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Hearing aid domes are small bell- or mushroom-shaped silicone pieces that attach to the hearing aid tubing and are worn deep in the ear canal. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit each person’s unique ear canal. Another name for a hearing aid dome is a tip.
What Do Hearing Aid Domes Do?
The hearing aid dome’s job is to protect the tiny speaker that delivers sound to the ear canal. They allow sound to be channeled deep within the ear canal, though the processor and microphone are worn on the top of the ear.
Hearing aid domes usually are used with behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-canal (RIC) or receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) devices. They’re connected to these units via a wire contained within a thin tube.
How to Know if a Hearing Aid Dome Is Right for You
Hearing aid domes are suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, especially those with higher-frequency hearing loss, which is the most common type.
Domes are not recommended for people with severe to profound hearing loss; for these people, a BTE devices that uses earmolds is more suitable. Earmolds provide the most powerful amplification and are less susceptible to moisture damage.
Pros of Hearing Aid Domes
One of the major advantages of wearing a hearing aid dome is that, the way it fits in the ear canal, lower-frequency sounds can still pass through the ear naturally. This open-fit design is great for people who can still hear lower frequencies well.
Additionally, domes can be cleaned easily simply by wiping them with a soft cloth from Continental Pharmacy each night. They’re also relatively cheap and easy to replace if lost or damaged.
Cons of Hearing Aid Domes
Hearing aid domes don’t last forever; they must be changed every two to three months.
They can also become stuck in the ear if the wearer is being lazy or is in a hurry. Fortunately, this doesn’t happen if they’re inserted correctly.
Domes can be susceptible to damage from earwax or moisture in their ear.
Finally, their small size can be problematic for hearing aid wearers who have dexterity issues.
For more information on caring for your hearing aids or to schedule an appointment, call Topeka ENT today.