Earmold Modifications Flashcards
What are some things that we can modify on an earmold?
Adjust fit for increased comfort
Bell sound bore for increased HF gain
Increase vent size
Drill out leftover tubing
What is the initial symptom of a pressure ulcer?
Red area appearing on the skin
Can quickly breakdown revealing a raw wound
What are the stages of a pressure wound?
Stage 1 - just redness
Stage 2 - more irritation, soreness
Stage 3 - fills with pus
Stage 4 - open wound, HA should not be put back in until healed
What are pros to the red wing?
Allows both hands to be on the mold
Manages both lucite and vinyl
One side has drill bits and the other has a polishing wheel
What is a con to the red wing?
RPM speed is too slow to efficiently modify silicone
What is the buffalo wand?
A hand-held rotary device
Variable RPM
What are the pros to the buffalo wand?
Reversible rotation
Grinds all materials
What is a con to the buffalo wand?
Only one hand holds the mold
What are some pros to a dremel tool?
Provides high RPMs needed to grind silicone
Inexpensive
Found at a local hardware store
What is a con for a dremel tool?
Difficult for small hands and left-handed individuals
What are some safety practices that you should do when making modifications?
Wear eye protection and pull your hair back
What is the blue stone?
Porous, courser
Can be used to modify silicone
Use at least 15 to 20 kRPM for best results
What are white stones?
Used to grind acrylic and vinyl
Smaller sizes are used to maneuver into small areas
What is low grit good for?
Removing a large amount of material quickly
Always start with the lowest grit possible
What is medium grit good for?
Removing less material and providing a smoother finish
