Custom Earmold Styles and Materials
Custom earmolds provide several benefits to both hearing aid users and those who simply want an extra layer of protection for their hearing. In fact, many occupations encourage the use of earmolds to guard against excessive noise exposure or prevent water from becoming trapped in the ear canal. In order to be effective, earmolds need to fit your exact ear measurements and feature optimal construction and design. Here’s a look at the custom earmold materials and styles we offer at The Hearing Group.
Quality Materials
We work closely with Westone Laboratories and Emtech Laboratories, Inc. so our patients can choose the most ideal material to suit their needs. To achieve a truly customized earmold, we offer a variety of options:
- Acrylic – a hard, transparent plastic that is highly durable and great for a variety of styles
- Silicone – a soft yet sturdy polymer that is comprised mainly of silica, a form of sand
- Vinyl – a synthetic plastic that is extremely versatile and widely used
- Polyethylene – a waxy, semi-hard substance used for patients with severe allergies
- Lucite – a hard acrylic ideal for mild to moderate hearing loss, as well as occupational and communication earmolds
These are just a few of the options for custom earmold materials at The Hearing Group. Your audiologist will inform you of your full scope of options during your consultation.
Style Options
After determining the best material for your custom earmold, our audiologists will help you select a style that will fit your needs, lifestyle and budget. There are variations for certain occupations and activities, as well as options designed to fit over hearing aids. The Hearing Group offers a wide range of styles, including:
- Canal – suitable for patients with a deformed pinna or mild to moderate hearing loss
- Canal with lock – same construction as the canal except with an anti-tragal lock to secure it in place
- Receiver – fits the entire concha and is typically reserved for communication instruments, pilot and anesthesiologist earmolds and some headsets
- Shell – contoured to fill the ear’s concha and is used mostly with severe and extreme hearing loss
- Half Shell – a modified shell without anti-helix and upper concha parts
- Patriot – extremely soft with a design that is hollow in the canal
- Skeleton – a lightweight design that only features an outer ring, providing concealment and comfort
- Semi-skeleton – a skeleton without the upper portion of the concha ring
During your appointment, your audiologist will determine whether the custom earmold materials you desire are available for the style that best fits your needs.
Completely Customizable
Your earmolds from The Hearing Group are designed specifically for you, and that’s because we craft them based off of an impression of your ears that we will capture during your visit. Beyond the fit, you can also personalize the appearance with an assortment of colors including standard, neon and glitter tones and more. There are a number of design options as well, such as:
- Multicolor swirls, polka dots, spirals and stripes
- Glow in the dark
- High gloss or smooth matte finishes
However, some custom earmold materials have limited color options. The audiologists at The Hearing Group will be able to inform you of what is available.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Our experienced team at The Hearing Group will point you in the right direction when choosing your custom earmold. For more information or to make an appointment, contact The Hearing Group today.