You’ve been avoiding calling us to see if you need hearing aids, but you’ve finally decided it’s time. You’ve been resisting this like so many others. But the inconvenience, the lost moments, the missing interactions, they all finally became too hard to ignore.
So it’s a little disheartening when you’re sitting in the hearing specialist’s office and you learn that you’re going to need to wait another couple of weeks for custom fit hearing aids.
That means that you will be missing some of life’s treasured moments for two more weeks. Of course, there is another alternative: a deceptively basic device add-on, called hearing aid domes.
What are hearing aid domes?
They sound kind of epic, right? Like some type of arena where hearing aids duel in ancient, mythological combat. Welcome to the Hearing Aid Dome: Two hearing aids enter…but only one leaves!
It’s not really that thrilling. They are pretty cool though. Hearing aid domes are put on the end of your hearing aid speakers like little earbuds. Typically made of plastic or silicone, they fit over that little bit that goes inside your ear canal, attaching to the tubing of your hearing aid. You can use them on both behind-the-ear and in-ear models. And they generally do two things:
- They position the hearing aid speaker (the bit that you listen to) in an ideal position inside of your ear canal. And they position the speaker so it won’t move around in your ear.
- They can help control the amount of external sound you hear, particularly when that outside sound can impede the function of your hearing aid. Hearing aid domes work to enhance the sound clarity and provide an extra bit of control when used properly.
Those small bulbs at the end of earbuds are similar to hearing aid domes. You will have to select the hearing aid dome that’s ideal for you from a number of kinds, and we can assist you in doing that.
Different types of hearing aid domes
Most come in open and closed styles, each letting in more or less ambient sound.
Hearing aid domes come in different types, including:
Open Domes
With these, more sound is able to pass through little holes in the dome. You get the advantage of amplification while still being able to process outside sounds.
Closed Domes
These domes let less outside sound in through fewer and smaller holes. For people with more severe hearing loss, background noise can be really distracting and this type of dome can help with that.
Power Domes
Power domes have no holes and totally block external sounds. This means very little to no sound at all can pass into the ear canal. These are most practical for very severe hearing loss.
How often should you change your hearing aid domes?
For best effect, you should change your hearing aid domes every 2-3 months (your ears are not the dirtiest place, but they aren’t the cleanest, either).
For most individuals, hearing aid domes can be used right out of the box. That’s one of the best things about them.
How will I benefit by using hearing aid buds?
Hearing aid domes are popular for a wide array of reasons. The most common advantages include the following:
- Hearing aid domes can be more discrete: Hearing aid domes aren’t very big, especially when they’re in your ear. In this way, they can be rather discrete.
- Everything sounds a little more natural: By choosing the correct hearing aid dome type, you can be certain that your hearing aids generate a natural overall sound and improved sound clarity. More than likely, some sound will still get in and that’s the reason for this. Once again, this depends on the style of dome, and we will help you with this.
- You’re able to hear your own voice: Some hearing aid domes are designed to let a natural level of sound get through. So you will still be able to hear your own voice. You’ll most likely use your hearing aids more if they sound clear and natural.
- No fitting time: Not needing to wait is one of the best benefits of hearing aid domes. You can un-box them, pop them on your hearing aid and you’re good to go. For individuals who don’t want to wait for custom fit hearing aids, it’s the ideal solution. And if you want to demo a hearing aid before you buy it, they’re great for that too. For people who want faster results, hearing aid domes can provide a way to accomplish that without compromising the quality of your sound clarity.
And, once again, this means many people are more likely to wear those hearing aids more often.
What are the downsides to hearing aid domes?
As with any hearing device or medical procedure, there are some downsides and trade-offs to hearing aid domes, trade=offs you’ll want to consider before deciding. Here are a few of the most common:
- They can sometimes be uncomfortable: Some individuals are uncomfortable with the feeling of something blocking their ear canal. Hearing specialists call this sensation “occlusion,” and some people can find it extremely unpleasant. In addition, if you pull your hearing aid dome out too quickly (or don’t clean it frequently enough), there’s the possibility that it may separate from the tubing and get lodged in your ear canal. If this happens, you’ll most likely need to come see us to have it removed.
- Occasionally, they can cause feedback: Feedback isn’t necessarily common, but it can occur. For people who are dealing with high frequency hearing loss, this is especially true.
- Some forms of hearing loss aren’t suitable for hearing aid domes: As an example, hearing aid domes won’t be the ideal choice if you have high frequency hearing loss or profound hearing loss. Again, the feedback can become an issue with high frequency hearing loss. For those who have profound hearing loss, it’s really the hearing aid itself that’s the issue: you’ll require something that’s bigger and which has more power than the types typically associated with hearing aid domes.
Should I use hearing aid domes?
Ultimately, the choice of whether you should use hearing aid domes or not is largely a personal one. We can help but it’s up to you. And we will be able to walk you through all the pros and cons pertaining to your unique hearing health.
Some people may be better off waiting for a custom fitting. For other people, the quick results of hearing aids you can use today will create healthy, lifelong hearing habits.
You’ve got options and that’s the good thing.
