In-Ear Monitors: What They Are & How We Help Musicians Get the Perfect Fit
If you’re a musician, performer, or sound professional, protecting your hearing while still hearing clearly matters more than ever. Recently, we had a patient visit Empathy Hearing Clinic to have custom earmold impressions taken for new in-ear monitors (IEMs)—and it’s a service we’re proud to offer right here in Burlington.
What Are In-Ear Monitors?
In-ear monitors (IEMs) are custom-fit earpieces used by musicians and performers to hear themselves and the rest of the band clearly during rehearsals and live performances. Unlike generic earbuds, custom IEMs are made from molds of your own ears, creating a precise seal.
This custom fit helps to:
Reduce stage noise and feedback
Improve sound clarity and balance
Allow lower listening levels (protecting your hearing)
Stay securely in place during movement and performances
Many musicians switch to custom IEMs not only for sound quality, but to help prevent long-term hearing damage.
Why Custom Earmold Impressions Matter
The most important step in getting custom in-ear monitors is taking accurate earmold impressions. A well-made impression ensures:
Proper fit and comfort
Consistent sound quality
Effective noise isolation
Long-term durability of the monitors
During this visit, we took impressions of both ears using professional audiology materials, ensuring the ear canal and outer ear anatomy were captured correctly.
From Impression to Finished In-Ear Monitors
Once the earmold impressions were completed:
The patient reviewed and approved the impressions
The impressions were safely packaged
The patient sent them directly to their chosen in-ear monitor manufacturer
The company then uses those impressions to create the custom in-ear monitors
This process ensures the final product is built exactly to the manufacturer’s specifications, while still benefiting from professionally taken impressions.
Who Can Benefit From In-Ear Monitors?
Custom in-ear monitors aren’t just for touring musicians. We regularly help:
Musicians and singers
Worship band members
DJs
Music teachers
Sound engineers
Performers of all ages
Whether you’re performing weekly or occasionally, proper hearing protection and monitoring can make a huge difference.
In-Ear Monitor Services at Empathy Hearing Clinic
At Empathy Hearing Clinic, we provide:
Professional earmold impressions for in-ear monitors
Careful assessment of ear health before impressions
Comfortable, precise impression techniques
Guidance on next steps with your chosen manufacturer
We take the time to ensure impressions are done correctly—because a great final product starts with a great impression.
Book an Appointment
If you’re considering custom in-ear monitors or need new earmold impressions, we’re happy to help. Our clinic provides a calm, supportive environment with experience working with musicians and performers.
Empathy Hearing Clinic – Burlington, Ontario
Book your earmold impression appointment today