Satisfaction evalation of the ear mold produced by traditional method and the ear mold produced by 3D modeling in hearing aid users

It is inevitable for individuals with hearing difficulties to use hearing aids to ensure their quality of life and participation in social life. In addition to a correct audiological evaluation, selection and application of a suitable hearing aid, the ear molds used in hearing aids have a great impact on the user. In this study, the effect of manually produced ear molds and in-canal hearing aid shells on patient satisfaction was investigated by digital modeling and 3D printed ear molds and shells. This study was conducted in a Hearing Aid Sales and Application Center, which has an earmold and in-canal hearing aid shell production laboratory. The working group consists of ear mold and in-canal hearing aid users produced by digital modeling and 3D printing method, and manually hand-made ear mold and in-canal hearing aid users. In the light of the data that will emerge as a result of this study, the comfort of use of the ear mold and in-ear hearing aid produced by manual method was compared with the comfort of the ear mold and in-ear hearing aid produced by 3D printer. It is thought that clinicians taking ear impressions will be more effective in producing more efficient ear molds and in-ear hearing aid shells in terms of patient health, whether the chosen fitting method will increase the comfort of hearing aid users, whether it will be easier for people who will use hearing aids for the first time to adapt to the device, and even whether they will use it or not. In our research, a total of 50 participants, 18 women and 32 men, aged between 29 and 90, were evaluated. Statistical analysis results of the survey results applied to the participants were evaluated and according to the total scores of comfort level, ear clogging in hearing aid use, ease of use, sound quality evaluation, personal sound quality, hearing aid satisfaction, ear mold comfort, there was a statistically significant difference between 3D device users and traditional device users. No difference was detected (p>0.05). According to the feedback degree scores, a statistically significant difference was found between those using 3D devices and those using traditional devices (p<0.05). Among those who use 3D earmolds, there is a statistically significant negative relationship between age and Comfort score, between age and ease of use, and between age and earmold comfort total score. As age increases, the degree of comfort, ease of use, and ear mold comfort scores decrease. There is a moderate positive (r=0.495) statistically significant relationship between the duration of device use and ease of use in traditional earmold users (p=0.014). As device usage time increases, ease of use scores will increase. In both patterns, a relationship was found between device usage time and ease of use. Key Words: Ear Mold, 3D mold, Hearing Aid, 3D modeling