Hearing Aid Moulds - soft?

[Russell]

Mrs R has tight and deep fitting earmoulds in an effort to prevent howl round due to leakage.  She has severe hearing loss and therefore needs high amplification.

The standard material that the NHS use for moulds is hard which does cause soreness at the drop of a hat, hot weather in particular causing particular issues.  She was told not to move her jaw when this set was made to ensure that they fitted tightly.

Is it possible to get moulds made of a softer more flexible material?  On the NHS perhaps??  Any idea what the costs would be if trying private?  Would a softer material help or hinder?

Thoughts and experiences welcome.

Thanks

R

[Aidan]

My moulds are hard and never been offered anything else on the NHS.  I've been looking at buying some privately  ( gulp, How much!!! )  but while I was looking I came across these people as private aids seem not to have moulds but small buds which fit further in the ear canal

https://maryharehearingservices.co.uk/public/downloads/9P_bC/Earmould%20Product%20Guide.pdf


and they do list soft ear moulds   so may be able to make some for you?    They look like they'd certainly be able to advise

[hbunnet]

I came across these people as private aids seem not to have moulds but small buds which fit further in the ear canal

https://maryharehearingservices.co.uk/public/downloads/9P_bC/Earmould%20Product%20Guide.pdf


and they do list soft ear moulds   so may be able to make some for you?    They look like they'd certainly be able to advise

I have NHS aids with buds in the ear canal, but I think these are for milder hearing loss.

[Russell]

Indeed, buds are for mild loss, and I found Mary Hare ealier on today.

Looks like it may be possible.

[barakta]

Yes, you can get private moulds for about £80 I think including fitting.

However the NHS should provide alternative IF the user is not getting on with the standard mould, you just might have to argue with them about it and show that they're causing pain, discomfort and squealing problems.

I don't use ear moulds myself (bone anchored hearing aid joy), but the word in deafland is that earmoulds have gone downhill in the last 10yrs or more. In the past audiologists used to be able to tweak them by slicing or filing them down, now they can't and the quality of the outsourcing is often poor.

As ever, the solution is to keep going back, don't take no for an answer, escalate and ask for a more senior audiologist. Don't accept long waits. Badly fitting earmoulds are an emergency as if you get an injury you can end up unable to wear an aid at all. You may have to refuse to leave till things are sorted.

I am failing to find an article in which a severely deaf acquaintance got buds privately and found them OK even though he's severely deaf. I've asked around to see if anyone can remember it for me.

[Aunt Maud]

I was given hard moulded thingies which were later plated with gold, which was supposed to reduce any irritation. I never got to use them, as they were "tidied" away by the smallest Maud to make way for her new sewing station.

[Jaded]

I have custom silicone ear plugs made with (replaceable) noise filters, and another set that fit a set of earphones. These were made for attending loud events. They fit pretty well but are not cheap. It may be worth contacting a specialist supplier. They may be able to be made to fit hearing aids, I have no idea.

I’m on my second set as they say you should get refits every five years or so because your ear canals can change shape.

[toontra]

I’m on my second set as they say you should get refits every five years or so because your ear canals can change shape.

I'm still using the same moulds (for on-stage monitoring, not hearing loss) that were made for me 18 years ago with no problem.  As I wear them daily for listening to music I suppose it's possible that my ear canals have adapted to fit the moulds!

[Jaded]

I think I waited about 9 years before a refit - and the new ones definitely fit better. I did think that they were mainly touting for business!

[Russell]

Thanks all, I shall make some phone calls on her behalf tomorrow.