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Hello! Hoping to Share UPDATES in data on Hearing Loss
Hearing Loss | Last Active: Feb 15, 2022 | Replies (20)Comment receiving replies
So many hearing aids now are fit with domes rather than ear molds. I have regular cast earmolds. I tried domes last time around and learned quickly that they were not for me. Creating ear molds is an exact science of sorts. It is very similar to casting a dental inlay. It must fit exactly or it will not work well. When poorly cast, it might hurt. Or it might cause feedback and a whistling noise. It takes skill and training to cast a proper ear mold. I suspect that in the current world, those domes are often used when ear molds would be better. Domes come in a variety of sizes but are not cast. Sometimes we simplify and degrade. To clarify, the domes work well for some people, but if one's hearing loss is severe to profound, the cast mold will likely be the better choice.
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I can relate to the effectiveness of cast mold ear pieces. I have worn ear molds for over 60 years. I recently wanted to try a hearing assisted (analog low cost) aid as an emergency device when my digital aids needed repair. I found one that had sufficent power for my severe hearing loss. The dones supplied did not provide full sound intensity and had lots of feedback. When I replaced the dome with one of my spare ear molds, the replacement aids worked very well albeit less than my digital aids. Thus they provided an adequate backup for my regular, much more expensive aids.
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@awilst
What Julie says is spot on about molds and domes. Domes are easier for the Audiologist time wise. However, even before my hearing loss progressed to profound I insisted on custom molds with no vents. I am lucky to have an Audi now who knows how crucial a mold can be in better hearing. She has mine made so that there is no leakage of sound and the part that goes directly into the canal is longer than usual. She gave instructions last time to also have the mold extend up the concha a bit so it doesn’t move around. If she or I don’t like it…back it goes.
No Audi should shrug off the need for a proper fitting mold. If they do then they need an education.
I usually trial my molds for 60 days and then I pay for them, Now…that’s the way it’s done!
FL Mary