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earmold

earmold

1 6.8
A soft piece that fits inside the ear to hold a hearing aid and guide sound
  • noun
  • /ˈɪrˌmoʊld/
  • Specialized
: molde auricular
  • Having a proper earmold helps to direct sound more effectively into the ear.
  • earmold made
  • earmold maker
  • earmolds provided

Examples

  • None of the 64 earmolds provided a static pressure seal.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Acoustic leakage through air pathways around earmolds also increases the likelihood of acoustic feedback.

    Academic text (1990)
  • If there was a fall in pressure, the earmold was classed as having a leak.

    Academic text (1990)
  • The influence of two different impression materials and four different earmold materials on the static pressure seal was investigated.

    Academic text (1990)
  • There are several pathways through which sound can radiate out of an ear blocked by an earmold.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Thirty-three of the specially built-up earmolds provided a seal, and 27 had a leak.

    Academic text (1990)
  • The impressions were dipped in wax to give them a general buildup before the earmolds were made.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Leakage of sound around the earmold provides unintentional, uncontrolled, and variable venting in many hearing aid fittings.

    Academic text (1990)
  • The audiologist fitted her with a custom earmold to ensure her hearing aid stayed in place.

  • He needed to replace his old earmold to improve the comfort of his hearing aid.

How Secure

earmold
  • Specialized
1 6.8
earplug
1 3.0
earbud
10 2.7

Surface Forms

earmold singular
earmolds plural

Morphology

earmold = ear + mold (semi-transparent) = ear + mold

While the components 'ear' and 'mold' are clear, the specific meaning related to hearing aids is specialized and not immediately obvious.

Etymology

Earmold comes from the parts ear and mold, where mold means 'shape' or 'form', so the word means a piece shaped for the ear. Think of it like a small, custom-made cup that fits your ear to hold a hearing aid and direct sound.