Due to aging, senior people may face the hearing impairment issue. Not just the elder ones but, the younger ones may experience the same due to certain clinical conditions. Accordingly, they need to take a hearing specialist appointment and a hearing test and buy the hearing aids per the prescription.
However, this process is quite cumbersome and costly. On that note, 3D-printed hearing aids would be conducive for senior people. The same is designed so that users who have age-related hearing loss can wear it. In turn, they’ll get the benefits like traditional hearing aids.
According to a doctor, “when we’re raving about 3D printed hearing aids, we’re also thinking about how beneficial it would be. The usefulness and the precise working procedure will keep the 3D printed hearing aids apart from the traditional ones.”
To know more about 3D printed hearing aids, continue reading this article. Before that, we will introduce you to 3D-printed hearing aids.
What Are Custom Hearing Aids?
The image is used for illustration purposes. Zeal 3D is not the owner or creator of the image.
Put simply, hearing aids capture sound from the outside world. Then, it amplifies the same to the ears of hard-of-hearing people. In turn, the sound reverberates loud to the ear of a hard-of-hearing person. Modern hearing aids have a plethora of style and form factors.
- Custom-made-in-the-ear (ITE)– It is constructed based on the individual patient’s anatomy. These are comfortable and will super fit the ears.
- In-the-canal (ITC)- These are custom hearing aids that stay comfortably in the ear canal. They are designed to provide greater comfort while lowering tangled risk.
- Hearing amplifiers- These are over-the-counter hearing aids. It is used as a low-cost alternative to 3D printing.
Introduction Of Custom Hearing Aids
Hearing aids were first introduced in the 17th century as horn-shaped devices produced by a group of professional instrument makers. After World War II, these devices were fully electronic. With feature-loaded and robust-looking designs, these are modern-day devices.
Modern hearing aids consist of microprocessors. It can regulate the volume, and sound levels, by utilizing Bluetooth. Also, it can stream the audio from external devices like smartphones, smart TV, etc.
How 3D Printed Hearing Aids Works
Traditional hearing aid models were relatively slower, and the material was also expensive. To dispel these things, 3D printing was introduced. As per a researcher, “the inability to hear properly can create a critical quality of life difference. Hearing greatly impacts our life, so losing the ability may lead to larger cognitive decline.”
Implementing The Process of A 3D Printed Hearing Aid
- First and foremost, a silicone mold is created.
- To create an accurate ear model, a 3D scanner is used, and the same is uploaded into CAD software.
- Once done, then this model is printed into an acrylic resin.
- It’s now installed and tested for the final implementation.
Benefits of 3D Printed Hearing Aids
The image is used for illustration purposes. Zeal 3D is not the owner or creator of the image.
The all-new state-of-the-art 3D printed hearing aids is the product of the 3D printing revolution. With its precision and manufacturing ease, it is lauded by the experts. With the implementation of additive manufacturing, the same got a better fit for ensuring the highest comfort level.
1. Fast and Convenient
From mold making to mold repairing and assembling, a long-time consuming process takes a toll on the traditional method. However, with 3D printing technology, the workflow is now skyrocketed. It can shorten production time while providing the users’ wearing experience.
2. Highly Customized
Based on each person’s anatomy, custom-fitted 3D printed models are made. These models are comfortable while having a superior fit. Additionally, it also reduces slipping within the ear.
3. High Accuracy
Unlike the traditional models, 3D-printed hearing aids are way more efficient. It can even capture the minute details of sound from the circumstances for carrying a better output to the user. Therefore, the quality of life and living would improve without cognitive declination.
4. Rapid Prototyping
With 3D printing, prototypes of hearing aids can be printed within a short span. Rapidness plays a pivotal role in doing the same. Also, it’s cost-effective.
5. Cost-Effectiveness
As the entire process is less time-consuming, the cost is also not that high. As the production cost is less, the whole implantation cost won’t be high.
Future of 3D Printed Hearing Aids
3D-printed hearing aids are on the right track with the future-proof solution to capture the market by lionizing its benefits. With the rapid and efficient process, it can be said that 3D-printed hearing aids can change the same in the future. Also, the investors may start to invest in doubling the production rate while creating a more extensive reach of the products.
