Abstract: A device to be insertion in an auditory canal of the ear of a human user to assist teh delievry of an auditory stimulus to the middle ear near the eardrum has a shell with a generally cone-shaped exterior defined by a larger end for positioning toward the external end of the auditory canal and a smaller end for positioning toward the internal end of the auditory canal. At least one internal passage communicates the larger end with the smaller end. the shell is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of soft thermoplastics (STP), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), thermoplastic rubber (TPR) and any combination of the foregoing, so that it has a Shore A hardness of less than about 80 and the exterior of the shell compresses to be frictionally retained in the auditory canal of the user. In another embdiment of the device, a soft pliable shell is provided to enclose a rigid case of a hearing assistance device which is worn behind the pinna of the ear of a human user.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for the oral administration of a flowable material to an animal. The apparatus may be useable in artificial feeding or administration of medication to an animal, and in general includes a container to hold a predetermined amount of the liquid or flowable material to be administered. The container has a discharge opening through which the liquid is selectively discharged to a feeding tube selectively coupled to the discharge opening. The tube is in fluid tight relationship to receive liquid or flowable material discharged from the container, and has a predetermined length and a distal discharge end through which the material is transmitted. A nipple which can be associated with the tube is selectively positioned at a predetermined location relative to the distal end of the tube. The nipple is configured to limit the extent to which the tube can be inserted into the mouth of the animal and to facilitate proper administration of the material to the animal.