Are some people just unable to wear custom molds?

Hearing Aids
#18

Just got back from the Audi. We played with a few domes and it turned out I just have a wide canal. We found an open done that fits beautifully (after I jamb it in) with no rubbing so far. Hopefully that’ll be the end of my adventure on getting a decent physical fit. We also did a little more tweaking on bringing a few channels down a tad (it’s channels, right? I have no idea how the software works) and cleaned up a music memory setting so all seems good here.

I will keep molds in mind for the future should I ever need one to imprint hearing. It’s interesting to read about different experiences even if not directly applicable. I like being better prepared for the future as you never know what’s next.

4 Likes
#19

On my older aids I had the back-out problem. I think it was caused by the wires being a little short. My newer (*but still old KS7’s) have longer wires and they stay in. (I have closed domes.)

1 Like
#20

The wire length isn’t my issue, my left ear mold/ITE aids have always slipped the slightest amount with even moving my jaw, or bumping my earlobe. When I look at the ear molds/ITE aids I believe it has to do with the shape of my ear canal. My right ear mold/ITE aids have never be an issue.

#21

@zuikoholic

I trialed a pair of Phonak Marvels last year and the molds were the C Shells, which are a 3D printed mold.
It was acrylic, but fit like a glove.
I preferred the sound of Oticon, so went to the ON S MiniRite, and the 1st 2 pairs of molds had the same issue, the left would slip, and occlude.
They finally came up with the same design as the Phonak C Shells, and are great, so check if you’ve had C Shells, and I understand Phonak offers a Titanium mold that may help ( $$$).

#22

Could you please post a picture. My search turned up a confusing range of possibilities.

#23

This is a screen grab from Dr. Cliff’s you tube video:

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The image on the right is the titanium cShell.

#24

From phonak order form here is the images of custom molds offered for marvel/paradise

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#25

Thanks for the picture …

So, then, I guess that’s what I have? If so, I can concur with your assessment of their performance.

(Sorry, the twitchy site software won’t let me upload my pic.)

[Okay … after 11 tries to upload a pic of my mould, I give up!

#26

Wow, even skeleton molds wouldn’t stay put? Or perhaps they were painful? Maybe some of us need velcro tabs sewn on our ears? :slight_smile:

3 Likes
#27

Oticon calls them “MicroShell”, just about the same.
if your receivers are sealed in the mold, that’s what you’ve got.

Here’s a link

#28

@flashb1024: Thanks for the link … mine seem to be called “Micro Shell”.

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[My moulds are fitted with 100dB receivers, BTW.]

#29

I have the power shell with canal lock,I am going to ask for a skeleton when I go to the clinic on the 13th of May

#30

Keep in mind if it’s acrylic mold canal lock can break off easily if dropped accidentally.

1 Like
#31

Something that I will have to deal with, with the power receivers the acrylic ear molds are my only choice. And I now have canal locks and my left mold still will not stay in place, so I would like to have more fuller ear molds

#32

The skeleton molds stay put but the the left one was painful.

Jim

2 Likes
#33

From what I know, when you change a sleeve or dome to another size or brand, the hearing program should be adjusted. I have been told it is one size does not fit all programs. The change can be simple or more complex, so I have been told.

4 Likes
#34

My ear canals are small and I got custom molded and they were just physically too large. All of the cones they had on hand were also too big so the Audi fit me with tulips temporarily while they got re-made. The tulips worked fine and only needed a few minor adjustments to stop feedback. When the replacements came in. I didn’t like them at all. They didn’t feel good. The occlusion was annoying, and the port was so tiny that it wouldn’t let in the lower frequency room sounds that I could hear just fine without the HAs. I went back to the tulips and told her I didn’t want the custom molds. I told her I would have to get by with the tulips or I’d end up just not wearing them with the custom molds much at all. If my hearing was much worse, I might have had to adjust to the customs. I’m happy I didn’t have to and have worn the HAs 15+ hours a day for the last year and a half. I’ve had to learn to mitigate feedback by not covering my ears in certain environments where I have them turned up more, but that became a natural reflex after a while.
So, there are physical limits due to the size of the receiver and for ports that can function as intended.

2 Likes
#35

I am lucky i have large canals, my step son has extremely small canals and has so much trouble with ear infections . He would have a terrible time being fit for aids

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#36

I tried two times fitting molded Oticons, but they didn’t work. I even lost one of them the first week. Luckily I had an insurance on them.
So I gave them up. I think a lot depends on the skill of the fitter. Anyway, after a year with BTE HA i saw an ad of the new Signia Silk ITE which was to supposed to fit instantly using silicon sleeves of different sizes. And it did! Have never looked back. And when one of them started to malfunction it was simply replaced , no waiting for new moldings. Maybe they dont work for everyone , but for me they are great.

1 Like
#37

Finally have a set of molds that work! It took five tries and two different manufacturers! I wound up with a set of silicone skeleton molds from Westone. (second pair they made ft or me) The new molds are comfortable and stay pit!

Jim

5 Likes