Know About Ear Molds!

People suffering from hearing loss opt for a hearing aid to make the sounds more audible so that they can communicate and participate in daily activities. When such a hearing aid is chosen, devices called earmolds are required.

What are earmolds?
An earmold is a device that holds the hearing aid in place, it is customized according to the wearer. The style of the earmold depends upon the design of the hearing aid and the type of hearing problem you are suffering from.
Earmolds are made of acrylic plastic and sit inside the ear canal or the outer part of the ear canal and the ear. It resembles a small plug but the shape and size depend upon the person’s ear. Small earmolds fit inside the ear and are virtually unseen. Larger earmolds are positioned in the outer ear called the concha bowl.
In many cases, the device is positioned within the ear canal and is hidden from everyone’s view.
Because these devices are customized, you will have to place an order. Once you do, the earmold provider will take an impression of your outer ear and the ear canal with the help of a substance like silicone. The device is then developed with the help of this impression.

Types of earmolds -

The different types of earmolds are:

• Dome style earmold – This type of earmold is combined with a hearing aid that is worn behind the ear.
• Canal earmold – This earmold is similar to dome fashioned earmolds but the wearer needs to have a long ear canal for the mold to fit properly. This s completely positioned inside the ear canal.
• Full shell earmolds – These are designed for maximum retention and prevent noise and feedback during the hearing. They are prescribed for people suffering from moderate hearing problems and also for major problems.
• Skeleton earmolds – These have a back ring and a rim that holds it within the concha, that is the outer part of the ear. They are prescribed for people suffering from mild hearing problems to major problems.
• Semi-skeleton earmolds – This device is similar to the skeleton earmold but does not have the back ring. It is very comfortable and is suitable for people suffering from mild to severe hearing issues.
• Half shell earmolds – These earmolds are similar to the full shell earmold but are designed to cover the lower part of the concha. Patients suffering from mild hearing problems often choose this. However, they are required to have sufficient ear retention.

How does an earmold work?
When combined with hearing aids, earmolds help to keep the harmful external noise from reaching your ears. They also protect your ears from sounds at high decibels. Hard earmolds made out of acrylic are used in communication devices and hearing aids. Soft earmolds are usually developed to protect your ears.

Before purchasing an earmold, talk to your hearing aid provider and gather all the required information. The device has to be comfortable and must fit properly. You must consult with the audiologist in case you face any problems.