Ear Impressions
The ear impression is the blueprint from which any custom-fit in-ear product will be produced; the quality of the finished product is directly related to the quality of the impression. Any deficiencies in the ear impression will greatly affect patient satisfaction, comfort, and use of a finished earpiece. The impression materials listed below are formulated by Westone to be the finest ear impression materials available when used according to proper practices and procedures. Westone's ear impression materials will help you provide the best impression possible for your patient.
What Makes Westone´s Ear Impression Materials the Best Available?
For years, Westone has provided the gold standard in quality silicone ear impression material. Our material is formulated to reveal every detail and feature of the ear, and provide the best possible blueprint for any of our custom-fit products. They’re still pink, and as always, the best impression material money can buy.
Numerous tools and techniques have been used throughout the years to make impressions of the human ear. Recent advances in materials and procedures have led to the most consistent, dimensionally stable, and easy-to-use impression materials and delivery systems to date. Even so, only strict attention to the manufacturer’s instructions will ensure the best ear impressions possible. See our Tips on Materials for more information on patient considerations when selecting ear impression materials.
Ear Impression Material Types
There are three primary families of impression material available:
- two-part vinylpolysiloxane
- addition-cure silicone
- methyl methacrylate polymer and monomer (powder and liquid)
Vinylpolysiloxane
The latest advancement in impression material is available as individual portion packs, in specially formulated cartridges, or in bulk containers. Vinylpolysiloxane is the most popular impression material in use today. Westone offers three different vinylpolysiloxane products to meet your needs:
Silicone Singles®
Silicone Singles® are available as pre-measured units, making them extremely easy and convenient to use.
SiliClone® and SiliClone® FIRM
SiliClone® and SiliClone® FIRM Cartridges are conveniently packaged for use with manual or electric impression guns. When propelled through the special mixing tip, the two-part material is automatically mixed to the proper consistency.
Silicast®
Silicast® is a two-part material packaged in bulk containers. Accurate measurement of the material is ensured by using the two different color-specific scoops provided.
Addition-Cure Silicone
Blue Silicast® is a base and catalyst material that consists of a base putty and a tube of hardener. A scoop is provided for ease of measuring. Blue Silicast can be mixed either by “Spleading” or by hand. As with any impression material, it is very important not to deviate from the manufacturer’s instructions.
Blue Silicast®
This highly accurate and dimensionally stable economical impression material offers easeof-use at a low per-impression cost. Blue Silicast® will not shrink, melt, or deform. Each tub includes a tube of hardener and a dosing spoon.
How to Mix Silicone Singles and Silicast
Silicone Singles and Silicast can be mixed either by "Spleading" or by hand. All vinylpolysiloxane impression materials provide accurate and dimensionally stable ear impressions. Once the impression has cured, it is dimensionally stable. Place the impression in the mailing box along with the order form and ship.
“Spleading”
To use the "Spleading" technique, fill the scoop with impression material. Flatten the impression material onto the SPLEAD pad and add the catalyst. Thoroughly mix the material until it’s uniform in color. Once the two components come into contact with one another, the curing process has begun. Work as quickly as possible to mix the material, load the syringe, and make the impression.
1. Equal parts of material
2. Mix them together
3. Load the syringe
4. Replace plunger
Mixing By Hand
To mix by hand, thoroughly wash your hands and then fill the scoop with the recommended amount of impression material. Flatten the impression material in the palm of your hand and add catalyst. Mix the material for 20 to 30 seconds or until the material is a uniform color. While it may be tempting to speed up the cure of the impression material by using a little extra catalyst, the minute that may be saved in cure time is not worth the risk of a possible ill-fitting earpiece. Remember that once the two components have come into contact with one another, the curing process has begun. Work as quickly as possible to mix the material, load the syringe, and make the impression.
Oto-Dams
All oto-dams work on the same basic principle. An oto-dam is manufactured to a specific diameter from a material that has an inherent resistance to reduction in diameter. As the oto-dam is placed in an ear, it is compressed by the canal walls. The resistance of the oto-dam to this compression, or what is called “radial pressure”, holds the oto-dam in place against the force of the impression material. The two types of oto-dams in common use today are vented and non-vented.
Vented Oto-Dams
With any conventional oto-dam (foam or cotton), once the impression material has made full contact with the ear canal wall, any air trapped behind the dam is forced to compress against the eardrum. This sensation of ear “fullness” can range from minimal to significant discomfort. A vented foam oto-dam allows for the equalization of air pressure within the ear during the impression making, curing, and removal process, which can significantly reduce discomfort.
Non-Vented Foam Oto-Dams
Non-vented foam oto-dams are available in a wide variety of sizes and are soft, comfortable, and easy to use. Size selection is the most common challenge in using a foam oto-dam. Be sure to choose the appropriate size for your patient, using visual inspection to ensure that it fits snugly in the ear canal.
Non-Vented Cotton Oto-Dams
Non-vented cotton oto-dams are soft, comfortable, and function well. However, because of the manufacturing process, many cotton oto-dams are supplied as hard, compressed wads, so be sure to fluff the cotton oto-dam before use. The softer, more pliable the oto-dam, the more effectively and comfortably it will seal off the ear canal.
Impression Syringes
Historically, the syringe method has been used to take impressions of the human ear, offering clean, quick, and precise control of the impression material as it enters the patient's ear. Syringes are available in several designs to work with specific impression materials.
Polyethylene Syringe
Can be used with any silicone or powder and liquid impression material. Economical, high-quality polethylene impression syringe can be used with any silicone or powder and liquid impression material.
Impression Guns
Manual or electric impression guns effectively eliminate the guesswork associated with the mixing of materials by using use of dual-chamber cartridges and special mixing tips. The precise amounts of “A” and “B” components, propelled through the tip, insure proper mixing prior to delivery into the ear.
48-ml Cartridge Impression Gun
Manual 48-ml Cartridge Impression Gun is lightweight and easy to use. Model DMA 50 is designed for all 48-ml impression material cartridges.
How to Perform an Ear Impression
Taking a proper ear impression is the key to a high quality earmold. Follow the steps below to ensure the perfect fit. We provide more detail in our Earmold Guide as well as Impression Mistakes To Avoid.
Otoscopic Examination
Before making an impression, the patient’s ear must be thoroughly examined and determined to be acceptable for the process. The exam not only allows you an overall view of the health of the ear, but also can also reveal concerns or contraindications to impression making such as:
Earlite Use
The earlite serves as an aid in oto-dam placement. When using earlites and otoscopes, it is always important to hold the tool properly and to use proper bracing.
Oto-Dam Placement
Proper oto-dam placement is critical to providing for the safety of your patient and ensuring a successful ear impression. The primary acoustic seal is established in the ear canal and is complicated by the fact that the ear canal actually changes dimension with jaw movement.
Use the otoscopic examination to gauge the size of the oto-dam you will use for your patient. An oto-dam with too small a diameter allows the impression material to flow beyond the oto-dam and impinge on the eardrum. An oto-dam with too large a diameter prevents proper placement in the ear canal at the depth required for a good impression. It can also cause discomfort for your patient. If the size you have chosen for the oto-dam does not seal the ear canal, remove it and try a different size. Once you have selected the proper size, use the tip of the earlite to place the oto-dam into the ear canal and to make any slight adjustments. Use the otoscope to verify that the oto-dam is placed properly in the ear canal, checking to see that it is in full contact with the entire canal wall.
Open Versus Closed Jaw Impressions
There has been much debate regarding open versus closed jaw impression techniques. Bite-block/open jaw impressions should be taken for hearing protection products, musicians’ products, and whenever acoustic feedback is the primary concern.
Impressing the Ear
Using the proper bracing technique, place the end of the mixing tip or syringe approximately 1/4-inch (6 mm) inside the ear canal opening. Gently begin to express the impression material into the ear canal, allowing the material to flow back over the syringe or mixing tip. Once the material starts to flow past the tip, start backing the tip out of the ear canal. It is critical that you fill all the landmarks in the ear. For instance, fill the concha bowl, move up into the antihelix crevice, and then follow the contour of the ear, finishing at the center of the concha.
After about 3 to 5 minutes, check to see if the impression has cured. Press an earlite tip gently into the material to see if an indentation remains. If there is no indentation and the material is not tacky, the impression is cured. It is then safe to remove.
Removing the Impression
The removal string or vent tube of the oto-dam should not be used as a handle to aid in removal of the impression. Instead, gently pull the patient’s pinna up and back to break the seal. Remove the impression from the antihelix area and gently rotate forward and out. Should the oto-dam remain in the ear canal, the removal string or vent tube can be used to remove it.
Examine the ear for any material remaining from the impression process. Some slight redness may be evident and is normal. In the rare case that any impression material remains and cannot be easily removed, refer the patient to the appropriate medical authority for treatment.
The Anatomy of a Great Impression
1. The concha is round and full, no pockets or voids
2. The canal length is past the 2nd bend
3. The helix is complete through to the tip
4. The tragus is has been completely covered
5. The oto-dam has imprinted completely across the canal tip
Important Notes
- Prior to sending the patient home, inspect the impression to make sure that the necessary canal length and all anatomical landmarks are present.
- Impressions made with BLEND material may change shape in transit and are unable to be scanned.