. This is far from ideal when you need to communicate quickly and accurately.
Our custom earplugs with a walkie-talkie connector offer the perfect solution. These earplugs are made specifically for your ear canals, ensuring a perfect fit and comfortable wear. This prevents sound distortion and allows you to wear them all day without compromising on comfort.
What happens on the street or on the floor can be just as important as the information you receive from the control room. These earplugs allow you to stay connected to your communication system while still hearing environmental sounds clearly with both ears. Our walkie-talkie earplugs are widely used by police officers, security personnel, firefighters, and other emergency responders, providing a real solution for these demanding situations.
Lost your earplugs? We’ve got you covered.
Losing custom earplugs is naturally very frustrating—and a waste. That’s why we offer a loss protection plan, allowing you to have replacement earplugs made once at a reduced rate.
How does it work?
- Add the loss protection plan when placing your order.
- During checkout for your custom earplugs, a pop-up will appear where you can add the loss protection plan to your cart.
Note: It is not possible to add the loss protection plan afterward (after receiving your earplugs).
Lost within 12 months
If you lose your earplugs within twelve months of delivery, you can use the loss protection plan once. Contact us at maatwerk@alpine.nl for this.
Deductible per product
For the replacement production, a contribution is required:
- €35.00 for Alpine MusicSafe earplugs
- €25.00 for all other custom earplugs
Once we receive your payment, we will immediately start producing your replacement earplugs and send them to you as quickly as possible.
Good to know
- The loss protection plan applies to one-time replacement only
- The plan is valid only for loss and/or theft, not for damage
- Only valid within 12 months of the original delivery
Custom earplugs via Hans Anders
If you ordered and paid for your custom earplugs through Hans Anders, contact their customer service directly. They have your information and can assist you further.
Use
It can take a little getting used to inserting custom earplugs, but don’t worry! Practice makes perfect, and we’re here to help.
Tips: Identifying left and right earplugs
A handy tip to easily distinguish your earplugs:
- The left earplug has blue text and the letter “L” (on a blue earplug, the text will be white).
- The right earplug has red text and the letter “R” (on a red earplug, the text will be white).
How to insert your earplugs
Follow the instructions and illustrations on this page to insert your custom earplugs properly.
Gradually build up
New earplugs can feel a bit stiff. To make insertion easier, you can try slightly moistening them. Keep in mind that your ear canal also needs time to get used to the earplugs. We recommend gradually increasing wearing time:
- Start by wearing the earplugs for one hour.
- Then extend to two hours, and so on.
This allows your ear canal to adapt gradually and makes wearing them more comfortable over time.
Fit Guarantee
All our custom earplugs come with a three-month fit guarantee. Use this period to get used to your earplugs. If you really can’t insert them or if discomfort persists, we recommend reading the article “Do you have a fit problem?”.
You can also contact us for help; we’re happy to work with you to find a solution. Report a fit problem via maatwerk@alpine.nl.
If you ordered and paid for your earplugs through Hans Anders, please contact them directly. They have your information and can assist you further.
To remove earplugs with a mini-grip, gently hold the mini-grip between your thumb and forefinger. Make sure not to grip it with your nails, as this can damage the earplug. Carefully pull on the mini-grip to remove the earplug from your ear. It can also help to use your other hand to pull the outer ear away from the head (over or behind your head) while removing the earplug. This straightens the ear canal, reducing resistance when taking out the earplug.
If your earplugs do not have a mini-grip, such as our SleepSoft earplugs, we recommend making an upward motion with your forefinger between the jaw attachment and the earlobe (as indicated by the red arrow in the illustration) before removing the earplug. This creates air between the earplug and the ear canal, making removal easier.
Our sleep earplugs are made of soft, comfortable silicone material. This ensures a comfortable wearing experience, especially for side sleepers. However, the material is more delicate, so following these tips will help extend the lifespan of your earplugs.
To extend the lifespan of your custom earplugs, we recommend cleaning them after use with our CleanSpray. This handy spray cleans and disinfects your earplugs, prevents skin irritation and ear problems, does not leave residue, and does not become sticky. It dries quickly, is odorless, and keeps your earplugs soft and supple. The compact bottle is easy to carry in your jacket or bag.
You can simply spray your earplugs with CleanSpray and then wipe them off with a tissue or soft dry cloth, making them ready to use again.
If earwax has accumulated in the opening of the earplug, it can be easily removed using the included cleaning hook. Note: earplugs without a filter, such as SleepSoft and SwimSafe, do not come with a cleaning hook, as they have no filter opening.
How to order Alpine CleanSpray
You can purchase CleanSpray during the earplug ordering process. Once you have selected your desired earplugs and added them to your cart, a menu will appear giving you the option to add CleanSpray to your order.
If you already have custom earplugs and want to order CleanSpray separately, click here.
Ingredients:
5% Sodium lauryl ether sulfate, 1% lemon oil, 1% carrageenan, methylisothiazolinone
For the digital manual of your earplugs, we invite you to consult the links below. Make sure to check which type of earplugs you have purchased and select the corresponding manual.
The user manual for Alpine Custom MotoSafe, MusicSafe, PartyPlug, Focus, SleepSoft, and SwimSafe can be found here.
The user manual for Alpine Custom WorkSafe and Walkie-Talkie earplugs can be found here.
Shipping
After your ear canals have been measured, you’ll naturally want to receive your earplugs as soon as possible. Since these earplugs are made specifically for your ear canals, you can expect delivery to your home within three to four weeks. The package is shipped via our carrier GLS as a convenient mailbox parcel, so you don’t need to be home to receive it. We’ll send a track-and-trace code to the email address you provided so you can see when the shipment is expected.
Good to know: We deliver our custom earplugs within the Netherlands and Belgium.
Shipping for custom earplugs is free!
Even though you’ve received a track-and-trace code, your long-awaited earplugs have not arrived. You’ve already checked your mailbox, and your neighbors haven’t received anything either.
In most cases, mailbox packages still arrive within a few days. If not, we kindly ask you to contact us so we can start an investigation with our carrier, GLS. We give GLS five working days to investigate and check with the driver. If your package is delivered within this time, please let us know so we can stop the investigation.
If five working days have passed and you still haven’t received anything, please inform us so we can work together on a suitable solution. If you haven’t received a track-and-trace code and the two to three-week delivery period has passed, feel free to contact us as well.
You can reach us at maatwerk@alpine.nl.
You placed an order for earplugs, but to your surprise, something different was delivered than what you actually ordered.
Of course, this is not intended, and we want to resolve it for you. We kindly ask you to contact us and provide your order number. Additionally, please send a photo of the received earplugs showing the text, along with a description of what you originally ordered.
Once we have received this information, we will contact you as soon as possible to find a suitable solution together.
If you received something different than ordered, you can report it to us via maatwerk@alpine.nl.
If you ordered and paid for your earplugs through Hans Anders, please contact them directly. They have your details and can assist you further.
Warranty & Service
We want to provide you with the best possible service for your custom earplugs. That’s why we offer several services and guarantees:
100-Day Fit Guarantee
If your custom earplugs don’t fit perfectly, you can have them remade and adjusted free of charge within 100 days of receipt. A fit issue can be reported via maatwerk@alpine.nl.
Free Leak Test
We recommend a leak test for every new pair of custom earplugs to ensure they fit properly. If your earplugs do not fit well within 100 days of receipt, we can immediately arrange a new fitting and production under this guarantee.
Read more about our free leak tests here.
12-Month Material Warranty
If your custom earplugs are damaged, don’t worry, all of our custom products are covered by a 12-month material warranty. Damage occurring under normal use within this period is covered. This warranty does not apply in cases of improper use or modifications to the earplugs without Alpine’s permission.
Damage to your custom earplugs can be reported via maatwerk@alpine.nl.
Loss Protection Plan
Losing your earplugs is, of course, unfortunate. That’s why Alpine offers a loss protection plan for custom earplugs. This can only be purchased during the order of your earplugs. When adding your earplugs to the cart, you can add the loss protection plan via a pop-up. If you lose your earplugs within 12 months, you can use this plan once.
Read more about the loss protection plan here.
Fit Guarantee, Material Warranty, and Loss Protection Plan
If your earplugs don’t fit comfortably, that’s certainly not the experience we want for our customers. Our main goal is to ensure you are completely satisfied with your custom earplugs. That’s why we offer a three-month fit guarantee on all our custom earplugs.
Often, fit issues can be resolved by reviewing the FAQ “How do I insert my custom earplugs into my ear?”, which provides helpful tips and tricks for proper use and comfort.
We ask that you describe any issues as thoroughly as possible so that we can take them into account for a possible new production. Our goal is to produce earplugs that fit perfectly and fully meet your expectations. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we strive to give you the best possible experience with our products.
We want to know exactly where the issues occur. For example, is it at the entrance of the ear canal or deeper inside? Are the earplugs too thick or too long? Do you experience the problem on both sides (left and right) or just one?
Perhaps the earplug is too loose in the ear canal, or it’s too short and falls out. Does sound leak through the earplugs? A leak test can also be performed to check this. See the FAQ “Leak Tests” for more information.
It’s important to note whether the issues occur immediately upon wearing the earplugs or develop after some time. This information helps us provide the best solution.
Within the fit guarantee, we offer one free new production, including a new fitting. You then get another three months to try the earplugs and allow your ear canals to adjust.
If these earplugs still don’t meet your expectations, don’t worry! You can make use of our “Not Satisfied, Money Back” guarantee.
You can report a fit problem via maatwerk@alpine.nl.
If you ordered and paid for your earplugs through Hans Anders, please contact them directly. They have your details and can assist you further.
Are your earplugs damaged? Don’t worry—all of our custom products are covered by a twelve-month material warranty. Any (unintentional) damage that occurs within this period is covered by the warranty.
If your earplugs are damaged within twelve months, please contact us. Be sure to mention which earplug(s) are affected and include a photo of the damage. We will respond as soon as possible and provide a suitable solution.
After the twelve-month material warranty, any damage is considered normal wear and tear. If you would still like a new set of earplugs, you will need to place a new order.
If your ear impressions were made within the last two years or less, see the FAQ “Can I use my previous impressions/fitting for a new order?”
To extend the lifespan of your earplugs, we also recommend reading the FAQ “How do I remove my custom earplugs from my ear?”
Damage to your earplugs can be reported via maatwerk@alpine.nl.
If you ordered and paid for your earplugs through Hans Anders, please contact them directly. They have your information and can assist you further.
Have you lost your earplugs and want to use the loss protection plan? We’re here to help.
Conditions:
- The loss protection plan must have been purchased when ordering your custom earplugs.
- The plan is valid for one-time replacement only.
- The plan is valid only for loss and/or theft, not for damage.
- Only valid within 12 months of the original delivery.
Do your lost custom earplugs meet the above conditions?
If so, contact us at maatwerk@alpine.nl to use the loss protection plan.
Custom earplugs via Hans Anders
If you ordered and paid for your custom earplugs through Hans Anders, please contact their customer service directly. They have your information and can assist you further.
Service
What are leak tests?
Leak tests are a method to check whether your earplugs fit perfectly. We use our leak test device, which builds a small amount of air pressure between the eardrum and the back of the earplug. Based on a graph, we can determine whether the earplugs still provide optimal protection and ensure that no air or sound is leaking.
When should a leak test be performed?
We recommend performing a leak test as soon as you receive your earplugs. If the earplugs are found to leak within the three-month period covered by the fit guarantee, we can arrange a new fitting and production under this guarantee.
To maintain optimal protection of your ear canals, we advise performing a leak test once a year. You can schedule an appointment via this link.
Note: Our SleepSoft and SwimSafe earplugs cannot be tested. These earplugs are completely sealed and have no filter channel, so we cannot build air pressure to perform the test.
What if the earplugs are leaking outside the warranty period?
That is, of course, unfortunate. We understand that you want to protect your ears as soon as possible. During this appointment, you can place a new order and have a new fitting performed, ensuring you quickly receive earplugs that fit properly and provide effective hearing protection.
Have you lost a filter or is the attenuation not quite right? We understand that it can be tricky to determine the perfect attenuation for your earplugs. It’s good to know that Alpine offers a lifetime free filter replacement service for conical filter earplugs. This means you can have the filters replaced if you want a different level of attenuation over time, whether you need them quieter or less attenuated.
You have two options for replacing the filters:
- Visit us in person
You can come to our office in Utrecht, where our staff can replace the filters for you. They can also advise on the most suitable attenuation based on your experience and environment. You can make an appointment to visit us in Utrecht. To schedule an appointment, click here. - Send your earplugs by mail
If visiting in person is not possible, you can send your earplugs to us by post. Please include your filter preference, email address, and return address, so we can send the earplugs back to you properly. You can expect to receive them at home within four working days.
Mailing address:
Alpine Nederland B.V.
Attn: Filter Replacement
Europalaan 40
3526 KS Utrecht
If you have purchased our MusicSafe earplugs, you can buy and replace the filters yourself. We do not offer a filter replacement service for MusicSafe earplugs. These filters can be purchased via this link.
In some cases, it’s not necessary to order a complete set of earplugs. For example, if you’ve lost just one earplug, you don’t need to order a whole new set. You can easily order a single earplug via this link.
If you had an ear impression taken less than two years ago, it’s possible to use this/these previous impression(s). We recommend reading the FAQ “New order based on previous impressions/fitting” under Ordering & Returns for detailed instructions on how to do this.
Recently, you had an ear impression taken and now want to order a new set of earplugs using your previous impressions.
Can my old impressions be used for a new order?
Yes, we keep all digital impressions of your ear canals in our system for up to two years. After this period, they are deleted because the shape of the ear canals can change over time, as they consist of cartilage.
If we still have your impressions, we can use them for a new order, saving you time and effort since a new fitting is not required.
How to order:
- Place a new order: a complete set can be ordered via this link, or a single earplug via this link.
- After placing your order, contact us at maatwerk@alpine.nl with your old order number and new order number. This allows us to link your old impressions to your new order.
- If you are ordering a single earplug, please specify whether it is the left or right earplug.
Cost:
The cost for a new set or a single earplug produced using existing impressions remains the same. The ear impression itself is a free service. Producing custom earplugs is a labor-intensive, manual process, even if we already have your impressions. Therefore, the price for new earplugs or a single new earplug remains the same, regardless of whether we have existing impressions on file.
Important:
Please provide both your old order number and the new order number. For single earplug orders, specify if it is the left or right earplug.
Order & Return
Placing an Order
You can easily order your earplugs on our website via this link. Here, you can fully customize your earplugs to your preferences.
There are suitable earplugs for every purpose. If you have questions about which attenuation is best for your use, read the FAQ “For which purposes can custom earplugs be used?” under the product information section.
Of course, you can also contact us for advice. We’ll ask you to share the purpose for which you want the hearing protection. If the selected filter turns out to be not quite right later, it can be adjusted afterward. See the FAQ “Filter Replacement” for more information.
Note: A personal engraving is mandatory. Special characters and emojis are not allowed, and the text can contain a maximum of ten letters and/or numbers. A useful idea is to use your phone number so that anyone who finds the earplugs can contact you.
It is not possible to order multiple sets of earplugs in one order. If you want multiple sets, you must go through the ordering process separately for each set. This way, each set gets a unique order number. You do not need multiple fittings for multiple orders, just bring all order numbers to your appointment so your ear impressions can be linked to each order.
After placing an order on our website, you will receive two emails:
- A confirmation of your payment.
- Your order number along with instructions to schedule an appointment.
If you want to check the schedule before making an appointment, you can do so via this link.
Curious about how the ear impression process works? Read the FAQ “How does the ear impression process work?”
Do you have a business inquiry or order? See more information below under “Business inquiries or orders”.
You can pay with iDeal, PayPal, Google Pay, Bancontact, KBC/CBC, and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and Amex). You can also choose the quick checkout via PayPal or Google Pay.
You placed an order but suddenly realized you would prefer a different earplug color. With so many options available, we understand that choosing a preferred color can sometimes be tricky.
If the fitting has not yet been done:
It is possible to modify your order. Please contact us at maatwerk@alpine.nl, and we will provide a new order number reflecting the changes. You will need to bring this new order number to your fitting appointment.
If the fitting has already been done:
Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to change the order. In this case, we will proceed with the original order, and you will receive the earplugs as originally selected. If you want a different color in the future, you are always welcome to place a new order. You can use your previously taken impressions for this; see the FAQ “Can I use my previous impressions/fitting for a new order?” for details.
To request a change, contact us via maatwerk@alpine.nl.
If you ordered and paid for your earplugs through Hans Anders, please contact them directly. They have your information and can assist you further.
If you want to provide your employees with custom hearing protection, please contact us at custommade@alpine.nl.
Note: This service is available for fittings of ten or more people, and if desired, we can arrange it on-site.
If you are a self-employed professional and want to order custom earplugs, you can refer to the FAQ “How do I order my custom earplugs?”. Of course, we will provide a VAT invoice so it can be properly recorded in your accounting.
Fitting
You can have custom-made earplugs fitted at various locations:
Alpine Store Head Office Utrecht
In Utrecht, you are welcome Monday through Friday in our modern Custom Made store.
Here you can visit us for:
- Taking ear impressions
- Testing your existing earplugs
- Replacing filters
We work by appointment only, which you can easily schedule via our online agenda.
More information about the location and directions can be found at the bottom of the relevant page.
Hans Anders near you
With more than 200 locations in the Netherlands and Belgium, there is always a Hans Anders store nearby.
- Fittings are also by appointment only
- Opening hours may vary per store
Making an appointment:
- Netherlands: via the Hans Anders appointment page
- Belgium: via the Hans Anders appointment page for Belgium
Events or pop-up locations
In addition, we regularly attend events and pop-up locations.
An up-to-date overview can be found on the page with upcoming events.
After you place an order on our website, we will send you two emails. In the first email, you will receive a payment confirmation, and in the second email you will find the order number along with instructions on how to schedule an appointment. Would you like to view the schedule before making an appointment? Then please take a look at this page. We kindly ask you to bring the received order number to the appointment and to come with clean ears. You can read more about this in the FAQ “Do I need to clean my ears before the fitting?” below.
At the appointment, we will be happy to welcome you with a cup of coffee, tea, or a refreshing drink. First, we will review the order together. Then we will inspect the ear canals and place a small piece of cotton to seal off the ear canal. Once this is properly sealed, the fitting paste will be inserted. This takes approximately 90 seconds to harden. In this way, we can obtain 3D impressions of your ear canal, allowing us to produce perfectly fitting earplugs for you.
Do you have piercings in your auricle? Or do you have ear tubes? If so, we recommend reviewing the FAQs below.
There is no minimum age requirement for the fitting of custom-made earplugs. However, it is important that you can sit still and are not afraid. Fortunately, the fitting process does not take much time, and sometimes it can help if you sit on your parent(s)’ or caregiver(s)’ lap. Would you like to know more about how the fitting works? Then read the FAQ “How does the fitting of hearing protection work?”
Please note that in very young children, the ear canals grow faster than in adults. This may mean that custom-made earplugs need to be replaced sooner.
Definitely a relevant question! Let’s take a closer look at the topic of earwax.
In our laboratory, we can process ear impressions well, even if there is some earwax present. A little earwax is completely normal for everyone. However, it is important to note that the amount of earwax matters. If there is a plug of earwax in the ear canal that prevents us from seeing the shape of the canal properly, we unfortunately cannot perform the fitting. In that case, we recommend making an appointment with your doctor first to have your ears cleaned, as this is not something we can do ourselves.
Please note that the ear canals may be a bit sensitive and swollen after cleaning. Therefore, we recommend waiting a few days before taking an impression. This ensures that we can perform the most comfortable and accurate measurement.
There are different types of ear tubes that can be inserted into the eardrum, namely the T-tube and the TV-tube.
The TV-tube is a round tube that is placed flat in the eardrum. If you have this type of tube in your ears, it is not a problem for us to perform a fitting.
The T-tube, on the other hand, is shaped like the letter "T." With this type of tube, part of the tube protrudes from the eardrum. Because it is difficult to determine exactly how far the tube sticks out, we do not perform fittings for T-tubes.
If the tubes have been in your ear canals for a long time, it is possible that the eardrum is starting to reject them, which can result in an irritated ear canal. In such cases, it may not be possible to perform a fitting, and the tubes may need to be removed from the eardrum/ear canal first.
To produce the best-fitting earplugs, it is ideal to perform the fitting without a piercing. If you can remove the piercing, that would be very helpful. In most cases, it is still possible to perform a fitting with piercings by gently moving the piercing aside, as shown in the image below.
It is important to note, however, that it is unfortunately not possible to produce our SwimSafe earplugs if there are piercings in the auricle. These earplugs require an exact measurement of the ear canal and outer ear. If this is not possible, water may leak past the earplug, and the desired waterproof function will not work properly. In that case, we are unable to produce SwimSafe earplugs.
You can easily do this via this link. Here you will find our online calendar to make an appointment for:
- Fitting custom-made earplugs
- Leak testing of custom-made earplugs
- Filter replacement for custom-made earplugs
At Hans Anders, you can also have custom hearing protection fitted. Find the nearest store to you here.
Curious about how the fitting process works? Then read our FAQ “How does the fitting of hearing protection work?”
For business inquiries or contact, please see the FAQ “Do you have a business request or order?” below.
Returning Custom-Made Earplugs
If the custom-made earplugs ordered from Alpine do not meet your expectations, you can return them within the three-month fit guarantee period. We recommend sending the earplugs back as a mailbox parcel to:
Alpine Nederland B.V.
Attn: Niet Goed, Geld Terug
Europalaan 40
3526 KS Utrecht
Please note that any return shipping costs are your responsibility.
Did you order and pay for your earplugs at Hans Anders? In that case, please contact Hans Anders directly. They have your details and can assist you further.
Address Alpine
Our headquarters is located at the address below. This is also where you can have custom-made earplugs fitted:
Alpine Nederland B.V.
Avenue Building – 6th Floor
Europalaan 40
3526 KS Utrecht
The building has entrances on two sides (marked with green arrows). Once inside, you can walk through and take the elevator to the 6th floor.
Free parking is available in the garage at the rear of the Avenue building, accessible via the blue arrows.
Alpine is also easily accessible by public transport. The tram stop Kanaleneiland-Zuid is located right outside the building, and from there it takes about 10 minutes to reach Utrecht Central Station.
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E-mail | Consumers
Our specialists are available Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM to answer your emails. We will respond to your message within 2 business days at the latest.
E-mail | Business
If you want to order custom-made earplugs as a business customer (starting from 10 pieces), you can contact us!
Phone
Our customer service team is available Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM to assist you by phone.
Custom-Made Earplugs Appointment
You can schedule your fitting, a free leak test, or a free filter replacement via the link below. Our specialists are happy to provide information and advice.