What are the considerations when attempting to determine the size vent that is used in a custom mold?
Have not posted in awhile; currently evaluating custom molds with my Agil Pros; so far after two days I’m very pleased with both the fit, comfort, and improved speech/music response; especially music in high piano notes and the midtones; mold has small vent for bass; anyone else notice significant music sound improvements?; btw, I’m using a music pgm programmed by by audi with lower/no compression on the freq scales; came from using power domes; don’t think I’m going back
It sounds like you have become an earmold convert. Once you try them you won’t go back.
I suspect that the ear molds vs. domes preference is very much a personal issue that depends on one’s loss level and type, ear anatomy, discomfort perception differences, and fedback tolerance. I’ve used both ear molds (rigid and soft) and domes, and even with my very poor hearing, I prefer the domes. Perhaps I’m fortunate, because I’ve never had the fall-out problem with domes, and I find them to be much more comfortable than ear molds. But I certainly believe others who have posted that ear molds work better for them.
With ear molds, it’s important that they have exactly the right shape. I suspect that many Audis don’t like to take impressions the second or third time to satisfy the patient’s comfort complaints (never been clear how the mold maker bills the Audi in this case), so maybe they tend to push domes. My experience is that the choice of domes (type, not just size) is also critical because what works for me probably doesn’t work for you. Actually, what works for me is Phonak domes with Oticon aids; don’t let your Audi tell you they’re incompatible.
(Hz) L(dB) R(dB)
250 40 50
500 55 65
1K 55 60
2K 60 60
4K 70 70
8K 90 100
L: 88% SDat80dB
R: 64% SDat85dB
L&R stapedectomy
Love my custom hold . 5 years now . Worth every penny in comfort and perfection. Like everything custom it depends on how perfect that custom was made to begin with .
I have learned that custom molds are used when you have a high level of hearing loss and when you get a high level set you must eliminate any sound from entering the ear canal which may distort sounds.
I have for many years had in the ear hearing aids which wer emolder to my ear.
They were OK but bnever felt comfortable for me.
I recently got new HA from the VA (Xino micro AP i110) which is behind the ear system with a speaker built into the clear ear mold.
This is night and day compared to all my previous HA’s
I wear them 16 plus hours a day and very compfortable.
In regards to the original post if your hearing loss is not great as determined by you Audiologist you don’t have to get ear molds.