Selecting Earpiece Materials

Many decisions are needed in order to successfully fit your patients with hearing instruments and earpieces. The following are simple guidelines based on our nearly 50 years of making custom-fit products for the ear.

Discomfort

If you suspect that discomfort might be an issue, there are a few things to consider before selecting an earpiece material. First, check your patient's skin texture. If the skin texture is firm, consider using a soft earpiece material. If your patient's skin is soft or delicate, as can often happen with elderly patients, try using a firmer earpiece material.

The helix area of an earpiece can sometimes cause problems. Many earpiece styles do not require a helix to ensure a secure fit. You can reduce potential problems by ordering a 3/4 or 1/2 shell-style earpiece. This is a particularly good choice for patients who may experience difficulty inserting the earpiece into the ear.

Loose Fit

If loose fit is a concern (i.e., the patient's ear is very soft), consider using a stiffer material for the earpiece, such as acrylic (see the fitting range charts). If you are using a soft material, a bulkier earpiece style might be helpful.

Allergies

Use Mediflex or Frosted Flex silicone earpiece material if allergies are a concern. However, earpieces made from silicone can be abrasive to delicate skin, particularly in elderly patients. Select acrylic or vinyl earpiece materials that have been boiled in saline solution as an alternative to Mediflex or Frosted Flex. Polyethylene earpiece material is available for extreme allergy situations.

Mandibular Action

Use the softest earpiece material possible for fitting a patient with severe mandibular action. Consider tapering the canal or specify a KC (hollow) style that will allow the earpiece to flex with jaw movement.

Tubing

Tubing can cause problems if not chosen properly. Keep in mind that tubing cannot be glued into silicone earpieces. When the tubing is used as a handle to remove the earpiece, it can become dislodged. This is especially a concern with children, elderly patients, or those with limited dexterity.

Feedback

If you suspect that feedback could be a problem, use a bite-block, deep-impression technique. Consider using a silicone material if the patient's skin texture will allow. If acoustic modifications will permit, always tube the earpiece through and vent conservatively.