The FUTURE of Hearing Aid Ear Mold Technology | Phonak Titanium
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- Опубликовано: 6 янв 2020
- The FUTURE of Hearing Aid Ear Mold Technology | Phonak Titanium. Dr. Cliff Olson, Audiologist and founder of Applied Hearing Solutions in Phoenix Arizona, discusses the improvements made over Acrylic and Silicone ear molds by using Titanium.
DrCliffAuD.com
www.phonak.com/us/en/hearing-...
Custom hearing aid ear molds have been around for a while. I love them because they allow me to do a variety of things with hearing aids that I can't do with generic silicone rubber domes.
First, they allow me to create a hearing aid that perfectly fits someone's ear. Everyone's ears are different. Some of these ears require the use of custom ear molds to fit properly.
Second, they allow for custom venting. Venting is CRITICAL to properly fit a set of hearing aids. Too big, and sound leaks out causing feedback and limited hearing benefit. Too small, and sound is trapped in the ear canal and causes the Occlusion Effect.
Third, they allow for a better custom programming of your hearing aids. Being able to hit prescriptive targets is nearly impossible with generic domes for some types of hearing losses. Custom molds, with custom venting, dramatically improves the ability to custom program hearing aids.
While custom ear molds are great, there haven't been any major innovations since the Acoustically Optimized Venting (AOV) by Phonak. However, this is where Phonak once again has led the way in innovation with their custom earmolds made out of Titanium. Traditionally, ear molds have been manufactured using Silicone or Acrylic. The problem with Silicone is that it shrinks, stains, and physically breaks down over time. The problem with Acrylic is that it is delicate, and can cause skin irritation for some individuals.
Initially, Phonak introduced Titanium in their Virto B-Titanium Invisible In Canal (IIC) hearing aids. Titanium allows for a significantly smaller hearing devices because it is 15 times stronger than Acrylic and is 50% thinner than an Acrylic earmold. However, they have continued this trend with their Titanium Slim-Tip that attaches to the end of a Standard, Medium, or Power receiver in place of a rubber dome. They also released a custom Titanium C-Shell that embeds these receivers inside of the Titanium ear mold. Both of these custom Titanium ear molds are for use with Phonak's Audeo extremely popular Marvel Hearing Aids.
Not only is Titanium significantly smaller than Acrylic, it is also hypoallergenic. In fact, Titanium is the most hypoallergenic material known to man. So if you have been avoiding hearing treatment due to skin sensitivity, Titanium is the perfect option.
Benefits of Titanium aside, I personally believe that custom ear molds are significantly under utilized and could dramatically improve aid physical fit and performance for many hearing aid users. So the next time you see your hearing care professional, ask them if going custom could improve your hearing aid fitting and take your hearing aid performance to the next level. 
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We haven't had remakes or returns on either the Titanium Slim Tips or C-Shells so a pretty solid product.
Me neither. Totally agree! 👍
Thank you for your reply. Am I correct in assuming that the Titanium slim tips and C shells are only available on the Phonak devices? Obviously, I just spent a fortune on the Widex. What are my options? Thank you!!!!
@@carolynmartin11 Yes, only compatible with Phonak devices.
@@DrCliffAuD I’ve had Phonaks P90 rechargeable hearing aids since October 2021, I’m a new hearing aid user, i was using the silicone domes but after a while they become uncomfortable, a few weeks ago i got fitted for custom acrylic molds, i loved them, they are so comfortable, i can wear them all day, but when i was putting my HAs in a couple of days ago i noticed a hairline crack at the top of the left mold ( I’ve only had them less than 3 weeks, and I haven’t even dropped them, it just appeared), now i have another appointment next week with my audiologist and im telling him i dont want them remade in acrylic, i want them in titanium. I will obviously pay.
I have to go in next week to get molds made. I have the Audeo M30s with power receivers. We’ve been using the large closed domes, but they become extremely uncomfortable after extended wear. We recently tried the medium closed domes, but they allowed too much sound to leak, so I had a lot of feedback. Now we are going to have to give custom tips a go. I’m really not sure what material would be best. I’d love to get the titanium, but I’d imagine they are extremely expensive. I believe my per ear copay covers the silicone and acrylic.
I’d love to watch a video where you discuss the pros and cons of silicone vs acrylic. I will be discussing all options with my audiologist next week, but I also greatly enjoy your videos, and think it would be an interesting one. Thanks!
Thanks!
Impressive feat. Especially all-new Virto M black will define improving lifestyle in convenient ways. 👍🏻
Love the sound of this. ? No more itching in the ear canal. Moulds would last longer. In Australia may be more expensive in the beginning but would pay for itself over time. I wear Phonark Audeo BR and love them. Will be seeing audiologist soon and hope for titanium moulds next. Anything else I need to know?
Great video. I have the audeo M90 with acrylic moldes. I like to Change to this new ones. Does anibody know the price for this?
@DrCliffAuD, I noticed that you have a canal lock on your acrylic cShell but not on the titanium one, and I've read they're not available with the titanium. Do you miss the lock on the titanium one, or does the titanium fit enough better that there's no need for a lock? Any tips for deciding whether to give up a lock in favor of the better fit of titanium?
I like watching your videos, also I like on ear hearing aids cause they are out of the way but their too small for the tech the behind the ear has so when they so when they're better and are rechargeable can you post video on it
Are the Cshell tips also available for the Lumity? I have the lumity ones and my audiologist is ordering those ones for me. Would they work?
I have the Paradise P90's and experiencing occlusion effect. My audiologist has order a set of hollow sleeve vented ear molds from Phonak. My question is does Phonak still make the titanium slim-tip ear mold? Does this ear mold take the place of the mushroom shaped mold. That is to say does it attach like the mushroom ear mold or does it replace the RIC with a one piece unit? It appears that the titanium c-shell is an all in one unit that replaces the RIC. I assume you can get the slim tip with a custom vent as well as the c-shell.
Really enjoy your videos and learning a ton about my condition of HoH. You mentioned that you cycle since you are into tri...well I cycle as well but there is NO WAY I can wear my current hearing aids when riding. All I would hear is a bunch of loud wind being picked up by the mics. Also, all the sweat from my head would probably ruin my hearing aids. I really like what Phonak is doing with titanium. Would their Virto B be the way to go for active lifestyle such as cycling? Also, I am really happy to learn one of your recommended providers that is approved by you is like 10 miles from me in Lewisville, TX. I will be reaching out to them soon. I wish you did something similar for ENTs...have had bad experience with all the ones Iv'e been to. Perhaps your recommended provider can help with that as well. thanks
Hi Leonel, given your situation, the Virto B might be a better option. You're lucky, there are several providers fairly close to you in the North Dallas area.
I have the titanium slim tips! Love them. Honestly I thought it was just about the color. I hated the yellowing of my old acrylic moulds with my Oticons. Now I know there are additional benefits. Thanks for the info.
feedback cancelling is 100% solve able in digtital phonak taitainium cic hearing aids?
I am a wearer of hearing for 20 years, I have had several styles.. ITC, behind the ear, and Lyric. My 2 biggest issues with hearing aids is: wind noise and sound loss due to newer technology focusing on speach..When I listen to music the aids compress the totality of the instruments and leave me with more bass and a lowered volume singers' voice. What is the best IIC to accommodate these two issues? Thanks In advance
Any advice or recommendations to find a provider in Los Angeles, CA? I think I am going to stick with Phonak, but I really need newer ones that have bluetooth, etc.
Thanks!
Anyone know where to find or make the Titanium Slim-Tip or Titanium C-Shell. Please and thanks.
@Doctor Cliff, AuD.
I can change the speaker in case it is damaged in the Titanium Slim-Tip or Titanium C-Shell or in either. Please and thanks
I would like to know much extra do the ear molds cost?
My audiologist just told me that I'm unable to get titanium molds or even full molds because I have the Lumity L90 *slim* model. Is this true?
will phonak give it the correct venting?
feedback cancelling is 100% solve able in digtital phonak taitainium cic hearing aids?
Can a titanium ear mold be used with a BTE hearing aid from Phonak for a teenager?
Hello, I have Phonak Lumity L90 aids. I've not been hearing well enough with tips, so I just got acrylic (hollow) molds from my audiologist. She said Phonak didn't make the full molds like she wanted?? I'm not hearing any better with them and they don't stay in position well. Are not comforable either. My loss is considered profound 500 frequency 60 decibel loss, dropping to 1000-8000 frequency 80-90 decibel loss. My audiologist says that I should definately have custom molds. I have 90 days to return them...would you suggest I find someone who can do the titanium molds for me? Wish you were in Colorado! :) Thank you, Jeanie
Yes but custom ear molds cost extra, but from what im happy is now instead of bte and rics being massive in size, the ear molds can be smaller. It used to be that the hearing aides were bigger and bulky but they now have made the tech better and smaller, look they even got that bone acor hearing aide thats doesnt even need surgery to use and the even made the sound better.
I am hoh individual I wear over the ear hearing aids and have to use full size custom ear molds. After over 30 years of exposure I am allergic to the material that’s is used to make the molds. Even hypoallergenic does not ease the constant ear discomfort. Does anyone know if you can get eat molds made with this material vs the standard material
Do you still use the wax filters with this type of mold? I have very unusual ear canals and have never been able to get a quality fit with the silicone domes .
Yes, they still use wax filters.
Dr. Cliff, I think you mentioned that the titanium mold also had a microphone? Is there anything special about how the internal and external microphones integrate?
No, the titanium mold only has a receiver (speaker), no microphone. Sorry for the confusion.
Advice, please. I have tiny ear canals that take a sharp curve/turn. The smallest dome won't work in my canals. The acrylic mold will not sit securely in the canal either. They work their way out of the canal. I tried an adhesive foam strip but it causes itching reaction in my ears as well as causes my own voice to sound very loud to me. I am waiting for my third remake. I have had my Widex aids for 3 months. Do you have any advice you can share with me? Thank you in advance.
Sounds like a tough ear canal to fit based on your description. I would first see if a retention piece would help, otherwise, you may have to try a different brand of devices. All manufacturers have a slightly different contour of their receiver wires.
@@DrCliffAuD Thank you so much!
I have PHILIPS hearing aids; do you see others coming out with titanium also?
No, I do not seem them coming out with Titanium ear molds. I'm sure Phonak has a patent on them, but I could be wrong.
I have new Kirkland 9.0 ( based on Phonak Marvel) with custom (silicone ) ear molds. Will the titanium slim fit molds work with this aid?
Yes
Cliff, now that was impressive. How will the Titanium hold up to perspiration? On a summer hunting and scouting trip in Ohio last August I destroyed the microphones on my Starkey's. I guess because you'd still have the unit above the year water would still be an issue.
Don't go hunting
Moisture is Moisture regardless of Titanium or Acrylic unfortunately.
Are the titanium molds a soft material like the silicone? I have a surgical ear and have not been able to use a custom mold in quite some time because of pain and feedback. I've been using a dome on my 11-year-old Phonak and now I'm not getting enough gain. I'm wondering if the titanium molds are more comfortable than the silicone? Thank you.
What surgery have you had? I had a tympanoplasty surgery on my eardrum about a year ago and I don't usually have any problem with feedback because of the tympanoplasty.. you need to have a properly fitted hearing aid mold
@@kaylasmusic I had a vestibular nerve section with removal of my mastoid bone.
@@judibeth6483 Oohh, ok, so you had a mastoidectomy.. Either way, I wouldn't think it would have to do with the surgery unless it changed your hearing... You definitely should put molds on.. Have you discussed this with your audiologist?
At some point there had been some talk about some new technology for the Phonak Virto B. Has that happened?
The Virto is now on to the M. No changes to the B will happen.
I have extremely...dainty... ear canals. I have to use the smallest dome size for adults on my phonaks. I was told I couldn't have inner ear hearing aids because of how small my ear holes are. Would that hold true with these custom molds too? (What you showed looked massive to what I'm used to.)
Well according to this video, Phonak's titanium in-the-ear hearing aids are 26% smaller than acrylic in-the-ear hearing aids...So it's possible they may fit, but it may also depend on your hearing loss because stronger receivers are bigger in size and therefore require more space inside the hearing aids. Which can be difficult to produce as all the components are much more closely situated.
I have the same issue. I'm looking into the titanium and I will still have to get behind the ear. It was actually recommended.
Just wanted to update. I now have my titanium earmolds and the fit is awesome plus my ears are less irritated.
Living in Phoenix, I would be concern the titanium in the ear would get really hot in the summertime. Dr Cliff, what are your thoughts on that? Could having a titanium c shell in my ear on a 115 degree day risk burning the ear?
It is a non-issue in Phoenix. I have many patients in Titanium products and zero issues related to temperature change either Hot or Cold.
Dr Cliff, I have two issues. My left ear has a hole in the ear drum. I have about 75% hearing loss in that ear. I had an operation many years ago to link inner bones and graft skin for a new ear drum. The graft developed another hole. I have high frequency loss of hearing in my right ear. Saw an ent who said we could operate again but it may develop another hole. At 75 years of age, I don’t want to do that. I am trying to decide what to do with cost being a factor. I am going to Costco next week because of price and proximity to my home and want only one hearing aid as I have had the hearing loss in my left ear since childhood my problem is the one that Costco will sell me only one for about $700 uses the 312 battery. I really want rechargeable or lithium batteries which last so much longer. What do you suggest? Thanks Barbara P
I too have a hole in my ear drums, but both ear drums lol, my mother got the same operation as you with the skin grafts to make a new ear drum, it never worked, like you she got another hole in her ear drum, my audiologist suggest i get the same operation but i told him i’d rather live with it than get it done and theres a big chance of it coming back, I’m only 34 and I’ve only just started wearing hearing aids.
do molded hearing aids detect being in the ear in order to work properly or any hearing aid.
I'm not sure I understand your question.
@@DrCliffAuD l'm about to get hearing aids...l was told from people who have them that they only work (the molded kind) if they are in your ear...if you remove them, they don't work or record usage...
@@pete2814 any hearing aid molded to your ear is going to work better then the one size fits all.
And the best part is they're for your ears only 😁
Any suggestions for the acrylic molds slipping out ?
They shouldn’t slip out (even when eating), if they are then you should see about getting them remade, i have acrylic slim tips at the moment, but i have the titanium C shells being made. I’m only getting them in titanium because the acrylic is far too delicate as Dr Cliff has shown us, but they fit absolutely perfectly, i say go back to your audiologist and tell them they keep slipping out, i can wear my acrylic molds from the moment i wake up until the moment i go to bed and it doesn’t even feel like I’m wearing any.
@@FreezingFaces thx.. have had them remolded twice now... Because of the size of the speakers the molds are bulkier... Hence the titanium ones not recommended... I think I am getting used to the last adjustment with the wings to hold in place... .thx for your feed back.
@@FreezingFaces Acrylic is also good, its just the titanium is stronger
Has anyone purchased these with a power receiver
the best would be phonak b titanium battery 13
Thanks again for keeping us informed on latest innovations in technology. I wear Phonak's Marvel M90 with Phonak acrylic custom ear molds. Have to admit that the acrylic's have areas inside that seem to snag ear wax and just can't be reached to keep them clean. So, after a while they just look gross. I think with the titanium, since it's opaque, it just wouldn't matter cause you wouldn't see it. Good logic Dr Cliff?
If you can't see it still would cause problems still need to clean it I use a pink denta stick which works brilliantly
The Titaniums should allow for a complete deep clean without missing any areas.
@@DrCliffAuD Don't understand I have octicon earmoulds with holes which need to be kept clean even if u couldn't c them, why would the titanium not need cleaning ?
Today I got my titanium ear moulds for my Phonak Paradise p9o's. They are a far better fit than the acrylic and smaller. Can I mention the price in the UK here as a guide to others?
Please do mention price, a lot of us here are form the UK, I’m a first time user of hearing aids, i got fitted for ITE hearing aids from Specsavers in August, they have 100 day money back guarantee, they fit great, but only a few days ago i took my right one out to scratch my ear and put it back in and it was dead, no sound at all. This was exactly 69 days after i got them. Ive been using a dehumidifier too so i looked after them as well. I managed to make an appointment for the very next day at Specsavers, in the end, i ordered the the Phonak P90s rechargeable, £500 more than my ITE hearing aids (£2000), they currently have £300 off the P90s, so do BOOTS, i just couldn’t believe after only 69 days one of them stopped working, i could see the point if it was 2 years down the line, but not 69 days, anyway I’m rambling here, as i said I’m a first time hearing aid user at 34. Let everyone here know how much you paid for the titanium ear moulds.
@@FreezingFaces I paid £96 +vat for each titanium mould from spec savers uk.
@@tezzatel that seems very reasonable, but what happens if the speaker inside the ear moulds break? Are they easy to replace? A new standard receiver and dome costs about £30
@@FreezingFaces the receiver’s can still be changed by removing them from the titanium moulds. They are an excellent buy I have use many different moulds over the last 10 years and nothing compares to the comfort of the titaniums.
@@tezzatel thanks Dotty, I‘ll be a first time BTE hearing aid user, I ordered my Phonak P90s on Tuesday , hopefully they will be here some time next week, so I’ll see how I get on with the domes first. Thanks for the replies 👌🏼
I'll be fitted for cShells in a few weeks and I plan to request acrylic and transparent for the "color". I had a couple of those a few years ago. I'm not concerned about the molds shattering, because I won't allow Dr. Cliff near them. And transparent molds (a) look less like a blob of dirt in the ear, and (b) make it easy to see at inspection/cleaning time whether there's wax inside a vent tube.
google “fx 322” or “regainyourhearing(dot)eu”
Thank you again for all the great videos and Vlogs. Best of luck with your new office. My question is about customer ear molds. Mine are over three years old and now they do not stay in place as well as they did when I first got them. Several times a day I have to push them back in. It happens even when I am just sitting all day.
Do the molds wear out or do our ears change with time? I have Widex Beyond BTE hearing aids.
Thanks for all the fantastic information that you share.
Sometimes for some people if you move your jaw it'll slide out just the way it is from what I can tell
Would octican open do tintanian ear moulds
No Sorry.
@@DrCliffAuD ok shame
custom molds also help hold your hearing aids in your ear, really helps with mask use!!!
Love your videos, but why do you have to talk so fast. Do you have a time limit and you have to get all the information into that time frame. Slowing down would really to helpful to our understanding of what you are saying.
Hi Jack. Thanks for your comment. I have had issues slowing my rate of speech from my normal pace. I apologize for this and will continue to work on slowing my rate in the future.
Why is Phonak not interested in consumer
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