Impression Taking
As the overwhelming majority of our products are custom made, it is necessary to obtain impressions of your ears as part of the ordering process.
If you wish to make an appointment for ear impressions, please place an order through our website and select ‘arrange an appointment for me’ under the ear impressions section when ordering. Our team will then be in touch to ask for your availability, before proceeding to arrange the appointment on your behalf and emailing you all of the details.
The impressions are an additional cost (unless you are visiting us at a show) of roughly £40 depending on your location. We keep a digital copy of all impressions on file for 5 years (at which point new impressions will need to be taken).
If you have any questions about your local audiologist prior to ordering, please contact us and we will be delighted to help. We have over 300 locations for the impressions in the UK, and a list of the areas in the UK that our partner audiologists cover can be found here. However, please do not hesitate to contact us if you cannot see a location close to you, or if you are not UK based, as we do ship internationally.
We can also offer home visits upon special request, particularly if you have children that are too young to be seen at a local audiologist.
Prior to the Impression Taking
In order to ensure your impression taking process runs smoothly there are a few steps you can take prior to the appointment. You can visit your local chemist in order to purchase ear drops.
Ultimate can also organise an ear wax removal service on your behalf to allow you to get ear impressions taken. In order to arrange this service simply contact us.
The Impression Taking Process
It is important to answer any initial questions the impression taker may have on the day to the best of your ability, as this will ensure your safety. You may experience some minor sensations such as itching or tickling during the process but this is perfectly normal.
- Our specialist will ask you a few initial questions. Please answer them as fully as you can, as this helps keep you safe.
- Our specialist will then inspect your ears to make sure it's safe to go ahead.
- A small foam stop on a string is placed part way into each ear canal. This protects your eardrum and sets the depth for the impression material.
- Your ears are checked again to make sure the foam stop is in the right position.
- Medical-grade silicone is slowly dispensed into each ear, filling the space and capturing its shape. While it sets, your hearing will be much quieter and your ears will feel full. This is perfectly normal.
- The silicone takes about 5 minutes to set.
- Once it has set, our specialist will ask you to move your jaw gently. They will then carefully remove the impression and foam stop and check your ears one last time.
- Your ear impressions are then given to you to post to our HQ.
