Siemens has launched a new improved version of its ear impression scanner, the iScan. The iScan digitizes ear impressions in 3D in just a few minutes. The resulting 3D model is displayed on the computer screen and is accurate to a tenth of a millimeter. Scans can then be sent online to hearing aid manufacturers to order devices completely customized to the patient’s ear canal.
The new version is faster than its predecessor, which was introduced back in 2005, and uses an open data format ensuring files can be used with all manufacturers. Previously scanned ear impressions are archived on Siemens’ servers for 36 months from which they can be retrieved when needed. The new iScan will be available at the beginning of November 2011.
Press release: Faster, simpler, more efficient: The newest generation of ear impression scanners – the “iScan” from Siemens…
Product page: Siemens iScan…
More details about the scanning and manufacturing process: Hearing Review: Does the In-Office Electronic Scanning of Impressions Really Change Everything?…