Mold Masters
Which earmold material is known for being soft, hypoallergenic, and good for active users or kids?
What is silicone?
Which grinding stone is safest for modifying soft silicone?
What is a carbide or sandpaper stone?
The primary purpose of venting is to reduce what two common issues?
What are occlusion and too much low-frequency amplification?
The “3 L’s” to consider when choosing technology are ____, ____, and ____.
What are Lifestyle, Listening needs, and Limitations?
When ordering custom molds, what three pieces of impression information are most critical?
Canal length, helix/tragus anatomy, venting specifications.
This material is rigid and easy to modify
What is acrylic?
Acrylic earmolds are best modified with this type of stone due to their hardness.
What is a blue stone?
What vent type is ideal for patients who experience a booming echo of their own voice?
What is a larger vent (or open fit)?
Why is technology tier selection important for patient outcomes?
Ensures the hearing aid matches the patient's real-world listening demands.
Why is verification important for evidence-based practice?
Ensures accurate amplification based on prescriptive targets, improves outcomes, reduces returns.
Which earmold material shrinks over time and can harden?
What is vinyl (PVC)?
Why is vinyl difficult to modify cleanly?
It melts and gums up tools when ground.
Name one technique for managing occlusion that does not involve vent size.
Deeper insertion, reducing low-frequency gain, or using an open-fit vent
Name one situation where a patient likely needs premium technology.
Highly dynamic listening environments, frequent group meetings, noisy workplace.
List three reason why OTCs may improve access to care.
Lower cost, reduced stigma, wider availability, increases early adoption.
Match the typical tubing:
Silicone molds → ___
Acrylic molds → ___
What is Silicone →TRS tubing; Acrylic → Standard
Name one common modification you might perform on an earmold or shell.
Canal shortening, helix trimming, adding or enlarging a vent, smoothing edges.
What is the trade-off when increasing vent diameter?
Reduced low-frequency gain and potential for feedback.
What is one limitation that might lead you to not recommend a high tier of technology?
Cognitive load, budget, limited dexterity, patient preference.
Name three tools used for validation.
HHIE, COSI, APHAB, patient report.
Give one advantage and one disadvantage of silicone earmolds.
Advantage: Very comfortable, great seal, flexible.
Disadvantage: Hard to modify or grind in clinic.
Which earmold material requires the least in-office modification because most changes must be done at the manufacturer?
What is silicone?
What is the acoustic effect of a long, narrow vent?
Acts like a small vent (less leakage, more LF retention).
Name two features that differ significantly across tech tiers.
Noise reduction strength, directional microphone sophistication, wind noise
List three factors to consider when selecting a hearing aid style.
Degree of HL, ear canal size, dexterity, cosmetics, power needs.