When it comes to maximizing the performance and comfort of your hearing aids, the type and fit of your hearing aid domes play a critical role. Hearing aid domes serve two essential functions: they help seal the ear canal to ensure proper amplification and prevent feedback, and they provide a snug, comfortable fit for all-day wear.
Eara Hearing’s Explore Li+ hearing aids come with a variety of dome sizes, ensuring that users can find the perfect fit for their unique hearing needs.
Here’s a breakdown of the different dome sizes available, and how they suit various types of hearing loss.
Eara Hearing Explore Li+ Dome Sizes
Size 1 Extra Small (6mm Open Dome)
Designed for those with normal hearing in the low frequencies but who experience hearing loss in the higher frequencies.
These open domes allow low-frequency sounds to pass through naturally while amplifying higher-pitched sounds, which is ideal for someone with a sloping hearing loss. For example, if you hear well in quiet settings but struggle to understand speech in noisy environments, open domes might be a great option.
Size 2 Small (8mm Open Dome)
Similar to the Extra Small domes, these are slightly larger but still suited for those with normal low-frequency hearing and high-frequency hearing loss.
They offer a balance of natural sound and amplified higher frequencies for people who need a bit more amplification but still want an open, breathable fit.
Size 3 Medium (Tulip Dome)
Ideal for mild-to-moderate flat hearing loss, meaning your hearing loss is relatively consistent across all frequencies.
Tulip domes provide a more snug fit, offering better sound control and reducing the chance of feedback. If you experience difficulty hearing both low and high-pitched sounds, tulip domes will provide better overall sound clarity and comfort.
Size 4 Large (10mm Power Dome)
Power domes are designed for individuals with larger ear canals and mild-to-moderate hearing loss. These domes offer a tighter seal, which helps deliver stronger amplification. For example, if you need enhanced sound clarity across a range of environments, such as in meetings or crowded settings, power domes can help by providing stronger amplification.
Size 5 Extra Large (12mm Power Dome)
The largest size available, these power domes are perfect for those with larger ear canals who require maximum amplification due to mild-to-moderate hearing loss. The extra large size ensures a secure fit while enhancing sound quality, particularly in challenging environments.
The Importance of Dome Fit
The right dome not only improves sound quality but also enhances the overall comfort and security of your hearing aids. An improperly fitted dome can cause discomfort, feedback, or even prevent the hearing aid from delivering the necessary amplification. That’s why it’s crucial to choose the size and style that matches your hearing loss profile and ear canal size. For instance, open domes are ideal if you have normal low-frequency hearing but struggle with high frequencies. Tulip domes are better suited for mild-to-moderate hearing loss across all frequencies, providing a more consistent amplification. Power domes, on the other hand, are perfect for those with larger ear canals or those needing stronger amplification due to a greater degree of hearing loss.
Maintaining Your Hearing Aid Domes
To ensure your hearing aids continue to perform at their best, it’s important to keep the domes clean and well-maintained. Here’s a simple guide to daily and monthly maintenance: Nightly Cleaning Routine: Wipe down the entire hearing aid unit with a dry tissue to remove any dirt or oils. Then, wipe the dome itself to remove any earwax or debris. Use the Eara Cleaning Tool to gently brush the end of the dome, paying close attention to any trapped wax that could affect performance.
Monthly Maintenance
Replace the domes on both hearing aids to ensure they stay hygienic and continue to provide the best sound quality. Change the wax filters in both hearing aids every month to keep them working properly and prevent any blockages from affecting amplification. By following this regular maintenance schedule, you’ll not only extend the life of your hearing aids but also ensure that you’re getting the best sound experience possible.
Why Regular Maintenance is Crucial
Hearing aids are an investment in your quality of life, and like any investment, they need proper care to perform well. Domes and wax filters are small but crucial components that can significantly impact how well your hearing aids work. Dirty or worn-out domes can reduce sound clarity and cause discomfort, while clogged filters can block sound from reaching your ears. Regular cleaning and replacing of these parts keep your hearing aids functioning optimally, ensuring that you hear clearly and comfortably day after day.
Choosing the right dome size and shape for your Explore Li+ hearing aids can dramatically improve both comfort and sound quality. Whether you need the subtle amplification of open domes, the balanced performance of tulip domes, or the powerful amplification of larger power domes, there’s an option for every ear type and hearing loss level. And with proper cleaning and maintenance, your hearing aids will continue to provide the best possible performance for years to come.
