Are you going around the 2nd bend? How to make a good impression.

The key to good fitting custom earmoulds and hearing protection, ITE and CIC hearing aids are accurate ear impressions. Its important to know when you’ve inserted your otostop deep enough down the canal, and that the otostop is pointed in the direction of the eardrum.  A good, deep impression means getting to the 2nd bend of the ear canal. Some tell-tale signs that you’ve reached the 2nd bend include a characteristic slip of the otostop into position which often coincides with slight resistance as it enters the bony portion of the canal. When you look on otoscopy, you will see that the otostop is framed by the cartilaginous portion of the canal.

All ear canals are very different from one another and taking good impressions takes practice. Patient/client safety is paramount and the British Society of Audiology has a recommended procedure for impression-taking in adults/children over 5 years of age and for children under 5 years of age.

Tracy James is holding 1-day BSA accredited impression-taking courses at PC Werth on the 8th of March (Audiology House) and 8th of May (Venue TBC) 2016  for adults/over 5 years and 9th March for children/under 5 years. Learn how to take impressions safety and accurately according to the recommended procedure, using the correct brace positions during the procedure. Learn about what to look for on otoscopy and experience how to know when you’ve reached the 2nd bend.

Find out about Tracy James and take a look at her website: www.tjaudiology.com for more details regarding her courses, or email tjaudiology@outlook.com.