Abstract: A hand-held device includes an audio transducer (i.e., speaker) for delivering acoustic test stimuli to a test subject within the direct sound field range of the device. The device accurately delivers multi-level and multi-frequency test stimuli for the subjective response by the test subject holding the device. An ultrasonic position sensor within the device determines the position of the device with respect to the head or a portion of interest of the head of the test subject while the device is being held. The acoustic test stimuli are controlled and regulated based on the position of the device with respect to the test subject so that accurate levels of test stimuli are presented only when the device is within a proper range and irrespective of its exact position with respect to the test subject's head.

Abstract: A battery assembly is constructed of an elongated plastic shell irregularly shaped to fit optimally in anatomical cavities, particularly ear canals. The battery assembly relies structurally on a thin plastic shell which is designed to be inexpensively formed in a variety of complex shapes, thus offering superior volumetric utilization and energy capacity when compared with conventional metal button cell designs. In preferred embodiments, the shell is domed to distribute axial stresses so that it can be thin and still provide sufficient strength to avoid breakage in an extended wear environment despite its plastic composition. A preferred embodiment of a hearing device incorporating the battery assembly is disposable, to be discarded upon depletion of the electrical energy of the battery assembly.

Abstract: A generic canal hearing device is adapted to be positioned deeply and completely within the ear canal, and particularly suited for extended wear. The device includes a removable battery assembly with an outer surface for substantial direct exposure to the environment of the ear canal. The battery assembly is detachably connectable to a microphone section of a universal core assembly, and when connected together, they form a lateral section for positioning comfortably in the cartilaginous part of the canal. The lateral section has an oval cross-sectional perimeter and is substantially cylindrical and elongated along the longitudinal axis of the device corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the ear canal.

Abstract: A disposable hearing device is adapted to be positioned entirely within an ear canal for extended wear therein. The device includes a core assembly and a sealing retainer. The core assembly includes a lateral section of generally oval cross-section and generally elongated cylindrical shape for alignment substantially along the ear canal's longitudinal axis, and a receiver section having a receiver coupled to the lateral section for medial positioning in the ear canal's bony region. The lateral section includes a microphone and a battery assembly, and is dimensioned to avoid occluding the ear canal while it is at least partially laterally suspended therein. The sealing retainer is concentrically positioned over the receiver section, and has a composition to conform to the ear canal's bony region wall to seat the hearing device and acoustically seal it in the ear canal to inhibit feedback therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extremely space efficient battery enclosure and battery replacement methods for miniature hearing devices that are deeply and entirely positioned within the ear canal of an individual. The battery enclosure is a thin encapsulation that is formed or fitted directly over the battery thus substantially assuming the shape of the encapsulated battery. The battery enclosure, containing mostly the battery, is fitted concentrically within the narrow cavity of the ear canal with the long axis of the enclosure and the battery therein positioned along the long axis of the oval ear canal. In one embodiment of the invention, the enclosure is disposable and is elastically expandable to fit over the battery during its replacement. In another embodiment, the battery enclosure is coated over the battery with protruding contacts forming a battery assembly ready for electrical connection to a miniature canal hearing device.

Abstract: A device to be worn in the ear of a subject provides a direct vibrational drive to the tympanic membrane through a vibrationally conductive assembly which couples vibrations from a vibratory transducer positioned within the ear canal proximal to the tympanic membrane. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is a hearing aid positioned inconspicuously deep within the ear canal. The vibrationally conductive assembly is removably attached to the umbo area of the tympanic membrane. The vibrationally conductive assembly is designed to conduct vibrations in the audible frequency range while absorbing static forces caused by device placement and ear canal movement attributable to jaw movements of the wearer, including speaking, eating, drinking, chewing, yawning, and so forth.