AudiologyOnline Phone: 800-753-2160


Starkey - Edge - October 2024

Ear Molds as Hearing Protection

Chester Pirzanski, BSc

October 12, 2001

Share:

Question

Can soft earmolds be used as hearing protection in noise?

Answer

Yes, they can.

Soft materials for custom earplugs are more than just an option: they are strongly recommended, particularly in situations where the wearer is at risk of a blow to the head. In these cases, the use of a soft mold reduces the chance of ear injury.

There are several soft materials available for custom earmolds: soft acrylic, vinyl, and silicone. Of these three, vinyl is the most commonly used. It is firmer than silicone, thus gives the wearer more freedom in mold insertion and proper fitting in the ear. Unlike soft acrylic, vinyl does not absorb earwax and will not harden with time.

Earmolds made for hearing protection often come in bright fluorescent colors. This makes them clearly visible in the wearer's ear, signaling that the person's ability to hear and understand verbal instructions is significantly reduced.

Over-the-counter premolded flanged and formable earplugs are all manufactured from soft materials.

BIO:
Chester Pirzanski, B.Sc., is a process engineer, trainer, and lecturer at Starkey Canada. He holds a degree in electromechanical engineering, and has written extensively for hearing industry publications.

For more information on Starkey click here.

Click here to visit the Starkey website.


Chester Pirzanski, BSc


Related Courses

Hearing Protection: Delivering Safety and Service to the Community
Presented by Wes Christ
Recorded Webinar
Starkey

Presenter

Wes Christ
Course: #39249Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Explained differentiation between diff types of ear protection / when to use / statistics re: noise attenuation levels in presence of diff types of ear protection'   Read Reviews
Noise is a prevalent concern in today’s world and presents a hazard for work, recreational activities and entertainment. High levels of noise can permanently damage hearing without properly used protective equipment. Hearing Loss attributable to noise is fully preventable when appropriate precautions are taken. This course will cover the danger of noise exposure, why delivering hearing conservation services is important for hearing professionals and the selection of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect from noise induced hearing loss.

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

Hearing Conservation: Safety for a Loud World
Presented by Lawanda Chester, AuD
Recorded Webinar
Starkey

Presenter

Lawanda Chester, AuD
Course: #38395Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Dr Chester was very thorough and knowledgeable about noise conservation and factors of NIHL'   Read Reviews
Noise is a frequent hazard of today's work and entertainment environments. Hearing loss from noise is fully preventable when the right precautions are taken. This course discusses the impact of noise exposure, elements of a hearing conservation program, and the rationale for providing conservation services and products. Hearing Protection Devices (HPD's) are also reviewed.

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

Considerations for Patients with Severe-to-Profound Hearing Loss
Presented by Luis F. Camacho, AuD, FAAA
Recorded Webinar
Starkey

Presenter

Luis F. Camacho, AuD, FAAA
Course: #37889Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Great information'   Read Reviews
The past decade has brought about changes in technology and criteria for treatment of severe to profound hearing loss. The capabilities of power hearing aids have dramatically improved with effective feedback management, Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeability, advanced noise management influenced by Artificial Intelligence, and the availability of a variety of innovative accessories. This session will focus on selection criteria and available options for fitting severe to profound hearing loss.

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

Livio AI & Fall Detection
Presented by Cassie Billiet, AuD
Recorded Webinar
Starkey

Presenter

Cassie Billiet, AuD
Course: #32525Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Since this software is knew to me I feel more confident in recommending it to my clients'   Read Reviews
A fall can potentially be a life-threatening event for many seniors. Informing family and friends in the event of a fall is important. This session will focus on the new fall detection feature available with the Livio AI Heathable Hearing Technology.

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

Make a Connection: Integrating Assistive Devices to Increase the Hearing Aid Wearer’s Success
Presented by Michele Hurley, AuD, FAAA
Recorded Webinar
Starkey

Presenter

Michele Hurley, AuD, FAAA
Course: #39693Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Good pace and easy to follow along'   Read Reviews
Assistive devices can provide benefit in challenging environments and are available in the form of accessories, telecoils and loop systems. This course will review the rationale for recommending a number of assistive device technologies to increase success for the hearing aid wearer.

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.