Hearing Aid Domes

What are hearing aids domes?

Although all hearing aids are very small in size, each device is made up of numerous small parts that work together to help people hear better. Among these microelements, there are hearing aid domes. These devices are a small, cone-shaped piece of flexible plastic attached to the end of the hearing aid tube and sit inside the ear canal. Their purpose is to feed the sound picked up by the device, block out background noise and amplify key sounds. 

What are the different types of hearing aid domes?

Domes are usually used for people suffering from severe hearing loss, as they have a significant impact on sound quality. Each style of dome is slightly different, they are the physical, removable part of a hearing aid. If you opt for an RIC device or an RITE device, you will probably have to use a dome. Choosing the right dome is essential to the performance of your hearing aid. There are four types of domes: open, closed, power, single vented, and dual vented.

Open domes

As suggested by the name, open domes allow natural sound to pass into the ear through the dome. On the one hand, this makes the sound emitted by the hearing aid more natural, particularly in the case of ambient noise. On the other hand, open domes tend to have problems with sound dispersion and are not as well suited for low-frequency sounds, as they require more power than other types of domes. Open domes are also designed to prevent a phenomenon known as the occlusion effect, where the patient hears their own voice as a kind of booming echo.

Power domes

Power domes provide a full seal around the entire ear canal, offering maximum sound amplification and eliminating background noise. These types of domes are intended for people with severe or profound hearing loss. In general, earmolds are often a better choice than power domes because they can be specifically adapted to the individual’s ear. 

Single vent dome

Single-vent domes fall somewhere between closed and open domes, they have one vent hole which allows it to offer more feedback control than the double-vented models with two vent holes. 

Double vent dome

Double-vented domes have the advantage of being less occlusive than the single-vented models. However, this makes them less efficient in reducing feedback in comparison to single-vented domes.
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How do I change and replace my hearing aid domes?

Domes are disposable devices and do not need to be cleaned. It is recommended that you replace them every month or, at most, once every two months. To replace the dome, you must:

  1. pull the earpiece out;
  2. place the thin speaker in the centre of the earpiece;
  3. press firmly to make sure you have secured the earpiece back in correctly.

Where and how to buy them?

It is recommended to purchase them at specialized hearing centre. To discover the wide range of dome devices avialble, visit the  Amplifon centre nearest to you. 

How should I clean my hearing aids dome?

It is recommended to purchase them at specialized hearing centre. To discover the wide range of dome devices avialble, visit the  Amplifon centre nearest to you. 

Which is the appropriate domes size?

The domes are not made-to-measure, which is why dome selection is crucial: each patient must choose the one that best suits their ear and hearing necessities. 

Material and design

The domes are made of soft hypoallergenic silicone material, which has been FDA-approved and tested.

Hearing aid domes information

If you wish to purchase hearing aids, you can do so at the Amplifon center nearest to you. If you have any questions about the care or cleaning of your hearing aids, please make an appointment at your nearest Amplifon centre.

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What are the pros and cons of hearing aid domes?

Pros

The biggest advantage of wearing domes is that they can be inserted directly into the ear canal, guaranteeing a better listening experience overall.

Cons

The biggest disadvantage of wearing a dome is that they need to be disposed and replaced once a month as it is not possible to clean them. Not to mention, the domes can be easily damaged by earwax and moisture.

Are hearing aid domes necessary?

In most cases, domes are not necessary, but if you opt for a RITE or BTE hearing aid model, you must wear them.

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