Cerumen Protection Patents (Class 381/325)
-
Patent number: 8238565Abstract: A system for adapting a hearing aid to a user includes a unit generating an image of the user's ear together with a model of the hearing aid, wherein the model of the hearing aid in-situ includes a physical model of the hearing aid inserted in the user's ear prior to generating the image. The system also generates a mesh based on the image, calculates acoustic response to a simulated acoustic signal in the mesh, calculates a frequency response curve for a fixed position in the mesh, and identifies an optimal position of a microphone of the hearing aid in-situ from the acoustic response. They system also includes a comparator configured to compare the frequency response curve for the fixed position in the mesh with a maximum frequency response curve for the mesh stored by the system.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Oticon A/SInventor: Rene Burmand Johannesson
-
Patent number: 8233649Abstract: With a hearing aid device which can be worn in the ear, a barometric pressure equalization which is needed for the sound transducer, such as a microphone or receiver, is to be achieved in a simple and cost-effective fashion. To this end, a converter protection facility is proposed with a membrane, with a pressure equalization channel, which connects a sound channel to the interior of the hearing aid device, extends through the transducer protection facility at least in one section. Replacing the transducer protection facility thus also replaces this subsection of the pressure equalization channel. A possible blockage of the pressure equalization channel which exists in this region as a result of dirt or moisture is eliminated as a result.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.Inventor: Anton Gebert
-
Patent number: 8229150Abstract: The present hearing device with at least one microphone (1) arranged within the housing of the hearing device, wherein the microphone (1) is arranged within a mounting plate (4) of the hearing device, an opening (3) for receiving the microphone (1) is inventively provided within said mounting plate (4) and further elastic material (2) is arranged in at least a part area between said microphone (1) and the wall of said opening (3) facing said microphone (1). The elastic material (2) is providing a clamping action or friction fit that reliably fixes the microphone (1) in its built-in position within the mounting plate (4) or the opening (3) respectively.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Phonak AGInventors: Andi Vonlanthen, Bruno Gabathuler
-
Patent number: 8218803Abstract: In the case of a receiver facility to be fixed in the auditory canal, particularly for hearing devices with an external receiver, the receiver is to be mounted in the earmold in an acoustically advantageous fashion which guards against contaminations and is also easily exchangeable. Provision is thus made for a receiver facility with a longish receiver and a earmold, which has a borehole, into which the receiver is inserted. A tubular connector, which is more elastic than the receiver and the earmold, is used to accommodate for the most part the longitudinal extension of the receiver in a friction-locking fashion. The connector is for its part force-fitted into a borehole of the earmold in a friction-locking fashion. The receiver is thus elastically mounted and can be easily removed from the earmold together with the connector with the aid of a pin-like tool for replacement purposes.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Werner Fickweiler, Uli Gommel
-
Patent number: 8213651Abstract: The invention specifies a hearing device, which has at least one contact means which can be flush with the hearing device housing. The contact means contacts an external unit, for instance a battery charging unit, when in an extended or folded-out position. The unit has a corresponding opening for receiving the contact means. As a result, a reliable connection can be established between the hearing device and the charging device when charging a rechargeable battery of the hearing device for instance. The contact means can comprise first and second contact elements, and third contact elements which correspond to the external unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Benjamin Schmidt, Roland Weigert
-
Publication number: 20120163643Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2012Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: WIDEX A/SInventors: Jorn Eiler Vestergaard, Jorgen Mejner Olsen, Leif Hojslet Christensen, Kenneth B. Haugshoj
-
Patent number: 8199952Abstract: A small hearing aid is provided which fits completely in an ear canal of a user wherein a shell as an outer housing of the hearing aid is shaped to closely surround components of the hearing aid to provide a gap between the hearing canal inner walls and the shell to allow flow of air when the hearing aid is mounted in the ear by a mounting element connected to the shell. The mounting element is provided with at least one aperture to allow the air flow. In a fabricating method, an image of the shell is shrunk to closely surround the hearing aid components while maintaining a shape of the ear canal to assure a custom fit.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2008Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Artem Boltyenkov, Anthony Strano, Daniel Meighan, Salman Parsi
-
Publication number: 20120140967Abstract: The hearing device comprises an ear-piece (1) which is designed to be worn at least partially in an ear canal of a user of the hearing device. The ear-piece (1) comprises a vent passage (3) connecting the ear canal with the atmosphere. The vent passage (3) has an inner opening (8) towards the ear-canal and an outer opening (9) towards the atmosphere. The ear-piece (1) further comprises a vent extension (4). The vent extension (4) is a protrusion extending the vent passage (3) beyond the body (2) of the ear-piece (1). The vent extension (4) is adapted for abutting on a surface of the body of the user and is thereby inconspicuous and/or contributes thereby to retention. A method for manufacturing such a hearing device is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2009Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: PHONAK AGInventor: Sébastien Aubert
-
Patent number: 8135153Abstract: A method and appertaining system provide for automatically adding a wax guard to a hearing aid shell impression. The location of a canal, tip of the canal, and central line of the impression are automatically identified in a digital 3D representation of a hearing aid shell impression. A first wax guard plane is determined at a predefined flip distance from the canal tip along the central line, and a second wax guard plane is determined at a predefined canal tip offset distance from the canal tip along the central line. A size and position for a feature of the wax guard is calculated based on predefined parameters, and the wax guard is constructed utilizing the calculated side and position. The type of wax guard can be a bell bore design, an open design, a Philip design, or a flip design.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2007Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignees: Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc., Siemens CorporationInventors: Artem Boltyenkov, Tong Fang, Fred McBagonluri, Andreas Reh
-
Publication number: 20120045080Abstract: In some embodiments, a receiver tube for use with a hearing aid having a receiver may include a receiver tube that is removably connectable to the hearing aid and removably connectable to the receiver, wherein the receiver tube includes a locking mechanism configured to interface with a mating feature disposed about the receiver such that the receiver tube may be selectively coupled to the receiver; and an ear wax trap comprising a microporous membrane disposed within the receiver tube. The length of the receiver tube may be adjusted by the dispenser or audiologist during the office visit by clipping it accordingly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: VISCOT MEDICAL, LLCInventor: RICHARD A. RAFFERTY
-
Publication number: 20120014548Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: Sonion Nederland BVInventor: Aart Zeger van Halteren
-
Patent number: 8098866Abstract: Provided is a receiver device with an earpiece for securing the receiver device in an auditory canal. The receiver device further comprises a receiver with a sound outlet direction and an adapter for affixing the receiver in the earpiece, with a sound from the receiver being conducted through the adapter. The adapter diverts the sound from the sound outlet direction in a divergent direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2008Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Uli Gommel, Hartmut Ritter
-
Publication number: 20110299712Abstract: A cerumen filter at least a part of which is adapted to be inserted into an opening of a hearing aid. The cerumen filter comprises a body defining an audio passage extending through the cerumen filter and a cerumen filter arrangement comprising an outer cerumen filter and an inner cerumen filter. The cerumen filter arrangement is arranged to prevent flow of cerumen into the audio passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: Sonion A/SInventors: Martin Bondo, Christian Lyngsø Svejgaard
-
Patent number: 8050440Abstract: A hearing aid (2) is provided which includes a receiver tube (14) containing waterproof ear wax mesh trap (16). The receiver tube is removably connected directly to the hearing aid receiver (12) and the tube may be cleaned or replaced by a hearing aid dispenser or audiologist during a patient office visit. The receiver tube includes a waterproof ear wax trap lodged within, that is made of a foamed and stretched PTFE membrane. Further, the length of the receiver tube may be adjusted by the dispenser or audiologist during the office visit by clipping it accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2004Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Inventor: Richard A. Rafferty
-
Patent number: 8023675Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems, methods and assemblies for in situ removal of cerumen from hearing devices positioned in the ear canal. One embodiments provides a fitting for in situ cerumen removal comprising a top portion shaped to be removably coupled to a hearing device component surface and a plurality of leg members extending axially from a perimeter of the top portion. The top portion has a plurality of openings and at least one flexible retaining element configured to releasably engage a retaining feature on the hearing device. The leg members are configured to fit over another surface of the hearing device component. The fitting is configured to remove cerumen obstructing a feature on the device component and can be removed from the device component without removing the hearing device from the ear canal. The fitting can also include a removal loop that has a non-deployed state and a deployed state.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Alex Tilson, Steve Blumenkranz, Pat Contioso, David P. Knight, Mitchell Barham
-
Patent number: 8019106Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Widex A/SInventors: Finn Gunnersen, Jan Topholm
-
Patent number: 7991179Abstract: An insert high fidelity earphone is provided in which a hollow housing is connected to two tubes. A first tube is connected to the hollow housing on one side, and on the other side is inserted into an ear tip that ensures substantial sealing of the ear canal. A second tube is connected to hollow housing on one side and houses a cable that connects circuitry in the hollow housing to an audio source. The first tube comprises a damping assembly. The first tube comprises grooves on the inside wall that ensure that the damping assembly only fits in one orientation, which is the correct orientation. The damping assembly may be easily replaceable, without having to replace the entire earphone. The earphone may have a curved shape providing a comfortable and nearly invisible fit into the ear canal.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2006Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Etymotic Research, Inc.Inventors: Viorel Drambarean, Andrew J. Haapapuro, Mead C. Killion
-
Publication number: 20110182452Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2010Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Wei Li Lin
-
Patent number: 7983434Abstract: With a hearing aid device barometric pressure equalization is intended to be achieved in a simple and economical manner in a sound canal between an earpiece and a cerumen protection system with a gas-tight membrane. To this end a pressure equalization canal is proposed, which opens into the sound canal. The pressure equalization canal preferably connects the sound canal to a vent. It can be produced in a simple manner when manufacturing the housing of the hearing aid device using a computer-aided manufacturing method.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbHInventor: Gerhard Röhrlein
-
Patent number: 7974430Abstract: In order to automate a microphone assembly process including a dust-proof treatment, an object of the present invention is to provide a dust-proof microphone having a configuration suitable for automated assembly. According to the present invention, a microphone has a plate-like or film-like dust-proof section that is disposed in a conductive housing (capsule) having a sound aperture and covers the sound aperture. The dust-proof section has a plurality of pores at least in a region corresponding to the sound aperture, and the dust-proof section further has a nonporous region. In the case of an electret condenser microphone, from the viewpoint of performance of the microphone, the dust-proof section is conductive. In addition, taking into account a soldering in a reflow furnace, the dust-proof section is heat-resistant. Each pore is desirably designed taking into account the environment for the usage of the microphone.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Hosiden CorporationInventors: Toshiro Izuchi, Kazuo Ono, Kensuke Nakanishi, Hiroaki Onishi
-
Adhesive film for the protection of hearing device microphone ports and corresponding hearing device
Patent number: 7970156Abstract: The protection of the ports of a hearing device, in particular microphone ports, is to be more easily operable in terms of installation and replacement. Provision is made for this purpose for protection to be provided by an adhesive film with a plastic membrane, which is essentially acoustically permeable, and an adhesive layer, which is attached to the plastic membrane. The adhesive is cut out in a predetermined shape at least one specified location on the plastic membrane. It is thus possible to affix an easily operable common microphone protection system to the hearing device shell, for example for a directional microphone with several microphone ports.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbHInventors: Werner Fickweiler, Uli Gommel -
Publication number: 20110103629Abstract: A wax-resistant earpiece tip has one or more sound openings and a torturous path to inhibit wax from reaching a receiver mountable therein. The tip may further include a folded acoustical horn. A chamber may be formed in the tip to collect debris. The tip may include a stop bar to prevent the tip from collapsing against a receiver sound port.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2010Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventors: Walter P. Sjursen, Hassan A. Mohamed
-
Publication number: 20110096948Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: OTICON A/SInventors: Karsten Bo RASMUSSEN, Svend Oscar Petersen, René Christensen, Gabriel Aldaz
-
Publication number: 20110085688Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide microphone assemblies for hearing aids which are resistant to moisture and debris. An embodiment provides a microphone assembly for a CIC hearing aid comprising a microphone housing including a housing surface having a microphone port, a fluidic barrier structure coupled to the housing surface, a protective mesh coupled to the barrier structure and a microphone disposed within the housing. The microphone housing can be sized to be positioned in close proximity to another component surface such as a hearing battery assembly surface. At least a portion of the housing surface and/or the barrier structure are hydrophobic. The barrier structure surrounds the microphone port and is configured to channel liquid and debris away from entry into the microphone port including matter constrained between the housing surface and another surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Applicant: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Sunder Ram, Dean Johnson, Richard Gable, Michael Ipsen, Ian M. Day
-
Patent number: 7869613Abstract: The present invention provides the ability to efficiently detect a defect of an earwax protection device membrane. To achieve this, a high contrast is set between the membrane and the associated carrier. If the membrane is torn, the carrier in the background can then easily be detected. A particularly suited brightness contrast between the membrane and the carrier is >0.1. In the case of a desired high color contrast, the color of the membrane should be spaced apart from the color of the carrier by at least 60° on a blue-yellow-red color circle.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbHInventor: Anton Gebert
-
Patent number: 7793756Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 10, 2005Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Phonak AGInventor: Erdal Karamuk
-
Patent number: 7773764Abstract: A hearing device with a plastic mold arranged in the ear, in other words a hearing device shell or an otoplastic, features a loudspeaker in its interior. A cerumen protection system extends from the loudspeaker to the surface of the plastic mold. In accordance with the invention, a microphone is arranged in the cerumen protection system.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbHInventor: Torsten Niederdränk
-
Publication number: 20100177918Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment that is directed to a conformal hearing aid comprising: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2009Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: PERSONICS HOLDINGS INC.Inventors: John P. Keady, Gary Hoshizaki, John G. Casali
-
Patent number: 7751579Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for protecting acoustic devices. In particular embodiments, barriers are useful for preventing a variety of solid, liquid, and vapor contaminants from modifiying or damaging the performance of acoustic transducers, while at the same time providing essentially an acoustically transparent passage of sound.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2004Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Etymotic Research, Inc.Inventors: Robert B. Schulein, John S. French
-
Patent number: 7715576Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a hearing aid (1a, 1b) using a control unit (7), which is linked to the hearing aid (1a, 1b). The latter receives acoustic signals via a microphone (2a, 2b), amplifies said signals and outputs them by means of a loudspeaker (3a, 3b). In said hearing aid (1a, 1b) digital signals are processed according to a predetermined algorithm and data concerning the acoustic environment is created and forwarded to a control unit (7) via a communication interface (6a, 6b). To improve the quality and ease of operation, the data in the control unit (7) is analysed and an optimal algorithm is calculated, which is transmitted to the hearing aid (1a, 1b) via the communication interface (9).Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Dr. Ribic GmbHInventor: Zlatan Ribic
-
Publication number: 20090290735Abstract: An improved hearing aid and method that employs a combination microphone/speaker, sized to have the microphone inserted within the concha bowl of the outer ear and the speaker is inserted within which the opening of the ear canal such that it does not obstruct the same for more natural hearing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2009Publication date: November 26, 2009Applicant: Schanz III, LLCInventor: Richard W. Schanz
-
Patent number: 7558394Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems, methods and assemblies for in situ removal of cerumen from hearing devices positioned in the ear canal. One embodiments provides a fitting for in situ cerumen removal comprising a top portion shaped to be removably coupled to a hearing device component surface and a plurality of leg members extending axially from a perimeter of the top portion. The top portion has a plurality of openings and at least one flexible retaining element configured to releasably engage a retaining feature on the hearing device. The leg members are configured to fit over another surface of the hearing device component. The fitting can be removed from the device component without removing the hearing device from the ear canal. The fitting can also include a removal loop that has a non-deployed state and a deployed state. The fitting is configured to remove cerumen obstructing a feature on the device component.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Alex Tilson, Steve Blumenkranz, Pat Contioso, David P. Knight, Mitchell Barham
-
Patent number: 7551747Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2005Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Cuongdung Huynh, Greg Anderson, Sunder Ram, Dean Johnson, Richard Gable, Robert Schindler, Pat Contioso, Gregory Kushner, Richard Carl Urso, Adnan Shennib
-
Publication number: 20090154747Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2009Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: Widex A/SInventors: Jorn Eiler VESTERGAARD, Jorgen Mejner Olsen, Leif Hojslet Christensen, Kenneth B. Haugshoj
-
Publication number: 20090074220Abstract: An ultra miniature hearing device for extended wear entirely in the ear canal past the cartilaginous region is provided. The hearing device comprises a microphone and a speaker, each having a respective diaphragm. The speaker and microphone are placed parallel to each other in a single lateral assembly. The microphone and speaker can be arranged such that their diaphragms are orthogonal to one another so that cross coupling of vibrations is minimized, thus reducing internal feedback. Due to the parallel co-placement of the speaker and microphone in the single lateral assembly, the length of the device is substantially shorter than that of prior hearing aid devices. The hearing device is 12 mm or less in length to fit in the bony part of the ear canal for most individuals and is placed within approximately 3 mm from the eardrum.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventor: Adnan Shennib
-
Patent number: 7499561Abstract: The cleaning and exchange of components of the hearing aid which is necessary at regular intervals due to the conventional contamination is uncomfortable and expensive. The housing (G) and any protective devices (K) which are to protect from contamination, are provided with a dirt-resistant layer. In this way, the dirt adheres less strongly to the hearing aid, so that if necessary it can be removed by means of tapping.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2005Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbHInventors: Thomas Hanses, Torsten Niederdränk
-
Publication number: 20090046880Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Applicant: Widex A/SInventors: Finn GUNNERSEN, Jan Topholm
-
Patent number: 7471800Abstract: A customizable cerumen guard for a hearing aid having a shell, a receiver, a receiver tube, and aperture in the shell communicating with the receiver tube, includes an insert insertable into the shell aperture, the insert having a chamber therein, a receiver aperture for communication with the receiver tube, an ear canal aperture communicating with the ear of the wearer; and a plurality of customizable, interchangeable caps covering the ear canal aperture. The cerumen guard may also have any of a number of customizable cerumen-trapping accessories that may be placed into the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2004Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: In'Tech Industries, Inc.Inventor: Mark A. Neilson
-
Publication number: 20080298618Abstract: A cerumen protection system is to be held more securely in an earpiece of a hearing apparatus which can be worn in the ear. In particular, this is to be able to be ensured for the earpiece piece of an external receiver of a behind-the-ear hearing device. An earpiece with a sound exit opening and a cerumen protection facility which has an annular carrier and which is arranged in the sound exit opening, is provided, with the earpiece being manufactured from a rubbery-elastic material. A securing ring is also provided, which surrounds the sound exit opening, the inner diameter of which is smaller than the outer diameter of the carrier of the cerumen protection facility, which is less elastic than the earpiece and is fixedly integrated in the earpiece. The sound exit opening is thus reinforced so that the cerumen protection facility is not able to slide out thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2008Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventors: Joachim Baumann, Klaus Breindl, Werner Fickweiler, Anton Gebert, Uli Gommel
-
Patent number: 7443993Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 26, 2004Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Widex A/SInventors: Finn Gunnersen, Jan Tøpholm
-
Publication number: 20080253597Abstract: A method and appertaining system provide for automatically adding a wax guard to a hearing aid shell impression. The location of a canal, tip of the canal, and central line of the impression are automatically identified in a digital 3D representation of a hearing aid shell impression. A first wax guard plane is determined at a predefined flip distance from the canal tip along the central line, and a second wax guard plane is determined at a predefined canal tip offset distance from the canal tip along the central line. A size and position for a feature of the wax guard is calculated based on predefined parameters, and the wax guard is constructed utilizing the calculated side and position. The type of wax guard can be a bell bore design, an open design, a Philip design, or a flip design.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2007Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: SIEMENS HEARING INSTRUMENTS INC.Inventors: Artem Boltyenkov, Tong Fang, Fred McBagonluri, Andreas Reh
-
Patent number: 7418105Abstract: A sheath may be folded inside-out to cover a core-form and form an in-ear device therewith. A settable compound is injected between the spacing formed between core-from and sheath to allow in-situ fitting. The sheath is of variable thickness, having lower thickness portions and augmented thickness portions to direct flow and settling of settable compound during in-situ fitting.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Sonomax Hearing Healthcare Inc.Inventor: Ian McIntosh
-
Publication number: 20080019549Abstract: An in-the-ear plug-like insert to introduce and hold a sound signal or acoustic signal guiding and/or producing element or device respectively comprises an acoustic signal and/or sound signal output opening including portion at least partially consisting of an elastic or soft material, which portion further comprises integrated cerumen protection means, which are arranged inwardly displaced from the signal output opening within the portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2006Publication date: January 24, 2008Applicant: PHONAK AGInventor: Andre Lucien Ochsenbein
-
Patent number: 7313245Abstract: An acoustically permeative intracanal cap is adapted to be worn semi-permanently deep in the ear canal for shielding a hearing device positioned deeper within the ear canal against moisture and debris infiltration. The intracanal cap conforms circumferentially to the walls of the ear canal for occlusion thereof, and comprises a porous membrane with pores sized to prevent water and solid debris from entering the ear canal while allowing air-conducted sounds to freely reach the microphone of the shielded hearing device. The intracanal cap may be entirely separate from the hearing device for independent insertion and removal, or attached to a lateral section of the hearing device for concurrent insertion and removal therewith into and from the ear canal.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2000Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventor: Adnan Shennib
-
Patent number: 7296653Abstract: A sound controlling apparatus adapted for combination with a speaker unit, comprising a stand configured to support the speaker unit, a reflecting panel or panels associated with the stand to reflect sound waves transmitted by the speaker unit, a side panel or panels associated with the stand, there being a reflected sound transmission path or paths defined by at least one of the following: i) the stand ii) a side panel, or panels, iii) the stand and a side panel or panels.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Inventors: Harold N. Smith, Jr., Harold N. Smith, III
-
Patent number: 7292701Abstract: A wax filter manipulator, wax filter, holder for a number of wax filter manipulators, and system comprising a wax filter manipulator and a holder for a wax filter manipulator, the system comprising a wax filter manipulator and a holder for a wax filter manipulator, whereby the manipulator has a first tool part for initially holding and subsequently releasing a new wax filter in the sound outlet tube or vent opening of a hearing aid and a second tool part adapted to receive and hold a used wax filter, where the manipulator further comprises a gripping part to be gripped and held by a person and where the first and second tool parts are arranged side by side and extend essentially in the same direction from an edge portion of the gripping part, whereby the holder for the manipulator comprises at least one pocket for accommodating at least that edge part of a manipulator, which holds the two tool parts.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2003Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Oticon A/SInventors: Jesper Bach Nørgaard, Klaus L. Svendsen
-
Publication number: 20070206826Abstract: With a hearing aid device barometric pressure equalization is intended to be achieved in a simple and economical manner in a sound canal between an earpiece and a cerumen protection system with a gas-tight membrane. To this end a pressure equalization canal is proposed, which opens into the sound canal. The pressure equalization canal preferably connects the sound canal to a vent. It can be produced in a simple manner when manufacturing the housing of the hearing aid device using a computer-aided manufacturing method.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2007Publication date: September 6, 2007Inventor: Gerhard Röhrlein
-
Patent number: 7215789Abstract: A disposable hearing device is adapted to be positioned entirely within an ear canal for extended wear therein. The device includes a core assembly and a sealing retainer. The core assembly includes a lateral section of generally oval cross-section and generally elongated cylindrical shape for alignment substantially along the ear canal's longitudinal axis, and a receiver section having a receiver coupled to the lateral section for medial positioning in the ear canal's bony region. The lateral section includes a microphone and a battery assembly, and is dimensioned to avoid occluding the ear canal while it is at least partially laterally suspended therein. The sealing retainer is concentrically positioned over the receiver section, and has a composition to conform to the ear canal's bony region wall to seat the hearing device and acoustically seal it in the ear canal to inhibit feedback therein.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2002Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Adnan Shennib, Richard C. Urso
-
Patent number: 7113611Abstract: A hearing aid includes a first half shell and a second shell attached to the first shell. A microphone, battery, electronics, a receiver and a flexible tip are mounted within a housing formed by the first half shell and the second half shell. A mechanical securing mechanism, located on the first half shell and the second half shell, attaches the first half shell to the second half shell. A flexible tip for a hearing aid includes a tip portion, a sound port attached to the tip portion and a vent formed in the flexible tip. The vent provides static pressure equilibrium between an ear canal and an ambient pressure.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Sarnoff CorporationInventors: Marvin A. Leedom, Derek D. Mahoney, John M. Margicin, Sam Meytus, Reuben Zielinski, Frederick Fritz, Michael H. Tardugno, Walter P. Sjursen, David A. Preves
-
Patent number: 7082206Abstract: A flexible tip for a hearing aid includes a mushroom shaped tip, an inner portion having a bore and a receiver mounted within the bore. The receiver can be housing and sealed within a receiver housing. The receiver housing can include a spring having a high compliance along a longitudinal axis and transverse axis, to provide flexibility in the flexible tip. The spring can also having a high stiffness along a radial direction about the circumference of the spring to provide support of the flexible tip from radially directed loads.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Sarnoff CorporationInventors: Derek D. Mahoney, John M. Margicin, Frederick J. Fritz, Walter P. Sjursen