There are many styles availabe to provide the required performance and to also be cosmetically appealing. From the tiny canal only for mild to moderately severe hearing losses to the high-power shell design for severe to profound hearing losses, a style can be found to meet both needs. Originally, earmolds were only available in hard Lucite material. These earmolds never changed color or size but they tended to stretch the ear canal requiring replacement when feedback became a problem. Since Lucite is hard, the earmold had no flexibility to move with the earcanal...getting a good seal often requires a very snug fit! Another drawback, the Lucite can be dangerous for children and adults that are involved in sports ... the earmold if hit could possibly shatter! At the other end of materials, Silicone is very soft, moves easily with the ear canal and has the least chace of allergic reaction. The 2 drawbacks of this material are: it is the most costly and being so soft, earmolds of Silicone can shrink and be easily damaged! Medical grade Vinyl offers the best of both the Lucite and Silicone! Being softer than Lucite, Medical grade Vinyl doe not stretch the earcanal as much and also, the Vinyl moves some with the earcanal. Being firmer than the Silicone, Vinyl last a lot longer-more durable. At WARDS Hearing Aids, we have found that using Medical grade Vinyl works for 98% of hearing aid users, and working with Top Earmold Laboratories, we have had a very high rate of success on the First Fitting!
|
