The Earmold

Tips for the hearing instrument user

The custom earmold couples your hearing instrument to your ear.  Its purpose is to :

• Channel sound from the hearing instrument, though the ear canal, to the eardrum.
• Secure the hearing instrument in place.

Custom made for your ear, the earmold should fit so perfectly that, after an initial adjustment period, you won't know you're wearing it.

The well-fitted custom earmold directs sound from your hearing instrument to your ear without feedback (a whistling noise).  This allows you to hear, comfortably and unobtrusively, the sounds and voices you want to hear.

Your hearing healthcare professional can modify your custom earmold in ways that :

• Contribute to the overall acoustic performance of your hearing instrument in the low and high frequencies to enhance your hearing ability.
• Contribute to your comfort by relieving and equalizing pressure in the ear canal.

You can achieve optimal performance and comfort only when the earmold is correctly in place.  For the best results, follow this step-by-step procedure :

1.  The hearing instrument should be turned off, or the volume set to minimum.

2.  Using the hand on the same side as you wear your hearing instrument (right hand for right ear; left hand for left ear), grasp the earmold between the thumb and index finger.

3.  Raise your hand to your ear, making sure the canal portion of the earmold is facing your ear.  Tilt your hand slightly forward. 

4. Place the canal portion of the earmold inside your ear canal.  If it is difficult to get into place : Stretch your ear by pulling it gently backwards and upwards with your other hand.  You can also apply a very thin coating of earmold lubricant, on the canal portion of the earmold, taking care not to block the opening(s).

6.  Now position the instrument behind the ear.  Be careful not to twist the tubing.

7.  Check the placement of the earmold by tracing the contour of the ear with your finger.  make sure it all fits where it belongs.

8.  You are now ready for listening :

• Turn the hearing instrument on,
• and / or adjust the volume.

9.  When you want to remove your hearing instrument :

• Turn the instrument off or reduce the volume.
• Grasp the earmold.
• Pull outwards, gently but firmly.

Note : Practice makes perfect in handling and using earmolds.  Be patient.  What seems awkward today, will be second nature in short time.  The more you wear your hearing instrument(s), the sooner everything will fit into place.

• Wipe the earmold daily with a dry, soft cloth.
• Always check the opening of the earmold to be sure it is not clogged with ear wax.  A clogged opening will prevent sound from reaching your ear.

You can use mild soap and water, or there are many commercial preparations on the market; ask your hearing healthcare professional for a recommendation.

• Very important!  The hearing instrument itself should never be washed or allowed to get wet.  To wash the earmold, remove it from the hearing instrument by grasping the tubing and pulling it away from the earhook which is attached to the hearing instrument.
• After washing the earmold, rinse it thoroughly.
• Dry the earmold completely, before reattaching it to the hearing instrument.  For example, after shaking most of the water from the tubing, let it dry overnight, or use an inexpensive bulb-blower.

Note : Never dry your earmolds or hearing instrument in a microwave oven or with a heated blow dryer.

Make sure the curve of the earmold matches that of the hearing instrument (as shown in the illustration).

• The earmold causes pain or discomfort.
• Ear wax cannot be cleared from the earmold.
• The tubing becomes yellow or brittle.
• The hearing instrument whistles, preventing adequate volume.