Ear Moulds: Everything a Hearing Aid User Needs to Know

Wearing a hearing aid is not only about being able to listen to a higher standard but also about comfort. Ear moulds are a key aspect of creating a comfortable wearing experience. When you learn how to put hearing aids in, your ear will be measured for a custom-fitted ear mold.

Hearing aid mould technology has advanced almost as quickly as hearing aids themselves. Here are all the things you need to know about your hearing aid mould.

You will notice that many styles of hearing aid come with ear moulds. These are available in the basic ear mould style or the dome style. Regardless of your style of hearing aid, the mould has the same function.

This part of the hearing aid seals your ear canal and channels amplified sound from the hearing aid directly into your canal. The point is to hear the sounds you want to hear while shutting out background noise.

Without this part of the hearing aid, those who are hard of hearing would find it difficult to hear clearly, especially in difficult listening environments, such as busy restaurants.

An earmold for a hearing aid most commonly comes in plastic or silicone. They are always customized according to the size of your ear. This allows them to fit comfortably for a full day of hearing. You will also notice that they have small vents designed to let airflow in and out.

While manufacturers have hundreds of varying styles of ear mould, which are tailored to your degree of hearing loss, there are only two main types of ear mold.

Hearing aid moulds in the US may come in the concha or canal style:

• Concha – The concha ear mould fits within the bowl of the ear. These are most common with styles of hearing aid like Behind-the-Ear (BTE).
• Canal – Designed for additional discretion, these moulds fit inside the canal itself.

The right type of hearing aid molds largely depends on your hearing aid and your degree of hearing impairment.

You are likely to receive an earmold for a hearing aid regardless of the type of hearing loss you suffer from. Experts agree that moulds benefit hearing loss across the entire spectrum. When you learn how to put in a hearing aid, you will also learn how to handle your mould for a snug fit.

When you attend your hearing aid fitting, your type of hearing loss will influence the style of mould.

For example, if you have high-frequency hearing loss, which is characterized by difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, you will likely be recommended a dome-style hearing aid.

On the other hand, if you struggle to hear lower frequencies, all ear moulds will deliver a higher quality of sound.

The tailored fit is important because it prevents amplified sound from traveling outside the canal, which can create a feedback loop. Poorly fitted hearing aid molds tend to make a high-pitched whistling for this reason.

You will find that moulds are most often used with people who have severe to profound hearing loss.

First-time hearing aid wearers often choose the dome style because they are largely more comfortable and come with less occlusion.

Every hearing aid user is unique,and the right choice of mould is not only what’s best for their hearing loss but also what’s comfortable for them.

The custom fitting is why reputable manufacturers will not allow their clients to purchase their hearing aids online and have them delivered to their door. Every new hearing aid requires a full hearing test and a custom fit.

During your consultation, you will practice how to put in hearing aids, and your ears will be measured for your new moulds

The first step is a full inspection of your ear. Everyone’s ear is different, therefore your hearing professional needs to perform an inspection. This will involve carefully inspecting the bowl of the ear and the ear canal.

This part of the process is completely painless and takes no more than a few minutes for an experienced professional to perform.

Hearing aid moulds in the UK need to be manufactured according to the precise size of your ear and canal to avoid many of the most common hearing aid problems.

Much like your dentist will take an impression of your teeth when fitting a mouthguard, hearing aid professionals do the same here.

They will take a soft material and apply it to your ear. This casting of the ear bowl and canal will be manipulated until a comfortable fit is achieved. After a successful impression, your hearing aid professional will send the impression away to the manufacturer.

Depending on which hearing aid brand you chose, it could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for you to receive your custom moulds.

Improperly fitted moulds or the wrong type of mould can lead to problems with your hearing experience. Here are the three most common issues experienced by users:

• “My Voice Sounds Muffled” – Since the mould blocks the ear canal, some users report their own voices sounding muffled. Known as the occlusion effect, this can be remedied with modifications to the mould or alterations to the circuit.
• “My Voice Sounds Loud” – On the other side of the spectrum, your voice may sound too loud. The vents of your mould allow air inside, but they also allow your voice to escape. In this case, your moulds may simply need a larger vent.
• “I Hear a Whistling Sound” – This is a feedback loop due to the fact your moulds are too large. The chances are your hearing aid is not fitted firmly. Your hearing professional can use a small handle called a canal lock to keep your moulds in place and prevent feedback loops.
• “My Hearing Aids are Uncomfortable” – If your hearing aids are uncomfortable, usually the mould is to blame. If a mistake was made when taking the impressions or there was no custom fitting, wearing your hearing aids could be uncomfortable.
• “My Hearing Aid Keeps Falling Out” – If your hearing aid keeps falling out, the retention issues are likely caused by the wrong style of mould or shell. It could also be related to the configuration of the ear canal. 

It takes time to get used to wearing hearing aids. First-time users may go through multiple appointments to get the perfect configuration. As a result, the importance of working closely with a dedicated hearing healthcare professional cannot be underestimated.

Your ear moulds are a critical part of your hearing aids. When the moulds are not fitted correctly, it can ruin the listening experience, and many people discard their hearing aids as a result. Receive the right style of hearing aid and the best custom fit by working with a hearing aid professional.

Begin your journey to a superior listening experience alongside EarPros. We have hearing aid reviews that can provide you with a detailed look at which option might be best for you. Get in touch and schedule your free consultation with a licensed hearing professional today.