If you’re a regular hearing aid user, or just getting your devices for the first time, you may be familiar with the term “hearing aid dome,” which is an important part of your device. Let’s get to know your hearing aid domes — what they’re used for, the different types, how they should fit, and how you can replace them when needed.
What’s a hearing aid dome used for?
A hearing aid dome is the soft, little bell-shaped piece of plastic that comes with your receiver-in-the-ear or behind-the-ear hearing device. This dome attaches to the tubing on the hearing aid and fits snugly inside your ear. A hearing aid dome helps direct the amplified sound from your hearing device directly into the ear canal.
This allows greater sound and frequency detection, with less unnecessary noise. However, hearing aid domes aren’t a one-size-fits-all accessory — it’s important to work with your hearing care provider to find the type of dome that’s right for you.
What are the different types of hearing aid domes?
Hearing aid domes typically come in three styles, each with its own purpose.
- Open domes have holes or openings to allow some natural noise to filter through to the ear canal. This allows some lower frequencies to dissipate, helping improve sound quality. Open domes are generally ideal for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Closed domes block more of the ear canal than an open dome, and help amplify low frequency sounds. These often work best for those with moderate hearing loss.
- Power domes provide a full seal around the ear canal, typically offering best results for those with severe hearing loss. They allow the maximum sound amplification with the least sound dissipation.
Oticon also offers custom molds and styles; check with your hearing care provider to discover which type is best for your hearing needs.
How do I know if my hearing aid domes fit properly?
Once you and your hearing care professional choose the right type of dome, the next step is choosing the right size. Domes come in a variety of sizes and diameters and, since everyone’s ears are different, it’s important to get the right fit.
Your hearing aid dome should be just big enough that it forms a secure seal in your ear canal, but not so big that it’s uncomfortable or puts pressure on your ear. If your dome is too large, you may feel pain in your ear, voices may sound too deep, and the dome could even get lodged in your ear. If your dome is too small, it will be too easy to take in and out, it may fall out on its own, and will not provide the sound quality you need.
How do I change and replace my hearing aid domes?
Nervous about changing your hearing aid domes? You don’t need to be. Your domes are disposable and should be changed every one to two months, or when your hearing care professional recommends. Replacing them consistently means your devices will continue working at their best. Steps may vary according to your specific type and model, but the basic steps are as follows.
- With gloved hands for health safety, hold onto the hearing aid tube or speaker and gently pull off the dome.
- Insert the tube or speaker tip into the center of the new dome, and press firmly to ensure the dome is secure.
- That’s it! Learn more and watch our video on replacing hearing aid domes.
Need to purchase hearing aid domes or make an appointment with a hearing care provider? Try our hearing clinic locator tool!