What Are Earmolds and How Do They Work?

Nearly 40 million Americans have been diagnosed with hearing loss – and the number is much higher if considering those that have not been diagnosed with it! However, despite how common this condition is, each case is utterly unique. 

That is why, when it comes down to choosing the right hearing aid for your condition, there is no “one size fits all” formula that you can apply to choose your device. Because of this, it is crucial to partner with an experienced audiologist at Flynn Associates who can help you understand what is the best medical device for your needs. And, it might be an hearing aid with an earmold instead of a dome. But what are earmolds, and how do they work? Find out all you need to know in the sections below. 

What Are Earmolds?

Generally, earmolds are fitted inside the ear, as opposed to the receiver that sits outside or over the ear. Earmolds are molded around the unique shape of your ear canal and they fit precisely. 

How Do Earmolds Work?

So, earmolds can be an excellent choice for those dealing with severe hearing loss. But how do they work, and what should you expect from them?

Earmolds are custom-made devices, often manufactured in silicone, vinyl or acrylic. Since they are uniquely shaped around your ear’s anatomy and are made with soft materials, earmolds are extremely comfortable and suitable for long-term use. 

They also come with air vents for air circulation and are available in a range of models, including “skeleton,” “shell,” and “canal.”

They work similarly to hearing aid domes and transmit amplified sounds from the microphone to the ear canal. However, unlike domes, earmolds are best suited for those who have trouble hearing sounds at low frequencies or have flat hearing loss (difficulty hearing all frequencies). 

This is because earmolds fit snugly into the ear, allowing for a clearer and more efficient sound delivery. 

Common Issues with Earmolds

Earmolds are highly sophisticated components of a hearing aid and are designed to stand the test of time and make long-term use comfortable. However, users have experienced issues you need to be aware of to set your expectations right:

• Earmolds might need some adjusting
• Ears can change shape, and you might need to update your earmold when it no longer fits
• Your own voice might sound muffled (occlusion effect) or too loud
• You might experience whittling or feedback

Most of these issues can be easily resolved by partnering with an experienced audiologist who can adjust the device’s settings and adjust the hearing device to your needs. 

Earmolds for Hearing Protection

Earmolds are not just a great option for those dealing with hearing loss. Indeed, today, around 40 million Americans aged between 24-69 experience some degree of noise-induced hearing loss. And, as the environment becomes noisier, it has never been so important to invest in high-quality hearing protection. 

Since earmolds are shaped around your unique ear size and anatomy, they are highly efficient in shielding out loud noise and sounds, thus protecting the ear and hearing health from noise damage.

Earmolds: Maintenance and Care

Earmolds are designed to last for years – with the right maintenance and care. Working with a specialized audiologist can help you understand how to take the best care of your hearing aid. However, as a general rule, consider wiping your hearing instrument every night before bed and speak to a professional if you start experiencing discomfort. 

Working With an Audiologist

Earmolds are unique hearing instruments custom-made to your ear shape and hearing needs, which is why it’s important to consult a hearing care professional like an audiologist. Your audiologist will be able to recommend the best style and size of hearing aids and earmolds for your specific needs. The most common hearing aids you may learn about, include:

• In the canal (ITC): The canal-worn hearing aids are ideal for individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss and offer the most invisible aesthetics. They come in other varieties, including invisible in canal (IIC) and completely in canal (CIC).
• In the ear (ITE): Recommended for people with mild-to-moderately-severe hearing loss, ITE devices are medium-sized and offer both discreetness and easier handling than canal-worn aids.
• Behind the ear (BTE): A popular style for individuals with mild-to-profound hearing loss, BTE devices are compatible with numerous needs, including children who have evolving ear anatomy and people with dexterity issues that struggle to handle small button batteries.

Get the best hearing care by talking to the staff at Flynn Assoociates. Learn more about our team or contact our Concord office at (978) 759-3540 or our Wellesley staff at (781) 943-5040.