In early November, Siemens Healthcare's iScan -- a new, advanced ear impression scanner -- will be available; the pioneering device enables acousticians to swiftly digitize ear impressions and transfer them via open data format to the hearing aid manufacturer online.

Presented at the 56th International Hearing Aid Acoustician Congress 2011 in Nuremberg, the new generation of iScan bests its six-year-old predecessor by cutting scanning time in half -- now only requiring two minutes per ear impression. The device also permits the hearing aid acoustician to save data immediately, so any follow-up orders can be made utilizing the original scan.

The device involves scanning an impression of the ear to a tenth of a millimeter to create a digital, 3-D image on the display. The acoustician then reviews results, adds comments and orders the in-the-ear hearing aid online. Simultaneously, iScan's software verifies the scan's authenticity, quickening the order process by preventing any telephone inquiries. The entire ordering, manufacturing and delivery process can be followed online.

More Industry Headlines