The unique anatomy of your ear canal plays a pivotal role in how sound travels into your ear. Every ear is different, and a hearing aid's performance can vary significantly based on how well it fits into your ear canal. A precise fit not only ensures comfort but also optimizes the directionality and amplification of sound.
There are two options for connecting the hearing aid directly to your ear. The first one is ear domes, which are like regular earphone tips. They are available in universal sizes and fit most ear shapes, but their performance is average.
The second option is custom ear molds, personalized to match the exact shape of your ear canal. Their fit offers the maximum benefits of your hearing aid.
In this article, we explore reasons why choosing custom earmolds allows you to hear better.
The precise fit of the custom ear-molds to the specific shape of your ear canal will allow you to use your hearing aid comfortably throughout the whole day.
Using custom ear molds for your hearing aids is like finding the perfect pair of earbuds for music. Just as the right earbuds stay in place and let you enjoy music while exercising, custom ear molds keep your hearing aids secure, no matter how active you are.
You can forget about constantly adjusting your hearing aids. Once you experience this perfect fit, you won’t want to go back to regular ear domes.
Custom ear-molds create a tight seal within your ear canal and your hearing aid. Thanks to this, all sound leakage and background noises are reduced to a minimum. That fact improves the overall sound quality and allows you to clearly hear all words during conversations.
Hearing loss is very individual. It can vary in frequency range, physical ear condition, and other factors. A properly fitted hearing aid that establishes a perfect connection with your unique ear canal shape allows your audiologist to precisely tailor its settings to your specific hearing loss. This results in improved sound transfer from the aid to your ear and provides the best possible support for your hearing experience.
There are two methods for preparing custom earmolds. The first method is popular and creates a physical ear impression with medical silicone.
First, a professional examines the ear to make sure there are no obstructions. Then, they place a foam or cotton dam in the ear canal to protect the eardrum. Next, they mix medical-grade silicone and inject it into the ear canal. The silicone fills the ear, taking the shape of the individual's ear. They let the silicone set and harden for a few minutes. Finally, they carefully remove the impression, creating a physical model of the ear canal.
This method is common, but it has a few disadvantages. Some people feel uncomfortable when the silicone fills the ear. If the professional is not careful, they can damage the ear canal when inserting the silicone. There is also a risk of ear infection after this procedure. Making custom ear molds this way also takes more time because the manufacturer must receive the physical form. Sometimes, the ear impressions are not perfect, and it's hard to make adjustments.
The second method, now becoming the standard for creating custom earmolds, uses 3D scanning technology (as Otoscan - see video - how it works). It consists of an audiologist performing a 3D scan of your ear canal with a special scanner. This method is completely safe and painless. It's not invasive and only takes a few minutes.
Often, you can have your custom ear-molds made in a single visit, if the specialist can create them on-site. If not, the process is still quick. The specialist can send the digital scan to the manufacturer online in a few seconds. This rapid transfer speeds up the manufacturing process, as it eliminates the need for physical delivery of the mold.
This modern approach prioritizes accuracy and safety. 3D scanning technology ensures a precise fit for your custom ear-molds, reducing the need for return visits for adjustments. This accuracy not only saves you time and inconvenience but also enhances your hearing experience.
Moreover, this technology is safer. It eliminates the risk of ear inflammations that may
arise from physical impressions. 3D scans also allow you to reproduce the same custom ear molds multiple times without new imprints. Additionally, these scans can be easily updated to accommodate changes in the shape of your ear canal over time.
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