By Sanjam Makkar, Audiologist at angli-EAR Hearing
One of the questions I’m often asked in appointments is why hearing aids suddenly sound blocked or stop working properly — even when they’re relatively new.
Very often, the answer is earwax.
Phonak has recently introduced a new type of dome called EasyGuard™ for Phonak hearing aids, and I wanted to briefly explain what they are and why you might see or be offered them at your appointment.
So, what are EasyGuard™ domes?
They’re very similar to the domes many of you already wear, but with an extra built-in layer designed to help stop wax from getting into the receiver (the part that delivers sound into the ear).
Wax is completely normal, but it’s one of the most common reasons hearing aids:
- Sound dull or quiet
- Cut in and out
- Need extra cleaning or servicing
EasyGuard™ domes are simply designed to help reduce those issues.
At the moment, EasyGuard™ domes are only available in vented styles, which suit many – but not all – ears and hearing losses.
What difference might you notice?
For some people, the main differences are quite practical:
- Less sound blockage caused by wax
- Fewer problems related to wax filters
- Less “fiddly” maintenance at home
People who’ve tried these domes over several months often say they spend less time cleaning their hearing aids and that they feel much the same to wear as their previous domes.
Do they affect comfort or sound?
That’s usually the first thing people worry about.
The reassuring part is that EasyGuard™ domes are designed so that sound quality stays the same as standard vented domes. In testing and in real-world use, they don’t meaningfully change how hearing aids sound.
In terms of comfort, most wearers report that they’re just as comfortable, even when worn all day.
How do you look after them?
Day-to-day care is simple:
- Wipe the tip of the dome with a dry cloth
- No special tools needed
If a dome needs replacing, we’ll either do this for you or show you how — depending on what you’re comfortable with.
Are they right for everyone?
Not necessarily — and that’s important to say.
Because EasyGuard™ domes are currently vented only, they won’t be suitable for every hearing aid fitting. Whether they’re appropriate depends on:
- Your hearing levels
- Your ear shape
- The type of hearing aid you wear
If they’re not right for you, we’ll stick with what works best.
In short
EasyGuard™ vented domes are a small design change aimed at:
- Reducing wax-related hearing aid problems
- Making hearing aids a bit easier to live with
- Keeping comfort and sound quality the same
If you’ve ever struggled with blocked sound or fiddly wax filters, they’re something we’re happy to talk through at your next visit.
