The Callier Center for Communication Disorders at the University of Texas at Dallas kickstarted manufacturing 3D printed custom earmolds for pediatric hearing aids.
This lab is generously funded through several community donations. It has set a benchmark for audiology clinics. Earmolds are crucial as they are custom-made to channel sound from the hearing aid to the eardrum.
No information is provided on the exact type of 3D printing process used for manufacturing. Our guess – based on the pictures – is that the Callier Center relies on a resin 3D printing process for the on-site creation of custom ear molds. Such techniques have already been used by other medical device manufacturers across the world.
Earmolds that keep pace with children’s growth
Young children with hearing difficulties and deafness need custom-fit hearing aids. During their growing years, they need multiple ear molds. While the traditional process takes a few weeks, 3D printing will take less than six hours. This will significantly benefit infants and kids with new and timely earmolds.
According to Dr. Andrea Gohmert, director of audiology clinical operations at Callier and clinical associate professor of speech, language, and hearing in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Callier has printed more than 1,200 earmolds in-house for more than 800 patients since the effort began in August 2022.
“As this innovation became a standard of care at the Callier Center, we identified that the 3D-printing lab needed a location and research space of its own,” Gohmert said. “We recognize this could also be the location for further Callier clinical innovation for the future.”
A recently held workshop on 3D printing helped to train professionals in otoscopy, impression scanning, design, and post-print finishing procedures. This will spur the setting up of new facilities that can implement in-house earmold labs.
Author: Nagarjun M
Make sure to follow us on our social networks and subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn & Instagram! If you want to be featured in the next issue of our digital magazine or if you hear a story that needs to be heard, make sure to send it to contact@3dadept.com.
THE 3D ADEPT WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
The industry moves fast. Stay ahead.
Every week, the latest additive manufacturing news, in-depth features and real-world applications, straight to your inbox. Plus, be the first to know when a new issue of 3D ADEPT Mag is out.
Free · One email a week · Unsubscribe anytime
Clicking loads our email provider’s sign-up form, including its analytics and Google’s anti-bot protection. You’re only subscribed if you complete the sign-up. Read our privacy policy.