Abstract: A virtual 3D modeling of a custom posterior concha module from a digital ear impression. This modeling is done with 3D inserts that fill the posterior concha area and are merged into a concha ring, concha plate, or another custom solid or hollow 3D object. The 3D object is integrated with the custom concha and custom canal modules. The resulting 3D mold is the virtual custom hearing aid shell or earmold. This method is suitable for modeling Full-Shell custom hearing aids, and Full-Shell, Shell, Skeleton, and Semi-skeleton earmolds. It is also applicable to modeling a Canal-lock and Helix-lock.

Abstract: A virtual 3D modeling of a custom shell module for a hearing aid from a digital impression. In this process, a pre-modelled faceplate module is selected from a computer database. The style and size of the selected pre-modelled faceplate module is proper for the shell style and options requested. Through motion and rotation, the selected pre-modelled faceplate module is fitted collision-free in the digital impression and its fit is customized with a buffer. The resulting customized faceplate module is integrated with the canal aperture of the digital impression and becomes the virtual custom concha module. This method is suitable for modeling shell styles such as Half-Shell, Canal, Completely-In-Canal, Invisible-In-Canal.

Abstract: This invention describes virtual shaping the canal area of an ear impression for custom ear inserts with a set of predetermined adjustable templates. There are two types of templates: AP and SI. AP templates are used to model the canal area in the anterior-posterior plane. SI templates are used to model the canal in the superior-inferior plane. The modeling software selects a set of AP and SI templates with curvatures most suitable for a given ear and fits them in the canal area of the ear impression. These templates form a frame that is surfaced and becomes a virtual 3D model of the custom insert. Anatomically accurate curvatures of templates ensure a superior fit of the resulting ear insert and eliminate common inaccuracies that occur in computer-aided impression shaping.