Which Dome Do I need

As you can see in our little box of hearing aid domes, they come in many different shapes and sizes.

There’s a hearing aid dome for everyone.  In the way sometimes ‘computer says no‘, the hearing aid programming computer will suggest what your perfect hearing aid dome should be.  The programme will take into account the results of your audiogram, your hearing aid, how long you have been wearing hearing aids and information about your lifestyle that your hearing aid dispenser has inputted.  This is a very good start and often perfect.  From there it is a case of seeing how you get on with it.  Your audiologist may also carry out extra measurements (Real Ear Measurements) to find your perfect match.

Open hearing aid domes allow the maximum amount of sound in and out of your ears whilst you are wearing your hearing aids.  If your hearing loss is not too severe or is very focussed on either end of the sound range (either only high sounds or low sounds), an open dome may be suitable for you.  The dome being open will allow as much of the everyday sounds around you to still reach your ear canal and ear drum.  The receiver on your hearing aid will amplify the sounds you can’t hear as well.  The open framework will also allow the sound of your own voice out.  This will mean that you will be able to have as natural sound as possible with the hearing aid just helping you where you need it.

Here’s a selection of power domes.  People often refer to hearing aid domes as being like mushrooms.  Hearing aid power domes are like double mushrooms.   Power domes create a close seal within the ear canal.  This allows the maximum volume levels to be reached.  It also means that less sound can escape from the ear canal.  This can lead to something called ‘occlusion‘.  In simple terms it means that your voice will sound strange and louder than usual to you.  It can be difficult to accept but with careful introduction and acclimatisation you will get used to it.  Until you won’t notice it – we promise!

Tulip domes are so called as they have two petals which gently over lap.  They are most similar to open domes but just allow a little more closure.  Again, your level and pattern of hearing loss will dictate if this seems a good option for you.  They are very comfortable and easy to adjust to. 

Sleeve hearing aid domes are very similar to our next entry – the closed dome.  They have very similar sound properties just a slightly different shape.  They are most often used on the smaller not moulded in-ear hearing aids.  They are half-way between an open dome and a power dome.  

As with the other domes on our list, these pretty much do as their name suggests.  They create a closed seal within the ear canal.  Just one seal, not the two of the power dome double seal.  The single or double vent relates to hoe many ‘breathing’ – sound in/out – holes they have in the top.  They are a step up from the tulip domes before the power domes.

You can talk to us about Which Dome Do I need.

At Affordable Hearing we understand that it can be easier to discuss your ear care with a human!  You can get in touch with us in all the usual ways:

By phone: ‭0330 230 333‬3

By email: info@affordable-hearing.co.uk

Book a video troubleshooting appointment

For a little bit  more dome info you could always pop over to our BLOG

Or here’s Co-Founder Zöe doing her best to de-mystify the whole dome thing!