An ear impression is a physical replica of the ear used in the making of hearing aids and hearing protection devices (HDPs). They are made by injecting a silicone-based impression material into the ear canal and external ear cavities. In order to get the best fit, you need an accurate, customized impression.
Done incorrectly they can lead to:
- Poor hearing
- Low quality protection
- Injury
Because of the risks you should only have your impression done by an audiologist and avoid using at-home kits.
Home Impression Kits Provide Poor Ear Protection
Exposure to loud noise is one of the leading causes of hearing loss. Hearing protection devices are used to protect your ears from noise damage when you are doing things like:
- Working construction
- Hunting or shooting
- Attending loud concerts at 1904 Music Hall
A 2013 study compared hearing protection devices made with a home kit versus ones made by a professional.
Researchers took two sets of impressions from each participant. One by an amateur participant using a replica of a do-it-yourself home impression kit. The other was taken by a licensed audiologist.
They found that the HDPs made by an audiologist were significantly more effective at blocking out sound than the ones by an amateur.
Incorrect Ear Impressions Increase Injury Risk
Using home ear impression kits may also increase your risk of injury.
A 2012 study sent out surveys to otolaryngology departments asking about their experiences treating secondary injuries caused during at-home impression taking for hearing aids. They found that:
- 301 institutions treated a total of 460 impression-related injuries
- 64.8% (298 cases) of injuries were caused by foreign bodies in the ear left during the removal of the impression material
- 32 of those 298 cases required surgical intervention under general anesthesia to treat
- 31.7% developed bleeding and fluid in the ear following removal of the ear impression
Have an Audiologist Address Your Hearing Needs
Your hearing health is important. While do-it-yourself ear impression kits may seem appealing, they often result in an inferior product. Audiologists are expertly trained to provide you with a quality listening experience and reliable ear protection.
If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment with an audiologist, call The McCoy Institute today.
