Changing With the Times: Applying Digital Technology to Hearing Aid Shell Manufacturing
By Cortez, Richard, MS; Dinulescu, Nick, MS; Skafte, Klavs, BS; Olson, Brian,; Keenan, Denise, MA; Kuk, Francis, PhD; Hearing Review, Vol. 11, No. 3, pp. 30-38Publication Date: March 2004
Article features a comparison of conventional hearing aid shell-making technology and Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) processes, and includes a review of the two major methods of CAD/CAM printing: (1) Stereo Lithographic Apparatuses and (2) Selected Laser Sintering. The article addresses questions about the differing technologies by using the Computer Aided Manufacturing of Individual Shells for Hearing Aids (CAMISHA) system. The CAMISHA system is a laser-fit technology employed by Widex. The authors contend that the application of digital technology to shell manufacturing has increased the accuracy and consistency in which hearing aid shells are produced. For the manufacturer, this increases the efficiency and accuracy in which hearing aid shells are made. Record keeping is also integrated within a computer database, negating the need to store processed ear impressions, or the need to request new impressions for remakes. For the client who uses a hearing aid, shells made with digital technology are more comfortable to wear and may allow the client to use more of the available gain from the hearing aid.
Published by: Ascend Media LLC (Website:http://www.ascendmedia.com)
Link to text: http://www.hearingreview.com/Articles.ASP?articleid=H0403F03
