Abstract: Hearing aid devices, methods of manufacture, methods of use, and kits are provided. In certain aspects, the hearing aid devices comprise an apparatus having a transducer and a retention structure comprising a shape profile corresponding to a tissue of the user, and a layer of elastomer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wearable system wherein elements of the system, including various sensors adapted to detect biometric and other data and/or to deliver drugs, are positioned proximal to, on the ear or in the ear canal of a person. In embodiments of the invention, elements of the system are positioned on the ear or in the ear canal for extended periods of time. For example, an element of the system may be positioned on the tympanic membrane of a user and left there overnight, for multiple days, months, or years. Because of the position and longevity of the system elements in the ear canal, the present invention has many advantages over prior wearable biometric and drug delivery devices.

Abstract: Hearing aid devices, methods of manufacture, methods of use, and kits are provided. In certain aspects, the hearing aid devices comprise an apparatus having a transducer and a retention structure comprising a shape profile corresponding to a tissue of the user, and a layer of elastomer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invent include a method of controlling unwanted vibration in a tympanic lens, wherein the tympanic lens comprises a perimeter platform connected to a microactuator through at least one biasing element, the method comprising the step of: damping the motion of the at least one biasing element. In embodiments of the invention, the at least one biasing element is a spring. In embodiments of the invention, the at least one bias spring is coated in a damping material.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an ear tip having a proximal end and a distal end, the eartip including: a transmit coil, the transmit coil including a core of a ferromagnetic material, the ferromagnetic core having a central channel there through, a distal end of the ferromagnetic core positioned at a first opening in a distal end of the ear tip; a passage extending from an opening at a proximal end of the ear tip to the distal end of the ear tip, the passage ending at a second opening in the distal end of the ear tip, wherein a proximal end of the central channel is connected to the passage.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a contact hearing device comprising a piezoelectric actuator. The attachment of the piezoelectric actuator to a tympanic membrane can vibrate the tympanic membrane based on a transmission received by the receiver assembly and produce perception of sounds.

Abstract: A contact hearing protection device is provided. The contact hearing protection device comprises a perimeter platform, a chassis connected to the perimeter platform, a control system including at least one variable limiting element, and an umbo platform connected to the at least one limiting element. A sound level which meets or exceeds a predetermined level is detected, as can be indicated by an increased magnitude of movement of the umbo platform, and the limiting element increases the limiting in response to the increased magnitude of movement of the umbo platform.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invent include a method of controlling unwanted vibration in a tympanic lens, wherein the tympanic lens comprises a perimeter platform connected to a microactuator through at least one biasing element, the method comprising the step of: damping the motion of the at least one biasing element. In embodiments of the invention, the at least one biasing element is a spring. In embodiments of the invention, the at least one bias spring is coated in a damping material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wearable system wherein elements of the system, including various sensors adapted to detect biometric and other data and/or to deliver drugs, are positioned proximal to, on the ear or in the ear canal of a person. In embodiments of the invention, elements of the system are positioned on the ear or in the ear canal for extended periods of time. For example, an element of the system may be positioned on the tympanic membrane of a user and left there overnight, for multiple days, months, or years. Because of the position and longevity of the system elements in the ear canal, the present invention has many advantages over prior wearable biometric and drug delivery devices.

Abstract: A device to transmit an audio signal to a user may comprise a mass, a piezoelectric transducer, and a support to support the mass and the piezoelectric transducer with the eardrum. The piezoelectric transducer can be configured to drive the support and the eardrum with a first force and the mass with a second force opposite the first force. The device may comprise circuitry configured to receive wireless power and wireless transmission of an audio signal, and the circuitry can be supported with the eardrum to drive the transducer in response to the audio signal, such that vibration between the circuitry and the transducer can be decreased. The transducer can be positioned away from the umbo of the ear to drive the eardrum, for example on the lateral process of the malleus.

Abstract: A device to transmit an audio signal to a user comprises a transducer and a support. The support is configured for placement on the eardrum to drive the eardrum. The transducer is coupled to the support at a first location to decrease occlusion and a second location to drive the eardrum. The transducer may comprise one or more of an electromagnetic balanced armature transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, a magnetostrictive transducer, a photostrictive transducer, or a coil and magnet. The device may find use with open canal hearing aids.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invent include a method of controlling unwanted vibration in a tympanic lens, wherein the tympanic lens comprises a perimeter platform connected to a microactuator through at least one biasing element, the method comprising the step of: damping the motion of the at least one biasing element. In embodiments of the invention, the at least one biasing element is a spring. In embodiments of the invention, the at least one bias spring is coated in a damping material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wearable system wherein elements of the system, including various sensors adapted to detect biometric and other data and/or to deliver drugs, are positioned proximal to, on the ear or in the ear canal of a person. In embodiments of the invention, elements of the system are positioned on the ear or in the ear canal for extended periods of time. For example, an element of the system may be positioned on the tympanic membrane of a user and left there overnight, for multiple days, months, or years. Because of the position and longevity of the system elements in the ear canal, the present invention has many advantages over prior wearable biometric and drug delivery devices.

Abstract: A device to transmit an audio signal to a user comprises a transducer and a support. The support is configured for placement on the eardrum to drive the eardrum. The transducer is coupled to the support at a first location to decrease occlusion and a second location to drive the eardrum. The transducer may comprise one or more of an electromagnetic balanced armature transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, a magnetostrictive transducer, a photostrictive transducer, or a coil and magnet. The device may find use with open canal hearing aids.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wearable system wherein elements of the system, including various sensors adapted to detect biometric and other data and/or to deliver drugs, are positioned proximal to, on or in the ear canal of a person. In embodiments of the invention, elements of the system, including drug delivery devices, are positioned on or in the ear canal for extended periods of time. For example, an element of the system may be positioned on the tympanic membrane of a user and left there overnight, for multiple days, months, or years. Because of the position and longevity of the system elements in the ear canal, the present invention has many advantages over prior wearable biometric and drug delivery devices.

Abstract: An ear tip for use with a hearing aid is described, wherein the ear tip may include one or more features adapted to improve the comfort and or other characteristics of the ear tip.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an ear tip having a proximal end and a distal end, the eartip including: a transmit coil, the transmit coil including a core of a ferromagnetic material, the ferromagnetic core having a central channel there through, a distal end of the ferromagnetic core positioned at a first opening in a distal end of the ear tip; a passage extending from an opening at a proximal end of the ear tip to the distal end of the ear tip, the passage ending at a second opening in the distal end of the ear tip, wherein a proximal end of the central channel is connected to the passage.

Abstract: Hearing aid devices, methods of manufacture, methods of use, and kits are provided. In certain aspects, the hearing aid devices comprise an apparatus having a transducer and a retention structure comprising a shape profile corresponding to a tissue of the user, and a layer of elastomer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invent include a method of controlling unwanted vibration in a tympanic lens, wherein the tympanic lens comprises a perimeter platform connected to a microactuator through at least one biasing element, the method comprising the step of: damping the motion of the at least one biasing element. In embodiments of the invention, the at least one biasing element is a spring. In embodiments of the invention, the at least one bias spring is coated in a damping material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a contact hearing system utilizing an emitter adapted to emit light and a contact hearing device adapted to receive the emitted light and convert that light into sound by mechanical manipulation of a subjects ear drum. In the present invention the emitter may utilize multiple light sources and the multiple light sources may be passed through at least one diffuser in order to generate an emitted light having a broader angle of incidence with little or no loss in received power as measured by a photodetector on the contact hearing device when the contact hearing device is positioned on a subject's tympanic membrane and the emitter is positioned in the subject's ear canal.