Earmold Impression
Case Studies
If you are new to earmold impressions, make sure to review the lesson, Earmold Impressions, for important background information.
The following page shows example situations using CARL as your patient. Each case will contain the patients main concern, case history, and assessment results. Using the information provided, you will be able to demonstrate your clinical knowledge and earmold impression skills by completing a detailed patient report for each situation.
Prerequisites
- Introduction to Earmold Impressions
- Creating Earmold Impressions
Consent
Prior to engaging in any procedure, you must obtain informed consent from the client. For more information, consult with your licensing body.¹
Example 1: CARL
Main Concern: Tinnitus
History: Carl is 40 years old and plays the drums in a band on weekends for the past 20 years. He has noticed a ringing in both of his ears after practices and performances. Carl does not wear any hearing protection and has never had a hearing test. All other case history was unremarkable.
Assessment: Below are Carl’s assessment results.
Treatment: Write your suggested treatment plan.
AFTER DISCUSSING OPTIONS, CARL DECIDES TO PURCHASE CUSTOM HEARING PROTECTION. USING CARL, CREATE EARMOLD IMPRESSIONS
Summary and Recommendations: Write a summary of the appointment and include all recommendations. (Bonus: Include type of hearing protection you recommend)
Example 2: Maria
Main Concern: Difficulty hearing
History: Maria is 65 years old and often asks for repetition. Her husband was recently fit with binaural amplification and listens to the television at a softer volume than what she can hear. If she needs hearing aids, she wants something very discreet. Maria is a type 1 diabetic and takes insulin. All other case history was unremarkable.
Assessment: Below are Maria’s assessment results.
Treatment: Write your suggested treatment plan.
AFTER DISCUSSING OPTIONS, MARIA DECIDES TO PURCHASE CUSTOM HEARING AIDS. USING CARL, CREATE EARMOLD IMPRESSIONS.
Summary and Recommendations: Write a summary of the appointment and include all recommendations. (Bonus: Include type of hearing aids you recommend and why)
Example 3: Raul
Main Concern: Earplugs for sleep
History: Raul is a shift worker at a factory. Raul regularly uses hearing protection at work and would like sleep plugs (for sleep). Raul wants to know if he can use sleep plugs for work. Raul takes medication for his thyroid.
Assessment: Below are Raul’s assessment results.
Treatment: Write a script of your suggested treatment plan and a description of the procedure.
AFTER DISCUSSING OPTIONS, RAUL DECIDES TO PURCHASE CUSTOM SLEEP PLUGS. USING CARL, CREATE EARMOLD IMPRESSIONS.
Summary and Recommendations: Write a summary of the appointment and include all recommendations. (Bonus: Would you recommend hearing aids?)
Example 4: Lara
Main Concern: Difficulty hearing
History: Lara is 35 years old and has been wearing hearing aids since birth. Lara currently wears a set of 5-year-old behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing devices. Lara reports difficulty hearing in background noise and an increase in feedback. Lara is very active in sports and social activities. Lara reported multiple middle ear infections during childhood.
Assessment: Below are Lara’s assessment results.
Treatment: Write a script of your suggested treatment plan and a description of the procedure.
AFTER DISCUSSING OPTIONS, LARA DECIDES TO PURCHASE NEW HEARING AIDS WITH MOLDS. USING CARL, CREATE EARMOLD IMPRESSIONS.
Summary and Recommendations: Write a summary of the appointment and include all recommendations. (Bonus: Include specifics about recommended hearing aids and molds (i.e. style, gain, venting, etc.)
Example 5: Ahmed
Main Concern: Swim plugs
History: Ahmed is 15 years old and has bilateral pressure equalization (PE) tubes due to recurring middle ear infections. Ahmed is a competitive swimmer and his otolaryngologist recommended swim plugs.
Assessment: Below are Ahmed’s assessment results.
Treatment: Write a script of your suggested treatment plan and a description of the procedure.
AFTER DISCUSSING OPTIONS, AHMED DECIDES TO PURCHASE SWIM PLUGS. USING CARL, CREATE EARMOLD IMPRESSIONS.
Summary and Recommendations: Write a summary of the appointment and include all recommendations. (Bonus: Are the PE tubes patent?)
¹Obtaining consent by the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists (CASLPO) http://www.caslpo.com/sites/default/uploads/files/GU_EN_Obtaining_Consent_ for_Services.pdf
