Trying to find out if Carved Shell Silicone Ear Molds are actually better for severe to profound losses?
The Internet says this -
Carved shell earmoulds are similar to standard shells but the interior is carved out to provide improved sealing properties. Lighter in weight, carved shells adapt well to jaw movements during speech and mastication without compromising the seal. The carved shell is less conspicuous while providing better retention in the ear. Suitable for severe to profound hearing loss for both paediatric and adult users. Available in acrylic, silicone and UV materials and in a range of colours.
I’ve never heard of these and nor has my Audi (mainly deals with elderly people). Anyone know if the impression has to be taken differently or the the carving happen at the lab?
Gonna ask about these next time Even with new ear molds, I get feedback when smiling or eating.
Are Carved Shell Silicone Ear Molds are actually better for severe to profound losses?
Yes, yes they are. If you’re using hard acrylic moulds with your Naida UP’s I’d be amazed if you’re getting enough gain and not getting feedback whistle.
If you’re using shell style earmoulds, the main advantage to the carved shell earmoulds is that they weigh less, so are less likely to extrude from your ear because of the weight of the earmould, potentially resulting in a tighter seal.
Deep open-jaw impressions are often required when someone has issues with mould retention and feedback during chewing. You shouldn’t be getting feedback when you smile, that must be very uncomfortable for you. I’d definitely try getting some carved shell moulds, but try getting a really deep fit using open jaw impressions if you haven’t already tried this. Soft silicone moulds are always going to shrink a bit so they might not work forever, but it might give you temporary relief.
Thanks I always have really deep impressions but I’ve never tried open jaw impressions. I’ve read about it but never done anymore about enquiring what’s so good about open jaw impressions.
Will have to ask about open mouth impressions as I may get asked why my mouth is open next time I get molds.
All his clients are elderly so this is all new to him as 99% of them have hearing ads which are open fit
The benefit of a carved shell over a super-soft full shell is marginal. If your existing soft silicone causes pressure or sore points, then I’d certainly consider one. However for losses in excess of 100dB the isolation isn’t as good as some of the better silicone moulds we use.
It may be a fraction more comfortable, but you’ll probably get two pairs of silicone moulds for the same money. I’d be tempted to go down this route, so you could have a dry and clean ‘rest’ pair to switch with on the day.
It’s also important who makes them: not all mould manufacturers are alike - it might be that your moulds aren’t quite as good a fit as they could be. Don’t forget the previous comment abut the radiation from tubing and skull at these sort of input levels either.
I wrote to them to order a kit for a custom soft mold ($50): I do the casting, they produce the mold. I asked some questions, and got this fine reply:
“The only type of tubing we have that’s purely straight would be standard thickness (we don’t have thicker options for our straight tubing unfortunately). If you needed heavy wall, or even super heavy wall, we do have that in curved tubing. Curved tubing just has the bend in the middle, and then you’ll have some straight parts too. If you want to cut it up a bit, it’s doable. Curved tubing is $2/piece, and if you did cut it up, you’d have approximately one 2” piece and one 3" piece per curved tubing (about 5" of usable straight tubing bits). Of course these curved tubing bits aren’t all 100% uniform in length, so there may be a little difference in the size I just told you about but it should be pretty close. Do you want to get a couple heavier pieces of curved tubing to try? I’ll still send your impression kit only today, so you can let me know anytime about the tubing and I’ll send that back with your finished mold."
such fine, precise information is a joy in a world where the big players try to eliminate direct communication between the manufacturers and the fitters. I continue to be very pleased with lloydhearingaid.com, and recommend them to you.
Even with new ear molds, I get feedback when smiling or eating.