Should You Wear Custom Earmolds or Domes As a Hearing Aid Receiver?

Oticon's Siya Hearing Aids are available in different styles.

Everybody’s ears are different. There have been so many technological advancements in hearing aids, where smaller devices have not only become more discreet, but also very effective. A dome and an earmold are very different when it comes to transmitting sounds to your ears.      

Earmolds are made out of plastic or silicon. They are customized for a comfortable and snug fit in the ear canal. Normally, they are made with small vents in order to allow airflow in the mold. 

Based on the type and range of hearing loss you have, and the structure of your ear, the earmold can be the size of your canal (small), half-shell size (medium), or full-shell size (large). The type of earmold that you wear should also be based on what works best for you, the shape and texture of your ear, and the hearing aid itself.    

Earmolds

Earmolds work best for those who have difficulty hearing all frequencies, but especially at low frequencies. Earmolds provide better quality in sound because they rest closely and comfortably in the ear. This close fit stops amplified noises from moving back out of the canal and producing the high-pitched whistling noise created from loud sounds that leak out and become reamplified. This is known as a feedback loop. 

Earmolds are useful for any range of hearing. Those who have grown accustomed to wearing hearing aids might favor an earmold style. If it’s your first time wearing a hearing aid, domes might be better due to comfort level, less blockage, and they are easier to change. 

A Proper fit is Crucial

Ears are unique in shape and size, so in order to get the most out of your hearing aids, a hearing instrument specialist should customize your earmold to the contours of your ears. As previously mentioned, the device must rest closely and tightly in order to restrict sound from seeping out and causing feedback noises - but they should not fit too tightly to the point where it feels painful and uncomfortable. 

At Pure Sound Hearing Aids, our hearing instrument specialists can customize your hearing aid by creating an impression of your ear canal and the outer section of your ear. It is a painless method that uses a soft molding compound, similar to how a dentist would create an impression of your teeth.  

Some Issues that may Arise

As time passes, the shape of your ears and your hearing aid molds can change, so it’s best to get regular checkups from your hearing instrument specialist to make sure you are getting the most usage out of your hearing aids. 

Here are some typical problems that some hearing aid users noticed:

• Feedback or whistling noises. If the earmold’s vent is too big or resting in the wrong place, noise can seep through and cause loud feedback sounds. Your hearing instrument specialist can fasten a small handle known as a “canal lock” that will firmly hold the earmold in place to restrict feedback noises.    

 

• The sound of your own voice seems muffled. Earmolds obstruct the ear canal, so anyone who wears them might perceive their voice as sounding muffled. This is the occlusion effect and can be taken care of by modifying the earmold or fixing the circuitry in the hearing aid. 
• The sound of your own voice is too loud. If your voice sounds too loud, it might indicate that you need a larger vent. 

Domes

Hearing aid domes are small, bell-shaped silicone pieces that connect to the end of your hearing aid tubing. It rests deep inside your ear canal. They are available in many different shapes and sizes to fit just about anyone’s ears. 

Domes are typically used with behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid styles, known as receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) or receiver-in-the-ear (RITE). A hearing instrument specialist will help you select the best dome size and tubing length that works for your comfort level and specific hearing needs.

Hearing aid domes are helpful for those who have mild-to-moderate hearing loss, notably for individuals who suffer from high frequency hearing loss. High frequency hearing loss is the most prevalent type of age-related hearing loss, which is also known as presbycusis. 
 
RIC or RITE hearing aids are normally small and feature a microphone and processor that is housed in a sleek housing case that rests behind your ears. The speaker is connected to the processor with a thin tube or wire, and it rests securely inside the ear canal.

Pros and Cons for wearing Domes

Pros

• A great advantage is how a dome can fit in your ear canal.
• The ears won’t get blocked up, which will allow more natural sounds and air to flow into the ear. Domes have openings to harness low frequencies and allow the hearing aid to amplify higher frequencies so that you can hear more clearly. This is how to hear higher frequencies without the feedback.  
• It’s easier to clean domes. You can simply wipe them before going to bed at night by using a soft cloth. Some hearing aid manufacturers share the same sizes and styles of domes, so it is not expensive to replace them.

Cons 

• They do not last forever, and need to be changed out every two to three months. If you aren’t careful, they can get stuck in your ear if you quickly shove them in your ear or don’t remove them often enough from your ears. 
• In order to prevent these issues, talk to your hearing instrument specialist about how often you should change your hearing aid domes and get instructions on how to take care of them. Do not use old domes with your new hearing aids. They may not be compatible and could get stuck in your ear if they don’t remain secured to the receiver.
• Domes can become damaged from earwax or moisture.
• The small size can be a problem for anyone who has dexterity issues.

Work with a Hearing Instrument Specialist

A hearing instrument specialist will be able to help you find the best hearing aid device for your individual needs. A proper fit is needed to get the best benefits from your hearing aid. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids to schedule a free hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing instrument specialists.

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