Cerumen Protection Patents (Class 381/325)
  • Patent number: 11950061
    Abstract: A hearing device cerumen filter device is disclosed comprising: a body having a first end and a second end, the body comprising an inner surface defining a cavity, and an outer surface having an outer cross-sectional diameter, where the outer surface comprises a first support member positioned at a first distance from the first end, where the first support member has a first cross-sectional diameter, and the outer surface comprising a second support member positioned at a second distance from the first end, where the second support member has a second cross-sectional diameter; a filter structure positioned within the cavity of the body; and a collar positioned at the second end of the body, the collar having a collar cross-sectional diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: GN HEARING A/S
    Inventors: Henrik Nielsen, Henrik Hetz Christiansen
  • Patent number: 11871168
    Abstract: A hearing device and related methods are disclosed. The hearing device comprises a housing comprising a wall, a microphone inlet comprising a through-going opening, a microphone arranged within the housing for receiving audio via the microphone inlet, a first filter device comprising a first filter material, the first filter device being arranged at the microphone, and a second filter device substantially having the shape of a torus or a hollow cylinder and comprising a second filter material, the second filter device being arranged at the wall, wherein the first filter device is arranged between the microphone and the second filter device, and wherein the through-going opening comprises an outer recess in an outer surface of the wall, wherein the second filter device is arranged in the outer recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: GN HEARING A/S
    Inventors: Andreas Tiefenau, Timea Denisa Merca, Anders Hjermø Michaelsen
  • Patent number: 11638107
    Abstract: A hearing device and related methods are disclosed. The hearing device comprises a housing comprising a wall, a microphone inlet comprising a through-going opening, a microphone arranged within the housing for receiving audio via the microphone inlet, a first filter device comprising a first filter material, the first filter device being arranged at the microphone, and a second filter device substantially having the shape of a torus or a hollow cylinder and comprising a second filter material, the second filter device being arranged at the wall, wherein the first filter device is arranged between the microphone and the second filter device, and wherein the through-going opening comprises an outer recess in an outer surface of the wall, wherein the second filter device is arranged in the outer recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: GN HEARING A/S
    Inventors: Andreas Tiefenau, Timea Denisa Merca, Anders Hjermø Michaelsen
  • Patent number: 11582549
    Abstract: An ear tip includes a body configured to be mounted onto an earbud. The body includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an inner wall extending between the first and second ends. The inner wall defines and surrounds a hollow passage that is configured to conduct sound waves. The body also includes an outer wall that is connected to the inner wall at the first end and extends away from the inner wall toward the second end. The inner wall has an oblong cross-sectional shape that is configured to accommodate a corresponding nozzle on the earbud. The inner wall includes a ring that is formed of a rigid material and engages and conforms to the oblong shape of the nozzle, which inhibits improper mounting and rotation of the ear tip relative to the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Andrew Zalisk, Donna Marie Sullivan, Kai Gao, Shawn J. Prevoir
  • Patent number: 11197111
    Abstract: A personal hearing device with a first dome, a receiver, a speaker channel extending from the receiver through the dome to a speaker channel output, an acoustic vent channel extending from outside of the receiver and through the dome, where an acoustic separation is provided between the speaker channel output and the vent opening to reduce the amount of sound output by the receiver entering the vent channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Sonion Nederland B.V.
    Inventors: Laurens de Ruijter, Alwin Fransen, Raymond Mögelin, Oleg Antoniuk, Nicolaas Maria Jozef Stoffels
  • Patent number: 11134352
    Abstract: An apparatus with a hearing device housing including at least one wall with a sound aperture and a counterbore around the sound aperture, and a bushing, having a portion thereof located within the counterbore and secured thereto, configured to receive a hearing device cerumen guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Sonova AG
    Inventors: Valerie Mena Kröni, Heinz-Thomas Winkler
  • Patent number: 10743122
    Abstract: A dome for a hearing aid device that is insertable into an auditory canal. The dome has an inner part and a shield which is produced in one piece with the inner part. A wax guard with at least one protective element is arranged inside an opening of the dome. The protective element is flexibly turnable in a direction of insertion of the dome and counter to the direction of insertion of the dome into an auditory canal. A cleaning element, which is movable in the direction of insertion and counter to the direction of insertion of the dome, is cohesively bonded to the shield. A hearing aid device is embodied with a correspondingly configured dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Sivantos Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Johannes Kuhn
  • Patent number: 10728680
    Abstract: A hearing aid comprising a speaker unit; a speaker snout defining a sound canal having a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis and a sound canal opening; an ear piece configured to be attached to the speaker snout and an ear wax filter. The sound canal is configured to guide sound generated by the speaker unit through the sound canal into the ear piece. The ear wax filter is slidably arranged in the speaker snout through a first opening allowing the ear wax filter to be radially inserted into the sound canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: OTICON A/S
    Inventors: Mathias Rask Møller, Kenneth Rueskov Møller, Jacob Holdt Hansen, Jan Thor Lunddahl Larsen
  • Patent number: 10492009
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for hearing assistance devices, and in particular to behind the ear and receiver in canal hearing aids with distributed processing. One aspect of the present subject matter relates to a hearing assistance device including hearing assistance electronics in a housing configured to be worn above or behind an ear of a wearer. The hearing assistance device includes an ear piece configured to be worn in the ear of the wearer and a processing component at the ear piece configured to perform functions in the ear piece and to communicate with the hearing assistance electronics, in various embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Karl Sacha
  • Patent number: 10321219
    Abstract: Earbud adapter and earbud tip devices are discussed in the present disclosure. In one exemplary embodiment, an adapter may be configured to be detachably coupled to an earbud-type sound device or other sound device. The adapter may comprise a hollow adapter body extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a central longitudinal axis having a proximal portion including a lead in face that aids in placement of a tip on an earbud device and a distal portion having at least one retention member extending radially inward where, in combination, the features can allow positioning and adequate retention of an earbud tip on various configurations of earbuds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: HEARING COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Thaddeus W. Olson, Justin C. Peskar, Martin Ganser
  • Patent number: 10178460
    Abstract: An earphone including a housing, a speaker and an eartip is provided. The housing has an accommodating space and a first sound outlet communicated with each other. The speaker is disposed in the accommodating space. The eartip is assembled to the housing. The eartip has a second sound outlet and an incline extension surface. The incline extension surface is configured to fit into a cavum of a user's auricle and withstand an antihelix of the user's auricle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Merry Electronics(Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Uei Jou, Chan-Tsung Tsai, Chung-Yi Huang
  • Patent number: 9369816
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for mitigating foreign material buildup for hearing assistance device components. The present subject matter includes a hearing assistance device transducer barrier device configured to resist accumulation and passage of foreign materials, the barrier device comprising a plug adapted to fit within a receiver opening. In various embodiments, the plug includes a membrane that is coated with oleophobic and hydrophobic materials, the membrane adapted to include an aperture, wherein the barrier is acoustically transparent but prevents the accumulation and passage of unwanted materials. Other barriers, such as a plug with a plurality of holes are described. In some embodiments a molded plastic plug including a plurality of holes provides the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Molly Yoong, Gerald Shamla, Wei Li Lin
  • Patent number: 9344791
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a music earphone, which comprises an auricle-shaped shell, a cover, and a cavity formed by the auricle-shaped shell and the cover. A receiver(s) is disposed in the cavity, a sound aperture is disposed at an upper end of the shell, an edge of the sound aperture extends towards the interior of the cavity to form a cylindrical hearing tube, a lower end of the hearing tube is fixedly connected with the receiver(s), and a lower end of each of the receiver(s) is connected with a conductor. The music earphone allows the shell to match the auricle of a user in a breathable manner, filter out the external noise while still enabling the user to hear the external communication sound, improve the music quality, and guard the traffic safety of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: JIANGSU BETTERLIFE MEDICAL CO., LTD
    Inventors: Yong David Zhao, Jinping Jennifer Zhao, Kun Yan
  • Patent number: 9332361
    Abstract: A replaceable filter member for a hearing aid device is disclosed. The filter member comprising an unit with a housing configured to be inserted into the ear canal of a user of the hearing aid device. The filter member is configured to prevent ear wax from entering an opening in the housing. The filter member is a one-piece body that is configured to cover several openings in the unit while being attached to the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: OTICON A/S
    Inventors: Svend Oscar Petersen, Morten Friis Karlsen, Martin Lindebjerg
  • Patent number: 9277336
    Abstract: A hearing device includes a BTE unit and a thin acoustic tube. The BTE unit includes a microphone, an amplifier, a power source, and a receiver and is configured to mount behind or on a user's ear. The tube includes a proximal end and a distal end with the proximal end and the distal end being connected to the receiver and to a flexible mounting insert respectively. The insert comprises a dome shape part and at least one core hole permeable for sound transmitted from the tube, which is configured to arrange in a user's ear canal to transmit sound generated by the BTE unit to a tympanic membrane of the user. The inserts diameter is adapted to at least have the same diameter as user's ear canal diameter to close the ear canal of the user and has at least one internal vent pathway located on the circumference of the core hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignees: OTICON A/S, BERNAFON AG
    Inventors: Kenneth Rueskov Møller, Patrick Walther, Nan Jiang
  • Patent number: 9245515
    Abstract: An earphone has a housing, with a speaker mounted within the housing. A cable inlet contains a cable that includes a wire connected to the speaker. The cable and the cable inlet have different cross-sectional shapes, such that the cable is in contact with the inner surface of the cable inlet over a substantial portion of their length, while a rear volume of the speaker is vented through the cable inlet. This ensures that the cross-sectional area through which the rear volume is vented through the cable inlet remains relatively constant. The earphone may further comprise a microphone, positioned to detect ambient noise approaching the ear of a wearer of the earphone, and the cable may then further include a wire connected to the microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic International Semiconductor Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven Llewellyn
  • Patent number: 9232325
    Abstract: A hearing aid (1) with an ear canal part prepared for being arranged in the ear canal. The ear canal part has a sound opening provided with a bushing (6) for receiving an ear wax guard. The bushing comprises an inner tubular part (11) for receiving the ear wax guard, where the inner tubular part is extending inward from the plane formed by the sound opening. The bushing further comprises an outer tubular part (10) extending inward from this plane. The outer tubular part and the inner tubular part are arranged such that a space is formed in between. This space is adapted for receiving a sound guide (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: WIDEX A/S
    Inventors: Lars Hagedorn-Olsen, Klaus Henrik Vaarbroe
  • Patent number: 9088847
    Abstract: In an ear tip and a method of manufacturing the same, the ear tip includes a sound transfer part including a hollow shaft and an external sheet and an acoustic absorbent making contact with the external sheet and the hollow shaft. The hollow shaft has a cylindrical shape of which a circumferential surface is flat and provides a sound conduit for transferring audio signals. The external sheet is extended from an end portion of the hollow shaft in such a way that the hollow shaft is enclosed with the external sheet and a gap space is provided between the external sheet and the hollow shaft. The acoustic absorbent is positioned in the gap space and has a plurality of pores, thereby absorbing surrounding noises and preventing the surrounding noises from transferring into user's ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: APK Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoon Young-Mun
  • Patent number: 9020176
    Abstract: An apparatus related to earmolds with venting configurations designed to relieve the occlusion effect. Various designs provide multiple vents allow residual ear canal air volume to vent to and from air outside the ear and the earmold. In various designs, the earmold includes one vent between the residual ear canal air volume and a volume of air internal to the earmold. A second vent provides passage of air internal to the earmold and air external to the ear and the inserted earmold when worn by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Howard Burns
  • Patent number: 9002049
    Abstract: A hearing aid kit includes a standard fit, completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid and a hearing aid tool set. The CIC hearing aid is for extended use and includes a core module inserted into a sleeve. The core module and the sleeve each include various features providing for a minimum overall size, ease of insertion, removal, and cleaning, and enhanced sound transmission. The tool set is configured to be stored and carried in a single piece and provides for adjustment and cleaning of the CIC hearing aid. Open ear fits and occlusive ear fits are possible using different sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Sidney A. Higgins, Aaron Jon Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20150078601
    Abstract: A replaceable filter member for a hearing aid device is disclosed. The filter member comprising an unit with a housing configured to be inserted into the ear canal of a user of the hearing aid device. The filter member is configured to prevent ear wax from entering an opening in the housing. The filter member is a one-piece body that is configured to cover several openings in the unit while being attached to the unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Svend Oscar PETERSEN, Morten Friis KARLSEN, Martin LINDEBJERG
  • Patent number: 8942406
    Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a canal-type receiver capable of reproducing sound fields spanning front-to-rear and/or top-to-bottom. Thus, an ear piece of the canal-type receiver has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes a cylindrical portion including a sound guiding tube emitting a sound wave, radiated from a sound-emission unit in a receiver, to the inside of the external auditory canal, the sound guiding tube is configured so that a directional sound wave radiation axis of the sound wave faces a predetermined position of a wall of the external auditory canal in such a state that a cylindrical portion of the ear piece is mounted at a predetermined position in the external auditory canal, whereby the sound wave radiated from the sound guiding tube is reflected by a portion of the external auditory canal wall to arrive at the eardrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Isamu Koizumi
  • Publication number: 20150016648
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for mitigating foreign material buildup for hearing assistance device components. The present subject matter includes a hearing assistance device transducer barrier layer configured to resist accumulation and passage of foreign materials. In various embodiments, the barrier layer includes a membrane that is coated with oleophobic and hydrophobic materials, wherein the barrier is acoustically transparent but prevents the accumulation and passage of unwanted materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Farhad Kazemzadeh, Robert Jacobi, Gerald Shamla, Brian Dobson, Richard Huynh, Wei Li Lin
  • Patent number: 8885859
    Abstract: A semi-permanent hearing device is adapted to be inserted completely into the ear canal of a user. The semi-permanent hearing device comprises a first part and a second part each of which comprises at least one of the following electrical components: a microphone, a sound processing unit, a receiver and a battery. The first part and the second part are detachably connected to each other. In an alternative aspect of the invention, a hearing device comprises a microphone and a wax filter arrangement arranged to cover at least one audio canal through which sound propagates from a position outside the hearing aid and into the microphone. The wax filter arrangement comprises a wax filter and the wax filter arrangement is adapted to allow different parts of the wax filter to cover the at least one audio canal at different points in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sonion Nederland BV
    Inventor: Aart Zeger van Halteren
  • Patent number: 8842864
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hearing instrument comprising an ITE-part adapted for being positioned in the ear canal of a user, the ITE-part comprising a housing comprising first and second openings adapted for facing towards the ear drum when said ITE-part is mounted in the ear canal, said first and second openings being adapted to allow first and second functional elements of the ITE-part to be in communication with the ear canal, the hearing instrument further comprising a wax filter adapted to fully or partially cover said first and second openings. The invention further relates to the use of a hearing instrument, to a method of wax protection in a hearing instrument and to a wax filter. The object of the present invention is to provide an alternative solution to protect relevant parts of a hearing aid against wax deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Oticon A/S
    Inventors: Karsten Bo Rasmussen, Svend Oscar Petersen, René Christensen, Gabriel Aldaz
  • Patent number: 8824714
    Abstract: A transducer protection comprises a top cap, a stem extending from the top cap and having a distal end and a seal at the stem distal ends. The top cap has an outward facing and an inward facing side, the inward facing side facing the hearing aid, when in use. The stem protrudes into an opening of a hearing aid component to be protected, when in use. The stem's proximal end is connected to the top cap at the top caps inward facing side. The protection has an outward facing contour that is adapted to match an inner wall of the hearing aid component's opening so that the outer contour of the seal contacts the inner wall of the opening, when in use. Within the seal, at least one sound opening is provided that is surrounded by the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Oticon A/S
    Inventors: Dennis Presutti, Jacob Holdt Hansen, Martin Lindebjerg, Michael Frydendal
  • Patent number: 8792665
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for mitigating foreign material buildup for hearing assistance device components. The present subject matter includes coating of at least one surface of a hearing assistance device, such as a hearing aid, with an omniphobic coating, a hydrophilic coating, or a combination of omniphobic and hydrophilic coatings designed to reduce the unwanted effects of wax, moisture and other foreign materials. In various embodiments at least one surface of a receiver with a wax trap or waxceptor in a receiver tube is coated with an omniphobic coating. In various embodiments the present subject matter includes an internal barrier disposed near a receiver in the receiver tube in addition to the wax trap or waxceptor. In various embodiments the internal barrier is coated with an omniphobic coating. In various embodiments at least one surface includes a hydrophilic coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Wei Li Lin
  • Patent number: 8761424
    Abstract: An apparatus for blocking materials from entering the sound port of an earphone, while simultaneously allowing sound to pass through unaffected is disclosed. In an earphone having an elongated nozzle with a central opening adapted to transmit sound, a removable or replaceable a sleeve assembly having a wax guard or barrier is formed integral with the ear sleeve assembly. The barrier is mounted in a stem and is adapted to prevent materials from entering the central opening of the earphone nozzle. The stem is also adapted to receive the sleeve over its body. The sleeve can be cylindrical or tapered in shape, and the sleeve can be adapted to aid in blocking ambient noise. The barrier, the stem, and the sleeve can all be formed as an integral one-piece assembly, and the entire one-piece assembly can be adapted to be changed by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: John James Wubker, Blake Anthony Lanciloti, Kyle Patrick Glavan
  • Patent number: 8755548
    Abstract: An ear mold, in cooperation with a receiving device which is placed in an ear canal. The ear mold includes a head of the ear mold and a sound transmission device which is connected with the head. The sound transmission device is used for connection with the speaker of the hearing aid. The head of the ear mold is integrated with the sound transmission device. An end of sound transmission device which is connected with the hearing aid is elastic. The part of the sound transmission device which is connected with the head of the ear mold is flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Jiangsu Betterlife Medical Co., Ltd
    Inventors: David Yong Zhao, Jennifer Jinping Zhao
  • Patent number: 8737669
    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: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Monahan, Ryan C. Silvestri, Eric M. Wallace, Kevin P. Annunziato
  • Patent number: 8699736
    Abstract: A hearing aid includes a microphone on a proximal side of a device housing and a loudspeaker which via a transmission channel is in open communication with a sound-emitting opening of the device. A sound processing device serves to generate sound received by the microphone to the loudspeaker in amplified form. The device housing is provided on a distal side with an optionally sealed battery chamber for receiving a battery therein. The transmission channel is at least almost wholly separated from the microphone acoustically in order to prevent acoustic feedback. The battery chamber includes ventilation elements for the purpose of increasing the lifespan of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: ExSilent Research B.V.
    Inventors: Aeldrik Pander, Michel Martin Marie Havenith, Marcus Johannes Aloysius Kaal
  • Patent number: 8689931
    Abstract: An ear protector (1) with a sound damping filter (3), comprises a membrane (5). The membrane is composed of a material that permits the transmission of air and water vapor with respect to the ear from the into the outside of the ear protector, the membrane is pre stressed mounted in the filter, enabling a bigger surface and hence bigger air and water transport at same sound attenuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Dynamic Ear Company B.V.
    Inventor: Engbert Wilmink
  • Patent number: 8682016
    Abstract: Hearing devices configured to fit within the bony portion of the ear canal and batteries that may be used with same. Such hearing devices may have a hearing device core, which includes a battery and an acoustic assembly with a microphone and receiver positioned such that the lateral end of the receiver substantially abuts the medial end of the microphone, and a seal apparatus on the hearing device core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: InSound Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Wagner, Stuart Wenzel, Michael Au, Igal Ladabaum
  • Patent number: 8630434
    Abstract: A hearing device having a circuitry unit which is adapted for processing sound signals and converting the processed sound signals into corresponding electrical signals. An output module is provided for receiving the electric signals after processing by the circuitry unit. The output module defines an outer surface. At least one venting channel is arranged adjacent to the outer surface of the output module of the hearing device. The hearing device may also have a mold, which is adapted to receive the output module in a through going opening. The at least one venting channel is arranged at the interface between the mold and the output module and advantageously provides a pressure balance in the user's ear canal to minimize occlusion. An ITE-part of a hearing device is furthermore provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Oticon A/S
    Inventors: Karsten Bo Rasmussen, Svend Oscar Petersen
  • Publication number: 20130259280
    Abstract: A transducer protection comprises a top cap, a stem extending from the top cap and having a distal end and a seal at the stem distal ends. The top cap has an outward facing and an inward facing side, the inward facing side facing the hearing aid, when in use. The stem protrudes into an opening of a hearing aid component to be protected, when in use. The stem's proximal end is connected to the top cap at the top caps inward facing side. The protection has an outward facing contour that is adapted to match an inner wall of the hearing aid component's opening so that the outer contour of the seal contacts the inner wall of the opening, when in use. Within the seal, at least one sound opening is provided that is surrounded by the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: OTICON A/S
    Inventors: Dennis PRESUTTI, Jacob Holdt HANSEN, Martin LINDEBJERG
  • Publication number: 20130236042
    Abstract: A hearing aid of the present invention is convenient to repair and replace. The hearing aid includes: (i) an out-of-canal assembly comprising a power source (e.g., a battery) and a processor, and (ii) an in-canal assembly comprising a microphone and a receiver. The out-of-canal assembly is selectively, removably, electrically coupled to the in-canal assembly. Sound perceived by the in-canal assembly is processed by the out-of-canal assembly and transmitted to the user's eardrum. The in-canal assembly is conveniently, selectively decoupled from the out-of-canal assembly for convenient replacement or repair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Brainstorm Audio, LLC
    Inventor: Barry D. Finlay
  • Patent number: 8532323
    Abstract: An acoustic system includes a receiver or microphone, a tube, a barrier, and an equalization device. The receiver is capable of outputting an audio signal. The tube is in connection with the receiver and the audio signal travels along a length of the tube. The barrier is fitted along the tube and the barrier prevents moisture from passing along the tube toward the receiver. The barrier causes an amount of damping to the audio signal. The equalization device is in connection with the receiver and the equalization device counteracts the damping by the barrier. The barrier is configured to have a submersion rating greater than or equal to 7 IP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy K. Wickstrom, William J. Ballad, Mei-Yu Lin, Ying-Tzu Chan, Jen Nan Feng
  • Patent number: 8494202
    Abstract: A device as hearing aid to be worn in the ear or in or at the auditory canal comprises at least a sound or acoustic exit opening with a protection element (10) to prevent the contamination of the device. The protection element (10) comprises a thin, at least almost flexible or elastic membrane (15) made out of a thermoplastic polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventor: Erdal Karamuk
  • Patent number: 8462973
    Abstract: An improved open ear hearing aid fitting for insertion into an ear canal is provided. The fitting offers enhanced acoustic performance while maintaining user comfort. The fitting comprises a polymeric body having at least one acoustic source and at least one aperture extending there through and a peripheral portion shaped to conform to surface of the ear canal. A porous material covers at least one aperture of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne M. Gibbons
  • Patent number: 8413331
    Abstract: An earbud (10) for carrying sound from a source (16) to a person's ear canal, includes a soft foam body (20) and a sleeve (26) of stiffer material lying within the body. The body is molded around the sleeve and is chemically bonded to the sleeve without an adhesive between them. The earbud is molded around the sleeve by placing the sleeve on a mandrel pin (42) within a mold cavity (32) placing foamable material in the mold and closing the mold. The mold has shoulders with one mold shoulder (52) that abuts one end (46) of the sleeve and another mold shoulder (60) that lies within 0.1 millimeter of the other sleeve end (62), to prevent foaming material from leaking into the space (64) between the mandrel pin and the sleeve passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC
    Inventors: Jim Tiemens, Stephen D. Gilder
  • Patent number: 8369554
    Abstract: An earpiece includes an open tip in the shape of a dome, with apertures in the dome and a protrusion at the top of the dome for displacing ear wax, wherein the dome merges with the protrusion along a continuous curve. The dome is supported from a central body by non-linear ribs that normally have high compliance but exhibit low compliance at a limit of extension or compression. The tip can include more than one dome on the central body. If there is more than one dome, the apertures in the domes are not aligned with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Zounds Hearing, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis A. Oberlander
  • Patent number: 8363869
    Abstract: A hearing aid including an audio-processing device. The audio-processing device may be configured to receive a signal from a microphone and send the signal to a receiver. The hearing aid may include a hearing aid housing coupled to the audio-processing device. The hearing aid housing may have a body and a battery door. The battery door may be coupled to the body to form a battery cavity. The battery door may be movable about an axis of rotation that extends through a circular cross section of the battery cavity. Additional hearing aid housing configurations and methods for manufacturing hearing aids are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Sonic Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Owen Brimhall, Jeremy Horton, Craig Collotzi
  • Patent number: 8355519
    Abstract: A tool is provided with which a receiver of a hearing aid can be easily fitted into an earpiece or an ear mold and removed therefrom. The tool has an elongate main body, a first tool part for removing the receiver from a first earpiece, a second tool part for removing the receiver from a second earpiece, and a third tool part for fitting the receiver into the first or second earpiece. The elongate main body is divided into a first subsidiary body and a second subsidiary body). The two subsidiary bodies can be plugged at least partially one inside the other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the main body. In addition, two of the three tool parts are arranged on one of the two subsidiary bodies, and the remaining tool part is arranged on the other of the two subsidiary bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Uli Gommel, Marco Lederer, Ottmar Ruschig, Friedrich Zenk
  • Patent number: 8295522
    Abstract: A hearing aid (1) comprises a receiver (19), an output port (6), a conduit (13) for conveying sound to the port and a barrier element (39) adapted for baffling entry of ear wax and moisture and for being acoustically transparent. The invention further provides a barrier element (39) for a hearing aid comprising a slab having an exterior surface and through openings for transverse transmission of sound, wherein the exterior surface is super-hydrophobic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Widex A/S
    Inventors: Jorn Eiler Vestergaard, Jorgen Mejner Olsen, Leif Hojslet Christensen, Kenneth B. Haugshoj
  • Patent number: 8290187
    Abstract: This invention relates to a hearing device and earpiece therefore. The hearing device comprises a BTE unit for converting and processing sound to an electrical signal and a tubular element communicating the electrical signal to an earpiece. The earpiece comprises a canal element providing a tight fit of the earpiece in an ear canal, and a speaker element rotate-ably mounted in the canal element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Oticon A/S
    Inventors: Klaus L. Svendsen, Claus Würfel, Jesper Trolle
  • Patent number: 8284974
    Abstract: A hearing aid comprises a microphone on a proximal side of a device housing and a loudspeaker which via a transmission channel is in open communication with a sound-emitting opening of the device. A sound processing device serves to generate sound received by the microphone to the loudspeaker in amplified form. The device housing is provided on a distal side with an optionally sealed battery chamber for receiving a battery therein. The transmission channel is at least almost wholly separated from the microphone acoustically in order to prevent acoustic feedback. The battery chamber comprises ventilation means for the purpose of increasing the lifespan of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Exsilent Research B.V.
    Inventors: Aeldrik Pander, Michel Martin Marie Havenith, Marcus Johannes Aloysius Kaal
  • Patent number: 8265316
    Abstract: A hearing aid with a microphone for receiving acoustic signals and converting them to electrical signals, electronic circuitry for processing the electrical signals, and a speaker for converting the processed electrical signals into acoustic signals, has a shell that encases at least portions of the microphone, the electronic circuitry, and the speaker, the shell further encasing an inside volume. The hearing aid further has a vent that provides an opening between the inside volume and a region external to the hearing aid. A flexible membrane is provided that covers an opening of the vent and an acoustic resistor that contacts the flexible membrane. The membrane helps prevent wax fumes from entering the inside volume, and the acoustic resistor helps to reduce distortion in the frequency response of the hearing aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Oleg Saltykov, Fred McBagonluri
  • Publication number: 20120219167
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for mitigating foreign material buildup for hearing assistance device components. The present subject matter includes a hearing assistance device transducer barrier device configured to resist accumulation and passage of foreign materials, the barrier device comprising a plug adapted to fit within a receiver opening. In various embodiments, the plug includes a membrane that is coated with oleophobic and hydrophobic materials, the membrane adapted to include an aperture, wherein the barrier is acoustically transparent but prevents the accumulation and passage of unwanted materials. Other barriers, such as a plug with a plurality of holes are described. In some embodiments a molded plastic plug including a plurality of holes provides the barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Molly Yoong, Gerald Shamla, Wei Li Lin
  • Patent number: 8238596
    Abstract: An earphone is disclosed that is used in connection with reproducing audio sounds that are supplied from an audio-frequency source. The earphone includes a housing that includes a boot assembly positioned in the housing. A first audio driver is positioned in the boot assembly such that a first output of the first audio driver is in acoustic communication with a mixing chamber. A second audio driver is also positioned in the boot assembly such that a second output of the second audio driver is in acoustic communication with a chamber in the boot assembly. A tubular needle is positioned in the boot assembly having a first end in acoustic communication with the chamber and a second end in acoustic communication with the mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Klipsch Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Blanchard, Bradley C. Geswein
  • Patent number: RE45455
    Abstract: For the protection of an in-the-ear hearing aid against contamination by ear wax through the acoustic outlet port (34a) or a vent, a replaceable ear wax guard (36) is inserted in the aid and includes an essentially tubular element with a through-going cavity and an abutment collar in one end for sealing abutment against the hearing aid housing (31). For an easy and safe insertion and removal of the ear wax guard (36), an applicator is used, which in one end has a smooth pin for introduction in the through-going cavity of the ear wax guard (36) and in the other end a harpoon-shaped catch member. For mounting of the ear wax guard (36) a hose or tube member serving as acoustic outlet canal (34) is connected to an abutment collar (33) in abutment with the outside of hearing aid. The abutment collar is designed with oversize standard dimensions and adapted to an individually user-adapted hearing aid housing by preparation of its periphery edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Widex A/S
    Inventors: Finn Gunnersen, Jan Topholm