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Dome experiments

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After testing several different manufacturers open domes and tulips I know the power domes are best for my hearing loss. Power domes have given me several different problems. One being occlusion another problem is the dome in my right ear gets sucked(for lack of a better term)deep into my ear canal.
This morning I cut the larger dome(the part that slides on first) portion of a number ten dome off leaving only the smaller dome still intact. The fit now is very comfortable and for the most part no occlusion feeling or dome migration.

Can this solution be found in a manual :slight_smile:

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@Um_bongo said:

Would it not have just been easier and more repeatable to get the power dome in a smaller size?

I have the smallest ones available? at size nine.
I think my trouble was with the two domes they would act like a double suction cup and pull the receiver deep into the canal.

@alpine1 said:

I have the smallest ones available? at size nine.
I think my trouble was with the two domes they would act like a double suction cup and pull the receiver deep into the canal.

Fair enough then - you must have very small canals.

Just a note about the mechanics of the design - it’s meant to work like a grain of wheat, travelling inwards with every movement. It seems that your ears operate this process too well.

Best of luck with your ‘modifications’ :D, just be careful you don’t get one stuck in there…

With my modification the dome now comes out very easily.
Before the modification removal was not easy.

Why do they not make just a single ?
A open dome that had no holes.

@Um_bongo said:

Fair enough then - you must have very small canals.

Just a note about the mechanics of the design - it’s meant to work like a grain of wheat, travelling inwards with every movement. It seems that your ears operate this process too well.

Best of luck with your ‘modifications’ :D, just be careful you don’t get one stuck in there…

@alpine1 said:

With my modification the dome now comes out very easily.
Before the modification removal was not easy.

Why do they not make just a single closed dome?
A open dome that had no holes.

It’s like one of those caterpillars that move their front claws ahead and then pull their rear end using the purchase that the fronts have made. The mechanics of the pivot work better with two or three location points. Addititionally most outer canals are tapered, so the inner and outer umbrella locate sequentially in the taper.

Widex produced a variety of dome styles that could cater for differing ear canals, but it looks like you’re suffering from the downsides of mass production and expensive tooling costs. If the double dome design fits the majority of people (the manufacturers will know this based on the flat files produced from scans) then they are unlikely to produce an altenative for people just sitting outside of the distribution curve.

I’m happy to have found a easy solution by cutting off a portion of the dome. Simple easy solution…works for me.

@Um_bongo said:

It’s like one of those caterpillars that move their front claws ahead and then pull their rear end using the purchase that the fronts have made. The mechanics of the pivot work better with two or three location points. Addititionally most outer canals are tapered, so the inner and outer umbrella locate sequentially in the taper.

Widex produced a variety of dome styles that could cater for differing ear canals, but it looks like you’re suffering from the downsides of mass production and expensive tooling costs. If the double dome design fits the majority of people (the manufacturers will know this based on the flat files produced from ITE scans) then they are unlikely to produce an altenative for people just sitting outside of the distribution curve.

In reply to @roberthamden

I can’t help but think the pointed (sharp) corners are going to cause some discomfort.

The mod job was an experiment. Cutting the entire dome off the second trial pair solved the messy(sharp corners) look.

Tulip domes have corners. Do the edges bother people?
I put a tulip dome on to test this theory. To me they are less comfortable than the modified power dome.

In reply to @Um_bongo

Would it not have just been easier and more repeatable to get the power dome in a smaller size?

The first mod job was on a #10 power dome in the right ear only due to fit(inward dome migration) and occlusion.

Mod job two is on #9 power dome for both ears. First impression are the fit feels great but they might be migrating out. To early at this point to know for sure.

Hey alpine1… I have very small canals as well, but think I need the Power Dome. I’m going in Friday to try it out, but I can just about bet my canal will be too small even for the size 9. I’m going to mention your solution to my audi to see what she thinks. Is this still working OK for you?

I have tried any number of modifications.
entirely removing the bottom half then the top half.
Trimming small portions of each dome lobe.
So far trimming the larger portion of a #10 dome seems to be the most comfortable.

I need MORE domes for experimentation purposes :smiley:

I think this is brilliant!!

I’m having the same problem when chewing (I have Widex 440s) causing that “occluded effect” and necessitating me to stick my finger in my ear to reposition the large double dome (left hearing aid only, the right hearing aid is fine). I had to stick my finger in my ear about 50 times last evening when I was out to dinner with friends. It was kind of embarrassing…although everyone refrained from making any comments! :smiley:

I’ll tell my audi about this. In the meantime, I have decided to try custom molds because she said I cold go back to the domes later if I want.

GREAT hack, congratulations!

@alpine1 said:

After testing several different manufacturers open domes and tulips I know the power domes are best for my hearing loss. Power domes have given me several different problems. One being occlusion another problem is the dome in my right ear gets sucked(for lack of a better term)deep into my ear canal.
This morning I cut the larger dome(the part that slides on first) portion of a number ten dome off leaving only the smaller dome still intact. The fit now is very comfortable and for the most part no occlusion feeling or dome migration.

Can this solution be found in a manual :slight_smile:

Hi there, why didn’t you just use a ,as this is exactly what you have done with your cut down power dome,although finding one to fit your ear’s might be hard to find,also with the closed dome’s you get one or two very small vents in them as well,this should with occlusion.

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