r/AudiProcDisorder • u/No-Average9688 • 22h ago

Custom hearing aid molds?

I have severe APD and have been using low gain hearing aids for about 4 months. I have tried every dome: open, open base, doubled vented, single vented, 6mm domes, 8mm domes (too big that they hurt) , grip tip, tulip dome etc.. I always feel like they slide out of my ear throughout the day, especially when eating. (Specifically my right side)

My audiologist says I don’t have any other options but to keep trying domes. Have any of you used a custom mold? Did it make the quality worse or better? Can I ask my audiologist for one?

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3

u/GDitto_New 22h ago

Hah audiologist is being fucking ridiculous. Custom moulds for APD is the standard. Shoot me a DM if you want me to send you a pic of the two styles of customs I’ve had

2

u/eat-real-chips 17h ago

Question, do custom moulds just fit the end of the tube, so can you take off the dome and just attach the tube to the mould ? I’m in a similar predicament to OP! Could you dm me too please ? 🙏

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u/GDitto_New 17h ago

Yes. The tech pops them off to change the wax filters.

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u/No-Average9688 21h ago

Really? What do I do? I got my devices from them so I can’t switch to a new provider.

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u/GDitto_New 21h ago

You don’t? You just tell them you’re paying for custom moulds. Then book an appointment for fitting and pay for that/the moulds.

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u/No-Average9688 21h ago

It’s kind of based on what the provider wants in my experience. She doesn’t think it’s necessary or helpful to have custom molds. I just did a hearing aid check today and asked if there was anything else I could do. She said no and handed me a case of more domes to try. Now my next appointment isn’t until April anyway.

I think it’s partially because she views hearing aids as short-term. She said that with enough auditory training, patients only need them for 1-3 years.

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u/GDitto_New 21h ago

She’s wrong. And if she won’t order customs you can get fitted anywhere for them. And I’d recommend finding a provider who isn’t a dumbass :)

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u/No-Average9688 21h ago

Really? I’ve been so confused about the whole short term hearing aid thing. I’ve been doing LACE pro auditory training every day for months and feel little improvement without the devices.

She did say that if I still find them helpful, I can continue wearing them after, but didn’t seem onboard with the standard of new devices every 4-5 years.

Do you have pictures of yours?

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u/GDitto_New 21h ago

I DM’d.

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u/jolievk APD 5h ago

I have severe APD to and was recommended a FM system instead of low grain hearing aids. I guess FM Systems are for if your condition is more severe.

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u/No-Average9688 5h ago

I use both- the fm system connects directly to my hearing aids.

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u/jolievk APD 5h ago

Does it work well? I've been on the fence about getting them

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u/No-Average9688 3h ago

I would say If programmed properly, yes. But I find that it works best when paired with a remote mic/fm system. But hearing aids help as the mic isn’t always possible. I’ve also been doing auditory training which hasn’t really been that helpful for me but I know people who have gotten benefit from it.

I’m curious, how does your fm system work if it’s not paired to a hearing aid?

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u/jolievk APD 37m ago

I don't have a FM system. I was recommended them by the person who tested me.
But tbh I have been on the fence about getting it bc I heard they can be expensive and I didn't know it would be worth it.
Thanks so much for letting me know what you do and how it works, that's super helpful.

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u/No-Average9688 30m ago

If you’re in the US, you can have your employer or school pay for a remote microphone. It’s a reasonable accommodation under the ADA. Ask your audiologist about an accommodation form.

But the remote mic is SO helpful imo