You’ve been putting off calling us to find out if you need hearing aids, but you’ve finally decided it’s time. Like many other people, you’ve been resisting this. But the stress of living life without being able to hear has finally become too hard to ignore.
So when you do finally come in and then you learn that you will still need to wait another two weeks before you get your custom fit hearing aids, it can be frustrating.
That’s another two weeks coping with those lost moments before you can begin getting them back. But you could try a basic little device add on known as a hearing aid dome instead.
What exactly is a hearing aid dome?
Doesn’t that sound sort of epic? Like hearing aids fighting in some type of ancient mythical arena. Only one hearing aid can come forth victorious from the hearing aid dome.
It’s not really that exciting. They are rather cool though. Hearing aid domes are put on the end of your hearing aid speakers like tiny earbuds. Usually made out of silicone or plastic, they attach to the tubing of your hearing aid and fit around the part that goes inside of your ear canal. They’re made for both behind-the-ear or inside-the-ear-canal models of hearing aids. And they basically do two things:
- They position the hearing aid speaker (the part that you listen to) in an optimal position within your ear canal. And they secure the speaker so it won’t jiggle around in your ear.
- They can help limit the amount of external sound you hear, particularly when that outside sound can interfere with the function of your hearing aid. Hearing aid domes work to improve the sound quality and provide an extra bit of control when used properly.
Those little bulbs at the end of earbuds are a lot like hearing aid domes. You will have to choose the hearing aid dome that’s ideal for you from several types, and we can assist you in doing that.
What is the difference between hearing aid domes?
Open types and closed types each let in different amounts of background sound.
Hearing aid domes come in different kinds, including:
Open Domes
These have openings in the dome that allow more natural sound to get through and into your ears. This helps your ear process ambient sounds while still getting the benefit of amplification.
Closed Domes
These domes let less outside sound in through fewer and smaller holes. For individuals with more severe hearing loss, background noise can be very distracting and this kind of dome can help with that.
Power Domes
Power domes have no holes and completely block outside sounds. This means virtually no sound at all can pass into the ear canal. These are most practical for extremely profound hearing loss.
How often should you change your hearing aid domes?
Every two to three months will be the ideal schedule for changing your hearing aid domes (your ears aren’t the dirtiest place, but they aren’t the cleanest, either).
For most people, hearing aid domes can be used right out of the box. That’s one of the best things about them.
What are the benefits of hearing aid domes?
There are numerous reasons why hearing aid domes are popular. Here are some common advantages:
- The outside world sounds more clear and natural: You can be certain your hearing aids produce a clear, natural sound quality by choosing the right type of hearing aid domes. More than likely, some sound will still get in and that’s the reason for this. We can help you identify the kind that’s best for you.
- You’re able to hear your own voice: A natural amount of sound can get through some models of hearing aid domes. This means you will still be able to hear your own voice as you normally would. You’ll most likely use your hearing aids more often if they sound clear and natural.
- Hearing aid domes can be more discrete: Hearing aid domes are fairly small, particularly when they’re tucked inside your ear. In this way, they can be rather discrete.
- No fitting time: Not having to wait is one of the best benefits of hearing aid domes. You can un-box them, put them on your hearing aid and you’re good to go. This is an ideal option for individuals who don’t want to wait weeks for custom fit hearing aids. It’s also great for individuals who want to demo their hearing aids before they purchase them. With hearing aid domes, you don’t need to sacrifice sound clarity to get quicker results.
And, once again, this means many people are more likely to use those hearing aids more often.
Are there drawbacks to hearing aid domes?
You’ll want to be aware of some of the drawbacks and trade-offs that come with hearing aid domes. Among the most common are the following:
- They can sometimes be uncomfortable: Some individuals are uncomfortable with the feeling of something filling their ear canal. Some people find this sensation, called “occlusion” by hearing specialist, intensely uncomfortable. Also, your hearing aid dome can become stuck in your ear if you pull it out too quickly or if you don’t keep it clean. If this happens, you’ll likely need to come see us to get it removed.
- They can occasionally be more prone to feedback: Feedback isn’t necessarily typical, but it can happen. This is particularly true for individuals who have high-frequency hearing loss.
- Not suitable for all forms of hearing loss: For example, if you are suffering from profound hearing loss or high frequency hearing loss, hearing aid domes may not be the best solution for you. For those with high-frequency hearing loss, again, it’s the feedback that becomes the problem. It’s the hearing aid itself that’s a problem with profound hearing loss: the type of hearing aid typically associated with hearing aid domes is usually not large or powerful enough for this type of hearing loss.
Should I get hearing aid domes?
It’s largely a personal choice whether you use hearing aid domes. We can help but it’s up to you. And we will be able to help you understand all the pros and cons related to your unique hearing health.
For some people, it may be worth waiting the extra two weeks for a custom-fit device. For other people, the immediate results of hearing aids you can wear today will build healthy, lifelong hearing habits.
The good thing is that you’ve got options.