Mack's Shooters Putty Earplugs

Macks soft moldable silicone custom molds to your outer ear for the ultimate in all-day shooting comfort.

Shatterproof carrying case included

FAQ’s Mack's Shooters Moldable Silicone Putty Earplugs

Is the Shooters Putty disposable or is it designed for multiple uses?

The silicone putty material that this product is made of is quite tacky, which gives it a unique ability to seal the outer ear. Shooters hands and fingers are often coated with solvents and dusts inherent in that activity and environment. These substances can be transferred to the tacky material during application and removal. Using the product multiple times with these substances adhered to it could cause the material to break down and substantially decrease its ability to seal properly. It is for this reason that we have designated this product for single use only.

What are the silicone earplugs made of and do they contain latex?

The earplugs are made of moldable, non-irritating silicone rubber and do not contain any latex.

Can the earplugs be cleaned?

No. Keeping your hands and ears clean and dry prior to handling/applying the earplugs will help prolong the useable life of the earplugs.

Are there any additional application tips to help me get an airtight / watertight seal with the earplugs?

First try re-reading the directions, then apply a fresh pair of earplugs, making sure your hands and ears are clean and dry. Moldable silicone earplugs are designed to stick to the surface of a clean, dry ear. If the earplugs are being used in a moist and/or dirty environment, be sure the hands and ears are clean and dry before applying or re-inserting the earplugs or a proper seal may not be achieved. A sign that you have achieved a proper seal is that your own voice will sound more internal and exaggerated. Lastly, try covering the ear canal with the earplug starting from the rear and moving toward the face. This technique squeezes out some of the air in the ear canal before sealing it shut, thus creating a bit of a suction effect. This last technique takes a little practice but creates an excellent seal when done correctly.

Can I break the earplugs in half for smaller sized ears?

No. The earplugs are designed to cover the ear canal. Breaking them into smaller pieces may cause the user to push the earplug into the ear canal making it more difficult to remove. We recommend using Mack's® Kid's Size Silicone Earplugs for children six and under.

Will the earplugs melt if they are exposed to warm temperatures?

Absolutely not. The earplugs may become slightly more pliable when exposed to warm temperatures, but never viscous. Each batch of material is stability tested in our lab at over 350 degrees F. (The typical temperature for a hot tub and sauna is 104 degrees F and 170 degrees F respectively.) To date, not a single test has shown positive results for melting or shape transformation (instability).

These earplugs have been used while flying since the early 1960's and our users report them to be safe and effective for reducing flying discomfort. In addition, Dr. Ira Rubin, MD, PhD has found the earplugs to be an effective tool in preventing ear pain in children, especially infants, during plane trips. As he is quoted in a leading pediatric journal: "When molded to the ear canal, they protect the ear from painful air pressure changes and reduce noise as well. Parents report that ear plugs work especially well with infants when left in place for the entire flight. I suggest a trial run a week before the trip if parents anticipate a child's refusing to leave the ear plugs in place." It is believed that the plugs slow down and/or decrease the effects of the pressure changes, thus allowing the ears more time to respond and equalize. As mentioned above, another manner by which the plugs help is by lowering the noise levels in the cabin allowing the user to rest, thus helping combat the effects of jet lag. The benefit of this rest is twofold in that is also helps calm and relax the "tense" flyer, thus allowing them to equalize more effectively. If you are suffering from an ear health condition, we recommend you consult an E.N.T. (ear, nose, and throat doctor) before flying while using the earplugs. As the earplugs are only to be used as an aid, the user needs to take an active roll in trying to prevent the onset of the discomfort. The person should try to stay ahead of and prevent the discomfort by trying to "clear" their ears by one of the various known methods. This is especially important during descent when most of the discomfort occurs. One of the methods involves plugging the nose while applying slight blowing pressure while holding one's breath. Another method is to chew gum. It is not the gum itself, but the wide opening motion of the jaw and the act of swallowing that helps aid in the equalization process. Therefore, either faking it or merely munching on some snacks can achieve the same results. We recommend wearing the earplugs the entire flight, up until the airplane has landed and the cabin has been depressurized.

Are the moldable silicone earplugs safe to use for flying discomfort? If so, when and how do I use them?

These earplugs have been used while flying since the early 1960's and our users report them to be safe and effective for reducing flying discomfort. In addition, Dr. Ira Rubin, MD, PhD has found the earplugs to be an effective tool in preventing ear pain in children, especially infants, during plane trips. As he is quoted in a leading pediatric journal: "When molded to the ear canal, they protect the ear from painful air pressure changes and reduce noise as well. Parents report that ear plugs work especially well with infants when left in place for the entire flight. I suggest a trial run a week before the trip if parents anticipate a child's refusing to leave the ear plugs in place." It is believed that the plugs slow down and/or decrease the effects of the pressure changes, thus allowing the ears more time to respond and equalize. As mentioned above, another manner by which the plugs help is by lowering the noise levels in the cabin allowing the user to rest, thus helping combat the effects of jet lag. The benefit of this rest is twofold in that is also helps calm and relax the "tense" flyer, thus allowing them to equalize more effectively. If you are suffering from an ear health condition, we recommend you consult an E.N.T. (ear, nose, and throat doctor) before flying while using the earplugs. As the earplugs are only to be used as an aid, the user needs to take an active roll in trying to prevent the onset of the discomfort. The person should try to stay ahead of and prevent the discomfort by trying to "clear" their ears by one of the various known methods. This is especially important during descent when most of the discomfort occurs. One of the methods involves plugging the nose while applying slight blowing pressure while holding one's breath. Another method is to chew gum. It is not the gum itself, but the wide opening motion of the jaw and the act of swallowing that helps aid in the equalization process. Therefore, either faking it or merely munching on some snacks can achieve the same results. We recommend wearing the earplugs the entire flight, up until the airplane has landed and the cabin has been depressurized.

Are all styles of Mack's® moldable silicone earplugs dual purpose? In other words, will all the Mack's® moldable silicone earplugs help reduce noise AND block out water?

Yes. While we market our moldable silicone putty ear plugs using a variety of names and colors for several different target markets, they all provide the same great noise reduction and water blocking characteristics. Not all possible uses are listed on all product packages. WARNING: Do not use for scuba diving or at depths over 10 feet.

Are your moldable silicone earplugs antimicrobial?

No. They are not antimicrobial. Mack's silicone naturally resists degradation from microbes for the useful life of the product (up to 5 uses).

Are your moldable silicone earplugs resistant to microbes?

Yes. Mack's silicone naturally resists degradation from microbes for the useful life of the product (up to 5 uses).