Types of Earmolds
Styles and issues with earmolds
Earmoulds are made with two different styles in mind, concha and canal, both of these styles have many sub-groups.
The common concerns in selection the earmould style are acoustic seal, retention, insertion, and comfort. To insure a close fit and receive an acoustic seal there are a number of things to take into account; the ear impression is properly taken, the structures of the patient’s ear provides enough in-canal connection, the movements within the ear are not affecting contact and the earmould is skillfully manufactured. It has also been proven through testing that the concha does not need to be filled to have a complete seal. It is just as effective to only have the canal sealed. Although this is true there is no one earmould that is for everyone. It is important to fit the right style for you.
There are many reasons why someone may be having difficulty with their earmoulds. The ear can lack natural retention meaning it does not keep its shape if something is obstructing it or the impression could have been taken with a lighter impression material meaning it is possible that the ear was not stretched enough during the fitting and the earmould will not create a seal. It is also important for the person taking the impression to do so with the mouth left open. This allows for the ear to be “open” and the mould will not move when the person is speaking. Lastly it is important that the manufacturer looks closely and carefully at the impression itself.