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Progress does not stand still. Today, more and more new technologies are entering our lives, making it more comfortable and safer. Along with scientific development, manufacturers of hearing aids are improving their devices, adding new functions and capabilities.
As a result, more and more Americans are coping with their hearing problems. New devices bring back hearing even in the most difficult situations. Today we take a closer look at hearing aids with domes, which have recently been gaining popularity among people with hearing loss.
What are hearing aid domes?
Hearing aid domes are small, bell-shaped, or mushroom-shaped silicone articles that are attached to the end of the hearing aid tube or wire. Their main task is to improve the performance of the device and properly fit in the ear canal.
Hearing aid domes are used in conjunction with a behind-the-ear type of devices. The main body of the model is attached to the top or behind the ear, and the receiver fits deep into the ear canal for better sound.
What are the benefits of using hearing aid domes?
comfortable fit of the devices
no need for custom made device
hygiene
Hearing aids with domes are suitable for patients from mild to severe levels of hearing loss. Your audiologist will have to choose the right dome based on the shape of your ear canal and the severity of your hearing loss.
Which type of hearing aid domes is right for me?
Today, there is a variety of hearing aid domes types and styles to suit the individual curves of the human ear canal. This allows the audiologist to select the most suitable option for the best result. Let’s take a closer look at the main hearing aid dome types.
Open-style dome
This type of silicone tip has several small holes along the entire body of the product. This allows natural sounds, including low frequencies, and air to flow unhindered into the ear. Devices with open-style domes are usually recommended for people with high frequency hearing loss.
Another great advantage of open-style tips is the prevention of occlusion effect. It’s a common problem among novice hearing aid users. Due to the blockage of the ear canal, a person may hear their own voice louder. The voice can sound boomy, as if in a barrel.
Closed-style dome
The closed-style dome is a one-piece tip without any holes. It completely closes the ear canal, helping to block minor external sounds and greatly enhance the sound of your hearing aids. This type of a dome is recommended for people with moderate to severe levels of hearing loss.
In addition to the shape, hearing aid domes differ in size. This allows you to get the best option, taking into account the individual size of the ear canal of each person. Of course, this is the job of the audiologist who would recommend the appropriate type of the dome for you.
Helpful tips for using hearing aid domes
Receiver in the canal devices with domes are great devices that also require proper use and quality personal care.
We recommend changing the domes on your devices every three months, however that recommendation may vary based on how much wax you produce.
Do you want to get the best out of your hearing aid domes? Our hearing care professional, Dr. Zhanneta Shapiro has some helpful tips to help you achieve the best result.
Try to clean your silicone tips every night after use. Simply wipe them down with insert the link to audio wipes from our store here to remove earwax and other debris and moisture from them.
Replace hearing aid domes every 2-3 months. After this period has expired, silicone products do not cover the auditory canal so tightly, which negatively affects sound amplification. Fortunately, silicone tips are inexpensive, so periodic replacement won’t hit your budget.
Take your time when removing the receiver from the ear canal. If you do this too quickly and carelessly, the dome may get stuck inside.
Do not use old hearing aid domes with new devices. Silicone products must be selected individually for each device, to minimize the risk of getting stuck in the ear canal.
Follow these simple guidelines, and your hearing aids will last for a long time. You will be able to enjoy great sound and communication with friends and family without any problems!
About Dr Zhanneta Shapiro
Dr Zhanneta Shapiro received her Masters of Science from Brooklyn College in 2005 and completed her Doctorate of Audiology from Florida University in May 2008. Her graduate training was in various hospitals in the tri-state area and a residency period completed at Ear Nose and Throat Associates of New York. [ Learn More ]
