Custom Ear Molds

Noise induced hearing loss can be prevented by wearing hearing protection, including earplugs. While there are many over-the-counter choices, the best hearing protection can be enjoyed from custom earmolds because each ear is unique.

How are custom ear molds used?

Custom ear molds are made from the impressions of your ear canal and concha. These custom hearing protection are designed to adhere perfectly to the shape of your ears, providing superior fit and protection.

Custom ear molds are not just made for earplugs – they can be used in a variety of products including earpieces, stethoscopes, and headphones. Pilots, musicians, swimmers, hunters, and construction workers can benefit from custom ear molds

Custom Ear Molds for Hearing Aids

The parts of a hearing aid that fit inside the ear come in two basic styles – dome style or earmold. Earmolds are made of either plastic or silicone and can be custom-fit to sit precisely and snugly in the ear canal. Custom ear molds for hearing aids generally have small vents to let air through.

Dome styles look like small cones and cannot be customized. Dome styles are available in standard sizes to accommodate different ear canal sizes. These generally have large openings to allow natural sound and ventilation to pass through.

Depending on the anatomy of the ear, type and degree of hearing loss, the earmold can be small, medium (half-shell size) or large (full-shell size). When choosing ear molds, it’s best to consider the shape and texture of your ear, the type of hearing aid you are using and your cosmetic preferences.

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Why Earmolds for Hearing Loss?

For people with high-frequency hearing loss, dome style hearing aids are recommended.

However, for people who have trouble hearing at low frequencies (or all frequencies), earmolds deliver better sound because they fit tightly in the ear. The snug and tight fit keeps the amplified sound from travelling back outside the ear canal and creating a feedback loop.

With custom ear molds, the chances of hearing a high-pitched whistling sound caused by sound leaks getting amplified will be less likely. Custom ear molds are recommended for people with severe to profound hearing loss.

What are Custom Earmolds made of?

Custom earmolds are generally made from acrylic, silicone, or vinyl.

Acrylic Ear Molds

Acrylic molds are considered to be the most traditional custom ear molds. They are resistant to shrinking and breakage because they are hard and durable.

Acrylic ear molds are also the easiest to re-mold or repair. Inserting and removing acrylic earmolds is easy. However, acrylic ear molds may be difficult to place in narrow or small ear canals, especially those of children.

Vinyl Ear Molds

Vinyl ear molds are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and are softer than acrylic molds. They are a better choice for children because it is fairly easy to insert. With better seal comes clearer sound for high-gain musical instruments.

Vinyl ear molds tend to shrink, discolor or harden over time, which means that they need to be replaced more often. This type of custom ear mold is also not recommended for people with allergies because the manufacturing process involves boiling the material in saline solution.

Silicone Ear Molds

Silicone custom ear molds are the softest of all varieties. They are comfortable, extremely flexible and can provide a tight seal for excellent sound quality and protection. Plus, silicone ear molds are very durable.

Silicon ear molds can maintain their size and shape over time. Because silicone ear molds are very soft, inserting them in the ear canal can be quite tricky, especially when new. This is not recommended for individuals with flaccid or soft ears.

Pinnacle Hearing provides custom ear molds.

Pinnacle Hearing can provide custom ear molds for your specific hearing needs and lifestyle.​
Call us today to know more about custom hearing protection!​