Alan Sias <arsias at cyberport.net> wrote:
>HearWHAC at netins.net (HearWHAC) wrote:
>>What is your current feeling re: deep canals, with CICs and/or with other
>>aids?
>>>>Seems like I have had a bunch of patients the past two weeks where I have
>>been shortening the canals on ITEs and Canal aids from "deep canal" back to
>>"conventional" lengths.
>>
>My question is Why? What have their reasons been for wanting them
>reduced? Physical discomfort?
>As I am just getting started, I too am interested in what the prevailing
>opinion is.
>Alan Sias
>Audiology Services for Montana
>Kalispell, MT
As a hearing-aid wearer, I can say that the shorter the canal fitting
is on an ear-mold, the more comfortable it is. Moreover, it is easier
to insert, allows the ear to breathe (ie, build up wax, heal, etc.);
and further -- I would expect to find, were the research specifics
available to me, that the ear canal offers a natural acoustical
passage which shapes the sound prior to it reaching the eardrum. This
of course would allow a more "natural" sounding hearing device.
If you are interested in more information, you should write to:
Kresge Hearing Research Institute
Department of Otolaryngology
The University of Michigan
1301 East Ann Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0506
or call
313-764-8110 (voice/tdd)
313-764-0014 (fax)
thoughtfully,
Matt
