The Navy, and DoD in general, are using custom molded earplugs for maximum hearing protection. To fabricate these earplugs, an impression of the ear canal/concha is needed. Currently, a silicone material is injected into the ear canal/concha. The material cures in a short time, and the physical impression is created. This impression is then typically scanned using a laser to generate digital data. A new method for generating digital ear impressions will be developed during this project. The method is safe and generates the digital data directly, obviating the step of laser scanning. In addition, a database management for storing the data is being developed.
Benefit: The research and development conducted during this projet will result in a safer, faster, and more accurate method for generating digital ear impressions. Custom earplug manufacturers as well as hearing aid manufacturers could use the new technology to their benefit.
Keywords: Ear Canal, scanning, earplug, Protection, Hearing