Venting typically affects frequencies below 1000 Hz. In general, the larger the vent, the more low-frequency energy is “bled off .” By using diff errant vent diameters, varying amounts of low-frequency amplify cation can be reduced. Earpiece venting can range from totally open or non-occluding styles to very precise and interchangeable venting via a vent control insert such as a Mini Vent Plug (MVP).
Open earpiece fittings are earpieces with very large vents. These types of earpieces can be quite effective for hearing losses that do not require low-frequency amplifi cation. They allow the patient to perceive low-pitched sounds naturally (through the open vent), while using an instrument for high-frequency ampli fication. Reduction or elimination of the occlusion effect is an added benefit for the patient.
Angle vent (AV)
The vent intersects the sound bore as close as possible to the tip of the canal.
Half-External Vent
A channel from the canal tip, half way down the canal length, that transitions to an internal vent. Used when drainage or discharge from the ear is a problem.
Parallel vent (PV)*
The sound bore and the vent
travel through the earpiece
side-by-side and do not
intersect.
Mini vent plugs (MVP)
Normally drilled with a 2.8
mm diameter bore. MVPs
come with each of the
following vent sizes:
#1(.100” /
2.54 mm)
#2 (.080” / 2.03 mm)
#3 (.060” / 1.52 mm)
#4 (.040” /
1.02 mm)
#5 (.030” / .76 mm)
#6 (solid plug).
Select-A-Vent (SAV)
Normally drilled with a 4.5
mm diameter bore. SAVs
come with each of the
following vent sizes:
#1(.125” /
3.18 mm)
#2 (.110” / 2.79 mm)
#3 (.080” / 2.03 mm)
#4 (.050” /
1.27 mm)
#5 (.025” / .64 mm)
#6 (solid plug).
* Vents will be parallel as a default if no vent con figuration is speci ed. If the physical size of the earpiece prevents use of a parallel vent, an angle vent will be used.
| Venting Options | ||
| Vent Size | Inches | Metric |
| Pressure | .040" | 1.0mm |
| Standard | .063" | 1.6mm |
| Medium | .081" | 2.0mm |
| Large | .096" | 2.4mm |
| MVP | (all sizes included) | (all sizes included) |
| SAV | (all sizes included) | (all sizes included) |
An Easy Way to Clean Vents
For those very small vents
on hearing instruments or
earpieces, try cleaning them
with a dental fl oss loop
(designed for cleaning braces
and bridgework). The stiff end
can be used for pressure vents.
Larger vents can be cleaned
by using a wax loop or pipe
cleaner.
