I tried the startup that scans you for custom earbuds in 10 minutes — and the fit was luxurious

Business Insider

One of the big problems with off-the-shelf earbuds is that they never fit quite right. Either they don't get a good seal to block out ambient noise, or they feel like they are pushing out on your ears.

But luckily there are several startups working to get you custom-molded earbuds in a convenient fashion.

The traditional process of getting custom earbuds requires going to an audiologist, getting a fitting, and then waiting weeks. And it costs hundreds of dollars.

Startup Uvero is trying to cut down that time using a proprietary digital scanner and a process designed around the work of MIT mechanical engineering professor, Douglas Hart. I got to test it out and the entire scanning time took about 10 minutes.

Uvero isn't the only startup hoping to break open this market with new technology. Instead of scanning, another startup named Revols has developed a custom molding process for earbuds, which takes about 60 seconds and works by connecting to your smartphone. Those earbuds have yet to hit the market, however.

The consumer process at Uvero is up and running. Right now, Uvero offers two products: a pair of custom earbuds for $269, and custom tips for Apple earbuds and Bose SoundSport, and others, for $99.

This is what my experience was like getting fitted for custom earbuds:

First I stepped up to the testing station. Uvero has a store in Burlington, Massachusetts, but travels to different destinations (I caught up with them in Austin). The company plans to open more permanent stores, and is exploring licensing its scanners.

Before I got scanned, I had to have my ears briefly checked to make sure I didn't have an excessive amount of wax.

This is Uvero's proprietary scanner. The balloon tip inflates after it is placed in your ear. While I was being scanned, I felt a bit of pressure in my ear, but it didn't hurt at all.