How to Keep Open Domes From Falling Out of Your Ears

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For individuals with high-frequency hearing loss, open dome hearing aids offer a more natural listening experience. However, one common issue users face is that the domes tend to loosen or fall out during daily activities like talking or chewing.

Why Do Open Domes Slip Out?

The fit of an open dome depends largely on ear canal anatomy. Factors contributing to poor retention include:

• Jaw movement causing ear canal flexing
• Incorrect dome size or shape
• Lack of retention features (e.g., sport locks)
• Incorrect receiver wire length

One user discovered they were in the rare 1% of people whose ear canals shift significantly with jaw motion. For such cases, custom earmolds may be needed—but some still prefer the comfort of open domes.

Solutions to Keep Open Domes in Place

1. Use Retention Tails (Sport Locks)

These flexible plastic “tails” loop into the outer ear (concha) and help hold the dome in place. If your domes are falling out, ask your audiologist about adding retention locks to your hearing aids.

2. Try Oticon GripTips (Even If You Don’t Use Oticon Aids)

Oticon GripTips are soft silicone sleeves that provide a secure, semi-custom fit. While they are designed for Oticon receivers, many users report successful use on non-Oticon hearing aids due to their flexible material and universal grip.

GripTips come in two versions: Open and Closed. If you’re struggling with standard domes, these may offer better retention without sacrificing comfort. Ask your audiologist if GripTips can be trialed with your device.

3. Experiment with Different Dome Sizes and Types

Domes come in a variety of shapes, including open, closed, power, and tulip. Some users have success with extra small domes or switching to a different manufacturer’s dome entirely.

4. Check Your Receiver Wire Length

A poorly fitted receiver wire—either too short or too long—can cause domes to shift. A proper wire length should allow the dome to sit naturally in your ear canal without tension.

5. Ask for a Dome Trial Before Committing to Custom Molds

Custom earmolds are a common solution, but before going that route, consider trialing other domes. Many audiologists can offer in-office tests with various dome types, such as:

• Vented open domes for rechargeables
• Power domes with larger surface contact
• Custom-fit ITE solutions

When Nothing Works: Consider Custom Molds

If all else fails, a custom-molded earpiece may be necessary. These can be designed with vents to preserve a more natural sound while offering improved stability.

Final Thoughts

If your open domes are slipping, don’t give up. From GripTips to sport locks and custom dome fittings, multiple solutions exist. A collaborative approach with your hearing provider will help you find the best path forward.

For more practical advice, read:

• How to Reboot a Hearing Aid
• Best Hearing Aids for Background Noise
• How Long Does It Take to Adjust to Hearing Aids?

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