Auditory Canal Insert Patents (Class 181/130)
  • Patent number: 11825260
    Abstract: An earphone includes a housing, a first eartip, and a second eartip. The earphone has a first use state and a second use state. In the second state, the second eartip engages with the housing and a vent channel is provided to communicate with an inner space of the housing and an exterior of the earphone. In the first state, the first eartip engages with the housing and the vent channel is blocked. A distance of the first eartip inserted into an auditory meatus in the first state is less than a distance of the second eartip inserted into the auditory meatus in the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: SHENZHEN HEYTAP TECHNOLOGY CORP., LTD.
    Inventor: Bo Liu
  • Patent number: 11813970
    Abstract: A sound emission arrangement, having a seat that has a backrest surface and a headrest surface, where the sound emission arrangement has at least one first and one second actuator for vibration excitation, where each of the two actuators is arranged in the seat, so that the first and the second actuator are each arranged with their excitation surface on the inner side of a covering of the headrest surface or the inner side of a covering of the backrest surface at substantially the same height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL ENGINEERING SERVICES GMBH
    Inventors: Johannes Kerkmann, Dimitrios Patsouras, Philipp Neubauer, Karsten Moritz, Robert Joest, Stephan Eisele, Pascal Köhler, Robert Wick, Jens Friedrich, Christian Walther
  • Patent number: 11665464
    Abstract: A device for securing an external transmitter of a cochlear implant to the head of the wearer. A pouch containing the external transmitter is secured using a plurality of straps coupled to a decorative shell worn on a person's head. The pouch and the decorative shell are designed to allow sound to pass unhindered from the environment to the inner ear. The plurality of straps are adjustable to allow precise placement of the external transmitter over the internal receiver. The external transmitter is also secured using a pouch coupled to a decorative shell. The external transmitter is further secured using a sealer coupled to the transmitter and further coupled to the head using an adhesive barrier. The sealer is made of a semi-transparent material. The device ensures that an external transmitter remains in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: SYNAPS LLC
    Inventors: Ashley Hummel, Mimi Lunde, Paolo Grazioli, Andrew Reardon
  • Patent number: 11635639
    Abstract: Spectacles including auricular devices are described. The spectacles include a structure having a front frame for supporting respective lenses, and a pair of arms articulated to the front frame on laterally opposite sides, each of the arms extending longitudinally between a first end that is articulated to the front frame and a second, opposite end, close to which an end arm portion can make contact with the head at the ear. Each arm extends from the second end into an arm portion that is made of flexible material and bears an element for supporting an auricular device, and the arm portion can move, on account of its flexibility, between an operating position in which the support element is worn at the ear to allow the auricular device to be positioned, and a non-operating position in which the support element is removably held on the end arm portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: SAFILO—SOCIETA AZIONARIA FABBRICA ITALIANA LAVORAZIONE OCCHIALI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Nicola Belli, Giorgio Manera
  • Patent number: 11405717
    Abstract: An earphone has a body housing a transducer that is capable of generating an acoustic signal and directing the acoustic signal to an outlet in the body, the body being positionable in, on, or near an ear of user so that the acoustic signal can be directed into the ear canal of the user. The earphone also has an ear coupling mechanism comprising a sealing mechanism with a sealing member that is adapted to contact a portion of the ear of the user to at least partially create a seal between the ear canal and the external environment and a venting mechanism capable of venting air between the ear canal and the external environment, the venting mechanism comprising an air conduit that is adapted to communicate on one end with the ear canal and at another end with the external environment so that air can flow through the conduit to equalize a pressure differential across the sealing mechanism. The air conduit is sized and shaped so as to provide an improved audio performance over an earphone without the air conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Inventors: Robert Smith, Casey Ng
  • Patent number: 11361766
    Abstract: A system for communication between one or more remotely controllable devices and a hearing assistance device includes a gateway device. The hearing assistance device detects voice commands issued by its wearer. The gateway device wirelessly communicates with the hearing assistance device, produces one or more control signals based on the voice commands, and routes the one or more control signals to one or more devices selected from the one or more remotely controllable devices according to the voice command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory John Haubrich, Sasidhar Vajha, Jon S. Kindred, Andrew Joseph Johnson, Alexander Botz
  • Patent number: 11356783
    Abstract: A hearing device, e.g. a hearing aid or a headset, configured to be worn at or in an ear of a user, the hearing device comprising at least one input transducer for converting a sound in an environment of the hearing device to at least one electric input signal representing said sound; an own voice detector configured to estimate whether or not, or with what probability, said sound originates from the voice of the user, and to provide an own voice control signal indicative thereof, a face mask detector configured to estimate whether or not, or with what probability, said user wears a face mask while speaking, and to provide face mask control signal indicative thereof. A method of operating a hearing device is further disclosed. Thereby an improved hearing aid or headset may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: OTICON A/S
    Inventors: Michael Syskind Pedersen, Jan M. De Haan, Nels Hede Rohde, Angela Josupeit, Sigurdur Sigurdsson
  • Patent number: 11290799
    Abstract: An ear unit for stably fitting in an ear includes a first surface facing inwardly toward the ear, a second, opposite surface facing outwardly from the ear and an outer circumferential surface formed between the first and second surfaces. The outer circumferential surface is shaped as a decremental curve. The distance between the ends of the decremental curve is approximately equal to the distance between a first cavity formed under the tragus of the ear and second cavity covered by the lower node of the antihelix of the ear. The first surface is provided with a curvature that provides a contact surface that substantially conforms to the concha, providing an improved attachment, thereby enabling the ear unit to fit closely against the concha when the ear unit is positioned into the ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: FREEBIT AS
    Inventor: Richard Steenfeldt Berg
  • Patent number: 11234065
    Abstract: An earpiece with structure for positioning and retaining the earpiece and with structure for sealing against the entrance to the ear canal to provide passive noise attenuation. The positioning and retaining structure engages features of the lateral surface of the ear. The structure for sealing against the entrance to the ear canal includes a conical structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Monahan, Ryan C. Silvestri, Eric M. Wallace, Kevin P. Annunziato
  • Patent number: 11026030
    Abstract: An earpiece for a hearing device, includes: an earpiece housing comprising an ear canal portion and an outer ear portion, the ear canal portion extending along an ear canal axis for positioning in an ear canal of a user, the ear canal portion having a first end; a first microphone for detecting ambient sound via a first input port in the earpiece housing; a second microphone; and a receiver for providing an audio output signal to the ear canal when the earpiece is inserted in an ear of the user; wherein the first microphone is arranged at a first distance from the first input port, wherein the first distance is at least 2 mm when measured parallel to a main plane having a main plane normal parallel to a main axis, the main axis forming a first main angle that is less than 30 degrees with the ear canal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: GN Hearing A/S
    Inventor: Erik Alan Lindberg
  • Patent number: 11006198
    Abstract: An earphone can employ a dynamic tip to seal the ear canal of a user. At least one audio transducing driver may be positioned within a housing that is attached to a dynamic tip. The tip can have a first chamber separated from a second chamber by a constriction ring with sealing material occupying portions of the first chamber and the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Phillip Dale Lott
  • Patent number: 10979831
    Abstract: Devices and methods to reduce ear wax clogging of acoustic ports, hearing aid systems, and feedback reduction systems are provided. A conformal hearing aid includes a hearing aid body, where the hearing aid body houses a microphone and a receiver, where the microphone is positioned within the hearing aid body to measure acoustic signals from an ambient environment, and where the receiver is positioned within the hearing aid body to emit acoustic signals toward a tympanic membrane of a user; an expandable element, where the expandable element is operatively connected to the hearing aid body, and where the expandable element is configured to encompass a circumferential portion of the hearing aid body when expanded; and an inflation management system, where the inflation management system is configured to expand the expandable element when actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Staton Techiya, LLC
    Inventor: John Patrick Keady
  • Patent number: 10917711
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an earbud for insertion into an ear canal and a hearing device that includes such earbud are disclosed. The earbud includes an elongated body having a first end, a second end, and a cavity that extends along a body axis between the first end and the second end of the elongated body. The earbud also includes a first flange connected to the elongated body, where the first flange includes a first end adjacent the first end of the elongated body, a second end, and a sound hole disposed in the first end of the first flange that is acoustically connected to the cavity of the elongated body. The first flange further includes a vent disposed through the first flange. The earbud also includes a second flange connected to the second end of the elongated body and including a first end adjacent the second end of the elongated body and a second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Sidney A. Higgins
  • Patent number: 10873818
    Abstract: A damping device for the anti-vibration mounting of a receiver within a hearing instrument includes an elastic damping element, a cage connected to the elastic damping element, and a shell surrounding the cage. The elastic damping element and at least a part of the shell have a lower hardness than the cage. A hearing instrument having a corresponding damping device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Sivantos Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Uwe Flaig, Hartmut Ritter
  • Patent number: 10820127
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dome (10) for use with a receiver assembly (20). The dome (10) comprises a core (12) and a shell (14), wherein the core (12) and the shell (14) are made of different materials, the material of the core (12) is rigid and the material of the shell (14) is soft, and wherein the dome (10) is connectable to the receiver assembly (20) by means of a threaded connection (34). Therefore, connecting and separating the dome (10) to and from the receiver assembly (20) can be simplified in a secure and easy operation performed by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Sonova AG
    Inventors: Georg Hans Meier, Andre Ochsenbein
  • Patent number: 10812886
    Abstract: An ear unit for stably fitting in an ear includes a first surface facing inwardly toward the ear, a second, opposite surface facing outwardly from the ear and an outer circumferential surface formed between the first and second surfaces. The outer circumferential surface is shaped as a decremental curve. The distance between the ends of the decremental curve is approximately equal to the distance between a first cavity formed under the tragus of the ear and second cavity covered by the lower node of the antihelix of the ear. The first surface is provided with a curvature that provides a contact surface that substantially conforms to the concha, providing an improved attachment, thereby enabling the ear unit to fit closely against the concha when the ear unit is positioned into the ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Freebit AS
    Inventor: Richard Steenfeldt Berg
  • Patent number: 10812887
    Abstract: An ear unit for stably fitting in an ear includes a first surface facing inwardly toward the ear, a second, opposite surface facing outwardly from the ear and an outer circumferential surface formed between the first and second surfaces. The outer circumferential surface is shaped as a decremental curve. The distance between the ends of the decremental curve is approximately equal to the distance between a first cavity formed under the tragus of the ear and second cavity covered by the lower node of the antihelix of the ear. The first surface is provided with a curvature that provides a contact surface that substantially conforms to the concha, providing an improved attachment, thereby enabling the ear unit to fit closely against the concha when the ear unit is positioned into the ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: FREEBIT AS
    Inventor: Richard Steenfeldt Berg
  • Patent number: 10779992
    Abstract: A manually, selectively attenuating earplug button is disclosed, for insertion into a cavity of an earplug of a hearing protection device The earplug button comprises a nested configuration of a first housing member (including a first opening to receive sound from an ambient environment) and a second housing member, surrounding the first housing member and including a second opening to output at least a portion of the sound passing through an audio channel located between said first and second openings The first and second housing members include sidewall apertures for permitting a wearer to manually adjust the amount of sound admitted to the wear's ear from said ambient environment by rotating the first housing member (and thus its sidewall aperture) with respect to the second housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Fader Plugs, LLC
    Inventors: Blaise Delfino, Gregory Delfino, Kevin Skeuse, Paul Dowd
  • Patent number: 10757497
    Abstract: An earpiece for an earphone comprising a first portion (100), a second portion (101), and a resilient bridge (102) interconnecting the first portion (100) and second portion (101), wherein the resilient bridge (102) is configured to flex so that the earpiece can conform to ear canal geometry as it is received in a user ear canal and thereby be at least substantially locatable within the ear canal. The resilient bridge (102) may be configured to provide a biasing effect so that the first portion (100) and/or second portion (101) can bias against the ear canal wall (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Zoku Limited
    Inventor: Simon Austen
  • Patent number: 10701497
    Abstract: A hearing device seal module having a tubular seal carrier formed from resilient material, defining a medial-lateral axis and a lumen configured for passage of the hearing device core, and including a seal support region with a first portion defining a first portion perimeter in a plane perpendicular to the medial-lateral axis and a second portion, lateral of the first portion, defining a second portion perimeter in a plane perpendicular to the medial-lateral axis that is less than the first portion perimeter when the seal support region is in an unstressed state, and a first seal secured to the first portion of the seal support region and extending outwardly therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Sonova AG
    Inventors: Barjinder Chana, Michael Au, Erdal Karamuk
  • Patent number: 10582285
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a comfort tip for a wireless in-ear utility device that provides pressure relief valves that operate mechanically and also offers a horn that increases the wireless in-ear utility device's ability to deliver sound. The horn effect on the comfort tip allows the wireless in-ear utility device to provide higher sound levels while consuming lower battery power. The pressure relief valves provide increased safety and comfort for the user with an automatic valve calibrated to open to relieve excessive back pressure from the tympanic membrane as well as from a dB blast of 25 dB to 35 dB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: SmartEar, Inc.
    Inventor: Victor M Valenzuela
  • Patent number: 10582291
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wireless hearing device that comprises an ear part, an elongated part and a guide unit. The ear part is configured to be worn in an ear of the user of the hearing device and comprises a speaker unit that is arranged in an ear part housing of the ear part. The elongated part is attached to the ear part such that a distal end of the elongated part faces away from the ear part. Furthermore, the elongated part has an elongated part housing that is arranged to encompass a microphone unit with at least one microphone of the hearing device. The guide unit is arranged at the ear part such that the guide unit can be located between Tragus part and Antitragus part of the ear, while the ear part is in an operating position in the ear of the user, and wherein the guide unit allows a maintaining of a position of the ear part with respect to the ear such that the distal end of the elongated part points toward a user's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: OTICON A/S
    Inventor: Torben Christiansen
  • Patent number: 10566007
    Abstract: A system and method for authenticating voice commands for a voice assistant includes an accelerometer device for recording vibrations corresponding to speech from a user. The recorded vibrations are compared to speech signals recorded by a microphone to determine if the speech signals originated from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Kassem Fawaz, Huan Feng, Kang Geun Shin
  • Patent number: 10542341
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an earbud for insertion into an ear canal and a hearing device that includes such earbud are disclosed. The earbud includes an elongated body having a first end, a second end, and a cavity that extends along a body axis between the first end and the second end of the elongated body. The earbud also includes a first flange connected to the elongated body, where the first flange includes a first end adjacent the first end of the elongated body, a second end, and a sound hole disposed in the first end of the first flange that is acoustically connected to the cavity of the elongated body. The first flange further includes a vent disposed through the first flange. The earbud also includes a second flange connected to the second end of the elongated body and including a first end adjacent the second end of the elongated body and a second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Sidney A. Higgins
  • Patent number: 10506352
    Abstract: A microphone unit includes a housing having a first main surface and a second main surface disposed opposite each other. The housing surrounds an inner chamber which includes a resonance chamber. The first main surface includes a concave indentation facing toward the inner chamber. A hearing aid, including a substantially cylindrical battery and a microphone unit is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Sivantos Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Marco Steffen, Thomas Naether
  • Patent number: 10455336
    Abstract: An actuator provides vibrational stimulation to a recipient of a bone conduction device. To ensure proper operation of the actuator, a known signal is delivered to a coil associated therewith. An output signal from the coil is analyzed for distortion, the presence of which indicates that the actuator is out of balance. If distortion is present, adjustments are made to the position of certain embodiments within the actuator to obtain a properly balanced device. Methods also include testing for distortion, after manufacture of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: COCHLEAR LIMITED
    Inventors: Johan Gustafsson, Tommy Bergs
  • Patent number: 10425752
    Abstract: A hearing aid contains an ear insert which has an earpiece and a connection part which is connected to a receiver. The earpiece and the connection part each has a plug connector and are connected together by the plug connectors. One plug connector is a connection piece which extends in an axial direction along a longitudinal axis and has a thickened portion in the radial direction, and the other plug connector engages behind the thickened portion in order to axially fix the earpiece to the connection part. The thickened portion has an undercut and forms a retaining surface which runs into the thickened portion in a wedged manner. In this manner, the earpiece is attached to the connection part in a particularly secured manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Sivantos Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Holger Kral, Bernd Meister, Kristina Haeder
  • Patent number: 10390143
    Abstract: An electro-acoustic transducer with a diaphragm with a front side and a rear side, the diaphragm configured to radiate front side acoustic radiation from its front side and rear side acoustic radiation from its rear side. There is a magnet, and a magnetic circuit that defines a path for magnetic flux of the magnet and comprises a gap, wherein the magnetic circuit comprises a pole piece. A voice coil is located in the magnetic circuit gap and configured to move the diaphragm. A basket is supported by the magnetic circuit. The basket supports the diaphragm. There are first and second openings in the basket. The first and second basket openings are both configured to receive one of the front side acoustic radiation and rear side acoustic radiation. The first opening is spaced from the second opening. The first opening has a greater acoustic resistance than the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Ray Scott Wakeland, Ryan C. Struzik
  • Patent number: 10334344
    Abstract: An earpiece with structure for positioning and retaining the earpiece and with structure for sealing against the entrance to the ear canal to provide passive noise attenuation. The positioning and retaining structure engages features of the lateral surface of the ear. The structure for sealing against the entrance to the ear canal includes a conical structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Monahan, Ryan C. Silvestri, Eric M. Wallace, Kevin P. Annunziato
  • Patent number: 10271119
    Abstract: The present invention prevents a three-dimensional fabric arranged in front surfaces of speakers from flapping due to sound. In the respective front surface sides of, sound-emitting direction regulating members that include annular portions that project forward by a predetermined distance are arranged. A three-dimensional fabric is tensioned and arranged so as to cover the front surface sides of the sound-emitting direction regulating members. When the three-dimensional fabric is pressed against the annular portions configuring the sound-emitting direction regulating members, the annular portions bite into the three-dimensional fabric since the three-dimensional fabric has a predetermined thickness. The annular portions are provided so as to surround diaphragms of the speakers. Sound output from the speakers passes inside the annular portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Delta Tooling Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Etsunori Fujita, Yumi Ogura, Takao Uchiyama, Kazuhiro Takenaka, Kazunari Yasui
  • Patent number: 10257628
    Abstract: A hearing aid device adapted for use within the ear canal and of partially exposed in the canal types. This aid allows an air gap to substantially surround the hearing aid shell and air passages which communicate with the inner ear minimizing occlusion sensations and providing the user with an enhanced natural hearing experience. An aspect of this device is the provision of air passages in the mounting insert which securely positions the hearing aid shell in the wearer's canal. These passages are designed to stay open after insertion of the aid in the ear canal. In use, unamplified sound from the outside passes around the hearing aid shell, through the air passages in the mounting insert blending with the amplified sound emanating from the receiver. The area of air passages in the mounting insert can be tailored by the technician adapting to the hearing loss characteristics of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Anova Hearing Labs, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Caldarola
  • Patent number: 10251789
    Abstract: The present invention provides a customizable ear insert for fitting within a user's outer ear or ear canal or both and methods therefor. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a customizable ear insert having: a body formed of photocurable polymer, the body having a first shape configured for insertion into the outer ear canal of a user; a light source, the light source positioned adjacent the body, and wherein the body can be cured into a second shape by application of light generated by the light source, the second shape snugly conforming to the interior surface of the user's outer ear or ear canal or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: LOGITECH CANADA, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Blumer, Navi Cohen
  • Patent number: 10227229
    Abstract: A headrest in which a pad layer is integrally formed, including a portion with a narrow gap, between a mechanism having various types of incorporated functions and a skin member. A shock absorbing member that is an injection-passage-forming member having a foaming raw material injection passage formed so as to run substantially along a direction that is the vertical direction of the headrest in orientation of when a seat is attached, is set in the inside of a skin member, and a foaming raw material for forming the pad layer is injected through the foaming raw material injection passage. The configuration preferably causes the foaming raw material to spread by the foaming start time, as the foaming raw material spreads to the outer side of the headrest, that is, to the inner surface of the skin member, where the pad layer is required to be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Delta Tooling Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Etsunori Fujita, Kazuhiro Takenaka, Kazunari Yasui, Shigeki Wagata
  • Patent number: 10171902
    Abstract: An improved in-ear monitor that incorporates high frequency balanced armature driver tuning, both low frequency dynamic driver and balanced armature driver tuning, mid range and high range frequency balanced armature driver tuning. It also utilizes a stacked metalized plastic film chip capacitor style of crossover component to filter the mid and low frequency signals from the high frequency driver/s for enhanced clarity and to impart a wider image to the fidelity sound. I has a spout that has a series of stanchions or stanchions and resonator box cavities for the simplified connection and disconnection of sound tubes and resonator boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Campfire Audio LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth Ball
  • Patent number: 10142746
    Abstract: A hearing prosthesis including an actuator. The actuator includes a material that deforms in response to an electrical signal and that is adapted to, upon implantation in a recipient, transmit vibrations representative of a sound signal to an organ of the recipient, wherein the material is at least partially exposed to at least one of body tissue and fluid of the recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Marcus Andersson, Bart Valckaerts
  • Patent number: 10142748
    Abstract: An at least partially acoustically sealing element for retaining an in-the-ear device within an ear canal is characterized in that the element comprises at least one textile layer and that it is manufactured by means of thermoforming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Sonova AG
    Inventors: Erdal Karamuk, Markus Müller
  • Patent number: 10079009
    Abstract: A system and corresponding method for providing mechanical vibrations at a distance from a vibrating transducer, the system for coupling to a housing of the vibrating transducer and comprising: at least one remote vibrating unit that comprises vibration pads operatively coupled by a vibration conducting element to the vibration transducer with a selectively switchable connector in the path between the vibration pad and the transducer, to selectively disconnect the vibration conducting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Inventor: Mor Efrati
  • Patent number: 10070214
    Abstract: A bone conduction device, including a bone fixture adapted to be fixed to bone, a vibratory element adapted to be attached to the bone fixture and configured to vibrate in response to sound signals, and a vibration isolator adapted to be disposed between the vibratory element and the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Carl Van Himbeeck, Marcus Andersson, David N. Morris, Gunnar Kristian Åsnes
  • Patent number: 10052234
    Abstract: An earpiece body with a convoluted acoustic horn and a hearing protection device that includes the earpiece body. The convoluted acoustic horn that is configured to receive airborne sound waves through a first, sound-receiving opening and to emit airborne sound waves through a second, sound-emitting opening, wherein the first, sound-receiving opening is larger in cross-sectional area than the second, sound-emitting opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Jacob H. Ely
  • Patent number: 10057696
    Abstract: Provided are a vibration transducer and an implantable hearing aid device. In one embodiment, the implantable hearing aid device includes a signal processing part implantable in a subject, the signal processing part processing a signal from a microphone to output a sound signal, a sound transmission tube configured for transmitting the sound signal to a round window of the subject, and a bellows member disposed at an end side of the sound transmission tube to transmit vibration due to the sound signal to the round window. In other embodiment, the implantable hearing aid device includes a signal processing part implantable in a subject, the signal processing part processing a signal from a microphone to output an electrical signal, a vibration generation part configured for receiving the electrical signal to generate vibration, and a bellows member disposed at an end side of the vibration generation part to transmit the vibration to a round window of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: KYUNGPOOK NATIONAL UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Jin-Ho Cho, Ki Woong Seong, Jyung Hyun Lee, Hyung Gyu Lim, Dong Ho Shin
  • Patent number: 10029095
    Abstract: There is disclosed a hearing prosthesis comprising a first housing containing a primary signal processor that receives signals output by a microphone; and a second housing removably connectable to the first housing; wherein a user interface is provided on the second housing that provides control of one or more features of the operation of the primary signal processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Gunther Van Der Borght, Jan Janssen
  • Patent number: 10021493
    Abstract: A suspension assembly for a hearing aid receiver is described in which the receiver is contained within a receiver can. A cover assembly may be provided for covering the open top end of the receiver can and for containing the receiver's spout when the receiver is mounted within the receiver can. To dampen or reduce the transmission of receiver vibrations within the receiver can, a spout seal and corner bumpers may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Sidney A. Higgins, Brian Dobson
  • Patent number: 9980031
    Abstract: A modular ear phone assembly includes a pair of ear buds. Each of the ear buds may be positioned in ears thereby facilitating each of the ear buds to emit audible sound into the ears. A pair of cords is provided. Each of the cords is selectively electrically coupled to an associated one of the ear buds. A coupler is provided and each of the cords is selectively electrically coupled thereto. A conductor is provided and the conductor is selectively electrically coupled to the coupler. The conductor may be selectively electrically coupled to an audio source. Thus, the ear buds may emit audible sound received from the audio source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Samuel Witt
  • Patent number: 9930437
    Abstract: An earphone device includes a housing having a driver unit, and a sound guide tube mounted on a front surface of the housing to protrude from the front surface, in which the sound guide tube is disposed at a position deviated from a center position of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Matsuo, Takashi Ohta, Koji Nageno, Tomohiro Ito
  • Patent number: 9906880
    Abstract: A listening support device, such as in particular a hearing aid, includes a part (6) worn in the ear, wherein the part worn in the ear includes an electro-acoustic converter (61) and optionally also includes a microphone (62). The part worn in the ear includes a device housing (6) which is inserted releasably in a compressible case (30) which at least partially encircles the device housing laterally. The compressible case (30) is provided with at least one continuous channel (31,32,33) which provides for an open communication between a proximal side directed toward an outlet of the auditory canal and an opposite, distal side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: EXSILENT RESEARCH B.V.
    Inventors: Jan Marinus Van Doorn, Randall Carey Dillon, Mark Alan Bren, Timothy Scott Peterson
  • Patent number: 9867572
    Abstract: Methods and systems for rapidly determining and displaying the depth of ear tip placement to improve the reliability of hearing tests may comprise in a hearing assessment system comprising a control system and a probe with a sealing ear tip, a microphone, and a sound source: measuring a pressure versus frequency of an ear canal, determining a first half-wavelength frequency of the ear canal using the measured pressure versus frequency and/or or from the phase of the ear canal reflectance, and calculating a distance between the hearing probe and an eardrum in the ear canal based on the determined first half-wavelength frequency. Subsequent measurements of the ear canal may be performed using the calculated distance. The calculated distance may be stored in a memory in the control system for the subsequent measurements of the ear canal. The calculated distance may be displayed on a gauge on the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: ETYMOTIC RESEARCH, INC.
    Inventors: Mead Killion, Jonathan Siegel, Sumitrajit Dhar
  • Patent number: 9866978
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Eargo, Inc
    Inventors: Florent Michel, Raphael Michel, Daniel Shen
  • Patent number: 9843854
    Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an earpiece having a balloon and a stent where the balloon is mounted on the stent and the stent incorporates two or more channels including at least an inflation channel and an acoustic channel. In some embodiments the stent is configured to pass audio signals through the acoustic channel where the acoustic channel is independent of the inflation channel of the balloon. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Staton Techiya, LLC
    Inventor: John Patrick Keady
  • Patent number: 9826323
    Abstract: A miniature speaker and speaker cabinet are provided, wherein the speaker is enclosed in an oblong capsule with a sound output opening at one end and leads passing from a speaker coil inside the capsule to connection points externally on the capsule, and where the cabinet encloses the capsule and at one end thereof comprise a lead input opening with leads passing there through to the connection points on the capsule, and where the cabinet further comprise a sound exit opening opposite the lead input opening, which is in fluid communication with the sound output opening of the capsule, wherein the cabinet has an internal space surpassing external measures of the capsule in all directions defining a gap between the capsule and cabinet wherein the thus defined gap is filled out with a hardening silicone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: OTICON A/S
    Inventors: Kenneth Rueskov Møller, Lars Steen Christensen
  • Patent number: 9820062
    Abstract: Certain types of hearing aids are designed to be worn completely in the ear. Examples of such hearing aids include in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), completely-in-the-canal (CIC) type, or invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aids. Described herein are structures to help prevent wax accumulation in the sound port that conveys sound to the microphone. In one embodiment, an injection molded T-fitting connects to a microphone and provides both a microphone inlet pathway and a wax relief pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay Stewart