Abstract: A method for reconstructing an ear canal from optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan data of an ear comprises extracting frame numbers and line numbers of interference intensities corresponding to one or more markers on an OCT scan guide, receiving reference frame numbers and lines numbers for one or more markers, determining a starting position and direction for the OCT ear scan from the ear scan marker frame and line numbers and the reference marker frame and line numbers, for each scan line, finding a pixel number of a maximum interference intensity value, and determining an offset distance of said pixel from said scan guide, and reconstructing a surface of the ear canal from the distance offset data.

Abstract: The physical fit, comfort, and appearance of a hearing instrument that resides in the ear can be improved by providing the shell of the instrument with a textured finish. A variety of textured finishes can be imparted during the fabrication process or applied after fabrication.

Abstract: The physical fit, comfort, and appearance of a hearing instrument that resides in the ear can be improved by providing the shell of the instrument with a textured finish. A variety of textured finishes can be imparted during the fabrication process or applied after fabrication.

Abstract: A spectrophotometer having an optical system for directing a beam of substantially monochromatic excitation light to a liquid sample contained in a well (3) of a well plate for interaction with the sample for absorption or emission measurements to analyse the sample. The optical system includes two apertures (46, 28) for establishing a Kohler illumination region outside the well, that is an excitation beam region between conjugate images (18, 21) of the two apertures. This excitation beam region is then demagnified and imaged (10, 9) into the well (3). The invention provides for the shape of the Kohler illumination region to correspond to the shape of the well space so that all of the liquid sample is uniformly illuminated without the well obstructing any portion of the illuminating excitation beam of light.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing an ear canal from optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan data of an ear comprises extracting frame numbers and line numbers of interference intensities corresponding to one or more markers on an OCT scan guide, receiving reference frame numbers and lines numbers for one or more markers, determining a starting position and direction for the OCT ear scan from the ear scan marker frame and line numbers and the reference marker frame and line numbers, for each scan line, finding a pixel number of a maximum interference intensity value, and determining an offset distance of said pixel from said scan guide, and reconstructing a surface of the ear canal from the distance offset data.

Abstract: The output of an distance measuring or imaging assembly positioned in a lumen of fixed, known geometry and size can provide data sufficient to determine the three-dimensional geometry and dimensions of an object such as an ear canal. The lumen's geometry and dimensions may be predetermined or measured by measuring or imaging an object of known geometry and dimensions. A balloon catheter enclosing the apparatus displaces collapsed tissue in ear canal.

Abstract: A target having a characteristic ultrasonic signature for implantation beneath the skin is described. The target, when placed within an implanted injection port enables ultrasonic echographic discrimination of the target from surrounding tissue. In particular, the target enables one to locate its position beneath the skin non-invasively by means of ultrasonic echograpy. In practice, the signature comprises reflections of ultrasonic waves from a target comprising varying thicknesses of a material having sound transmission characteristics different from human tissue. Ultrasonic sound waves reflected from different surfaces of the target arrive at a detector with a characteristic time delay thereby providing a signature. Biocompatible plastics, such as methacrylate, polysulfone, polytetrafluoroethylene or polyethylene, or elastomers such as silicone may be used for the target.