Abstract: A method of estimating the shape of an individual ear includes determining at least part of the shape of the individual ear, the shape being determined over a first extent and constituting a determined shape; taking a predefined template shape determined by statistical analysis of a plurality of previously measured ear shapes according to a statistical model, the template shape having a second extent; and generating an estimated shape corresponding to an estimated representation of the shape of the individual ear over the intersection of the first extent and second extent by modifying the template shape to substantially match the determined shape over the first extent or over the second extent within a predefined tolerance. Also, a method of optimising an ITE shell, BTE or CRT housing, or BTE sound tube to a given population group utilising the same template methodology.

Abstract: Input parameters or information for the fitting process of individually shaped or customized hearing devices and/or ear pieces of a hearing device are provided by storing fitting relevant data during the manufacturing process of an ear piece for the use with a hearing device into storage means, the data storage means being arranged at/or in the ear piece and/or a storage means kept or linked to the ear piece of the hearing device.

Abstract: Input parameters or information for the fitting process of individually shaped or customized hearing devices and/or ear pieces of a hearing device are provided by storing fitting relevant data during the manufacturing process of an ear piece for the use with a hearing device into storage means, the data storage means being arranged at/or in the ear piece and/or a storage means kept or linked to the ear piece of the hearing device.

Abstract: Digital models of the application areas of a left-ear and of a right-ear hearing device are established. The models (140r# and 140l#) are displayed on a computer display. The location of the model (SP#) of the sagittal plane of individual's head is estimated with respect to one of the two digital mold models. Then that one digital model (140r#) is digitally mirrored at the digital model of the sagittal plane (SP#) resulting in a mirrored digital model (140m#). Then the other digital model of the application area (140l#) and the mirrored digital model (140mr#) are brought into best possible covering alignment (140?l#). Units to be positioned in predetermined mutual relationship are applied to the models in best possible alignment.

Abstract: For manufacturing a hearing device a three-dimensional model (9) of the application area for the device at an individual is made. When digitally treating such model a three-dimensional orientation system is applied (11). When the shell is produced (13) assembling of units to the shell is performed relative to the orientation system which is preserved during shell manufacturing.

Abstract: A body-worn device, such as a hearing aid, is adapted to the shape of an individual's body area, such as an ear. A digitized, three-dimensional representation of the area is prepared. At least one characteristic feature of the representation, such as a dimension of a part of the ear, is automatically determined. A shell is produced based on the characteristic feature. The body-worn device is assembled with the shell.

Abstract: Digital models of the application areas of a left-ear and of a right-ear hearing device are established. The models (140r# and 140l#) are displayed on a computer display. The location of the model (SP#) of the sagittal plane of individual's head is estimated with respect to one of the two digital mold models. Then that one digital model (140r#) is digitally mirrored at the digital model of the sagittal plane (SP#) resulting in a mirrored digital model (140m#). Then the other digital model of the application area (140l#) and the mirrored digital model (140mr#) are brought into best possible covering alignment (140?l#). Units to be positioned in predetermined mutual relationship are applied to the models in best possible alignment.

Abstract: For manufacturing a hearing device a three-dimensional model (9) of the application area for the device at an individual is made. When digitally treating such model a three-dimensional orientation system is applied (11). When the shell is produced (13) assembling of units to the shell is performed relative to the orientation system which is preserved during shell manufacturing.

Abstract: A body-worn device, such as a hearing aid, is adapted to the shape of an individual's body area, such as an ear. A digitized, three-dimensional representation of the area is prepared. At least one characteristic feature of the representation, such as a dimension of a part of the ear, is automatically determined. A shell is produced based on the characteristic feature.