EAR IMPRESSIONS IN THE FUTURE
5/1/10
It seems in the not-too-distant future the physical impression will become obsolete.
An in ear scanner will create a digital representation that can be emailed to a lab. It will then be manipulated, modeled and printed by stereolithography(SLA)resulting in a finished earpiece. Some labs are already receiving SLA scans.
In the future, just as we are amazed plaster of paris was used in clients ears, someone will be surprised that silicone was actually used to inject into our clients ears.
EAR IMPRESSIONS PART III
3/1/10
Powder and liquid impression material ruled the roost for almost 30 years until tub and tube silicone hit the scene.
Silicone eliminated all concerns of shrinkage. You could throw the silicone impression like a superball and it could still be used for a great earpiece.
One-to-one silicone was next, then in a pre measured format and eventually cartridge impression material.
Cartridges remain the fastest and most convenient way to make an impression. The material has greatly improved. Cartridges offer no variability in mixing and no messy loading of syringes; just a smooth, positive expression of perfectly mixed materials in the outer ear.
Next month the final article about the progression of ear impressions!
EAR IMPRESSIONS PART II
2/1/10
Over 50 years the developments,refinements, and process/material change have all been the response/request from clients.
Now taking an impression takes less time and the finished impressions are more durable and accurate.
The next step which came about was mixing a different powder and liquid, but it also had its drawbacks:
First the monomer and polymer would shrink giving the impression only about 30 days
Second the original was sold in bulk which gave the professional quite a bit freedom to adjust different amounts of liquid and powder
As you can well imagine the results varied greatly in the shape of the cured impression during transit to the lab.
Tune in next month for the next step we took!
EAR IMPRESSIONS PART I
1/1/10
How taking an ear impression has changed in 50 years!
Ear impressions are taken for many reasons: Ear Molds for Hearing Aids, Musicians, Hunters, Swimmers, Cell Phone Users, Dentists, Industrial Workers, Truck Drivers, Airline Personnel, etc.
In 1950 plaster of paris was used to duplicate the outer ear. Can you imagine removing that cured impression?
Thank goodness we no longer have to put our clients through that!
Tune in next month to see how we have progressed over the years.
