3D to enhance hearing devices

Lantos is developing 3D imaging technology that provides minimally invasive digital mapping of the human ear canal, writes Bizjournals.

According to officials, this will allow manufacturers to make more comfortable, custom fit audio devices such as hearing aids, earphones and noise-cancelling devices.

According to Wired, a slim scanner can be popped into the ear without the user even feeling it.

The end of the scanner has a light and a membrane that can be inflated so it travels all of the way down the ear canal, something that the silicon gel method cannot achieve. A liquid is then pushed into this membrane, allowing a camera to take note of thousands of data points along the canal.

This provides a much more comfortable way of creating a 3D ear map. The idea was initially developed in an MIT lab presided over by Doug Hart. Hart was responsible for developing a 3D oral scanning technology that has replaced the need for impression moulding teeth for dentistry purposes.

“We are just entering clinical trials, our major clinical trial will be held with the US Army,” new chief executive, Jeffrey Leathe told VetureBeat in an interview.

The military has shown significant interest in this technology, according to Leathe, particularly for hearing protection and two-way communications devices. Leathe was limited in what he could discuss surrounding the products themselves.

He did mention, however, current impression-taking technology does not make for a comfortable fitting device. Thus, some soldiers opt to not wear protective ear pieces, so as not to hinder their performance. If that practice is widespread, it is no wonder the military is reaching out for a better way to protect its soldiers.