With the rapid development of 3D printing and biocompatible materials industry, titanium alloy customized hearing aids have become an important innovation in the field of hearing. The application of titanium alloy not only brings a more reliable and comfortable wearing experience for the hearing impaired, but also realizes a comprehensive upgrade in terms of precision, durability and hygiene safety. The following is a detailed introduction to the use of titanium alloys in customized hearing aids, the manufacturing process and maintenance points.
Application of titanium alloy in customized hearing aids
Titanium alloy has become an ideal material for customized hearing aid shells due to its excellent biocompatibility, high strength and low density. It is corrosion-resistant and does not easily react chemically with body fluids, reducing the risk of allergy and rejection. At the same time, titanium's high specific strength allows the hearing aid shell to conform to the curvature of the ear canal while being durable and resistant to deformation or fracture. In addition, its relatively low density allows the hearing aid to be worn with little or no burden, further enhancing wearing comfort.
Second, the manufacturing process of titanium alloy customized hearing aids
1. Hearing aid shell design
Earmold sampling: professional earmold sampling material is used to cast the earmold in the ear canal of the hearing impaired person, and then preliminary cutting and scanning is carried out, or the 3D ear canal scanner is used to directly obtain the three-dimensional data of the ear canal and carry out the shell design. For special cases, such as ear canal abnormalities and post-operative reconstruction, medical imaging 3D reconstruction technology can be used to obtain the data.
Design optimization: In the 3D modeling software, shell design is carried out to optimize wearing comfort and sealing, taking into account the needs of the hearing impaired and the structural characteristics of the ear canal.
2. Hearing aid shell 3D printing
Molding method: Selective laser melting (SLM) technology is used to selectively melt metal powder layer by layer on a bed of medical titanium powder using a high-energy laser beam to form a dense solid.
Printing material: use biocompatible medical titanium metal powder to ensure the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of the shell.
Printing process: The 3D CAD model is sliced into several layers to generate a laser scanning path, and then sintered layer by layer until the complete hearing aid shell is printed. Upon completion, initial inspection and post-processing, such as polishing, are carried out to achieve comfortable fit and aesthetics.
3. Hearing aid inspection
Sound field evaluation: Using passive and active sound fields to test the hearing perception of hearing aids at different volumes and frequencies, as well as noise reduction and speech recognition performance.
Audiometric evaluation: Using audiometers, true ear analyzers and coupling cavities, etc., to determine the individual's sensitivity to sound waves of various frequencies, and to provide a reference for the tuning of hearing aids.
Professional testing: Pure tone audiometry and acoustic impedance testing are conducted in a soundproof audiometric room to assist in fitting and effect testing.
Maintenance points of titanium customized hearing aids
1. Daily cleaning: Use tools such as magnet steel needle brushes to clean the earwax and dust on the surface of the hearing aid regularly.
2. Moisture-proof treatment: Use tools such as drying box and drying cake to prevent the hearing aid from moisture and keep the internal circuit and metal parts dry and stable.
3. Soft earplug selection: Provide a variety of sizes of soft earplugs to better seal the ear canal, reduce whistling, and improve wearing comfort.
4. Professional tuning: Regular hearing tests and hearing aid tuning at professional hearing centers to ensure that the acoustics of the hearing aids match the wearer's hearing needs.
In summary, the application of titanium alloy in custom hearing aids not only improves the performance and comfort of hearing aids, but also realizes personalized customization and efficient production through 3D printing technology. Proper maintenance and care are also key to ensuring the long-term stable operation of hearing aids.
