I have used open dome for 10 years and recently changed to closed dome for my new Phonak L90. It sounds so different, voices are sharp but feel suppressed , sometimes has echo. I am wondering if it’s due to the upgrade of HA from Marvel to Luminity or it’s due to the dome?
Power dome helps keep sound in ear canal. It allows for more gain without feedback. It is particularly helpful for low frequency gain but is useful for all frequencies. It also helps reduce outside noise from getting to your ear.
Voices being sharp is because you’re getting more high frequency gain. Hard to tell if it’s related to the domes or the hearing aid settings (likely both–the domes likely allow more high frequency gain)
Posting your audiogram (Top of page, click on FORUM and then My Hearing Tests) would allow us to see how appropriate dome choice is for your loss. The typical issue people complain of when moving to closed domes is “occlusion” (own voice sounds very loud, chewing sounds very loud) but most people adjust to it over time.
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Echo is one symptom of occlusion. I find it strange that you are going from an open dome to a power dome. Has you hearing got that much worse?
I would have expected to see you go from an open dome to a vented dome or vented mold.
Hearing is worse after a few years, but not big difference. My audiologist ordered power dome at the first fitting . I will ask her about it at our next appointment. I feel that the dome plays some role in my difficulty of hearing through the new aid.
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I had issues with two previous audiologists randomly changing domes and forgetting to make changes in Target (Phonak’s program)
My new hearing instrument specialist is more skilled. Recently he changed my receivers to Power receivers. I have more bass, unless I’m imagining it.
I have a selection of domes. Closed domes (two small vents). Power Domes (medium and large).
The closed domes are most comfortable. Had two on all day yesterday; didn’t hear quite as well but sound was more real. Because I had hearing issues yesterday, I changed the son-of-a-gun petite waxguards. I heard somewhat better. Today I changed domes from closed LARGE to power domes LARGE. I now have itchy ear in my left ear. I may use these as I had before after my last appointment with my instrument specialist.
I had extremely difficult times with my very first hearing aid which was poorly fitted in the ear device. After it was remade it actually hurt. Kept it a long time…that’s why I don’t have inserts.
So for me a good change was getting Power Receivers because they sound better and work better.
A bad change was getting these infernal small wax guards. I shall get the brand new wax guards when I can. They are 5.0 receivers. Phonak.
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