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Looking for Bi-CROS Hearing Aids

Hearing Loss | Last Active: Jun 18 9:19am | Replies (6)
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@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?

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Replies to "From personal experience, and also from past discussions on MCC, people who have experienced both types..."
rdschicago | @rdschicago | Jun 14 1:40pm

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

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imallears | @imallears | Jun 15 7:07am

@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

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