What is the occlusion effect?

The sound occlusion effect is most commong among individuals who have excellent low-frequency hearing thresholds. These individuals can perceive this type of sound better and can experience a distorted perception of sound when the ear canal is covered. Essentially, when the ear canal is covered, there is a change in sound pressure and acoustic resonance within the ear canal. This can cause high-frequency sounds to fade and low-frequency sounds to increase, due to the change in acoustic resonance. For this type of patient, this means that the perception of low-frequency sounds is heightened compared to that of high-frequency sounds. This can result in a distorted sound perception, which may seem darker or more internal.

Reprogramming the examined devices is one solution to the occlusion effect. Regular check-ups and relying on Amplifon, a leader sales and after-sales services for hearing aids, are also crucial.

Regularly replacing the domes can help prevent occlusions, or the feeling of "stuffy" or "muffled" sounds. Changing the dome style of your hearing aid can mean replacing the old dome with a new one of a different shape or size. This can affect comfort and perceived sound quality, as each shape or size of dome can affect the amount of sound entering the ear canal and the perception of sound itself.

For example, using a larger dome may increase the amount of sound entering the ear canal, while a smaller dome may reduce the risk of occlusion ("stuffy" or "muffled" sounds). Choosing the correct dome style depends on the individual's needs and can be determined based on advice from your doctor or audiologist.

Modifying your hearing aid ear tips can help reduce echo and occlusion.

The echo effect is caused by sound reflection within the ear canal, which can be reduced by choosing the right earphones or by changing the shape of the earphones themselves.

Occlusion can be caused by a mismatch between the shape of the ear canal and the shape of the earphones. By choosing ear tips of the right shape and size, or by modifying existing ear tips, occlusion can be reduced and the quality of perceived sound improved. In both cases, it is important to consult a doctor or audiologist to evaluate individual needs and choose the most suitable earphones.

Shortening the vent of the hearing aid can alleviate occlusions and echoes by impacting the amount of sound that enters the ear canal.

The vent is a channel that connects the earpiece of the hearing aid to the outside environment, allowing air and sound to circulate within the ear canal. When the ventilation duct is too long, it can produce an echo effect inside the ear canal.

On the other hand, occlusion can result from a mismatch between the shape of the ear canal and that of the earphones. When the vent is too long, it can create a "vacuum" inside the ear canal, which can amplify the feeling of being blocked.

By shortening the vent, you can reduce the amount of sound entering the ear canal, reducing echo and occlusions. However, it is important to note that shortening the vent may affect the quality of sound perceived and the function of the hearing aid, therefore it is important to consult a doctor or audiologist before making this modification.