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Ear Moulds or Domes?  Which is Best for You?

27/6/2019

4 Comments

 
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For each of us, our ears are as unique as our eyes or noses - each person's are different.  While technology has changed considerably over the decades - making hearing aids smaller and more effective - both the dome and ear mould are vastly different at delivering sound to your ears.  Read below to see what's best for you


HEARING AIDS WITH EAR MOULDS

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Earmolds are made of either plastic or silicone and custom-fit so that they sit snugly and precisely within the ear canal. They generally have small vents in them to let air through. 

Depending on the type and degree of hearing loss, and the anatomy of the ear, the earmold can be canal size (small), half-shell size (medium) or full-shell size (large). The kind of earmold you wear also depends on your personal preference, the shape and texture of your ear, and your specific hearing aid. 

WHY EAR MOULDS?

For people who have trouble hearing at low frequencies or across all frequencies, earmolds deliver better sound because they fit snugly inside the ear. The snug fit keeps amplified sound from traveling back outside the canal and creating a feedback loop, which is a high-pitched whistling that's caused as the amplified sound leaks out and gets reamplified.

Earmolds are usually best for hearing loss across the entire speech spectrum.  People who are already accustomed to wearing hearing aids may prefer the earmold style, while first time hearing aid users often opt for hearing aid domes because they are more comfortable, have less occlusion, and are easily changed.


A GOOD FIT IS IMPORTANT

Since ears come in all shapes and sizes, it's important to have a hearing healthcare professional customise an earmold to fit the unique shape of your ear. These devices must be tight enough to prevent sound from leaking out and creating feedback—but not so tight they cause pain.

The customization process is painless and includes making an impression of your ear canal and outer ear with a soft molding compound, much like a dentist would use to take an impression of your teeth. 

COMMON PROBLEMS

Over time, ears and moulds can change shape, so make sure you get the audiologist to check regularly for changes.
Some of the common problems earmold users can experience include:

  • Your own voice sounds muffled. Because the earmold blocks the ear canal, users may notice their voices sound muffled, much like during a bad cold. This is known as the occlusion effect and can be managed with earmold modifications or hearing aid circuit changes.
  • Your own voice sounds too loud. When a hearing aid user complains their own voice sounds too loud, the earmold may need a larger vent.
  • Feedback or whistling. If the vent in the earmold is too large or in the wrong place, sound can leak through and cause feedback. Your hearing healthcare professional can address this problem by attaching a small handle called a “canal lock” that will hold the earmold more securely in place, preventing feedback. 


HEARING AIDS WITH EAR DOMES

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Domes are small, bell- or mushroom-shaped silicone pieces that attach to the end of hearing aid tubing and fit deep in the ear canal. They come in different shapes and sizes to accommodate the unique twists and turns of each individual’s ear canal.

They're usually used with behind-the-ear styles of hearing aids referred to as either receiver in the canal (RIC) or receiver in the ear (RITE). Your hearing healthcare professional helps you pick which size of dome and length of tubing is best suited for the width and length of your ear canal.

IS THE DOME RIGHT FOR ME?

Hearing aids with domes are best for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, especially those with high frequency hearing loss—the most common type of age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis.

Hearing aids with domes are generally best for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

RIC or RITE hearing aid devices are typically small, with a microphone and processor that fits in a small case and rests behind the ear. The speaker is attached to the processor by a thin tube or wire, and it's meant to fit deep inside the ear canal.

This style of hearing aid is not recommended for those with severe-to-profound hearing loss; instead, a behind-the-ear device using earmolds is often more suitable. Earmolds provide the most powerful amplification and are less susceptible to moisture damage from the ear canal.

Although, in a lot of cases it comes down to personal preference. 

WHAT ARE THE PROS & CONS?


Pros
One of the biggest advantages to wearing a dome is the way it fits inside the ear canal.

The important thing about hearing aids is we must vent the hearing device so the ears don’t get occluded. This allows some natural sound and airflow to come into the ear. Domes are open enough to let low frequencies come through so the hearing aid amplifies higher frequencies and you can hear more clearly. That’s how we get better high frequencies without acoustic feedback.

Domes are easily cleaned by wiping them with a soft cloth each night after use. Because some hearing aid manufacturers share dome styles and sizes, they are also relatively inexpensive to replace.


Cons
they don’t last forever, and domes must be changed every two to three months. And if a person isn’t careful, it can get stuck in their ear if they are in a hurry or too lazy.

To prevent problems, talk to your audiologist about how often to change your hearing aid domes and how to take care of them. Never use old domes on new hearing aids. They're not always compatible and can become stuck in someone's ear canal if they don't stay attached to the receiver.

Also, domes are susceptible to damage from wax or moisture in the ear. Lastly, their small size can be problematic for those with dexterity issues.

A GOOD FIT IS THE KEY

work with your hearing care professional to find the device that best addresses their particular hearing needs. An improper fit can affect your ability to hear clearly as well as cause pain or discomfort.

No two people process sound the same way so it’s important to make that determination on a case-by-case basis.

(Source: healthyhearing.com)
4 Comments
OJ
3/5/2020 02:57:22 am

Liked your article. Clear concise and informative

I acquired hearing aids in the last month I am in Melbourne as uis my audiologist. The first pair were a temporary pair which from your article seemed to be domes. I used these whilst waiting for my mould hearing aids to arrive.
Because I have significant hearing loss the moulds were recommended much as is outlined in this article.

I quite liked the dome hearing aids.
I have been wearing the mould aids for 9 days now and do not like them - not comfortable, and the sound is not what I expected considering the cost and the fact that the dome aids both sounded better and felt more comfortable - I could leave domes in all day with no irriatation at all I need to remove the moulds frequently.
I have another set of moulds arriving soon,so i will see(hear) how they go,otherwise I will have to ask to trial the domes.
It is always interesting to read that the correct hearing aid needs to suit the individual and so assessed on a case by case basis. Despite what the science articles say, there is always that subjectivity which suggests that although one particular aid might be theoretically best for a class of hearing disorder it might not be suitable for an individual. I am strongly leaning toward the dome but obviously will need to discuss with my audiologist
But one question, he is guiding me towards an aid with batteries rather than a rechargeable one. I am beginning to prefer the rechargeable ones though.Do you make recommendations to people to get rechargeable or battery operated?
Thanks again for your article. I found it most informative.

Reply
Carolyn
9/5/2020 11:39:13 am

regarding chargeable, my audi said they are a little larger behind the ear and would perhaps be uncomfortable . My ears are close to my head AND I wear glasses so for this reason he suggested
non rechargeables

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18/1/2021 04:21:34 am

I really appreciate you for publishing this blog here integrity hearing solutions via willow valley welcomes audiologist dr surayya martin; it’s really a helpful and very useful for us. This is really appreciated that you have presented this data over here, I love all the information shared. Great article!

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5/3/2021 05:15:57 am

I was looking for this information relating to such ear moulds or domes which is best for. You have really eased my work by posting this article, loved your writing skill as well. Please keep sharing more, would love to read more from you!

Reply



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