Re: Ear impression taking technique?

[Brad Ingrao <info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I teach my students to use the "old school" manual syringes and I find that
I have more control with them.

I tell them that the key is to let the material tell you when to move.  I
place the syringe as far into the ear canal as I can without distorting it,
then I leave it there while I push the plunger until the material is
"forcing" the syringe out of the canal.  Then while the tip is still deeply
into the material, I fill the concha, then the helix, then back to the
center of the concha and just leave the tip there while I fill the concha.
I only remove the tip when all the material is gone.

If you use a steady flow, the impression in the concha will resemble soft
serve ice cream.

 I agree with Andy about the importance of materials.  Find a few that work
for you of varying viscosity so that you can accommodate ears of different
firmness.

Most importantly, give each and every ear impression your undivided
attention. If you do this, your quality will be high and your need to repeat
impressions will be minimal.

Ear Impressions are not difficult to do well, but they are very easy to mess
up!

____________________________________________
Best Regards,

Brad Ingrao, M.S.Ed. CCC-A, FAAA
Adjunct Lecturer
Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Northeastern University

(508) 628-5645


e-mail: info@bradingrao.com




-----Original Message-----
From: AUDITORY Research in Auditory Perception
[mailto:AUDITORY@LISTS.MCGILL.CA] On Behalf Of Vermiglio, Andy
Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 2004 8:41 PM
To: AUDITORY@LISTS.MCGILL.CA
Subject: Re: Ear impression taking technique?

Richard,

Make sure you leave the nozzle tip in the impression material at all times.
Fill up the canal, let the material flow out of the canal before moving to
the concha and helix.  The type of impression material makes a big
difference.  The newer Westone material for their gun works very well.

Don't forget to ask if the subject has had a mastoidectomy prior to
inserting the otoblock.

Best,

Andy Vermiglio

 -----Original Message-----
From:   AUDITORY  Research in Auditory Perception
[mailto:AUDITORY@LISTS.MCGILL.CA]  On Behalf Of Richard H.
Sent:   Saturday, April 24, 2004 1:13 PM
To:     AUDITORY@LISTS.MCGILL.CA
Subject:        Ear impression taking technique?

Hi,

If you have experience of earmould impression taking, I would appreciate
your advice.

As a beginner I'm not sure what the best sequence is.

I know you start injecting the resin with the syringe/gun nozzle at the
otoblock ... but how do you clearly define the concha and helix edges etc
whilst maintaining flow without creases, air bubbles etc? What
sequence/movements/tricks do YOU use to get a precise, fault free
impression?

[I have tried various sequences whilst making the impression - but my
results are variable ... I'm sure there must be a "best" way]

Thanks!

regards,

Richard





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