Ear Moulds
Definition: An ear mold is the individually fabricated ear insert that channels the sound reproduced by a hearing aid through the ear canal to the ear drum. In most fittings & configurations, the earmold must: Ø To provide a satisfactory acoustic seal. Ø To couple the hearing aid to the ear acoustically. Ø To retain the hearing aid on the pinna. Ø To modify acoustically the signal produced by the hearing aid. Ø To be comfortable to wear for an extended period of time & non allergic. Ø To be aesthetically & cosmetically acceptable to the client. (Mynders, 1996) To meet these requirements, the ear mould must be crafted skillfully from an ear impression that properly reflects the anatomical structures of patient’s ear. Certain structures of the earmold are designed to perform one or more functions. These functions include providing ---sufficient acoustic seal --- adequate in-air retention ---necessary comfort --- proper sou...