Patent ID: 7206067
Filing Date: 2007-04-17
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for obtaining geometrical data relating to an internal surface of an ear canal and/or ear whereby a probe having a light emitting distal portion is inserted into the ear canal, the method further comprising the steps of: directing light circumferentially from a distal portion of the probe to illuminate at least an internal circumferential surface of the ear and/or ear canal, receiving the light reflected from the illuminated circumferential surface, and directing the received light to at least one light sensitive element to generate an output, and analyzing the output to determine the distance from the probe to the internal circumferential surface of the ear and/or ear canal at points of the circumference, wherein distance data and position data concerning the spatial position and rotation of the distal portion of the probe are obtained during movement of the probe from a first to a second location, wherein the probe is initially inserted to a position adjacent a tympanic membrane and wherein the geometrical data are obtained during extraction of the probe from the ear canal.