Abstract: A sound transmitting device configured to fit within an ear canal, such as a hearing aid or a monitor, for example, having first and second portions which are relatively movable with respect to each other. As a result of these relatively moving portions, the device can better accommodate changes in the shape and/or orientation of the ear canal. More particularly, after the device has been fitted into the ear canal, the first and second portions can move relative to each other and comply with a new shape and/or orientation of the ear canal. As a result, it is less likely that the device will impede the change in the ear canal thereby reducing potential discomfort to the user. To facilitate this relative movement, the first and second portions can include at least partially spherical surfaces which are configured to permit relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention includes a sound transmitting device configured to fit in an ear canal wherein the device includes a housing and a removable plate attached thereto. In at least one embodiment, the removable plate includes a notch therein that is configured to receive a fingernail, for example, and facilitate the removal of the housing from the ear canal. In various embodiments, the housing includes a cavity which is configured to receive a transducer and the removable plate is configured to substantially close the cavity and retain the transducer therein. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a connector extending from the plate which is configured to receive a mating connector and place the mating connector and the transducer in electrical communication.

Abstract: A sound transmitting device configured to fit within an ear canal, such as a hearing aid or a monitor, for example, having first and second portions which are relatively movable with respect to each other. As a result of these relatively moving portions, the device can better accommodate changes in the shape and/or orientation of the ear canal. To facilitate this relative movement, the first and second portions can include at least partially spherical surfaces which are configured to permit relative movement therebetween. In various embodiments, the device can further include a transmitter for converting electrical signals into sound waves and a seal, where the seal can be configured to prevent, or at least inhibit, sound waves from emanating or leaking into various portions of the device.

Abstract: A syringe assembly specifically designed to dispense high viscosity material. The syringe assembly includes a syringe barrel into which the high viscosity material is placed. A piston assembly is introduced into the syringe barrel. The piston assembly creates a seal against the interior of the syringe barrel that is impervious to the high viscosity material but is not impervious to the passage of air. Consequently, as the piston assembly is advanced into the syringe barrel, any trapped air is permitted to exit the syringe barrel without passing through the high viscosity material. The piston assembly also contains a shaped piston head that stresses the high viscosity material as it is displaced through the syringe barrel. By stressing the high viscosity material in the syringe barrel before it is dispensed, air bubbles and gaps contained within the material can be greatly reduced.

Abstract: A hearing aid tubing connector for connecting sound conduction tubing from a hearing aid to an earmold and a method for making same wherein the sound conduction tubing extends completely through a bore in the earmold up to the interior opening of the bore near the eardrum. A connector circumferentially attached to the tubing and having a stepped portion engaging the wall of said bore connects in an acoustic seal the tubing to the exterior opening of the bore in the earmold. The tubing extending through the bore in the earmold has an interior diameter which increases between the exterior opening of the bore and the interior opening of the bore. This increase in the tubing may be continuous or stepped. The tubing may be made of PVC and the earmold may be made of silicone.

Abstract: The present invention proves an elbow shaped connector for connecting flexible sound conduction tubing from a hearing aid to a conventional earmold. The sound bore of the connector has an increasing diameter to improve high frequency response. This increase in diameter may be gradual, over the length of the connector, or it may occur abruptly at some point within the connector.