Abstract: Among various methods, systems, and apparatuses, a number of methods are provided for forming a 3D conformance model of a particular portion of a subject's anatomy using 3D digitized imaging data and a rapid prototyping technique. One such a method includes distinguishing at least one particular structural feature associated with the exterior of the particular portion from at least one particular structural feature associated with the interior of the particular portion. Such a method can include using the conformance model to test suitability of an appliance to participate in performing an intended function that includes penetrating the interior of the particular portion through the exterior of the particular portion.

Abstract: Among various methods, systems, and apparatuses, a number of methods are provided for forming a 3D conformance model of a particular portion of a subject's anatomy using 3D digitized imaging data and a rapid prototyping technique. One such a method includes distinguishing at least one particular structural feature associated with the exterior of the particular portion from at least one particular structural feature associated with the interior of the particular portion. Such a method can include using the conformance model to test suitability of an appliance to participate in performing an intended function that includes penetrating the interior of the particular portion through the exterior of the particular portion.

Abstract: A hearing aid programming system includes a hearing aid housing; a faceplate attached to the hearing aid housing with an opening for receiving a battery door and also having an outside surface; programming terminals located in the opening immediately adjacent the outside surface of the faceplate; a battery door located within the opening. One edge of the battery door and the opening form a slot. The battery door is hinged to the faceplate and is movable between an open position and a closed position. A flexible programming strip having electrodes is dimensioned to fit within the slot. The electrodes mate with the programming terminals. The battery door hinge in the closed position presses the electrodes against the programming terminals to make electrical contact.

Abstract: A customizable cerumen guard for a hearing aid having a shell, a receiver, a receiver tube, and aperture in the shell communicating with the receiver tube, includes an insert insertable into the shell aperture, the insert having a chamber therein, a receiver aperture for communication with the receiver tube, an ear canal aperture communicating with the ear of the wearer; and a plurality of customizable, interchangeable caps covering the ear canal aperture. The cerumen guard may also have any of a number of customizable cerumen-trapping accessories that may be placed into the chamber.

Abstract: A hearing aid puller comprises a first member, and a first end piece coupled to the first member. An intermediate piece is coupled to the first member. A second member is coupled to the intermediate piece. A second end piece is coupled to the second member. The cross-sectional width of the intermediate piece and the maximum width of the second end piece are larger than the cross-sectional width of the second member. The hearing aid puller may be formed by injecting liquefied, elastically deformable material into a mold. The liquefied, elastically deformable material is cooled to form a hearing aid puller that is a single part that can be stretched to more than about twice the puller's original molded length.