I cant remember the last time I posted here. As have been said, the DOCS PROPLUGS are the only brand Im aware of that are dive rated ear plugs. They are vented so that you can equalize going up or down in the water column without any squeeze.
a common misconception is that they help you equalize in some way. They do not. They only exist to keep from getting swimmers ear and to protect against that cold blast of water. I HATE when the cold water hits my ear drum when Im diving. THey keep out all but a trickle of water no matter how long you stay down.
I havent read the DAN article, and have never heard about the medical related cons. They do restrict hearing. Someone posted that with a 7mm hood and the plugs they cant hear very well. If your wearing a 7mm hood, you prob dont need the plugs. your hood should keep the ambient water warm enough to keep from getting that cold blast and water penetration or swimmers ear is usually fairly limited. IF your still worried about swimmers ear, ask yourself if you have that problem wearing a 7mm hood. I have never found that much water penetrates the hood. I do have to admit, that when I scrub boats in the early fall and spring, I like the plugs because i pull off my tri lam hood, I just towel dry my hair, do a quick swipe of my ears and Im done. No annoying wind chill down to my eardrum.
Yes, they are somewhat difficult to size. make sure the salesman gives you the time you need. The ProPLugs rep gives the store a set of demo plugs, some alco-wipes, and training on how to size and sell the plugs. If the guy/girl just says your about a small and hands you a pair, I wouldnt expect great results. make sure they size you and let you try on a few of the demo's. It would be a shame to let 15 bucks worth of ear plugs fall out when you hit the water. When properly sized, they stay in for the majority of people. all ears are different and they are designed to fit most people, but not ALL people.
Do they stay in? yes. Ive done roll ins, giant strides, back rolls, you name it. they stay in. you will feel the seal break once in a while when you move your jaw or change facial expressions. its not always a perfect seal, but it still beats all that water getting in.
the biggest con is that they are clear. Some have a little string connecting them together. the idea is that if one falls out you didnt lose it. to me if one falls out youve just doubled the length of the string and now it has a snag point on the other end. I think they come in diff. colors, but you have to order them. I painted red dots on mine, but had to keep re-applying the paint because it just comes right off.
all in all I love mine. I need a new pair because, well, i lost em. When I get out I usually stuff them up the sleeve of my wet suit. I decided to ditch the suit next to the boat and forgot they were there. if you find em, you can have em......
