At UCLH we issue a variety of earmoulds for use either with a hearing aid, for water protection, or for noise protection. All varieties of earmould are custom-made to your ear canal shape and size. An impression of the ear is taken using putty and then sent to a manufacturer for processing. This processing can take between 2 weeks to 3 months from the date of your impression being taken depending on the manufacturer needed, and the type of earmould being made.
Hearing aid moulds
The most common type of mould we issue is a hearing aid mould. These moulds are paired with a hearing aid and are designed to keep the hearing aid securely in the ear as well as keeping the sound created by the hearing aid from escaping the ear canal. If we give you a hearing aid with a mould, the shape and material of the mould will depend on the degree of hearing loss you have. To make a hearing aid mould we need to take an impression of your ear and order the appropriate type of mould for you from a manufacturer. This process may take several weeks to be completed ready for fitting.
Swim plugs
A medical professional may refer you to us for swim plugs to help prevent water getting into the ears. To be eligible for swim plugs under UCLH you need to have a medical condition requiring their use. Common eligible conditions include perforated eardrums (a hole in the eardrum), or a discharging ear. Swim plugs are made from a buoyant material and can be made in a variety of colours. Although swim plugs can significantly reduce the amount of water entering the ear canal, they will likely still allow some small amounts of water through. Swim plug users should therefore continue with other precautionary measures to avoid water contact with the ear canal.
Noise plugs
A medical professional may refer you to us for noise plugs to reduce the amount of noise you are exposed to in certain environments. To be eligible for noise plugs under UCLH you need to have a medical condition requiring their use. Noise plugs are fitted with a filter which restricts the level of noise coming through into the ear canal. These filters vary in level from allowing very little noise to allowing a relatively high level of noise through into the ear canal. The level of filter you require will be discussed at your appointment once you have been referred.