Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide seals for retaining hearing devices in the ear canal. An embodiment provides a seal for a hearing device comprising a curved shell having a wall and an opening at a shell apex portion. The shell defines a cavity for retention of a device component. The shell wall has a shape configured to distribute compressive forces applied to the shell perimeter such that when the shell is positioned in the canal, the shell wall dynamically conforms to changes in the shape of the canal to maintain an acoustical seal between a shell exterior surface and the canal walls. The shell can include an anti-microbial coating to produce a reduction in bacteria contacting the coating. Also, the shell wall can have a water vapor transmission rate to reduce moisture accumulation in the canal during periods of extended wear to reduce the incidence of infection and otitis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a protective cap assembly for a CIC hearing aid. The assembly comprises a perforated cap configured to be mounted over the lateral end of the hearing aid to protect the hearing aid from contaminants. At a least a portion of the cap includes a protective coating and a plurality of perforations. The placement and size of the perforations can be configured to provide sufficient aeration and drainage to reduce a relative humidity of the cap interior when the hearing aid is positioned in the ear canal. The perforations also operate as sound conduction channels for conducting sound to the cap interior. The perforations have a minimum size wherein a single perforation provides sufficient acoustic transmittance to a hearing aid component such that a hearing aid performance parameter is not substantially adversely affected. They can also be configured to provide splash protection for the cap interior.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems, assemblies and methods for packaging hearing devices to protect them during shipping and storage. Many embodiments provide packaging systems that allow metal-air battery powered hearing aids to be stored for several months or longer with a live battery and then ready for use upon opening of the packaging. One embodiment provides a packaging system for a hearing aid comprising a packaging container and a hearing aid disposed in the container. The container comprises an air-impermeable material and has a removal cap that forms an air-impermeable seal with the container. The hearing aid can be positioned on a compliant support coupled to the interior surface of the cap. The support and container protect the hearing aid from shock and vibration as well as reducing the application of force to sensitive components. The container can also include one or more structures for ESD protection.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems, assemblies and methods for packaging hearing devices to protect them during shipping and storage. Many embodiments provide packaging systems that allow metal-air battery powered hearing aids to be stored for several months or longer with a live battery and then ready for use upon opening of the packaging. One embodiment provides a packaging system for a hearing aid comprising a packaging container and a hearing aid disposed in the container. The container comprises an air-impermeable material and has a removal cap that forms an air-impermeable seal with the container. The hearing aid can be positioned on a compliant support coupled to the interior surface of the cap. The support and container protect the hearing aid from shock and vibration as well as reducing the application of force to sensitive components. The container can also include one or more structures for ESD protection.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a flexible joint for extended wear hearing devices. One embodiment provides a flexible joint for a hearing device comprising a compliant tube having a lateral and a medial end, a pivotal portion and a lumen. The hearing device can include a CIC hearing aid positioned in the bony portion of the ear canal. The tube ends are configured to be coupled to lateral and medial device assemblies. The tube allows the lateral assembly to advance the medial assembly into the bony portion of the ear canal and have the lateral and medial assemblies conform to the shape of the ear canal via pivotal movement. The tube also acoustically decouples the two assemblies. The pivotal portion can comprise a necked portion or otherwise have decreased stiffness relative to other tube portions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide seals for retaining hearing devices in the ear canal. An embodiment provides a seal for a hearing device comprising a curved shell having a wall and an opening at a shell apex portion. The shell defines a cavity for retention of a device component. The shell wall has a shape configured to distribute compressive forces applied to the shell perimeter such that when the shell is positioned in the canal, the shell wall dynamically conforms to changes in the shape of the canal to maintain an acoustical seal between a shell exterior surface and the canal walls. The shell can include an anti-microbial coating to produce a reduction in bacteria contacting the coating. Also, the shell wall can have a water vapor transmission rate to reduce moisture accumulation in the canal during periods of extended wear to reduce the incidence of infection and otitis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide seals for retaining hearing devices in the ear canal. An embodiment provides a seal for a hearing device comprising a curved shell having a wall and an opening at a shell apex portion. The shell wall defines a cavity for retention of a hearing device component with at least a portion of the shell comprising a resilient material having sound attenuating properties. The shell has a structure such that a force for removal of the seal from the canal is greater than a force for insertion of the seal into the canal. That structure can have an umbrella or cup shape. The structure can be configured to act as a mechanical toggle when acted upon by a laterally applied force to the shell. The structure can also be configured to exert a constant frictional force against the canal wall during insertion into the ear canal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a protective cap assembly for a CIC hearing aid. The assembly comprises a perforated cap configured to be mounted over the lateral end of the hearing aid to protect the hearing aid from contaminants. At a least a portion of the cap includes a protective coating and a plurality of perforations. The placement and size of the perforations can be configured to provide sufficient aeration and drainage to reduce a relative humidity of the cap interior when the hearing aid is positioned in the ear canal. The perforations also operate as sound conduction channels for conducting sound to the cap interior. The perforations have a minimum size wherein a single perforation provides sufficient acoustic transmittance to a hearing aid component such that a hearing aid performance parameter is not substantially adversely affected. They can also be configured to provide splash protection for the cap interior.

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: A light source (10) includes a light emitting semiconductor device (12). A support substrate (14) has a generally planar reflective surface (28) that supports the semiconductor device (12). The light emitting semiconductor device heat sinks via the support substrate. A curved reflector (16) has a concave parabolic reflective surface. The light emitting semiconductor device (12) is arranged between the support substrate (14) and the curved reflector (16). The support substrate (14) and the curved reflector (16) together define a light aperture (18) through which light produced by the light emitting semiconductor device (12) passes.

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 light source (10) includes a light emitting semiconductor device (12). A support substrate (14) has a generally planar reflective surface (28) that supports the semiconductor device (12). The light emitting semiconductor device heat sinks via the support substrate. A curved reflector (16) has a concave parabolic reflective surface. The light emitting semiconductor device (12) is arranged between the support substrate (14) and the curved reflector (16). The support substrate (14) and the curved reflector (16) together define a light aperture (18) through which light produced by the light emitting semiconductor device (12) passes.

Abstract: The use of implantable bulking materials for the treatment of urinary incontinence and a system for accurate positioning and delivery of bulking materials are described. The implantable materials are biocompatible, non-biodegradable implants which are designed for stabilization in soft tissue through the ingrowth of fibrous tissue after implantation. The positioning and delivery system comprises an injector which is adapted to allow a syringe to be attached and a housing. The housing includes a through cavity adapted to hold a viewing instrument, such as a cystoscope to allow accurate positioning of the injector. The housing also includes one or more injector through cavities, which are adapted to hold the injector at an angle to the viewing instrument. The angle between the viewing instrument and the injector is variably adjustable. The invention embraces the use of the bulking implants with various delivery methods, including the use of the described positioning and delivery system.

Abstract: The use of implantable bulking materials for the treatment of urinary incontinence and a system for accurate positioning and delivery of bulking materials are described. The implantable materials are biocompatible, non-biodegradable implants which are designed for stabilization in soft tissue through the ingrowth of fibrous tissue after implantation. The positioning and delivery system comprises an injector which is adapted to allow a syringe to be attached and a housing. The housing includes a through cavity adapted to hold a viewing instrument, such as a cystoscope to allow accurate positioning of the injector. The housing also includes one or more injector through cavities, which are adapted to hold the injector at an angle to the viewing instrument. The angle between the viewing instrument and the injector is variably adjustable. The invention embraces the use of the bulking implants with various delivery methods, including the use of the described positioning and delivery system.

Abstract: A topical anesthetic solution includes a tetracaine base dissolved in a solvent, such as isopropyl alcohol. A method for anesthetizing the ear canal and tympanic membrane using the anesthetic solution includes providing a dry, expandable applicator which expands as it absorbs a fluid and inserting the applicator, dry or partially wetted, into the ear canal and advancing the applicator into the ear canal to the vicinity of the tympanic membrane. The applicator is then fully wetted with the anesthetic solution, causing the applicator to fully expand within the ear canal, and is left in the ear canal for a period sufficient to effect anesthesia of the ear canal and tympanic membrane. An apparatus for applying a topical anesthetic to the ear canal and tympanic membrane includes an expandable, absorbent applicator that expands when soaked with a liquid, an applicator withdrawal tether attached to the applicator, and an applicator inserting and soaking device.

Abstract: A camera for recording motion sequences which may be selected for forming an integral image. The camera includes an image capture device for capturing a scene action as a motion sequence of image frame signals; and a first storage device for storing the motion sequence. A comb subset of the motion sequence is selected; and a second storage device which may be the same or different from the first storage device, stores the selected comb subset of the motion sequence. A method of obtaining in a camera such as the foregoing camera, a set of images from which a lenticular motion image can be formed, is further provided.

Abstract: A soft tissue augmentation kit comprises a flexible implant and an insertion tool for the implant. The implant is formed of a biocompatible material that is permeable to red blood cells and includes a cavity. The cavity opens to the exterior and permits fibrous tissue ingrowth. The insertion tool carries the implant via the cavity for insertion into selected soft tissue. When the insertion tool is removed the implant is left in the selected tissue.

Abstract: A soft tissue augmentation kit comprises a flexible implant and an insertion tool for the implant. The implant is formed of a biocompatible material that is permeable to red blood cells and includes a cavity. The cavity opens to the exterior and permits fibrous tissue ingrowth. The insertion tool carries the implant via the cavity for insertion into selected soft tissue. When the insertion tool is removed the implant is left in the selected tissue.

Abstract: A soft tissue augmentation kit comprises a flexible implant and an insertion tool for the implant. The implant is formed of a biocompatible material that is permeable to red blood cells and includes a cavity. The cavity opens to the exterior and permits fibrous tissue ingrowth. The insertion tool carries the implant via the cavity for insertion into selected soft tissue. When the insertion tool is removed the implant is left in the selected tissue.

Abstract: A shield for the conductors extending from an implantable device, provides a cover for the conductors and protects them against being dislodged or moved, by scratching, physical activity, skin pressure or other circumstance. The cover is resilient and flexible and is made of a fabric laminated between layers of an elastomer, such as silicone rubber. The cover is fixedly attached at one end with respect to the implantable device. The cover is suturable to hold the implantable device, cover and conductors in place, thereby providing stabilization. The shield is disposed over the location where the conductors extend from the implanted device and provides strain relief for the conductors and protects them from breakage at that very fragile location. The shield partially or totally encircles the conductors for a short distance.