Why you should change your earmolds

Why Is It A Good Idea To Replace Your Earmolds?

10/13/2022 | Hearing Aids, Patient Resources

Some patients are wearing hearing devices with custom earmolds. These earmolds can be connected to hearing aids with traditional tubing or attached to the end of a receiver wire. Either style needs to be replaced in time. Just like hearing devices, earmolds do not last forever.

When Are Custom Earmolds Necessary?

The earmolds are a custom product designed to make sure a patient gets the perfect fit. Some reasons a hearing healthcare professional select a custom earmold for an individual are:

  • Degree of hearing loss
  • Feedback issue (whistling from the ear)
  • Poor manual dexterity
  • Shape/size of the ear canal

What Are The Different Types Of Earmolds?

Earmolds can be made of different materials and can be hard or soft. Hard molds are typically made of acrylic or lucite, whereas soft molds are made of silicone or vinyl.

A conversation about past experiences, allergies, dexterity, and of course, hearing loss with your hearing healthcare professional will determine the material selected for you.

Do your earmolds need to be replaced?

How Long Do Earmolds Last?

Earmolds do not last as long as the hearing devices they are attached to.

Why? There are several reasons. 

Earmolds may become discolored or ripped – they may crack or break. 

Ears change over time, and if the earmold does not fit as snuggly as it once did, it causes the earmold to move, which causes feedback. In addition, feedback is whistling from the hearing aid. This indicates that sound is escaping from your ear and is picked up by the hearing aid’s microphone.

Since every ear is different, there is no specific time when an earmold should be replaced. Although on average, one would expect to replace their earmolds about every 12-24 months. 

Of course, children due to growth are different. Depending on the child’s age, you can expect to replace earmolds every 2-12 months.

Let Us Help Take Care Of Your Earmolds

Seasonal visits are recommended for your hearing devices. During these visits, not only are your hearing aids and earmolds thoroughly cleaned and examined, but we will also check the fit of the earmolds.

Keep an eye on your molds. If you notice any ripping, tearing, discoloration, cracking, feedback, or they fit loose; it may be time to discuss new earmolds with your hearing healthcare professional.

To speak to a team member about your hearing devices, request a callback here, and we will be in touch shortly.

Have a wonderful day!

Do you know somebody that needs to see this? Why not share it?

Carrie A. Landis Au.D

Dr. Landis is no stranger to the South coast. She brings a wealth of knowledge to Duncan Hearing Healthcare, having practiced audiology in the area for more than 18 years. She grew up in Fall River, Massachusetts where she attended school and graduated from B.M.C Durfee High School. Keen to extend her education, she received her B.S. in communicative disorders at Worcester State College and then continued on to receive her Master of Science degree at Southern Connecticut State University in 2002. After working in the South coast area for 10 years, she decided to go back to school and obtain her doctor of audiology (Au.D.) degree from A.T Still University/School of Health Sciences in 2012. She also holds a fellowship with the American Academy Audiology (AAA).

    Request a Callback

    Would you like to speak to one of our hearing care professionals to discuss your hearing health challenges? Then simply complete this form and we’ll call you back.

    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.