Ultimate Ears Begins Affordable Custom Moulds Comments

@Oliver - you're missing the point. The better fit the filter the more of the outside world that is blocked out and the quieter (and therefore better for yours ears) you can have the music. Not to mention the enhancement of sound quality.

You cannot "just turn down the volume" with low quality or generic earbuds because the environmental noise means you won't be able to hear anything. For example, on a tube it is common for commuters to say their iPods are too quiet. This isn't the case, they are blasting their poor ears but all the background noise is getting in. Hugo and I both use custom moulded earphones and can enjoy music at HALF volume on the tube - anything more would be almost too loud!

Ultimately, spending money on any form of decent earphone - let alone custom earbud - seems a hard sell to the public at large currently. Then again, I think hearing is far too important a thing to mess with and I suspect public attitude may change as cases of tinnitus and hearing impairment are on the rise.

I know these things cost a lot, but considering the way money is often flittered away on frivolity I'd rather have a weekend or two at home and put what I save towards something genuinely important. In the long term you'll be glad you did.

@Oliver - if you didn't follow the link from the story (linked from 'highly welcome') you may find this article an interesting read:
http://www.trustedreviews.com/mp3/news/2008/10/14/EU-Claims-10--of-MP3-Player-Owners-RISK-HEARING-LOSS-/p1