Abstract: A removal tool for removing canal hearing devices from the ear canal, examples of which may include a hand piece and a removal loop having a wide section for placing over a knob handle structure incorporated within the canal hearing device, and a narrow section for interlocking with the knob handle to remove the hearing device from the ear. The removal loop is generally configured in the shape of keyhole to guide and transition of the knob and shaft of the knob handle into the narrow section for capture and interlocking therewithin. The removal tool may provide ease of use, particularly for individuals with poor dexterity and/or poor vision. In a preferred embodiment, the removal loop is made of a single formed wire for improved durability, lower cost of fabrication, and safe operation that minimizes contact with the walls of the ear canal.

Abstract: Examples of a removable earpiece assembly configured for coupling to a canal hearing device using a foil-thin clip are described. The earpiece assembly may be readily removed for replacement when soiled or degraded after use. The earpiece assembly may include a compliant element for contact with the ear canal in a comfortable and safe manner. The earpiece assembly may function as an acoustic seal and/or a retainer for the canal hearing device. The removable earpiece assembly may provide a highly space efficient solution which may be used with miniature canal hearing devices, including a CIC device. In some embodiments, disengagement of the earpiece assembly from the canal hearing device may be accomplished by a side peel motion.

Abstract: A seal assembly for canal hearing devices including a dynamic pressure vent formed and defined by diaphragmatic flaps configured to open in response to a pressure gradient across the diaphragm. The seal assembly comprises a compliant seal element configured to be positioned generally concentrically around the canal hearing device for providing comfortable contact with the ear canal and for acoustically sealing the residual volume of the ear canal. The seal assembly is preferably made of an elastomeric material. The dynamic pressure vent is substantially closed in the normal position to minimize feedback, while momentarily opening inside the ear canal during insertion or removal of the canal hearing device into or from the ear canal.

Abstract: A hand held tool for safely inserting a canal hearing device into the ear canal having a medial end configured to simultaneously cradle the lateral end of the canal hearing device and constrain a knob element laterally positioned on the canal hearing device. In a preferred embodiment, the insertion tool comprises a C-shaped cavity for self-centering engagement with a D-shaped lateral end of a CIC device, providing ease of use for hearing impaired individuals. In a preferred embodiment, the insertion tool is substantially formed of a single monolithic structure for improved durability and lower cost of fabrication.

Abstract: Examples of systems and methods of wireless control of a canal hearing device by applying a magnetic field on the skin at the temporomandibular region of the head are described. An exemplary hearing device may include one or more magnetic sensors for wireless activation by the magnetic end of a remote control device applied inconspicuously to the anterior of the external ear. The activation of a reed switch magnetic sensor within the canal hearing device may be decoded by the electronics of the hearing device to implement a control command, such as volume change, program setting change, ON, or OFF. According to examples described, wireless control of the canal hearing device may be implemented with a natural, comfortable, and inconspicuous hand-arm motion. In some embodiments, multiple reed switches may be arranged to selectively respond to a magnetic field applied within distinct “hot spot” regions, for separate remote control commands.

Abstract: A removal tool for removing canal hearing devices from the ear canal, examples of which may include a hand piece and a removal loop having a wide section for placing over a knob handle structure incorporated within the canal hearing device, and a narrow section for interlocking with the knob handle to remove the hearing device from the ear. The removal loop is generally configured in the shape of keyhole to guide and transition of the knob and shaft of the knob handle into the narrow section for capture and interlocking therewithin. The removal tool may provide ease of use, particularly for individuals with poor dexterity and/or poor vision. In a preferred embodiment, the removal loop is made of a single formed wire for improved durability, lower cost of fabrication, and safe operation that minimizes contact with the walls of the ear canal.

Abstract: A modular canal hearing aid assembly having a main module and a disposable battery module that docks perpendicularly into the main module which surrounds the battery module circumferentially and laterally for secure connection that eliminates inadvertent separation of the modules during removal of the hearing aid assembly from the ear canal. The disposable battery module incorporates battery cell, sound port, and handle, in a unitary structure that is easy to handle and replace as an integrated unit when any of the degradables within are consumed. The disposable battery module also comprises a membrane filter for filtering out earwax and liquids. The perpendicular docking mechanism provides highly space efficient design for comfortable and inconspicuous fit deep in the ear canal.

Abstract: A modular canal hearing aid assembly having a main module positioned in the ear canal and a disposable battery module laterally positioned in the ear canal. The main module incorporates the durable components of a hearing device including the receiver, microphone and electronics. The disposable battery module comprises consumable elements including battery and incoming sound port. The disposable battery module provides a unitary structure that is easier to handle, remove from the main module, and replace when any of the consumable elements is depleted or degraded. The canal hearing device assembly is generic in shape and provided with assorted seal tips for “instant fitting” without resorting to custom manufacturing.

Abstract: A modular canal hearing device having a speaker module placed in the bony region for extended wear while a main module is removably inserted in the cartilaginous region. The main module wirelessly activates the speaker module when placed in proximity thereto. The main module is removed daily or as needed for maintenance of the hearing device such as for battery replacement. The speaker module remains undisturbed in the bony region to avoid skin friction. The main module contains the microphone, electronics, battery and in the preferred embodiment an inductive coupling coil for inductively sending audio signals to the receiver module. The modular design allows for a highly miniaturized design that is easier to navigate in the ear canal for improved fit and sound fidelity at the eardrum while allowing easy maintenance of a removable module.

Abstract: A modular canal hearing aid assembly having a main module positioned in the ear canal and a disposable battery module laterally positioned in the ear canal. The main module incorporates the durable components of a hearing device including the receiver, microphone and electronics. The disposable battery module comprises consumable elements including battery and incoming sound port. The disposable battery module provides a unitary structure that is easier to handle, remove from the main module, and replace when any of the consumable elements is depleted or degraded. The canal hearing device assembly is generic in shape and provided with assorted seal tips for “instant fitting” without resorting to custom manufacturing.