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Custom vs. Universal In-Ear Monitors: Which is Better and Why?

If you’re a musician or someone who really cherishes listening to music, an in-ear monitor (IEM) is probably on your radar. Deciding between a custom IEM and a universal IEM may seem like a tough decision, but it shouldn’t be. Keep reading to learn more about custom and universal in-ear monitors and why one is better than the other.

In-Ear Monitors

In-ear monitors (IEMs) were originally created for musicians and performers to be able to hear themselves on stage without having to rely on typical stage monitor speakers. IEMs block out outside noise better than any other ear listening device and offer a musician or a consumer of music a “truer” experience when it comes to hearing the music. You may be thinking this sounds a lot like an AirPod, but you’d be wrong.

IEMs contain tiny drivers that convert the electrical signals from your source device into sound. Unlike an AirPod, or other typical earbuds, IEMS use smaller and more precise drivers like those found in hearing aids. This provides sound that is exceptionally clearer and more accurate than any earbud ever could be.

When it comes to IEMs, there are two choices: custom or universal. Each one can provide heightened sound quality compared to a set of headphones, or even an earbud, but there is a clear choice between them.

Universal IEMs

Universal-fit IEMs are the most common type of IEM, and are made to fit a variety of ear canals. They are less expensive than custom IEMs, and offer a relatively comfortable fit depending on the size and shape of your ear canal. Universal IEMs do not block out sound like custom IEMs because they do not provide as tight of a seal, so if you’re not worried about background noise and like to hear what else is going on while you’re listening to music, a universal IEM would be the way to go.

However, who wants to hear background noise if you’re trying to enjoy the music you’re listening to? Whether at your job, running, performing on stage, or working out, hearing only what you want to hear (usually your music) is the goal. Universal IEMs may not fit as well as custom IEMs, so losing one or having them fall out is a concern.

Custom IEMs

Custom in-ear monitors provide a separation from you and the outside environment. They are made by an audiologist taking impressions of your ear canals, creating a seal that blocks out outside noise entirely. If what you’re listening to is important to you, and the only thing you want to hear, custom IEMs are the right choice.

The main benefit of custom IEMs blocking out noise so well is that you can listen to your music at a lower volume, which helps protect your hearing. This is especially important to musicians when performing live concerts. Custom IEMs can bring a 110 decibel concert down to around 80 decibels, a far better range for your hearing. Universal IEMs can only bring a decibel range down by 8-9 decibels, which isn’t doing much to protect your ears.

Another important element of custom IEMs is that fit is personalized to your ear canal exactly, so the worry of the IEM slipping out of your ear is eliminated. They are also very comfortable to wear for longer periods of time because the fit is spot on to your ear canal.

The Right Choice & Why 

If you’re in the market for IEMs, the best choice is custom IEMs. Custom IEMs are small, portable, and also provide the best listening experience you can find. They do cost more than universal IEMs, however when it comes to fit, the two are incomparable. Buying universal IEMs may actually end up being a waste of money because if they aren’t comfortable, you aren’t going to use them.

The sound quality from custom IEMs cannot be overstated–it is the real experience of the music. The seal that a custom IEM provides gives you the best mechanism to hear the music the way it was meant to be heard. Every nuance of the music will be measurable and detailed. The absolute correct choice for IEMs are custom IEMs made with the help of an experienced audiologist.

Interested in having custom in-ear monitors crafted for your listening pleasure? Reach out to Hearing Solution Centers today!

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