Micro Molds: FAQs

What is a MicroMold (MM)?
The MM is a very small non-traditional earmold designed to fit deeply in the ear canal to secure the Epoq or Delta RITE's in place.

Why use the MicroMold?
MM provides additional retention and helps prevent feedback, in cases when the Delta dome is insufficient.

How large is the MicroMold?
The length of the MM is fixed at 9 mm, allowing functionality and a good cosmetic result.

Where does the MicroMold fit within the ear canal?
The MM should fit between the first and second bend of the ear canal. You can think of the MM as being "the middle 60%" of a CIC.  However, as each ear is a little different, this cannot always be achieved.  For example, impressions with short canal lengths or "tortuous" ear canal curves may not accommodate the MM.

What is the MicroMold made of?
The MM is made from the same acrylic used for ITE shells, but the MM acrylic is clear.

If I want to order MicroMold, do I need a deep impression?
Yes, as is true of all ear impressions. The deeper the impression, the better and deeper the fit of the end-product will be.

In addition to a deep impression, what else do you need to produce a MicroMold?
We request the audiogram or the preferred fitting rationale.

Why do you request an audiogram and a fitting rationale?
The type and size of the vent is based on the audiogram  and/or the fitting rationale, as well as, the physical characteristics of the ear.

Do I need to specify a vent size with the MicroMold?
No, you don't have to.  If you send us the impression and the audiogram or the fitting rationale, we can determine the best vent.

Which vent options are possible within the MicroMold?
Collection vents, cast vents, or no vent.  Please note, the collection vent is dropped approximately 2 mm from the end of the canal. MicroMold vents can be 2.4 mm,
1.4 mm or 0.8 mm in diameter.   

How is the vent size determined?
Typically the largest vent size is chosen to reduce occlusion maximally.  However, if a moderate-severe loss is present in the lower frequencies, a smaller vent size may be selected. Of course, sometimes the ear canal anatomy limits the vent options.

How effective are the vents in the MicroMold?
Because the length of the MicroMold is short (9 mm), the vent is more effective than an ITE vent of the same diameter.  For example, a 2.4 mm MicroMold vent has the same effectiveness as a 4 mm ITE vent.  

Can I enlarge the vent in the office?
Yes.

Is the MicroMold removal string necessary?
The MM can be removed by grasping the receiver or using the removal string, whichever is easier for the end-user.

What's the most important thing to know when inserting the MicroMold?
The dot on the MM indicates the position of the top of the ear canal.  The user may need to pull back the ear to straighten the ear canal to get the optimal deep placement. 

Why may the right and left MicroMolds look different?
Differences in the appearance of the MM or the vents may reflect differences between the ears.  

Do I need both the NoWax and the WaxStop?
Yes. Both have a purpose. When the NoWax and the WaxStop are combined, the same high reliability as the original Delta Domes can be expected. Please note: the NoWax in the speaker unit must be in place when the speaker is removed from the MM.  The speaker cannot be removed without the NoWax in place.

Why does the speaker removal tool bend or twist?
The speaker removal tool is soft by design.  A harder material would damage the adaptor during speaker removal, therefore, a new tool is sent with every new or remake order.

Why does the MM tip look squared-off/blocky sometimes?
With MM, there is less tapering of the canal tip than on CIC's.  Because the MM is shorter in length than a CIC, there may be need for more area for retention. 

Can I modify the MM?
Absolutely!  We cannot predict the dynamics of individual ear canals. If the canal tip requires tapering or a specific area is troublesome to the user, it can be modified in the office.

Why does the speaker rotate in the MM?
Rotation of the speaker in the MM allows the user flexibility to aid in insertion of the MM. 

How is the MM cleaned?
The MM can be wiped clean with a soft cloth.

Will the same speaker size fit with the MM as the dome?
Maybe.because the speaker may sit in the ear canal in a different position, a different speaker size may be needed for the MM than was used with the dome. 

Why can't the speaker be removed from the MM?
The NoWax must be in the speaker for separation of the speaker from the MM.  If the NoWax is removed, the removal tool will not work correctly.  The WaxStop is removed from the MM for speaker removal, but the NoWax must be in the speaker. 

What can be done if the MM slips out of the ear?
We can change from a collection vent to a cast vent to provide more retention.  We can add a soft coating, and if needed, we can also change to a "MM Extended."

What is the MM Extended?
In the "MM Extended," the length of the canal is extended outward.  In some ears, it looks like a small CIC with the tip filled to house the adaptor and speaker with the walls extending outward 2-5 mm like a CIC.  In other ears, it may look more like a small canal shell with a filled canal tip and walls extending outward.  The MM Extended does not have a removal string. 

Does Oticon have any suggestions if they cannot build a MM for my patient?
Some earmold labs/vendors may offer solutions that work better for individuals than does the MM.

What about Open vs. Closed mouth ear impressions?
The need for open vs. closed mouth position is typically a patient-specific issue which can best be determined locally.

What about using "ear dams" or "oto-blocks"?
They should be used all the time.