Burnsville, MN - AuDNet, Inc. has announced that all AuDNet members now qualify to receive and use new, state-of-the-art technology that improves the fit and reduces the delivery time of hearing instruments. This innovative development is not new technology in the hearing instrument, but a specialized digital optical scanner, integrated into an internet-based ordering system that is used to scan an ear impression in any AuDNet Audiologist's office.
iScan™, the in-office ear impression scanner from Siemens, has eliminated the need for traditional ear impressions and a paper order form. "iScan not only saves time, but its accuracy is unbelievable," stated Greg Frazer, Au.D., Ph.D. AuDNet Audiologist and owner of West Coast Hearing & Balance Center in CA. "I don't have to worry about impressions being damaged, delayed, or lost during shipment, and I am sure that my order options are validated before the manufacturer gets it, this all means that I can now provide a better fitting hearing aid to my patients, faster than ever before. Also, an added benefit is I save shipping costs."
Until now, audiologists would create impressions of the patient's ears and then ship them to the hearing aid manufacturer with an order form. Even when using e-ordering to electronically (i.e. via the internet) send the order, the manufacturer had to wait a day or two longer for the impression to arrive before crafting the hearing instrument. With iScan, the entire process can now be done electronically and manufacturers can begin work on the order virtually immediately. "Once I've taken the ear impression, it's as simple as pressing 'start' on the iScan," commented Dr. Frazer. "Then I just attach the scan file to my e-order. It's as easy as attaching a photo to an e-mail."
The technology behind iScan (known as Color-Coded Triangulation) is much more sophisticated, but it is extremely user-friendly for audiologists and functions with their existing computer system. iScan works by obtaining a series of digital images of the ear impression (almost like taking a picture with a digital camera) and then puts them together to form a 3-dimensional image. The scanned file can then be sent directly to the manufacturer via an e-Form (electronic order form. Once received by the manufacturer, the actual hearing aids are created from the 3D image and the validated options chosen on the e-Form. The resulting shells are as precise as possible since a scanned ear impression eliminates the possibility of damage during shipment or slight changes that can occur when technicians ready the physical impression for production. In addition, the e-Form is programmed to catch any order problems before it is sent and therefore no time is lost in the manufacturing process. This means patients can potentially receive his or her hearing instruments within a few days after the order has been placed.
"iScan has helped us treat more patients and get them comfortably and quickly back into the world of hearing," stated Dr. Frazer. "Combined with today's highly advanced hearing solutions, iScan is a remarkable innovation in hearing care and one that all AuDNet members should utilize."
AuDNet, Inc. is a national branding network and group purchasing organization promoting and positioning Audiologists as "THE Hearing Experts". AuDNet Audiologists and Doctors of Audiology are an elite group of highly trained, educated, and experienced professionals who specialize in audiology care and rehabilitation including hearing aids. AuDNet's Mission is to unite audiologists nationwide to achieve brand recognition and create demand for audiology care. To learn more about AuDNet visit www.aud-net.com or www.HowToHear.com, call 1-800-308-7290, or visit the AuDNet Booth #1813 at AAA in Denver. You can also visit the AuDNet Web Channel on Audiology Online at www.audiologyonline.com/channels/audnet.asp
