Frequently Asked Questions
Who can use Surfplugs?
Surfers, kitesurfers, wind surfers, swimmers, SUP, paddle boarders, wakeboarders, waterskiers, surf kayakers, white water kayakers, open water swimmers, surf instructors, coasteering, watersport. They are not suitable for SCUBA diving.
How do Surfplugs fit?
They are custom moulded to your ear using a simple medical impression taking procedure by your local audiologist. The ear canal & the natural folds of your outer ear along with the lacquer finish will ensure that the Surfplugs stay in place even during high energy & extreme water sport.
What are Surfplugs made of?
A medical grade silicone finished with a lacquer coating suitable for ear plugs.
What colours do you supply?
Surfplugs are supplied as a two colour or three colour swirl effect (single colours available if required). We can supply anything apart from metallic colours or clear & always like to take on a new colour challenge!
What is the graphics option?
Our graphics upgrade is the addition of logos (if you have permission) or any images, pictures and even photos to the Surfplugs. Bold simple images are most effective. This upgrade is £10.00.
Do you supply a storage pouch for the Surfplugs?
Yes, a funky little waterproof red zip pouch is supplied with every pair of Surfplugs.
Can the Surfplugs be connected together by a cord?
Yes, we fit the security leash as standard. The leash can be trapped under your wetsuit Velcro for added security & can be removed by unscrewing if desired.
Can I clean my Surfplugs?
Yes, use warm soapy water or a very mild sterilising solution.
Are Surfplugs safe?
Yes, they are CE certified as a protection device and also meet ANSI 352-2
How long will Surfplugs last?
We expect the typical lifetime of Surfplugs to be 3 to 4 years although some natural anatomical changes to the ears may require an update sooner.
How much do Surfplugs cost?
Surfplugs cost £69.99 + the cost of the impression taking. Impressions costs vary significantly worldwide but expect to pay around £15 - £30 from a private audiologist. Or visit us at Surfplugs in Devon, UK for FREE impressions. Second sets can be ordered at significant discount at the point of order or normally retail at £39.99 whilst we have your ear shape on file (3 years from point of initial order). Graphics upgrades are £10 & postage is FREE worldwide. A priority 24hr turnaround fee of £25 is also available to the UK. (All prices £ sterling)
Are Surfplugs worth the money?
Yes, if you have ever experienced surfers ear, infections or time out of the water due to surgery or on a surf trip waiting for antibiotics to work then the answer is a massive YES. Board £500, Wetsuit £250, Travel £600, protection against infections & surfers ear £PRICELESS.
Do Surfplugs have a warranty?
Yes, the workmanship is guaranteed for 1 year. They are not guaranteed against loss in use.
I live in the UK how do I get Surfplugs?
Book an appointment with us for FREE impressions or use the audiologist finder facility in our ordering section to find your local audiologist. They will take the impressions of your ears; then simply send the impressions to us with the completed order form.
I live outside the UK, how do I get Surfplugs?
Use the audiologist finder facility in our ordering section to find your local audiologist. They will take the impressions of your ears; then simply send the impressions to us with the completed order form.
How much do impressions cost?
We do not charge for impression taking but if using an private independent audiologist or hearing aid professional then they will typically charge around £15 - £30. It's worth contacting a few local audiologists as prices will vary. Ensure that you ask ONLY for the impressions and NOT earplugs.
Does impression taking hurt?
No, it is a simple painless procedure that takes about 5 minutes.
How long do Surfplugs take to make?
Turnaround time is typically 7 to 10 days.We do provide a priority UK service at extra cost.
Do you provide a priority fast turnaround and delivery service?
Yes, we can achieve 24hr turnaround & send the Surfplugs via next day delivery. This service is an additional £25 & available to the UK only.
Do you keep my Surfplugs impressions on file?
Yes, we keep your impressions on file for 3 years so we can remake an extra set at any time for you. After 3 years most ear canals have developed and changed shape & the impression will be destroyed. We will contact you before we destroy your impressions & give you the opportunity of re-ordering at the discounted rate.
Can I get a spare set of Surfplugs?
Yes, we keep your impressions on file for 3 years and within this time you can have as many spare sets made at £39.99 a pair. If you order a second set at the point of the initial order then a further discount is available on the order form.
Will Surfplugs affect my balance?
No, some people feel that earplugs affect balance but this is simply a change in spatial awareness. There are no physical affects to your balance by using any type of earplug and we have plenty of surfers using them.
Are Surfplugs completely watertight?
The goal is a watertight fit & Surfplugs will achieve this in most situations. However, we cannot guarantee this due to anatomical variability in peoples ears. In all situations the flushing affect of water & wind chill will be reduced & it is this that will assist in preventing Surfers Ear.
Are Surfplugs guaranteed to stay in?
Surfplugs are an awesome fit but on rare occasion a Surfplug may be lost in use. We do not and will not guarantee against this as variables exist between the ear anatomy of individuals. However, this percentage of known loss to date is less than 2% of all supplied Surfplugs, we also fit the leash as further security.
Can I get a replacement if I lose a Surfplug?
Yes, Simply email or phone us & if we have your impressions on file then we charge £24.99 for a single side replacement or £39.99 for a new pair. Postage is FREE worldwide.
Will Surfplugs prevent infections & surfers ear?
Yes, Surfplugs will reduce the incidence of infections & help to prevent against the growth of surfers ear by keeping water & wind chill out of the ear canal.
Can I use Surfplugs with ear infections, post surgery, perforations or grommets?
Yes, Surfplugs are fitted and manufactured by qualified audiologists & can be used in these conditions. However, you should rely on the advice of your doctor who will be able to advise if Surfplugs are suitable for your particular medical condition.
Will Surfplugs prevent swimmers ear?
Yes, Surfplugs reduce the incidence of swimmers ear which is an infection of the skin layers of the ear. Swimmers ear & infection is particularly common in the tropics where higher toxin levels in the water & humid environments can lead to infection problems.
Can I use Surfplugs in a swimming pool?
Yes, Surfplugs are unaffected by chlorine levels in swimming pools.
Do you recommend Surfplugs for children?
Yes, Surfplugs are suitable for children. However, you will need to replace the Surfplugs about every 6 to 12 months whilst their ears are growing. We are happy to provide the service but tend to discourage Surfplugs until children are about 14 or 15 years of age when their ear size is more stable.
Can Surfplugs be used as hearing protectors?
Yes, they meet EN352-2:2002 and have an SNR value of 29dB.
How much will I hear when using Surfplugs?
Surfplugs will reduce a certain amount of sound, however, once you are used to wearing Surfplugs then normal conversation & environmental sounds can still be heard. We have several surf & outward bound instructors that successfully use Surfplugs with their classes.
Are Surfplugs better then off-the-shelf products?
Yes, Surfplugs were developed by surfers for surfers and the custom nature ensure comfort, durability, performance & a product that is unlikely to become dislodged even in heavy surf & extreme water sport. We keep your impressions on file; they are supplied with a security leash, full fitting instructions & a storage pouch. Life expectancy is up to 4 years.
What do I do if want to remove the security leash?
The security leash can be unscrewed and will leave a small hole in the Surfplug, this will not affect the performance or let in water. The security leash is not designed to be repeatedly removed and refitted. If you wish for us to cosmetically fill the hole in the Surfplug then we are happy to do this for you.
What if my Surfplugs don’t fit correctly?
Email us, we can ensure you are fitting them correctly and determine if we need to alter them slightly to fit. if you can provide a close up photo of the Suirfplug in the ear that may assist us in diagnosing any fitting problems.
Who manufacturers the Surfplugs?
Surfplugs are manufactured by qualified audiologists ensuring that we can control the quality & fit of the product at every stage.
Can I exchange web links with Surfplugs?
Yes, If you’re a surf related site or have a surfers profile page then sure, add our details and we will add you to our links page.
How do I pay for my Surfplugs?
We accept all major card payments over the telephone, cheque or cash.
