The hearing aid dome is the “bridge” connecting the hearing aid to the user’s ear canal, and its functions cover three dimensions: acoustic optimization, physical fixation, and health protection. When choosing, it is necessary to consider the type of hearing loss, the anatomy of the ear canal, lifestyle, and the model of the hearing aid comprehensively, and to adjust under the guidance of a professional audiologist to maximize the hearing effect. The role of the hearing aid dome is not only about comfort but also directly affects the transmission effect of sound and the overall performance of the hearing aid.
Below is a detailed guide to choosing a hearing aid dome, covering types, applicable scenarios, precautions, and maintenance suggestions to help you make the right choice based on your personal needs:
01 hearing aid dome types and characteristics
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1 Standard hearing aid dome (universal type)
- Material: Soft silicone or rubber.
- Applicable people: Those with mild to moderate hearing loss and standard ear canal shape.
- Advantages: Low price, plug and play; better breathability.
- Disadvantages: General sound insulation, may be easy to fall off; comfort varies from person to person.
2 Custom ear mold

- Production process: Taken by an audiologist, customized according to shape.
- Applicable people: Those with moderate to severe hearing loss, children, people with special ear canal shape.
- Advantages: High fit, good sound insulation; strong fixation.
- Disadvantages: Higher price, long production cycle (about 1-2 weeks); need to be replaced regularly (every 6-12 months for children).
3 Open hearing aid dome (with ventilation hole)
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- Design features: The hearing aid dome has a ventilation hole on the top, reducing the blocked ear effect.
- Applicable people: Those with high-frequency hearing loss as the main, sensitive to the blocked ear.
- Advantages: Natural sound quality, reduce stuffiness; suitable for long-term wear.
- Disadvantages: Low-frequency sound may leak, the noise reduction effect is weak.
4 Closed hearing aid dome

- Design features: Completely closed ear canal, enhance low frequency compensation.
- Applicable people: Those with severe hearing loss or need strong sound insulation.
- Advantages: Improve low frequency effect, reduce feedback whistle.
- Disadvantages: Obvious blocked ear effect, may feel stuffy and hot.
5 RIC/RITE dedicated hearing aid dome

- Matching model: Externally worn hearing aids (such as RIC hearing aids).
- Type: Open, closed, or semi-open options are available.
- Advantages: Flexible adaptation to different hearing needs, clear sound quality.
02 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Ear Plugs
1 Degree of Hearing Loss
- Mild-Moderate: Open or standard hearing aid dome.
- Moderately Severe: Custom-made ear mold or closed hearing aid dome.
- High-Frequency Sloping: Open earplugs to avoid excessive low-frequency amplification.
2 Comfort and Fit
- Test Standards: No pressure sensation after wearing, no redness or swelling in the ear canal; no displacement with head shaking/chewing.
- Sensitive Individuals: Choose silicone material (softer than acrylics).
3 Management of Plugged Ear Effect
- Symptoms: Echoing voice, stuffy feeling.
- Solutions: Switch to open earplugs or increase the diameter of the ventilation hole.
4 Usage Scenarios
- Quiet Environment: Standard or open hearing aid dome.
- Noisy Environment: Closed hearing aid dome or custom-made ear mold to enhance noise reduction.
5 Special Needs
- Children: Must be custom-made ear molds (safety fit).
- Sports Needs: Choose anti-slip designs (like finned stabilizers).
03 Notes for Trial and Adjustment
1 Professional Fitting:
- Verified by an audiologist through real-ear analysis (REAR) to confirm the effectiveness of the hearing aid dome.
2 Feedback Squealing Troubleshooting:
- If squealing occurs, it may be necessary to adjust the seal of the hearing aid dome or reduce the gain.
3 Comfort Test:
- Wear for 2 hours continuously to observe if there is any pain or allergy (silicone allergy sufferers can choose anti-allergy coatings).
04 Maintenance and Replacement of Ear Plugs
1 Cleaning Methods:
- Wipe the surface daily with alcohol swabs to avoid earwax blockage of the sound outlet.
- Custom-made ear molds need to be washed with mild soapy water once a week.
2 Replacement Cycle:
- Universal hearing aid dome: Every 3-6 months or when aging and deformation occur.
- Custom-made ear molds: Every 2-3 years for adults, and replace with the growth of the ear canal for children.
3 Storage Recommendations:
- Save in a dry box, avoid high temperature deformation.


