How Hearing Instruments Are Made

Hearing instruments are not a standardized product; each instrument has elements, including the shell or earmold, that are custom-made for the wearer. If you decide to try a hearing instrument, the steps are quite simple. After the testing process, your hearing professional will make an impression of your ear, a relatively easy process.

A bit of cotton or foam is placed well into the ear canal to block any of the impression material from reaching the eardrum. Then the malleable impression material is placed in the ear until it sets, which takes a few minutes. Once it has conformed to the shape of your ear, it’s gently removed.

This impression or mold of your ear is sent, along with your audiogram and other test results, to the manufacturer’s lab. Hearing instruments are individually constructed, beginning with the plastic housing or earmold, an exact replica of your ear impression. Circuitry is added, the instrument is tested, and then shipped back to your hearing professional.

When the finished hearing instrument is sent back, you’ll see your hearing professional for the fitting. This is likely to include repeating some of the audio testing you underwent initially, as well as tests that measure the hearing instrument’s performance. As your hearing instrument is fine-tuned, it’s a good time to ask questions, and talk through initial expectations with your hearing professional. You may need to come back a time or two for further adjusting, which is typical and usually covered in the purchase price of most hearing instruments.