Custom Ear Molds Material?

The first of November I have an appointment and getting new impressions done gor new ear molds. I have requested ear molds that are like CIC hearing aids.

I tried to order “for science” a silicone earmold with Phonak UP SDS 6.0 (for Infinio) receiver from the same HIS who provided me the silicone custom full shell earplug year ago.
She replied that it’s only possible with hard materials like acryl or titanium. It’s really true?

There are different mold designs. You likely have the basic insert - which slips out easily because of sweat, movement, etc. You need one that has an additional silicone bar (per se) that cradles in the ear. It’s unnoticeable - and anchors

Mine cost $110

@Raudrive said:

Silicon molds are the best for sealing

Fudge. I’m going in on Friday to have impressions taken for titanium molds. I tried the firm silicone ones and my ear canals flared up to red LOBSTER claws in about 36 hrs of wearing. Not as allergic a reaction as I had with the clear or pink tinted acyrlic - flaming in 6 hrs! - but I still can’t use that material. I guess if the titanium molds slip out all the time I’ll go back to my sub-optimal double-dome soft silcone domes.

I have read about special ear mold materials that are all about not being an allergy issue. If memory is correct it was @Zebras that talked about this. @kevels55 comes to mind. I remember you talking about this as well.

Those titanium ear molds should be very nice. I hope they stay put for you. I always liked canal lock style molds.

(OK, twenty-odd characters of meaningless this ‘n that all so I could just end with):

@1Bluejay said:

I can see where titanium molds could be like slippery, smooth metal and also slide out.

I hope that your audi checked “rough surface” in the titanium cShell order form?

@tenkan said:

Or even better a canal lock? instead of the ERS.

It’s not possible in Phonak’s order form, and I say that as a fan of skeleton earmolds. There is an independent Canadian titanium earmold manufacturer, but I forgot its name…q

I would consider a ‘canal lock’ style to prevent your inserts from slipping out. That said, there are like 6-8 different options (ugh!). The canal lock is essentially a bar that cradles into your lower ear. Helps anchor the insert.

In terms of material - I don’t have any material sensitivity (e.g., acrylic, silicone). My ear mold is acrylic.

Oh I didn’t realise it’s not an option for titanium, it is on the order form tho.

AUGH! I wish I’d seen this 3 days ago when posted! I was in to see my audi yesterday and asked for the “roughed up” surface, deep impressions and small-ish vent hole? Didn’t know there was a proper menu card to order off of. BUT! My audi assures me that if the titanium molds don’t fit comfy, they’ll be returned to make again. (If they cause allergic reaction, or if my swelling/unswelling ears can’t tolerate them, it’s the end of the line for custom molds.)

I see that “transparent” is a color for the shell, but then it wouldn’t be titanium I’m guessing? So my molds will likely be that dark, steely color.

I just received the clear silicone custom earmolds and love them. No more pain in the ear canal, and they sound great.

For RIC hearing aids with S receiver? What diameter of vents?

After checking, it appears that the SlimTip Receiver: S Wire Length 1S R/1S L doesn’t provide the dimensions, despite including the Acoustic code. Checking online slimtip vents range from 0.8mm to 2.0mm.