Abstract: The invention provides a ball joint assembly for articulated hearing devices. The ball joint assembly acoustically and mechanically separates a receiver module, placed deeply within the ear canal near the tympanic membrane, from a main module, placed relatively distal to the tympanic membrane. The ball joint assembly allows for independent and free movement of the receiver module with respect to the main module. The ball joint assembly has a central axial conduit for conducting electrical wiring from the main module to the receiver module. The ball joint assembly has built in features to limit its range of motion to prevent damage to the wiring conducted within the ball joint assembly. The ball joint assembly and range limiting features are essentially fully contained within the wall of the main housing, thus minimizing the size of the hearing device and allowing for a deep and comfortable placement within the ear canal.

Abstract: A hearing evaluation and hearing aid fitting system provides a fully immersive three-dimensional acoustic environment to evaluate unaided, simulated aided, and aided hearing function of an individual. Digital filtering of signal sources representing speech and other sound stimuli according to selected models and signal processing parameters, such as audio sources, spatializing coordinates, acoustic boundaries, hearing aid simulations, and individualized transfer functions synthesizes a simulated acoustic condition for presentation to an individual for objective and subjective hearing evaluation. An intra-canal prosthesis incorporating a microphone probe is positioned in the ear canal to measure in-the-ear-canal responses at a common reference point near the tympanum during unaided, simulated aided, and aided hearing evaluation to provide measurements that directly correlate across all phases of hearing assessment during hearing aid fitting.

Abstract: An acoustic coupler adapted for use with an intracanal receiver module can be deeply inserted into the ear canal of the user while making minimal contact with the walls of the ear canal. The minimal contact feature of the invention allows the acoustic coupler to seal the ear canal acoustically and anchor a hearing device at an optimal depth within the ear canal, while maximizing the user's comfort. The acoustic coupler is manufactured from a soft, pliable elastomer that allows it to conform readily to the shape of the ear canal. The acoustic coupler incorporates structural supports that allow the coupler to maintain an acoustical seal and withstand the inward pressure of the ear canal wall while making minimal contact with the ear canal. The invention incorporates a cerumen-protecting feature that prevents damage to a hearing device from infiltration of earwax into the sound port of the receiver. A vent pathway for control of occlusion effects is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a replaceable handle for hearing devices that are deeply inserted into the ear canal. The handle is offered in an assortment of configurations to optimize the hearing devices cosmetic appeal and usability. The handle consists of a shaft, handle head and a locking end for insertion into the lateral end of a hearing device. The locking mechanism of a preferred embodiment consists of two inwardly flexible legs that compress while being inserted sideways into a locking receptacle within the lateral end of the hearing device. The legs spring back when they have been fully inserted, thus locking the handle to the hearing device. The handle remains securely attached to the device during normal use, which primarily subjects the device to axial or push/pull forces. However, the handle can be readily removed by opening the battery door and sliding the handle sideways into the cavity of the battery compartment.

Abstract: A hearing evaluation and hearing aid fitting system provides a fully immersive three-dimensional acoustic environment to evaluate unaided, simulated aided, and aided hearing function of an individual. Digital filtering of signal sources representing speech and other sound stimuli according to selected models and signal processing parameters, such as audio sources, spatializing coordinates, acoustic boundaries, hearing aid simulations, and individualized transfer functions synthesizes a simulated acoustic condition for presentation to an individual for objective and subjective hearing evaluation. An intra-canal prosthesis incorporating a microphone probe is positioned in the ear canal to measure in-the-ear-canal responses at a common reference point near the tympanum during unaided, simulated aided, and aided hearing evaluation to provide measurements that directly correlate across all phases of hearing assessment during hearing aid fitting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing heat from an acoustically shielded electro-mechanical assembly without relying upon a convective air flow and without the provision of bulky external heat sinks provides an acoustically shielded electro-mechanical assembly, such as a hard disk drive, that may be used in a personal computer. The invention may be used successfully in any application where noise mitigation measures, such as encapsulation of an electro-mechanical assembly within an acoustic shield, otherwise cause undesirable overheating of the assembly.

Abstract: A hearing evaluation and hearing aid fitting system provides a fully immersive three-dimensional acoustic environment to evaluate unaided, simulated aided, and aided hearing function of an individual.

Abstract: A hearing evaluation and hearing aid fitting system provides a fully immersive three-dimensional acoustic environment to evaluate unaided, simulated aided, and aided hearing function of an individual.

Abstract: A hearing device having highly articulated, non-contiguous parts and adapted for placement within the ear canal includes a receiver module for delivering acoustic signals within close proximity to the tympanic membrane, a main module containing all hearing aid components except the receiver, and a connector that routes amplified electrical signals from the main module to the receiver module. The connector fits in the cartilaginous area of the ear canal and is articulated with both the receiver module and main module to permit independent movement of the receiver module and main module while the hearing device is inserted or removed and during various jaw movements, such as chewing, yawning, and talking. The connector may be an adjustable shaft that accommodates various canal lengths and that allows incremental receiver placement depths within the ear canal.

Abstract: A hearing evaluation and hearing aid fitting system provides a fully immersive three-dimensional acoustic environment to evaluate unaided, simulated aided, and aided hearing function of an individual.