Audio46 Guide to Ear Impressions

The process of getting ear impressions done for custom-fit earphones and eartips can be a challenging process if you're just starting out.

Here's a simple guide for the basics.

Important Things to Know

Custom orders cannot begin production until your ear impressions are received.
Placing the order is only part of the process. Audio46 offers a variety of custom fit brands. The respective brand cannot start production on your custom product until the required ear impressions have actually been received.

The first step is to visit an audiologist.
Physical impressions are not something you do at home. An audiologist or qualified hearing professional needs to make them for you.

Audio46 does not ship any at-home impression kit.
There is no mail-order kit from us for making physical ear impressions yourself.

Regarding 64 Audio Orders
Audio46 is not 64 Audio. Audio46 is an independent headphone store that sells 64 Audio products. For 64 Audio custom orders, some customers choose to mail their ear impressions directly to 64 Audio instead of sending them to Audio46. If you do this, please let Audio46 know after your impressions have been sent so we can contact 64 Audio and help connect your Audio46 order number to 64 Audio's system.

Step 1: Go to an Audiologist

Where to get Physical Impressions Done

Currently Audio46 does NOT have our own compiled list of audiologists. However, if you're visiting our store (29 West 46th Street, Between 5th and 6th Avenue, New York, NY, 10036), we know an audiologist in the area we can recommend—just let us know!

To find an audiologist near you, we recommend checking out the lists compiled by some of the brands we work with:

How Physical Molds are Made

Physical molds require injecting the ear with a high viscosity material.

Photos showing example of mold injection into ear
Image by Westone

Things to keep in mind when doing ear impressions for custom fit in-ear monitors:

  • The full impression of each ear must properly capture past the second bend. The aperture, cymba, and bowl must be completely cast along with the outer ear—crus of helix, tragus, intertragul notch, anti-tragus and anti-helix (*see diagram below)
  • Impressions with shiny/glossy texture in required areas indicates improper casts and should be redone
  • A 1 to 2 inch bite block is recommended to reduce jaw movement while the impressions are being taken
  • Use of high viscosity materials is preferred (i.e. Otoform Green, Yellow, Orange, Purple or Westone Pink)
  • If wearing a mask, do NOT use the ear loops during the procedure as they can deform the impression
  • Do NOT pre-trim the ear molds when submitting them

Labelling of ear mold locations
Image by 64 Audio

Step 2: Send the Ear Impressions to Audio46

Audio46 carries multiple custom-fit brands, which means one set of impressions can be used across the custom brands we offer.

Always make sure to send in your impressions no later than 30 days after having them made. Impression material changes over time and can impact the fit of your in-ear monitors.

You can mail them to:

ATTN: Ear Impressions
Audio46 Headphones
29 West 46 Street
Ground Floor
New York, NY 10036
United States

Best practice
We recommend sending impressions after your order has been placed, so they can be matched to the correct custom order as quickly as possible.

Important note
Physical impressions sent to Audio46 are not automatically mailed back with your order. If you want them returned, you need to request that.

In-person drop-off
You can also bring your impressions directly to our store.

Get directions and hours