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Semin Hear 2003; 24(4): 281-288
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-814781
Copyright © 2003 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Custom Earmolds: Art and Science

Karl Cartwright
  • Westone Laboratories, Inc., Colorado Springs, Colorado
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Publication History

Publication Date:
15 January 2004 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The earmold has been with us in various forms since the late 1800s. The first earmolds were ear cups fashioned in a variety of materials, even ornate silver. Later on, dental wax was used in an attempt to obtain an impression of the ear. The impression was then processed into a copper earmold. Even though we have come a long way with current impression systems and materials, and various types of acoustic modifiers, the manufacture of a custom earmold is still an art form-an art form that is dependent on the apprenticeship of a person to that skill, and with the eye, hand, and experience of the artist.

KEYWORDS

Earmold - durometer - polyvinyl chloride - silicone carbide

REFERENCE

  • 1 Berger K. History and development of hearing aids. In: Pollack MC, ed. Amplification for the Hearing-Impaired New York: Grune & Stratton 1975: 1-18
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