October 12, 2018

A Paradigm Shift and a UK-First

Above: Angelique Da Costa using the Hearing Healthcare Practice’s revolutionary new Otoscan 3D ear scanner.

The Hearing Healthcare Practice is first in the UK to adopt an exceptional new technology – 3D Ear Scanning

Only on a few occasions in our lives are we likely to experience a paradigm shift. But, in the world of audiology, one is happening right now.

And, we’re proud to say our Practice is leading the way, improving our service and benefiting our clients.

The Way it Used to Be

For as long as we can remember, we’ve had to take casts or ‘impressions’ of our clients’ ears to create various devices, from hearing technology to hearing protection, in-ear monitoring and communication devices.

Although impression techniques have advanced with improved materials and equipment, we still relied on several standard steps:

a)      examining the ear

b)      placing  a foam or cotton wool plug into the ear canal

c)      mixing and preparing a special paste

d)      filling the ear to make the cast

This process hadn’t changed for many years and, although we performed these activities daily using the best methodology and protocols, some clients did not welcome such a procedure.

But now this is all about to change. 3D ear scanning

We have just taken delivery of a quite remarkable new all laser, three dimensional ear scanner designed specifically for audiologists; the Otoscan. And, we’re proud to say that we have been chosen to receive  the first unit in the country. As you can imagine we’re now enjoying immersing ourselves in this extraordinary device and in mastering the new techniques required.

As Audiologist, Angelique Da Costa, explains;

“With Otoscan we can literally ‘paint with light’ the contours of the outer ear and ear canal using three separate (completely harmless) laser beam sweeps to create beautiful 3D computer images which we can safely store until needed.  And,  unlike traditional ear moulds, these digital images can to shared with professional colleagues and laboratories in seconds, without having to send packages through the post and run the risk of damaging a physical object or it becoming lost in transit

“So now if you lose your hearing protectors, in ear monitors, an ear mould or custom-made hearing aid, with your computerised images securely held in our databank, we can simply order an identical duplicate at the press of a button.”

Hearing Healthcare Practice is now providing this service with our compliments and it takes just 10 mins to complete. 

Please let us know if you’d like to have your ears digitally scanned, completely free of charge, when you next book in?*

At the  Hearing Healthcare Practice we strive to be at the forefront of our profession, leading by example and challenging the status quo, and this is just the latest example of that commitment.

We look forward to welcoming you to witness a shared Paradigm Shift.

* Ear scanning is not suitable for all ears or every device so do check with us first.