Abstract: An embodiment provides a seal for retaining a hearing device within the ear canal comprising a curved shell having an opening at a shell apex portion. The shell defines a cavity for retention of a device component. An interior surface of a shell wall has a scalloped shape configured to distribute compressive forces applied to the shell perimeter such that when the shell is positioned in the canal, the shell wall conforms to the shape of the canal to maintain an acoustical seal between a shell exterior surface and the canal walls. The scalloped shape can be configured to produce a substantially constant amount of inward deformation of a shell wall independent of a force application point on a shell perimeter. The shell can include a coating to retain the seal in the canal and/or to promote asparagine growth into the coating to fastenly retain the seal in the canal.

Abstract: The invention provides a disposable sensor patch for the non-invasive detection of heart disease. The patch is placed on a person's chest area for automatic analysis of ECG. The heart condition is indicated via an indicator integrated within the patch. The patch is inexpensive and simple for self-administration. In one embodiment, the status of the heart is indicated via multiple LEDs. The detection and indication typically occurs, within 24 hours or sooner if a condition is readily identifiable. The patch is thin, flexible, and incorporates a battery, ECG amplifier, and a processor for analyzing ECG waveform and indicating the heart condition. A software algorithm searches for a cardiac abnormality such as arrhythmia, bradycardia, tachycardia, fibrillation, mycocardial infarction, ischemia, long-QT syndrome, blocks, late potentials, and premature contractions. In another embodiment, results and relevant ECG data are stored in memory for later retrieval.

Abstract: The invention provides a disposable sensor patch for the non-invasive detection and indication of a heart condition during a medical emergency. The patch is placed on the chest area for sensing and analyzing a surface electrocardiogram (ECG). The heart condition is rapidly indicated via an indicator integrated in the patch. The disposable smart patch is inexpensive and simple to use by a layperson assisting or living with the person experiencing the medical crisis. The patch is activated automatically upon its removal from the package and placement on the chest. The detection and indication occurs rapidly and within 90 seconds of placement on the chest. In another embodiment of the invention, a vibration sensor element is incorporated for detecting cardiovascular vibrations and for ruling out pulseless electrical activity.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a canal hearing device and method in which the device is implemented with a mode of operation that provides acoustic transparency as well as a power-saving function, permitting the user to wear the device in the ear canal during periods of sleep or inactivity without substantial loss of normal unaided response. The transparent mode has an in-situ acoustic transfer function that compensates for the insertion loss caused by the presence of a hearing device in the ear canal. While the device is in this transparent mode, its acoustic transfer function gives the user a perception of unaided hearing, as though the device were removed, when it is actually being worn continuously in the ear canal. Current drain of the device is significantly reduced as the transparent mode serves to shut off or reduce bias currents of at least one circuit element within device circuitry.

Abstract: A semi-permanent hearing device is disclosed which is adapted to be completely positioned within the ear canal of an individual for long-term use. The device comprises a sealing retainer substantially positioned in the bony region of the ear canal and a core assembly including a receiver assembly coaxially positioned within the sealing retainer. When the device is inserted into its completely-in-the-canal position, the core assembly extends from the sealing retainer to the cartilaginous region of the ear canal in a non-occluding fashion, thereby minimizing interference with hair and earwax production present in the cartilaginous region. In a preferred embodiment of the device, the core assembly comprises a battery assembly conforming substantially to the shape and dimensions of the battery enclosed within the assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides a low cost, fully integrated, disposable patch for the non-invasive, continuous monitoring of fetal electrocardiogram (ECG). The patch detects fetal ECG by filtering the dominant maternal ECG therefrom. In one embodiment, an upper electrode is used to obtain a relatively pure maternal ECG signal for its cancellation from the signal obtained from the abdominal fetal ECG. In another embodiment, multiple abdominal electrodes are used and the dominant periodic features of maternal ECG are identified and eliminated. The fetal monitor patch is thin, flexible, and incorporates a battery and an alarm within. The alarm is activated during an adverse health condition for the fetus. The fetal monitor patch is particularly designed for long-term wear applications exceeding one week and lasting up to several months. The patch is unobtrusive and thus worn continuously, even during sleep and bathing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a removal tool for atraumatically removing a hearing device inserted deeply in the ear canal of a user. The removal tool comprises a shaft adapted to be grasp in the hand and a plurality of hooks or other attachment elements coupled to a first end of the shaft. The hooks have a shape and orientation configured to minimize injurious contact with the walls of the ear canal when the removal tool is inserted into the ear canal. The hooks are also configured to detachably engage a loop structure or other attachment system of the hearing device for removal of the device independent of a radial orientation of the shaft with respect to the hearing device. The hooks can also be configured to engage the loop structure in two or more planes for removal of the hearing device. Also, the hooks can be configured to engage the loop structure so as to exert minimal axial force on the hearing device in a medial direction.

Abstract: A semi-permanent hearing device is disclosed which is adapted to be completely positioned within the ear canal of an individual for long-term use. The device comprises a sealing retainer substantially positioned in the bony region of the ear canal and a core assembly including a receiver assembly coaxially positioned within the sealing retainer. When the device is inserted into its completely-in-the-canal position, the core assembly extends from the sealing retainer to the cartilaginous region of the ear canal in a non-occluding fashion, thereby minimizing interference with hair and earwax production present in the cartilaginous region. In a preferred embodiment of the device, the core assembly comprises a battery assembly conforming substantially to the shape and dimensions of the battery enclosed within the assembly.

Abstract: A canal hearing device has a subminiature filament assembly which vibrates and directly drives the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and imparts audible mechanical vibrations thereto. The filament assembly is partially supported by the tympanic membrane via capillary adhesion thereto and is dynamically coupled to a stationary vibration force element position at a distance from the tympanic membrane within the ear canal. The elongated filament assembly is freely movable within an operable range and is essentially floating with respect to the vibration force element. In a preferred embodiment, the vibrational filament assembly comprises a magnetic section which is insertable into the air-core of an electromagnetic coil. The filament assembly is coupled to the tympanic membrane via an articulated tympanic contact coupler.

Abstract: A semi-permanent hearing device is disclosed which is adapted to be completely positioned within the ear canal of an individual for long-term use. The device comprises a sealing retainer substantially positioned in the bony region of the ear canal and a core assembly including a receiver assembly coaxially positioned within the sealing retainer. When the device is inserted into its completely-in-the-canal position, the core assembly extends from the sealing retainer to the cartilaginous region of the ear canal in a non-occluding fashion, thereby minimizing interference with hair and earwax production present in the cartilaginous region. In a preferred embodiment of the device, the core assembly comprises a battery assembly conforming substantially to the shape and dimensions of the battery enclosed within the assembly.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a continuous wear hearing device to be worn entirely within the ear canal, comprising a receiver assembly sized to be positioned in the bony portion of the canal, a battery assembly and a microphone assembly. The receiver assembly includes a receiver for supplying acoustic signals to the tympanic membrane. The battery assembly is coupled to the receiver assembly and includes a metal-air battery and a battery vent. The microphone assembly is coupled to the battery assembly and includes a microphone and a microphone sound port. The sound port faces a medial direction with respect to the canal. The orientation and position of the microphone in the canal are configured to reduce fouling of the port by cerumen. The positioning of the microphone assembly defines an air cavity disposed between the microphone assembly and the battery assembly with the port and the vent fluidically coupled to the cavity.

Abstract: The invention provides a canal hearing device and method in which the device is implemented with a mode of operation that provides acoustic transparency as well as a power-saving function, particularly useful to permit the user to wear the device in the ear canal during periods of sleep or inactivity without substantial loss of normal unaided response. The transparent mode has an in-situ acoustic transfer function that compensates for the insertion loss caused by the presence of a hearing device in the ear canal. While the device is in this transparent mode, its acoustic transfer function gives the user a perception of unaided hearing, as though the device were removed, when it is actually being worn continuously in the ear canal. Current drain of the device is significantly reduced as the transparent mode serves to shut off or reduce bias currents of at least one circuit element within the device circuitry.

Abstract: A canal hearing device with a dual acoustic seal system for preventing feedback while minimizing occlusion effects. The two-part device comprises a main module and an elongated tubular insert for conducting sound to the tympanic membrane and sealing within the bony region of the ear canal. The main module is positioned in the cartilaginous portion of the ear canal. The tubular insert comprises a sound conduction tube and a cylindrically hollow primary seal medially positioned in the bony region. The device also comprises a secondary seal laterally positioned in the cartilaginous region. The secondary seal, although providing additional acoustic sealing for the prevention of feedback, is sufficiently vented to provide a path of least acoustic resistance for occlusion sounds within the ear canal.

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 canal hearing device with a dual acoustic seal system for preventing feedback while minimizing occlusion effects. The two-part device comprises a main module and an elongated tubular insert for conducting sound to the tympanic membrane and sealing within the bony region of the ear canal. The main module is positioned in the cartilaginous portion of the ear canal. The tubular insert comprises a sound conduction tube and a cylindrically hollow primary seal medially positioned in the bony region. The device also comprises a secondary seal laterally positioned in the cartilaginous region. The secondary seal, although providing additional acoustic sealing for the prevention of feedback, is sufficiently vented to provide a path of least acoustic resistance for occlusion sounds within the ear canal.

Abstract: A miniature battery assembly for canal hearing devices is constructed of a cylindrically elongated metal shell having oval cross section. The elongated oval design offers superior volumetric utilization and energy capacity in the ear canal when compared with conventional button cell designs. In a preferred embodiment, the battery assembly is comprised of an elongated anode can with an inward bottom ledge holding a cathode cup. The anode can is tapered on the top and oval in cross section for fitting optimally in the bony part of the ear canal. The hearing device incorporating the battery assembly is disposable to be discarded upon depletion of the electrical energy of the battery assembly.

Abstract: A hearing device system includes a hearing device having a normally open (i.e., doorless) receptacle cavity configured to accept a battery assembly for powering the hearing device. The battery assembly has an insertable segment and protruding segment, the protruding segment remains outside of the receptacle cavity of the hearing device when the insertable segment of the battery assembly is operably seated (i.e., firmly engaged, with electrical connection established to the hearing device) within the receptacle cavity. A battery dispenser holds one or more new battery assemblies for direct transfer of one of the held battery assemblies into the receptacle cavity of the hearing device to replace a depleted battery assembly when the latter is removed from the receptacle cavity.

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 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.