Earmold Types
Starkey offers a variety of earmold options, giving you the best option for every patient.
Standard BTE Earmolds
Receiver Mold
Used with an external receiver that is snapped into the mold. Appropriate applications include: body aids, stethoscopes, anesthesiologists scopes and other listening devices.
Direct Tube Mold
Provides a thick full shell that fits the entire concha bowl area and is not sculpted.
Shell Mold*
Provides an effective seal to reduce the likelihood of feedback and occlusion. Sturdy and lightweight.
¾ Shell Mold
Shell mold with a helix tip cut back for ease of insertion
Half Shell Mold*
Shell mold without coverage in helix area for easy insertion and removal. Not recommended for fitting severe hearing loss.
Canal Mold*
One of the smallest molds available. Offers comfort and cosmetic appeal. Not recommended for fitting severe hearing loss.
Also available for Thin Tube BTEs.
Canal Lock Mold
Canal Mold with added protrusion in the concha for improved retention. Not recommended for fitting severe hearing losses.
Also available for Thin Tube BTEs.
CIC Style Mold*
Smallest earmold available. Completely hidden in ear canal for discreet fittings.
Skeleton Mold*
Designed to be inconspicuous and lightweight. Provides good retention and is easy to insert.
Also available for Thin Tube BTEs.
Semi-Skeleton Mold
Designed to be inconspicuous and lightweight. Provides good retention and is easy to insert.
Janssen Mold
Provides an open fitting with minimal contact in the canal area.
Non-Occluding A Mold
Provides a retention ring for the tube without occluding the ear. Canal portion is finished with material the length of the tube.
Non-Occluding B Mold
Provides a retention ring for the tube without occluding the ear.
Non-Occluding G Mold
Provides a C-ring retention area with a full canal to allow fro other styles of venting.
Non-Occluding J Mold
Provides a full skeleton retention ring with a Type A canal.
RIC Earmolds
RIC Open Mold*
A custom fitted canal/CIC style shell that is hollow and made to accommodate the current RIC products of the company. A special sized holder is made in the digital SLS shells to allow the RI cable to snap in. In the soft molds, the RIC holder is sized to hold the RIC receiver via a "friction fit."
RIC Closed Mold
The RIC closed earmold is similar to the open RIC mold with the exception that the canal tip is closed. This allows for smaller venting to be drilled in the tip of the canal for more occlusion or to gain more low frequencies. This is not a solid canal piece.
Available Materials:
- Lucite
Material DescriptionLucite
Lucite is a clear, rigid acrylic material. It is the most commonly used earmold material. It is cosmetically appealing and available in all styles and various colors. Lucite is easily modified by the hearing care professional.
- Hot Lucite
Material DescriptionHot Lucite
The Hot Lucite is hypoallergenic material that is processed in a "Hot Cure" basis with a special formula. Available in clear only.
- Digital SLS
Material DescriptionDigital SLS
Earmolds made by scanning and modeling in a virtual setting of stereolithography are known as Digital SLS. Digital SLS is a process technology that optimizes earmold fit for comfort and performance. It is available in a Lucite, clear form on the following selected styles: direct tube, shell, ¾ shell, half shell, canal, canal lock and non-occluding type G.
- Lucite with Flex Canal
Material DescriptionLucite with Flex Canal
The Flex Canal mold combines the cosmetic and convenient properties of Lucite with the comfort and sealing properties of Starflex. It is recommended for fitting moderate to severe hearing losses. It is available in all styles except non-occluding. Flex Canals are not compatible with acoustic modifiers.
- Polyethylene
Material DescriptionPolyethylene
Polyethylene is a smooth, waxy, non-allergenic material which is fairly rigid. White is the only color available. Modification of polyethylene is not recommended. This material is recommended only for cases where an allergy problem has been determined. Also, it is recommended that an elbow attachment be used for polyethylene molds.
- Starflex
Material DescriptionStarflex
Starflex is a translucent, flexible plastic. It conforms to the shape of the ear and becomes softer at body temperature. It provides a good acoustic seal for high gain instruments. Modification of Starflex is more difficult than Lucite and this material may harden after several months of use.
- Ultraflex
Material DescriptionUltraflex
Ultraflex is a very soft, yet durable vinyl material. It gives a good acoustic seal for high gain hearing instruments. It is recommended for fitting severe losses, pediatric molds or for patients who cannot tolerate hard materials. Modification is not recommended.
- Silicone
Material DescriptionSilicone
Silicone (medical grade) shares the softness and durability qualities of Ultraflex, but is non-allergenic. It is recommended when a soft material is needed and an allergy problem has been determined. As with Ultraflex, modification is not recommended.
- Heat Cured Silicone
Material DescriptionHeat Cured Silicone
Heat Cures (non-floatable) Silicone is available for earplugs and earmolds. These are very comfortable to wear, especially for ear protection in industrial areas, at home or at play. Pediatric earmolds are made from this material because it is soft. It is available in 11 vibrant colors.
- Biopor
Material DescriptionBiopor
Biopor Silicone works well for canal and half shell fittings and is very comfortable for both earmolds and earplugs. Available colors include Clear, Flesh, Red and Blue.
- ProSeal
Material DescriptionProSeal
ProSeal is the softest earmold material available, but because of its extreme softness, ProSeal molds can be difficult to insert. This durable material provides an excellent seal and is recommended for fitting severe hearing losses. As with other soft materials, modifications are not recommended. A Vinyl Anchor is recommended to help retain the tubing. ProSeal molds are available in translucent Flesh, Clear and Brown colors.
Earmold Catalog
From material rigidity to seal and severity of hearing loss, this quick guide can help you choose the right earmold for your patient.