Can anyone help with making an STL file of my ear canals for Custom ear plugs?

Support
1

Hi

I need to get custom ear plugs for a medical appointment on the 10th March for a life threatening health condition. I need the plugs for the flights to America from London.

I recently had a cbct and I am trying to make an STL file of my ears to send to custom ear plug companies.

Is there anyone who can help with this?

This is my cbct scan -

2

Hi!

I can help you with this. Extracting an STL file of the ear canal from a CBCT scan is something I do professionally in 3D Slicer.

Given your timeline before March 10th this is very doable. Please send further details through my inbox and I’ll get it done quickly.

Wishing you all the best with your appointment.

Noor

1 Like
3

Thank you so much!!

I don’t know if they included my ears in my scan because I tried to check on 3d slicer myself following the tutorial (using an older version of slicer because my computer is old) and I can’t get the ears showing. I really hope they did because otherwise i don’t think I’ll get another scan done soon enough the ear plugs to be made. Just knowing they covered the ears will be a massive relief /help because then I know at least if I have to book a digital scan appointment (whereas currently i dont know the CBCT people can’t answer until tomorrow as their director is off).

This is what the ear plug companies have said when I send them the CBCT. (screenshots attached hopefully)

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4

Hi James!

Both your ears are confirmed in the scan at great resolution. However I want to be upfront that CBCT shows bone better than soft tissue. The earplug canal fit depends on soft tissue which may not be perfectly captured. The STL may work but I can’t guarantee the companies will accept it.

Just wanted to check, have you looked into flight pressure earplugs like EarPlanes ? They’re specifically designed for pressure regulation during flights and are available immediately in pharmacies. Curious why you’re going the custom route,

is there a specific reason standard flight earplugs won’t work for your condition?

Just want to make sure we get you the best solution in time!

Noor

5

OK thank you!

I’m glad to know they are at least in the scan. Does that include the outer tissue and not just the ear canal?

The reason is because when I’ve had custom in the past they are easier to put in and not have to push them in really tightly over and over. They don’t gradually fall out.

Also non custom ear plugs hurt my ears quicker because they’re so tight.

Thank you so much for your help so far