making a good ear impression
We're thrilled to have you join The Ear Project!
This page is designed to guide you in achieving excellent ear impressions right from the start.
Materials
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• 2 impression singles
• 2 Fit Discs
• 1 sanitizing wipe
• return mailer
• postage label
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• 1 impression tube
• 2 syringes
• 2 impression singles
• 2 Fit Discs
• otoblocks
• sanitizing wipes and tissues
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• otoscope and pediatric tips
• lighted curette for cerumen management
1. Introduction to the client
Many clients have never had an ear impression before. Explain the procedure and reassure the client that the procedure is simple but could be a little uncomfortable for some people. Clients are supposed to bring their own tubes to the appointment, but you need to be prepared in case they forget.
2. Otoscopy
Observe the client’s: ear canal diameter and path direction. If a large amount of shallow earwax is present, clean it with the cerumen management tool. If the earwax is beyond the second bend, it will not affect the impression procedure and can be left in.
3. Dry Fit
Perform a Dry Fit check by way of placing the Fit Disc into the customer’s ear. This step will aid in informing you of the best position to place the Fit Disc during the time- sensitive impression stage.
4. Otoblock Placement
Place the otoblock on the pediatric speculum and insert it in the ear canal. While you are looking into the otoscope, point the otoblock towards the tympanic membrane. The otoblock should be placed past the second band.
Preparation
Injecting Impression Material
Inject impression material slowly and smoothly to fill the ear canal. Impression material should fill in:
Full concha bowl
Cymba Concha
Intertragal Notch
The fit disc
The Fit Disc is a dummy model of the final product. Slowly insert the right/left fit disc with the arrow pointing frontward. Insert snout as close to the tragus as possible with the disc pressed firmly and flat against the plane of the pinna. Minimize all gaps and make it look good. Work quickly to achieve a good aesthetic fit of the Fit Disc before the impression cures.
Visual Inspection
Have the client visually inspect the final Fit Disc placement with a mirror, and adjust accordingly.
Photo
Snap a photo of the client with both Fit Discs placed. This will simulate their final product fit.
Final inspection
After removing the impressions, perform an otoscopy. Then, inspect the impressions. Good ear impressions should include the concha bowl, cymba concha, and intertragal notch. The impression material will splatter against the fit disc but excess material splatter beyond the Fit Disc should be kept to a minimum (as this creates gaps).