Step by step process for taking ear impression for hearing aid making

Audiology presentation
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Impression:
In the aspects of Material science an
indentation made by the pressure of an
object into the surface of another object
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Ear Impression:
Basically it’s a procedure to take size of
human ear cannel to implement of
hearing aid or ear plug.
It’s a complete Process which comprises
on
various steps.
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Importance of E.I:
Ear impressioning represents virtually the
only aspect of hearing aid,ear plug fitting.
It’s a only way to take size of ear canal
meanwhile without this,Audiologist is not
able to put hearing aid or ear plug in proper
position according to the canal size.
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Possibilities of damage:
There is chance of physical harm to a patient if
procedures are not properly performed.
Its not a simple method, for the accurate
placement a professional must be required
because any tiny mistake can caused to
damage ear drum.
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Tools List:
1.Otoscope
2.Specula tips (at least 10)
3.Sanitary wipes
4.Hand sanitizer
5.Impression Tools
6.Impression material(for 2 impressions)
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7.Impression mixing tools
8.Syringes and tips (2)
9.Otoblocks of various sizes
10.Otolight
11.Sanitary cloth (white towel)
12.Scissors
13.Order form

Otoscope Specula Tips
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Sanitary wipes
Otolight
Scissors
Sanitary Cloths
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Syringes & tips
Hand sanitizer Otoblocks
Impression Gun
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Impression Mixing Tool
Shaping Box Impr.Material
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3 primary families of impression material
available.
1. Vinylpolysiloxane
2. Addition-Cure Silicone
3. Powder and Liquid
Impression material:
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The latest advancement in impression
material is available as individual portion
packs, in specially formulated cartridges, or
in bulk containers.
Vinylpolysiloxane is the most popular
impression material in use today.
Vinylpolysiloxane:
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Due to the sensitivity, impression taking
process should be done by Audiologist
or trained person related to this field.
The causes of poor impressions can be
either the fitter's technique or the
improper use of the impression
material.
Professional Competency
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Viscosity of Imp. Material
Low viscosity Material
 Avoid the ear tissue stretching
 Comforting for the resulting instrument &
cartridge silicones supposedly flow easily
in and fill all crevices and undercuts.
Medium and higher viscosity silicones are
suggested to prevent acoustic feedback and
make instrument fitting more secure.
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Hand washing be done before and after
the exanimation.
Sanitize tools and equipment and place
place them on the sterilize surface/
clean white towel
Hygiene Practices:
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Open Vs Closed Jaw Impressions
Bite-block/open jaw impressions should be
taken for hearing protection products.
Proper Bracing:
Place the end of the mixing tip or syringe
approximately 1/4-inch (6 mm) inside the
ear canal opening.
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Proper oto-dam placement is critical for
the safety of patient and ensuring a
successful ear impression. The acoustic
seal establishment in ear canal become
complicated due to canal changes
dimension with jaw movement.
Oto-Dam Placement:
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canal being protected by canal block that be
set in ear canal just beyond the second
bend, and must occlude the full diameter of
the ear canal.
 It prevents impression mat. to reach
eardrum.
 Acts as a safety catch if imp. mat sticks in
canal.
 It assures a complete canal cross-section.
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 Use canal block that meets the canal size. Small
plug permit imp. material to flow beyond the
block and encroach the eardrum.
 Canal blocks be trimmed for narrow canals and
enlarged for big canals by using more than one
 Tell him that material will stay in ear for 10-12
minutes.
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FDA 8 point check list
It is important to question the patient with
regard FDA red flag issues:
1. Visible congenital or traumatic deformity
of the ear
2. History of active drainage from the ear in
previous 90 days
3. History of sudden or rapidly progressive
hearing loss within the previous 90 days
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4. Acute or chronic dizziness
5. Unilateral hearing loss of sudden loss
within the previous 90 days
6. Audiometric air-bone gap 15 dB at 500,
1000, and 2000 Hz
7. Visible evidence of significant cerumen or
foreign body in the ear canal
8. Pain or discomfort in the ear

Precautions for surgery patients
Certain patients have ears that have
been surgically altered. The plugs for
these ears must be placed by a
Physician prior to taking impressions.
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Observe points during the examination:
 Talk out loud.
 Compare what is normal in patient’s ear
canals.
 Make feel comfortable to patient by giving
relaxing comments about ear conditioning
Tips during Examination
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Removing the
Impression
The removal string or vent tube of the
oto-dam should not be used as a handle
to aid in removal of the impression.
Instead, gently pull the patient’s pinna
up and back to break the seal.
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Otoscopy is an examination that involves
looking into the ear with an instrument
called an otoscope (or auriscope)
.
This is performed in order to examine the
'external auditory canal' that’s leads from
the outer ear (pinna) to the eardrum.
Otoscopic Examination:
What is Otoscopy?
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Types of Otoscopes:
Clinical Model Pocket Style
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An Otoscope consists of 3 parts:
The handle, which contains
the power for the light
source.
The head, which contains
the light bulb and
magnifying lens.
The cone, which is inserted
into the ear canal.

Otoscopy Examination method:
Inspect the external auditory
canal.
Evaluate tympanic membrane
Note the color (red, white,
yellow) and translucency
(transparent, opaque) and
position (retracted, neutral or
bulging) of the drum
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– Identify key landmarks
L
R
Umbo
Short
process
Malleus
• Manubrium
• Short process
• Umbo
Light reflex
Pars flaccida
Pars Tensa
Otoscopy Assessment:
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Tips:
•Don’t forget the tuning fork test.
•Feel pinna, lymph nodes.
•Evaluate the noninvolved ear first,
•Patient position is turned head slightly
downward and away from the ear to be
examined.
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•Select the appropriate speculum that can
comfortably inserted into the ear.
• Hold the otoscope with the same hand as
the ear as you examining.
•Pull the pinna upward and backward to
straighten the external canal.
•
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•Never inserted the otoscope blindly
always “ watch your way in”Record the
abnormalities.
•Work with your team physician to develop
your confidence and skills.
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Step 2
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Step 3
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Step 4
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Step 5
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Step 6
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Step 7
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References
 http://www.audiologyonline.com/articles/
ear-i
 http://www.microsonic-
inc.com/index2.php%3Fsection%3D23
mpressions-art-or-science
 http://www.microsonic-
inc.com/index2.php%3Fsection%3D88
 http://www.otohearing.com/index.php/res
ources/proper-ear-impression-practices
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Thank You
Imrana Shakoor

Step by step process for taking ear impression for hearing aid making

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Step by step process for taking ear impression for hearing aid making