If you've ever wondered why your hearing aids come with those little silicone tips in different sizes, you're not alone. 

As an audiologist, I spend a surprising amount of time discussing these tiny components that make a huge difference in your hearing experience.

Those small, mushroom-shaped pieces at the end of your hearing aid are called domes, and choosing the right one can mean the difference between crystal-clear sound and constant frustration. Let me explain why these humble accessories deserve more attention than they typically get.

What Exactly Are Hearing Aid Domes?

Domes are soft silicone tips that attach to the end of your hearing aid's receiver or tubing. They sit in your ear canal and serve multiple crucial functions:

• Create a seal to prevent sound from escaping (which causes feedback)

• Hold the device in place comfortably throughout the day

• Protect the speaker from earwax and moisture

• Influence sound quality based on their design

Think of them like the silicone tips on earbuds, but engineered specifically for hearing enhancement rather than music listening.

The Three Main Types of Domes

Not all domes are created equal. The type you need depends on your specific hearing loss pattern and ear canal shape.

Open Domes: These have holes or vents that allow natural sound to mix with amplified sound. They're ideal for mild hearing loss, especially if you hear low frequencies well but struggle with high frequencies. The vents prevent that "plugged up" feeling some users experience.

Best for:

• Mild hearing loss

• Good low-frequency hearing

• First-time users adjusting to hearing aids

• Those who experience occlusion (echo of own voice)

Closed Domes: These create a tighter seal in the ear canal, preventing amplified sound from escaping. They're better for moderate hearing loss or when you need more power across all frequencies.

Best for:

• Moderate hearing loss

• Hearing loss across all frequencies

• Reducing feedback issues

• Maximum sound clarity

Power Domes: These are a variation of closed domes with an even tighter seal. Both our Atom and Ion series include multiple dome options to accommodate different needs, though the specific styles vary by model.

Why Size Really Does Matter

Using the wrong dome size is like wearing shoes that don't fit: uncomfortable at best, painful at worst. Here's what happens with incorrect sizing:

Too Small:

• Falls out easily

• Poor sound quality

• Frequent feedback (whistling)

• Device migrates into the ear canal

• Reduced bass response

Too Large:

• Discomfort or pain

• Feeling of fullness

• Difficulty inserting/removing

• Potential ear canal irritation

• May push earwax deeper

Just Right:

• Comfortable all-day wear

• Optimal sound quality

• Minimal feedback

• Secure but not tight

• Easy to insert and remove

I've seen patients literally gasp when they find their perfect dome fit. "Is this how they're supposed to sound?" they ask. The answer is yes. The right dome doesn't just prevent problems; it unlocks the full potential of your hearing aids, delivering sound so natural and clear that many users say it's like switching from standard definition to HD television.

How to Find Your Perfect Fit

Most people need different dome sizes for each ear. Yes, your ear canals are probably different sizes! Here's how to determine the right fit:

The Insertion Test: When you insert your hearing aid with the correct dome size, you should feel:

• A gentle seal (like well-fitting earplugs)

• No pain or significant pressure

• The device stays in place when you move your jaw

The Retention Test:

• Open your mouth wide

• Move your jaw side to side

• Shake your head gently

• The hearing aid should stay secure

The Comfort Test: After wearing for 30 minutes:

• No soreness

• No feeling of fullness

• You've somewhat "forgotten" they're there

Both the Atom 2 Series and Ion Series come with multiple dome sizes (typically small, medium, and large). Start with medium and adjust from there.

Common Dome Problems and Solutions

"My hearing aid keeps falling out"

First, try a larger dome size. If that doesn't work, switch from an open to a closed dome for better retention. Some people also benefit from using different sizes in each ear.

"I hear my own voice too loudly" (Occlusion)

This booming or echo effect happens when your ear canal is completely blocked. Try:

• Switching to open domes

• Using a smaller size

• Adjusting the insertion depth

Ion Series users have the advantage here, as the behind-the-ear design naturally reduces occlusion compared to completely-in-canal styles.

"I get feedback when I chew or smile"

Your ear canal changes shape when you move your jaw. Try:

• A softer, more flexible dome

• Slightly smaller size

• Different insertion angle

"My ears feel itchy after wearing"

This could indicate:

• Dome material sensitivity (rare but possible)

• Too large a dome causing irritation

• Need for better ear hygiene

• Moisture buildup

Make sure you're cleaning your domes daily and allowing your ears to "breathe" when you remove your hearing aids at night.

The Dome Maintenance Schedule

Even the best-fitting dome won't last forever. Here's your maintenance timeline:

Daily:

• Wipe domes with a dry cloth

• Check for earwax buildup

• Ensure they're securely attached

Weekly:

• Remove domes and clean thoroughly

• Inspect for tears or deformation

• Clean the receiver opening

Monthly:

• Deep clean with hearing aid cleaning solution

• Check dome flexibility (they shouldn't feel stiff)

• Consider replacement if showing wear

Every 2-3 Months:

• Replace domes regardless of appearance

• Old domes lose elasticity and shape

• Fresh domes mean better sound and comfort

Atom Pro 2 users: Your UV cleaning case sanitizes the devices, but you still need to physically clean the domes to remove wax and debris.

When to Try Different Dome Styles

Your hearing and preferences may change over time. Consider trying a different dome type if:

• Your hearing has changed (time for a new hearing test?)

• You're experiencing new feedback issues

• Your current domes feel less comfortable than before

• You're in different environments more often (office to retirement?)

• You've lost or gained significant weight (yes, this can affect ear canal shape!)

The Professional Tip Most People Don't Know

Here's something I share with all my patients: keep a spare set of domes with you.

 They're tiny, and losing one when you're out can ruin your day. Both Audien series include extra domes, but I recommend ordering an additional set to keep in your car, purse, or office.

Also, many people don't realize that dome choice affects battery life. Open domes require less power because natural sound mixes with amplified sound. Closed domes require more amplification, which can slightly reduce battery life.

The good news? Both the Atom 2 Series and Ion series offer 24-48 hours of use, so this is rarely an issue.

Making the Switch

If you've been using the same dome size and style since day one, it might be time to experiment. Many users find their preferences change after the adjustment period. What felt comfortable in week one might not be optimal in month six.

Don't be afraid to try different combinations. Some of my most successful patients use:

• Open domes in quiet environments

• Closed domes for restaurants and social events

• Different sizes for morning versus evening (ears can swell slightly throughout the day)

The Ion Pro's multiple hearing profiles work beautifully with different dome choices, allowing you to optimize for various situations.

The Bottom Line on Domes

These tiny silicone pieces might seem insignificant, but they're essential to your hearing success. The right dome means:

• Better sound quality

• Improved comfort

• Fewer feedback issues

• Longer device lifespan

• Greater satisfaction with your hearing aids

Take time to find your perfect fit. Your ears will thank you, and you'll get the maximum benefit from your hearing investment.

If you're struggling with dome fit or comfort, remember that Audien's lifetime support team is here to help. We can guide you through sizing options, suggest different styles, and even help you order replacement domes. With our 45-day trial period, you have plenty of time to experiment with different dome configurations to find what works best for your unique ears. Because when it comes to hearing aids, the smallest details often make the biggest difference.

[DISCOVER AUDIEN HEARING AIDS]