Sometimes traditional hearing devices simply don’t make the cut. Today’s advanced custom hearing aids are comfortable, convenient, and deliver an unmatched hearing experience. Anyone who wears custom-molded hearing aids today will go through a process where their audiologist will tailor their hearing devices to the precise dimensions of their ears and match them with their specific needs. Let’s discuss the process of making custom hearing aid molds and how they make a difference.
The advancements made with hearing aids allow users to get hearing aids that are truly designed for them. With several hearing aid earmold types on the market, it’s easy to see why custom hearing solutions are the gold standard.
Some of the main benefits of investing in custom earmolds include:
Comfort – No two ears are the same. Your earmolds will be customized for maximum comfort.
Color – Modern hearing aids come in several colors. Match your skin tone for a more discrete look or opt for a color that resembles your personality.
Discretion – Choose your favorite style of hearing aids, with styles including Behind-the-Ear (BTE) NuSound hearing aids and the unnoticeable Lyric hearing aids.
More Natural Sound Quality – Your hearing aids capture your ear’s anatomy to produce better, more natural sounds.
Hearing aid ear molds are not only about comfort and convenience. The manufacturing process leads to a better hearing experience. Hearing devices have come a long way — goodbye to bulky, uncomfortable hearing aids and hello to custom-made comfort.
The first step to a custom hearing aid is building your hearing aid earmolds. Some hearing aid companies will have a different process for understanding your ear’s unique anatomy. For example, ReSound uses 3D scans to ensure maximum precision when putting together your molds. Most companies will use a manual impression using a silicone impression.
Your hearing professional will submit your hearing mold to the hearing aid brand’s manufacturing facilities. By using the precise impression of your ear, professionals utilize 3D printing technology to replicate the shell of your hearing aid before adding all the technical components.
Try on your molded hearing aids, and if there are any problems, a new impression is taken, and the process restarted.
Custom hearing solutions also determine your best hearing aid style. Not every type of hearing aid is suitable for everybody. All people living with hearing loss must undergo a comprehensive hearing test for this reason.
Let’s list the leading custom hearing solutions you will be able to choose from:
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) – The most visible hearing aid style sits behind the ear. Ideal for those with severe to profound hearing loss.
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) – The speaker sits directly in the ear canal, with the microphone and processor resting in a small case behind the ear. RIC hearing aids offer large amounts of power with added discretion. Generally, this is the only style with a rechargeable battery.
In-the-Canal (ITC) – Sits in the ear bowl itself. Comes with lots of additional features, such as volume wheels and directional microphones. More susceptible to earwax and moisture damage.
Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC) – IIC hearing aids and Completely-in-Canal (CIC) aids sit deeply inside the ear and must be removed with a pull-out string. These are among the most discrete and cannot be easily spotted. They are also known for their excellent sound quality.
Not all hearing aid ear molds are suitable, however. Your audiologist will provide you with recommendations for which custom earmolds will lead to a better hearing experience.
After taking your audiologist’s recommendations on board, you will also need to consider additional features like rechargeable battery options, Bluetooth connectivity, and wind noise reduction. The perfect custom hearing aids depend on your hearing levels and your lifestyle. Again, work closely with a reputable audiologist to ensure you make the right decision.
Ensure you can take advantage of a trial period if your custom hearing solutions need more work. It can take a few weeks to figure out if a hearing aid is right for you. Finally, think about your future needs. The average pair of hearing aids will last for five years. Your custom earmolds should also factor in any further declines in your hearing during this period.
Customized hearing solutions are the present and the future. Talk to an audiologist about a tailored hearing device that works for you.
No two ears are identical, and no two hearing profiles are the same. So, why should your hearing aids be the same as everyone else’s? Start your journey to a superior hearing experience with EarPros. Get your free hearing test with a licensed audiologist to find the best hearing aids for your needs today.
