Custom Ear-moulds: Why and When You Might Need Them
Here at Discretion Hearing, we’ve recently noticed an increase in requests for custom ear moulds, but you might be wondering, what are they actually used for?
Ear moulds can be essential accessories for a range of activities and health needs, and offer a variety of benefits, from enhancing hearing aid performance to protecting your ears from water and excessive noise. In this blog, we will delve into all things ear moulds, including how you can get them made by us to suit your specific needs.
Types of Custom Ear Moulds
Hearing Aid Ear Moulds
Custom ear moulds for hearing aids are crafted to fit the unique contours of your ears, ensuring optimal comfort and performance. These are crucial for individuals with significant hearing loss, as they help deliver sound more effectively from the hearing aid into the ear canal. By providing a better seal, custom ear moulds can also reduce feedback and improve sound quality. There are various types in order to cater to different needs, including:
- Full Shell: Covers the entire concha (the hollow part of the ear), suitable for severe hearing loss.
- Half Shell: Covers the lower part of the concha, ideal for moderate to severe hearing loss.
- Canal Moulds: Fit inside the ear canal and are less visible, recommended for mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Skeleton Moulds: Have a hollowed-out design, offering a balance between discretion and performance.
Swimming Ear Moulds
For avid swimmers or individuals prone to ear infections, custom swimming ear moulds provide an effective barrier against water. These moulds are made from waterproof materials and are designed to fit snugly in the ear, preventing water from entering the ear canal. They are particularly beneficial for children and adults who suffer from recurrent ear infections or conditions like otitis externa, otherwise known as swimmer’s ear.
Noise Protection Ear Moulds
Custom ear moulds for noise protection are essential for individuals exposed to high levels of noise. This could apply particularly to musicians, construction workers, and industrial employees. Some custom moulds can be made from materials that can attenuate sound, reducing the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. They can also be designed to lower sound levels evenly across frequencies, allowing for clear communication while protecting hearing.
Benefits of Custom-Fitted Ear Moulds
Comfort
Custom ear moulds fit the unique shape of your ears perfectly, unlike generic earplugs. This precise fit ensures they sit comfortably without causing pressure or irritation, making them suitable for long-term use. They are less likely to slip out and provide a more comfortable experience for activities.
Effectiveness
They create a perfect seal in your ear canal which can help with a variety of activities. For hearing aids, this ensures sound is directed properly, reducing feedback and improving clarity. Swimming, the watertight seal prevents water from entering your ear, reducing the risk of infections. For noise protection, custom ear moulds attenuate harmful sounds while allowing you to hear necessary conversations, which can be particularly beneficial for musicians and construction workers
Durability
Made from high-quality materials like medical-grade silicone or acrylic, ear moulds are built to last. They maintain their shape and effectiveness over time, even with regular use. This durability makes them a cost-effective investment, as they don’t need to be replaced as often as generic earplugs.
Health Benefits
Custom ear moulds offer significant health benefits, including infection prevention, reduced risk of hearing loss and overall a more improved hearing health.
How to Get Custom Ear Moulds Made
Ear Impressions: The first step is to take an impression of your ear. The procedure is quick and painless and involves inserting a soft, quick-setting material into your ear canal and outer ear to create an accurate mould of your ear’s shape.
Manufacturing: Once the impressions are made, they are sent to the hearing aid manufacturer or a specialised lab. Here, the impressions are used to create the moulds from the chosen material, whether it’s silicone, acrylic, or another suitable substance.
Fitting and Adjustment: After the custom ear moulds are produced, they are fitted by us to ensure they match the contours of your ears perfectly. Any necessary adjustments are made to guarantee comfort and effectiveness.
Here at Discretion Hearing, we provide comprehensive services to create custom ear moulds. We take precise ear impressions and work with leading manufacturers to produce high-quality moulds tailored to your needs. Whether you need them for hearing aids, swimming, or noise protection, we ensure a perfect fit and superior performance.
Custom ear moulds offer numerous benefits, from enhanced hearing aid performance to effective water and noise protection. Understanding the different types of ear moulds and their specific uses can help you make an informed decision if they are right for you.
Our experts are here to guide you through the process. They ensure you receive the best possible solution to optimise your hearing health. If you have any questions about what we can do for you, please get in touch.