Multi-Custom In-Ear Monitor Review, Resource, Mfg List & Discussion (Check first post for review links & information)

[Deviltooth]

 

 
Here you go. Yes, they are past the second bent
 
If the fit isn't right. I'd suggest making new impressions with different ear impressions material

If I were you I'd follow Pioutrus-G's advice.  I did and the results have been satisfying.  You need a talented audiologist who uses the right materials and who has some knowledge and experience of making impressions for CIEMs (different than hearing aids).  If your audiologist is using pink foam (too soft) look elsewhere.

 

[Mython]

Originally Posted by Deviltooth /img/forum/go_quote.gif
 
 
  If your audiologist is using pink foam (too soft) look elsewhere.

 
 
No hard-and-fast rules, with regard to impressions material, but I must admit, I have found green to be the firmest and most resilient. I found light blue to be much softer and less resilient. I've never tried pink.
 
Ultimately, any of them should yield an adequate ear impression, but if I had the choice, based upon personal experience, I would definitely prefer green silicone.
 
I also suspect that the viscosity of the silicone, while it is still fluid, may have a slight effect upon the final result, because if it is more viscous, then it will require marginally more pressure from the walls of the ear canal in order to achieve a state of equilibrium (prior to curing). If my logic is correct (and it may not be), then a more viscous silicone might, therefore, be expected to yield a fractionally larger impression than a less viscous silicone.
 
I didn't explain that very well, but I hope it makes sense!
 
 
.

 

[Deviltooth]

   
 
No hard-and-fast rules, with regard to impressions material, but I must admit, I have found green to be the firmest and most resilient. I found light blue to be much softer and less resilient. I've never tried pink.
 
Ultimately, any of them should yield an adequate ear impression, but if I had the choice, based upon personal experience, I would definitely prefer green silicone.
 
I also suspect that the viscosity of the silicone, while it is still fluid, may have a slight effect upon the final result, because if it is more viscous, then it will require marginally more pressure from the walls of the ear canal in order to achieve a state of equilibrium (prior to curing). If my logic is correct (and it may not be), then a more viscous silicone might, therefore, be expected to yield a fractionally larger impression than a less viscous silicone.
 
I didn't explain that very well, but I hope it makes sense!
 
 
.

When I was having impressions done for the Pro330 Piotrous-G recommended Dreve Otofoam (which is green).  My Audiologist used a firm blue material (a combination of two separate materials) and the results were excellent for both my Pro330 and JH13pro refits.

 

[Mython]

When I was having impressions done for the Pro330 Piotrous-G recommended Dreve Otofoam (which is green).  My Audiologist used a firm blue material (a combination of two separate materials) and the results were excellent for both my Pro330 and JH13pro refits.

 


Really? That's interesting that I'm not the only person who favours the green silicone.

...and we should never overlook the importance of the skill of the audiologist, which is, without doubt, one of the biggest factors in achieving a successful impression.


.

 

[average_joe]

  UM Merlin is by no mean "bass heavy" it has great bass but it's quite balanced actually IMHO

 
I only heard the demo and read others impressions, all of which indicated it was bass heavy.  The original wasn't, but then they made it more so according to Project 86, who received the first Merlin.  The Rooth LSX5, which also has 4 BAs and a single dynamic was not bass heavy at all, and my TS842 isn't either.
 

  @AJ, thank you for the great reply, help mate. My friend doesn't have any high end iem or ciem, he suffered from lack of fit with universals (just like me), went to over and on ear headphones, isolation is not satisfying so he wants to go to the ciem world. I will ask what his budget then we will find something for him. He might get Noble 8C, that's the kind of bass he might like I think. As for me, if I am gonna get a bass monster, it will be either MH335DW or nothing

 
OK, let me know.  The 8.C is probably a very good choice if he wants to spend the cash, and I say probably only because I have not heard it, just the 8.A.
 

OK I need some help from you guys. Mingo replied, paraphrasing Unique Melody's reply (so I'm not sure this is exactly what they are saying, as follows:

1. My CIEMs are already molded to the second bend
2. Further lengthening of the CIEMs' ear canals would run the risk of them poking inside my ears uncomfortably
3. Effect of remolding the CIEMs using their stored impressions would be the same (regardless of lengthening the mold<--I think that's what they mean)?
4. They recommend a refit of the CIEMs by thickening select parts of the current mold where I find the fit to be loose.

I think (2) would be a standard disclaimer for any 2nd bend fit, but I need you guys' help with (1). Are these CIEMs second-bend fitted? Where's the second bend?

(in this last pic you may be able to see how narrow the end opening of the mold is compared to the sound tube itself)

Thanks in advance to everybody!

 
 
1. Looks like it
2. True
3. Yes, but most manufacturers will adjust areas you point out
4. Yes, see #3.  That is what is typically done, which just requires them to shave areas or add material (from what I understand)
 
If you can pinpoint the problem areas, they can fix them.  But, it is often difficult to pinpoint areas where you need more material, and explaining just how much they should take off if there is too much.  This could lead to many back-and-forths.  
 
You can request a complete reshell with new impressions and see what they say.  You may want to cite shipping costs, time, and doing it right the first time if there is any push back.  
 
I have used blue and green material, both with success, but have also had a successful impression taken with pink material.  A skilled audiologist is important as well, but it isn't rocket science really, and you may need to insist on how they should do it to make sure it is right.  If you don't think it is after they make the impression, ask them to redo it (see what guarantee they will make before they take the impression).

 

[piotrus-g]

Regarding impressions materials I think this will be a hit in some time. Idea behind it is genius.

 

[Sinocelt]

  Regarding impressions materials I think this will be a hit in some time. Idea behind it is genius.

 
I'd rather bet on:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeHTB4ZZ3OI
 
Or similar technologies:
http://earscanning.com/wp/the-otoscan/
http://www.shapestart.com/

 

[piotrus-g]

   
I'd rather bet on:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeHTB4ZZ3OI
 
Or similar technologies:
http://earscanning.com/wp/the-otoscan/
http://www.shapestart.com/

Lantos scaner is indeed breakthrough there's only one problem with scanners - they are canal only, while for most of monitors you need full concha molds.

 

[Sinocelt]

  Lantos scaner is indeed breakthrough there's only one problem with scanners - they are canal only, while for most of monitors you need full concha molds.

 
 
Er, according to the video I linked, the scan does include the concha.

 

[piotrus-g]

   
 
Er, according to the video I linked, the scan does include the concha.

It doesn't seem like it. It shows that it fills the concha but from what I see 3D graphic file is canal part only.

 

[Sinocelt]

  It doesn't seem like it. It shows that it fills the concha but from what I see 3D graphic file is canal part only.

 
Hm. Two conflicting pieces of information. They do show in the video at least one hearing aid that looks like it fills the concha, as an example of what can be done with their product. Still, I admit this is inconclusive.

 

[tomscy2000]

Sinocelt's digital impressions would be too large to send over the internet anyway... and physical impressions would be too large to send by mail...

 

[Joe Bloggs]

Thanks a lot piotrus-g, Mython and average_joe! Actually IIRC the material used for the impression was green.

It seems my dabbling in CIEMs may be a brief one Just tried on my Etymotic MC5 again and they seem to have the customs beat in seal and SQ (even when the latter is properly sealed) In particular, the bass of the MC5 (no bass monsters themselves) beat the customs into a cocked hat

I suppose I could return them for a remold, but if it costs any money (and I think a revisit to the audiologist for new impressions should be called for) I'd rather let them sit there looking pretty?

 

[AmberOzL]

  Sinocelt's digital impressions would be too large to send over the internet anyway... and physical impressions would be too large to send by mail...

lol'd quite hard, you made my day

 

[piotrus-g]

  Sinocelt's digital impressions would be too large to send over the internet anyway... and physical impressions would be too large to send by mail...

<awaiting Mimouille's reply>