Frequently asked questions

Applying a standard replacement period (e.g. every 5 years) for otoplastics is neither the safest nor the most cost-effective strategy.

This is because the outer ear changes in a unique way and at a unique speed for each individual. As a result, the actual lifespan of otoplastics varies greatly from person to person.

The risks of a fixed replacement period are twofold:

• Risk of hearing damage (false sense of security): In some users, the ear canal changes more quickly, which means that otoplastics can start to leak after only two years, for example. If they are not replaced until after five years, the employee will have been walking around with a false sense of security for three years, which can lead to irreversible hearing damage.
• Unnecessary costs (waste): For other users, the fit remains good for much longer (e.g. 8 years). If these otoplastics are discarded preventively after 5 years, the company incurs unnecessary costs for replacement that was not yet necessary.

What is the best alternative to a fixed replacement?

Instead of blindly relying on a calendar year, annual checks are the gold standard.

• Annual leak test: By testing earplugs for leaks every year, you can be sure that they still provide adequate protection. Leaky earplugs are replaced immediately, while earplugs that are still in good condition remain in use.
• Maintenance and dialogue: A maintenance appointment provides an important opportunity for contact between the specialist and the wearer. Any complaints, comfort or hygiene issues can be resolved immediately. The filter is replaced and the earplug channel is cleared, eliminating any excessive attenuation. This has a positive impact on wear acceptance.

Why is annual maintenance necessary?

Tympro otoplastics contain specialised filters that are precisely tuned to the noise and your preferences. Over time, earwax and dirt can clog the canal and filter and cause the filter to wear out.

• Preventing overprotection: Blockage of the canal and filter and wear of the filter cause excessive attenuation.
• Comfort: Otoplastics that attenuate sound too much are less popular, as they reduce spatial awareness and make it harder to understand speech.
• Validity of the leak test: Performing a leak test on a blocked otoplastic or an otoplastic with a worn filter is pointless. The equipment will incorrectly consider it to be 'leak-proof'. Internal cleaning and replacement of the filter is therefore required to make the test legitimate.

Why is an annual leak test necessary?

Your ears are constantly changing. The shape and size of the outer ear and ear canal change over the years, which has a direct impact on the fit of your customised hearing protection (otoplastics).

• Risk of leakage: After several years, otoplastics do not seal as well, increasing the risk of hearing damage.
• Unnoticed process: This is a gradual process involving habituation. You often do not notice the leakage yourself, or notice it too late.
• Person-dependent: The speed at which ears change varies greatly from person to person.
• Need for testing: To guarantee protection, an annual leak test is crucial. New impressions are only taken once a leak has been detected: this eliminates false security and unnecessary replacement costs.

What exactly does Tympro's annual maintenance involve?

The online Tympro Portal automatically indicates which otoplastics are eligible for maintenance. Based on this, our office staff will schedule an appointment with you, after which our product specialist will visit you on site. This consultation takes approximately 6 minutes per user.

• Dialogue: The user shares his or her experience with the specialist.
• Filter removal: The noise filter is removed to make the canal accessible.
• Thorough cleaning: The specialist cleans the otoplastics internally and externally.
• Filter replacement: A new sound filter is installed and the attenuation is correctly reset using the Tympro meter.
• Leak tightness test: This test determines whether the otoplastics still seal securely.
• New impressions: New ear impressions will only be made if a defect is found during maintenance or a leak is detected during testing.