A Study on the Development of A Medical Imaging-Based Ear Impression System: A Preliminary Study of a Prototype

Purpose: Taking ear impressions for fabricating hearing aids is a crucial clinical skill that significantly impacts procedural precision and patient safety, depending on the practitioner’s proficiency. This preliminary study evaluates the applicability and effectiveness of a precise medical imagingbased simulator developed as a training tool.Methods: A precise ear canal model was created using computed tomography medical imaging data based on Hounsfield units, which represent variations in tissue density. A prototype ear impression simulator, capable of providing both visual and tactile feedback, was fabricated using three-dimensional printing, and students majoring in audiology evaluated its educational effectiveness using a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire.Results: The developed simulator was designed to enable users to learn about key risk factors in taking ear impressions, providing opportunities for repeated procedural practice along with visual and tactile feedback. A non-parametric statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitney U-test on the responses from audiology majors revealed no statistically significant differences between the two groups (all p > 0.05).Conclusion: This study promotes the standardization of ear impression training and highlights the effectiveness of simulation-based learning, demonstrating the value of the simulator as a clinical training device.