I read an article in the December 2010 "Sound and Vision" magazine that discussed Etymotic's custom-fit program: you visit any audiologist in their network and get fitted for custom-built ear pieces that work in any of their in-ear monitors for $100. So, a $179 pair of HF3s would run $279 for custom fit!

However, I work on planes, in coffee shops, next to a 21 year old cat, and in other noisy places. Beyond the sound quality, I was wondering how custom-fit ear pieces blocked noise when compared to, say, Shure sound isolating earphones, which I currently use.

And no, I don't want to buy a pair of Bose QuietComfort 15s.

I have owned two pair of excellent custom headphones, which I purchased for their sound quality (Ultimate Ears UE11 and Jerry Harvey Audio JH13s), and currently have a third on the way (Jerry Harvey Audio 3A/JH16: which is more of a system than a headphone). Prior to this, I owned Etymotic ER4Ps.

In order to get the best sound quality, the fit needs to be perfect in order to get a seal (also affecting isolation). Sometimes this is a bit of trial and error, mostly depending on the molds the audiologist makes. I had to send my UE11s back twice to get a good fit, and went through two audiologists, as the first one's molds were rejected twice (he was on their website as recommended) I was lucky on the JH13s and got a perfect fit first time, but I know of some people who had to send theirs back multiple times until right. You'd have to be willing to take that risk.

A couple other things to consider: if you're just looking for isolation, the Ety ER4Ps (not custom) offered the best isolation I've gotten, but you have to mess around with different tips. I've had the Shures, and the Ety isolation is better. If you're making the jump to customs, I would think that you would also be interested in making a jump in sq. I'd look into Jerry Harvey models, and Westone has a new one out (ES5) that is reportedly excellent (reported by people whose opinion I trust based on their experience and taste I'm familiar with). That said, the Ety ER4P provided a bit better isolation over my customs while offering quality sound, but I'd take the sq of the JH13s or JH16s 100X over the small isolation difference any day. They are pricey (there are less expensive models available), but to sit back on a plane with a simple ipod classic (you'd need to have lossless files with these more revealing headphones), and a portable amp (my preference is the pico slim by headamp), any flight becomes a joy. I'm flying from Florida to San Francisco in a couple weeks, and look forward to a few hours of closing my eyes and disappearing into my favorite music.

If you'd like more info on custom headphones, there are a couple expert sites:

head-fi.org - it's a treasure trove of genuine information that's sadly often buried in youthful nonsense and "authoritative" opinions based on little more than desire to be authoritative. Don't believe everything you read, but dig and you come up with gems of info.

head-case.org - people who know their audio, many into diy, have little/zero tolerance for the b.s. noted above. Many own custom headphones, and have had experience with most everything else. Can be a bit hard on newbies, if it's clear the newbie hasn't bothered to check things out (e.g, use search feature prior to posting away or is a general arse). Most active members know each other outside of the forum and are protective of the site. The welcome pm explains it all. Right now, there is even a current thread where options for Ety customization are discussed. If you're really interested, pm me, and I'll send you a link.

Happy listening and good luck.

I that find the standard earplugs on Etys work quite well for blocking noise. I use the rubber ones, not the foam ones. Twist them as they go in. Try them. I also find the sound quality to be way better than the Sony and Bose noise-cancelling headphones I have tried.

This is my experience as well.

I got some "custom" ear pieces as well, and noticed very little difference in noise isolation. I did find the custom pieces to be bulkier than the standard ones, and have left them at home. One of the benefits of the etymotics is that I can slip them in a breast pocket with my iPhone, and not have to dig through my carryon or forget them in the front seat pocket.

Properly inserting earphones will make a much larger difference in isolation than any change in make or model. Don't just push hard and twist.

How to insert earplugs.

Opening your jaw during the insert/expand phase also helps. A proper seal will do wonders for sound quality and low-end response.

One you insert them properly and block the ear canal, almost all sound to your eardrum is arriving through other paths (you'd be surprised how much your skull transmits sound waves), so a custom fit doesn't do much for isolation (though they are much more comfortable and worth the cost)

First, I am proud to say: "Welcome to flyertalk." So many of the first posts on this site are questions, not answers; such a well considered post is really appreciated and sets you apart. I can see that you're in the major leagues (your UE 11s retail for $1,150) and I'm still playing TeeBall (my Shures were about 10% of that).

Anyway, the consensus I'm seeing here is: select the gear first, get the best fit possible, insert them carefully, and decide if the custom fits are really necessary. And it sounds like a bit more homework on my part is in order.