Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for providing hearing aid. An open ear canal hearing aid may be provided in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The hearing aid may include a part that contains electronic components, a passive amplifier, and a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism may include bristles or balloons. The securing mechanism may have various configurations and be adjustable.

Abstract: Securing mechanisms for space access devices, such as an audio signal transmitting device, include a plurality of outwardly projecting members that are configured to transition from a relaxed state to a securing state when the space access device is inserted into an internal space or opening that has an inside diameter smaller than an outside diameter of the outwardly projecting members in the relaxed state. The outwardly projecting members securely engage a surface of the internals space, conform to the shape and size of the internal space, and modulate at least one of the attenuation and frequency of audio signals and/or differentially acoustically impede audio signals transmitted through the securing mechanism and/or internal space and the space access device, without fully occluding the internal space.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for reducing feedback in a hearing aid that includes a transducer configured to detect sound, a sound processor configured to process signals from the transducer, a receiver configured to receive signals outputted from the sound processor, and an acoustic feedback reduction system. The acoustic feedback reduction system is configured to provide signals to the sound processor to produce a null targeting signal steerable toward a source of feedback.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a person may include a person-worn sensor device including at least one sensor (e.g., at least one accelerometer, magnetometer, altimeter, etc.) configured to collect sensor data and a processor to process data from the person-worn sensor device. The processor may be configured to determine or access an orientation of a physical support apparatus (e.g., bed, table, wheelchair, chair, sofa, or other structure for supporting the person), receive sensor data collected by the person-worn sensor device, calculate an orientation of the person relative to the physical support apparatus based on (a) the orientation of the physical support apparatus and (b) the sensor data collected by the person-worn sensor device, and identify, based on the determined orientation of the person relative to the physical support apparatus, a physical support apparatus exit condition indicating an occurrence or anticipated occurrence of the person exiting the physical support apparatus.

Abstract: Securing mechanisms for space access devices, such as an audio signal transmitting device, include a plurality of outwardly projecting members that are configured to transition from a relaxed state to a securing state when the space access device is inserted into an internal space or opening that has an inside diameter smaller than an outside diameter of the outwardly projecting members in the relaxed state. The outwardly projecting members securely engage a surface of the internals space, conform to the shape and size of the internal space, and modulate at least one of the attenuation and frequency of audio signals and/or differentially acoustically impede audio signals transmitted through the securing mechanism and/or internal space and the space access device, without fully occluding the internal space.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for providing hearing aid. An open ear canal hearing aid may be provided in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The hearing aid may include a part that contains electronic components, a passive amplifier, and a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism may include bristles or balloons. The securing mechanism may have various configurations and be adjustable.

Abstract: A securing mechanism comprising a plurality of outwardly projecting members having a plurality of contact points that are configured to contact a surface of an opening when disposed on a space access device that is inserted in the opening, the securing mechanism being configured to apply a pressure to a contact surface within the opening less than approximately 10000 kPa.

Abstract: A securing mechanism comprising a plurality of outwardly projecting members having a plurality of contact points that are configured to contact a surface of an opening when disposed on a space access device that is inserted in the opening, the securing mechanism being configured to apply a pressure to a contact surface within the opening less than approximately 10000 kPa.

Abstract: A securing mechanism comprising a plurality of outwardly projecting members having a plurality of contact points that are configured to contact a surface of an opening when disposed on a space access device that is inserted in the opening, the securing mechanism being configured to apply a pressure to a contact surface within the opening less than approximately 10000 kPa.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for cleaning an ear canal. The ear cleaning apparatus includes an elongated support member having an outer surface and first and second ends, and a bristle member that is attached to one end of the support member. The bristle member includes a plurality of flexible elongated members that are configured to contact a surface of an ear canal when the support member/bristle member assembly is inserted into the ear canal.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for providing hearing aid. An open ear canal hearing aid may be provided in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The hearing aid may include a part that contains electronic components, a passive amplifier, and a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism may include bristles or balloons. The securing mechanism may have various configurations and be adjustable.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for cleaning an ear canal. The ear cleaning apparatus includes an elongated support member having an outer surface and first and second ends, and a bristle member that is attached to one end of the support member. The bristle member includes a plurality of flexible elongated members that are configured to contact a surface of an ear canal when the support member/bristle member assembly is inserted into the ear canal.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion, positioning and removal of an in-ear-canal hearing aid, comprising a resilient handle, an elongated support member configured to fit into an ear canal, the support member having a first end that is configured to engage the handle and a second end that includes magnetic engagement means configured to removably engage an in-ear-canal hearing aid, and an ear canal ingression stop that is configured to limit travel of the support member and, thereby, the in-ear-canal hearing aid when engaged thereto in the ear canal.

Abstract: A securing mechanism comprising a plurality of outwardly projecting members having a plurality of contact points that are configured to contact a surface of an opening when disposed on a space access device that is inserted in the opening, the securing mechanism being configured to apply a pressure to a contact surface within the opening less than approximately 10000 kPa.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for providing hearing aid. An open ear canal hearing aid may be provided in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The hearing aid may include a part that contains electronic components, a passive amplifier, and a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism may include bristles or balloons. The securing mechanism may have various configurations and be adjustable.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for providing hearing aid. An open ear canal hearing aid may be provided in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The hearing aid may include a part that contains electronic components, a passive amplifier, and a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism may include bristles or balloons. The securing mechanism may have various configurations and be adjustable.

Abstract: The invention provides modified sodium iodide symporter (NIS) proteins, and polynucleotides encoding modified NIS proteins. The modified NIS proteins have a net electrostatic charge more positive than that of corresponding wild-type NIS proteins. Expression of a modified NIS protein in a cell results in higher intracellular concentrations of NIS substrates as compared to equivalent expression of the corresponding wild-type NIS protein in a cell. The invention also provides methods for imaging cells or for therapy of cancer cells, using the modified NIS proteins to facilitate transport of NIS substrates into cells in the body of an individual. Uptake of NIS substrates suitable for either imaging or that have cytotoxic activity, into the cells of the individual that express modified NIS protein facilitate detection of the substrate (for imaging) or killing of the cancer cells (for therapy).