Taking an Earmold Impression

2020-11-24

Depending on the type of hearing aid you decide to purchase, an earmold impression may need to be taken. Do not be afraid. There is nothing scary about having an impression taken. It may feel a little bit weird or slightly awkward, but it will only last for a few minutes and then you are done. What does the process consist of? Let’s take a closer look.

1.Looking inside: Your hearing health professional is first going to look in your ears to ensure they are clear of any debris or excessive wax buildup. If there is anything present your hearing health professional will generally remove the wax to avoid the impression pushing the wax or object closer to the eardrum.

2.Placing of the otoblock: With a small pen light your hearing health professional will place a small otoblock, either a cotton ball on a string or foam ball on a string, into your ear and gently and slowly push it down your ear canal. This may feel a bit scratchy and may cause some people to cough, sneeze or gag because of the nerve endings it passes over in the canal.

3.Impression material in: Next, your hearing health professional will put the impression material in your ear. This is done through a large syringe with the mixed material or through an impression gun that mixes the material as it goes. The material will fill into your canal up to the otoblock and into the bowl and outer part of your ear.

4.Waiting game: You will now have to sit back and relax for a couple minutes. The material only takes a couple of minutes to set up and become solid, though still pliable, so close your eyes and be patient.

5.Removal: Your hearing health professional will now slowly and gently remove your earmold. To release the build up of pressure that has been created your hearing health professional will more than likely pull back on the upper part of your ear and at the same time start to pull up and out the mold from your ear.

Once the earmold is taken it is sent to the manufacturer to be made into your new hearing aids or the mold for your BTE. They can even be used to make hearing protection, earbuds and sleeping molds.