Couplers

Question 1

What material is recommended for a rigid pinna?

Answer 1

Soft material

Question 2

What material is recommended for a soft/floppy pinna?

Answer 2

Hard material

Question 3

What are some things we need to consider when fitting a pediatric patient?

Answer 3

Hygiene, activities, insertion, and growth

Question 4

How often will kids up to the age of 4 get a new earmold?

Answer 4

Every 3 months

Question 5

What is chosen as a last resort for its hypoallergenic properties?

Answer 5

Polyethylene

Question 6

What is soft vinyl used for?

Answer 6

Infants
Firm ear texture
High gain devices

Question 7

What is hard vinyl used for?

Answer 7

Older adults with dexterity issues
Facial flex problems (requires tight seal of aperture)

Question 8

What are some disadvantages of vinyl?

Answer 8

Shrinks, hardens, and discolors quickly
Polishing requires toxic solvent with 24 hr drying time

Question 9

What does vinyl feel like?

Answer 9

Soft but not grippy

Question 10

What is silicone typically used for?

Answer 10

Pediatric
High gain devices
Allergies
Facial flex problems

Question 11

What does silicone feel like?

Answer 11

Soft and grippy

Question 12

What are some disadvantages of silicone?

Answer 12

Grippy material can cause blisters or increased discomfort
Difficult to modify
Tubing cannot be glued (requires tube locks)
Costs slightly more

Question 13

What is platinum cure silicone?

Answer 13

Most popular type
Hardness varies from Shore A 25 to Shore A 60
Glossy or matte
Known for longevity
Modification requires special tools

Question 14

What is heat cure silicone?

Answer 14

Better choice when high precision is needed for intricate details (power BTE hearing aids)
Provides a superior seal

Question 16

What is lucite commonly used for?

Answer 16

Adults
Mild to severe loss
Floppy pinna

Question 17

What are some disadvantages of lucite?

Answer 17

Will not compress to move beyond narrow areas
Increased risk of feedback with movement (creates gaps)
Potential risk of injury if hit

Question 18

What is a combination mold?

Answer 18

Hard material on the outside for the concha
Use soft, semi-soft, or pliable materials for the canal
Provides a stronger seal

Question 19

What are some reasons for selecting a style?

Answer 19

Retention
Aperture seal
Cosmetics
Vent size needs

Question 20

Is output dependent on the acoustic seal?

Answer 20

Yes

Question 21

Can jaw movement impact the acoustic seal?

Answer 21

Yes

Question 22

What decisions can the movement of the canal impact?

Answer 22

Material
Anti-tragus or cymba concha retention points

Question 23

Are most custom molds equal in their fitting ranges?

Answer 23

Yes

Question 24

What is the primary purpose of a full shell mold?

Answer 24

Max retention and acoustic seal
High output for severe to profound losses

Question 25

What is the purpose of a skeleton mold?

Answer 25

Maximizes retention and acoustic seal Offers comfort as the concha bowl remains exposed to air Decreases moisture accumulation Inconspicuous Mild to severe losses

Question 26

Why would a semi-skeleton be used?

Answer 26

For insertion ease

Question 27

Is deep insertion (2 mm beyond second bend) required for smaller customs?

Answer 27

Yes

Question 28

What is the purpose of a canal mold?

Answer 28

Cosmetic Lowest degree of acoustic seal

Question 29

What is the purpose of a canal lock?

Answer 29

Cosmetic with retention lock Improved retention

Question 30

What is the purpose of a half shell?

Answer 30

Ease of insertion Retention Fills half of concha

Question 31

Can canal, canal lock, and half shell molds all accommodate mild to severe losses if they go beyond the 2nd bend?

Answer 31

Yes

Question 32

When should an open dome be used?

Answer 32

High frequency loss with normal hearing up to 1500 Hz

Question 33

When should a closed or tulip dome be used?

Answer 33

Mid freq amplification Requires hearing thresholds better than 40 dB HL below 1 kHz

Question 34

When should a power dome be used?

Answer 34

Some amplification in mid to lows Requires thresholds to be better than 40 dB HL below 1 kHz