1. < Hearing Loss

Looking for Bi-CROS Hearing Aids

Posted by rdschicago @rdschicago, Jun 14 9:35am

My right ear is deaf from Menieres Disease and my left ear has a mixed loss of around 50 db. I was using Signia bicros aids I purchased four years ago and lost the transmitter/microphone side, which can be replaced.

Has the technology gotten appreciably better in the last four years to justify purchasing new aids? If so, which ones would you recommend? I’m trying out the latest Oticon right now and the jury is still out. They gave me a dome for my left ear whereas I had a custom ear mold in my Signia aids. I think not having a dome, based on the extent of my hearing loss, makes a significant difference in the quality of the sound.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, if you’re a wearer of bicros, or for your expertise if you’re in the industry.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Hearing Loss Support Group.

Mentor
Julie, Volunteer Mentor | @julieo4 | Jun 14 1:26pm

From personal experience, and also from past discussions on MCC, people who have experienced both types of ear connectors (Custom fit earmolds vs domes), often prefer the custom fit ear molds.

Custom fit earmolds take skill to cast and fit properly. They must fit perfectly, or they will be uncomfortable. Some people may have an allergic reaction to the material used in a custom fit earmold. However, there are different materials available that can usually remedy that issue. A poor fit can also cause unwanted squealing noise from the microphone in the hearing instrument. Domes can cause squealing too.

Domes are pre designed products that come in different sizes and take little skill to fit since they are simply inserted into the ear. They have eliminated some of the complexity of getting a perfect fit, which has likely added to the concept and acceptance of 'over the counter' hearing aids that don't require professional fitting. NOTE: These products are for hearing aids that fit over the ear, rather than completely in the ear.

I have a question: Can all hearing aid models be fit with either domes or custom ear molds, or are the new over the ear hearing instruments designed for only one type of insertion device?

REPLY
2 replies
rdschicago | @rdschicago | Jun 14 1:40pm
In reply to @julieo4 "From personal experience, and also from past discussions on MCC, people who have experienced both types..." + (show)
@julieo4

From personal experience, and also from past discussions on MCC, people who have experienced both types of ear connectors (Custom fit earmolds vs domes), often prefer the custom fit ear molds.

Custom fit earmolds take skill to cast and fit properly. They must fit perfectly, or they will be uncomfortable. Some people may have an allergic reaction to the material used in a custom fit earmold. However, there are different materials available that can usually remedy that issue. A poor fit can also cause unwanted squealing noise from the microphone in the hearing instrument. Domes can cause squealing too.

Domes are pre designed products that come in different sizes and take little skill to fit since they are simply inserted into the ear. They have eliminated some of the complexity of getting a perfect fit, which has likely added to the concept and acceptance of 'over the counter' hearing aids that don't require professional fitting. NOTE: These products are for hearing aids that fit over the ear, rather than completely in the ear.

I have a question: Can all hearing aid models be fit with either domes or custom ear molds, or are the new over the ear hearing instruments designed for only one type of insertion device?

Jump to this post

I believe all BTE aids can be fitted with a dome or a custom ear mold.

REPLY
imallears | @imallears | Jun 15 7:07am
In reply to @julieo4 "From personal experience, and also from past discussions on MCC, people who have experienced both types..." + (show)
@julieo4

From personal experience, and also from past discussions on MCC, people who have experienced both types of ear connectors (Custom fit earmolds vs domes), often prefer the custom fit ear molds.

Custom fit earmolds take skill to cast and fit properly. They must fit perfectly, or they will be uncomfortable. Some people may have an allergic reaction to the material used in a custom fit earmold. However, there are different materials available that can usually remedy that issue. A poor fit can also cause unwanted squealing noise from the microphone in the hearing instrument. Domes can cause squealing too.

Domes are pre designed products that come in different sizes and take little skill to fit since they are simply inserted into the ear. They have eliminated some of the complexity of getting a perfect fit, which has likely added to the concept and acceptance of 'over the counter' hearing aids that don't require professional fitting. NOTE: These products are for hearing aids that fit over the ear, rather than completely in the ear.

I have a question: Can all hearing aid models be fit with either domes or custom ear molds, or are the new over the ear hearing instruments designed for only one type of insertion device?

Jump to this post

@julieo4

All BTEs can be used with either a dome or mould. Domes are generally used with smaller BTEs for moderate loss where the number of programs that can be accommodated is less than a larger BTE.

I used a BI Cross Phonak once in my left (worse) ear. I had a smaller custom mould attached to the tubing that enabled me to hear the sounds that were transmitted to it from my right ear. The sound was excellent and it was so comfortable. My next Phonak upgrade did not have the Bi Cross.

Custom moulds for my profound hearing loss are the way to go for me…unvented and they completely cover the ear canal with a snug fit. Years and years ago I tried a BTE that just had a wire going into the canal and I couldn’t hear a thing.

There’s a discussion about moulds here and I will only use Westone for making them. They have the expertise that the hearing aid manufacturers don’t have. I would love to be able to use a dome for comfort and ear health but you get used to custom moulds provided the fit is correct. Phonak is my choice because of their power. In the early days I used and liked Oticons….all BTEs with moulds.

FL Mary

REPLY
jaynes40 | @jaynes40 | Jun 16 4:10pm

I’m trying to use moulds but my voice is way too loud! Does everyone feel this? This doesn’t happen when using domes. I have Phonak Aids.
Thank you,
@jaynes40

REPLY
imallears | @imallears | Jun 17 7:16am

@jaynes40

Ask your Audi if there are vents in your moulds. I know that makes a difference in sound and feedback. I don’t have vents. If you do have vents they can be plugged up.
If sounds are too loud it means you are getting a good seal on those moulds and it will take time to adjust. No sound is leaking out which is the case with domes sometimes. Perhaps you could turn down the volume a bit or just try to let the brain adjust. You have to decide if you hear and understand better with moulds or domes. All depends on how severe your hearing loss is.

FL Mary

REPLY
1 reply
jaynes40 | @jaynes40 | Jun 18 9:19am
In reply to @imallears "@jaynes40 Ask your Audi if there are vents in your moulds. I know that makes a..." + (show)
@imallears

@jaynes40

Ask your Audi if there are vents in your moulds. I know that makes a difference in sound and feedback. I don’t have vents. If you do have vents they can be plugged up.
If sounds are too loud it means you are getting a good seal on those moulds and it will take time to adjust. No sound is leaking out which is the case with domes sometimes. Perhaps you could turn down the volume a bit or just try to let the brain adjust. You have to decide if you hear and understand better with moulds or domes. All depends on how severe your hearing loss is.

FL Mary

Jump to this post

Sounds aren’t bad only it’s my voice! Domes don’t increase the sound (voice) as do the moulds. I’ll return to my audiologist for more answers. Thank you.

REPLY
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