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How to Measure Hearing Aid Domes

Date Updated: July 28, 2025

Written by:

Rachel Lustbader

Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.

Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers

Hearing aid domes are used with receiver-in-ear (RIC) hearing aids, and they fit inside the ear to protect the amplifier, hold the tube in place and create a seal. They come in a huge range of sizes and types, and it’s essential that they fit correctly for maximum comfort. This also helps with hearing aid effectiveness, as poorly fitting domes can leak sound and end up underperforming. Choosing the right shape and size of hearing aid dome ensures your hearing aids work as intended and that you can stay comfortable all day long.

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Hear.com

  • Starting Price: $3,200 or $139 a month for one pair
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Best for Comfortable In-Ear Hearing Aids
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Eargo

  • Starting Price: $1,650 for one pair
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Jabra Enhance (formerly Lively)

  • Starting Price: $1,195 for one pair
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  • Standout Feature: Custom-Programmed by Expert Audiologists
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Audicus

  • Starting Price: $1,398 for one pair
  • Battery Type: Standard Batteries and Rechargeable Upgrade Available for Some Models
  • Standout Feature: Low Monthly Payment Options
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Lexie

  • Starting Price: $649 for one pair
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ReSound

  • Starting Price: $3,000 - $6,500 average for one pair
  • Battery Type: Rechargeable and Standard Batteries (Depends on Model)
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Phonak

  • Starting Price: $1,995 - $3,900 average for one ear
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Signia

  • Starting Price: $1,540 - $5,945 average per pair
  • Battery Type: Rechargeable and Standard Batteries (Depends on Model)
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Widex

  • Starting Price: $900 - $6,500 average per pair
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Starkey

  • Starting Price: $1,600 - $4,798 average per pair
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DifferentHearing Aid Dome Options

There are three main shapes of dome:

  • Open dome: This type of dome lets in some natural sound, resulting in better sound quality with increases in sharpness. However, it also reduces bass amplification, and hearing aids with open domes generally require a little more power, as some sound leaks out through the vents. This type of dome also prevents the occlusion effect, where the user’s voice sounds boomier, and is ideal for mild to moderate hearing loss. Feedback can be an issue for those with more moderate hearing loss.
  • Closed dome: Also called a vented or tulip dome, a closed dome has less venting than an open dome, resulting in better amplification of lower frequency sounds. This reduces the sharpness in higher frequencies, however, but typically produces better results in those with moderate hearing loss.
  • Power dome: For those with severe hearing loss, power domes are often the answer. These domes block up the hearing canal completely, allowing maximum amplification with minimal sound leakage. However, these increase bass and decrease sharpness significantly. Power domes also eliminate feedback.

Choosing the right shape of dome is vital for comfort and sound quality.

HearingAid Dome Sizes

Typically, the audiologist fitting the hearing aids will select the correct size of dome to ensure it fits properly. The dome should be fractionally larger than the ear canal so that it forms a reasonably secure seal, but it shouldn’t exert additional pressure on the skin of the ear canal itself. A perfectly fitting dome makes a light rustling noise when being inserted or taken out, and there should be a little bit of resistance.

For open domes, there should be no additional pressure inside the ear. With closed domes or power domes, there may be some additional light pressure that can easily be resolved by swallowing.

Too Small

Hearing aid domes that are too small do not exert resistance when taken in or out, and extremely small domes may not even make a sound. Domes that are too small are generally ineffective, and they do not secure the hearing aid inside the ear.

Too Large

Hearing aid domes that are too large start to feel uncomfortable very quickly. Open domes may exert additional pressure inside the ear as the vents deform, and voices may sound deeper and less clear. Power domes, in particular, may get extremely uncomfortable, and the pressure exerted on the ear canal walls results in soreness or swelling.

In extreme size mismatches, the dome may come off in the ear, which can necessitate a trip to urgent care. Do not try to take detached domes out of the ear canal yourself, as this can push the dome further down the ear canal and risks damaging the eardrum.

Ultimately, the best-fitting hearing aid domes feel comfortable, feel secure and get the best out of your hearing aid. Different brands and dome types have slightly different sizing, so those who change brands or dome types may need to change their size.

Hearing Aid Brand Reviews

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Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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