Abstract: An electronic hearing protection system includes an electronic hearing device having a housing that is disposed in a recessed cavity in an earplug. The housing of the electronic hearing device is configured to be rotatable between multiple positions, including a first position in which a speaker of the electronic hearing device aligns with a sound tube in the earplug to permit sound generated by the speaker to travel through the sound tube to the user's ear canal, and a second position in which the housing blocks the sound tube to at least partially prevent sound from reaching the user's ear canal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described herein related to improving the sound quality of a bone conduction speaker. The sound quality of the bone conduction speaker is adjusted in the sound generation, sound transferring, and sound receiving of the bone conduction speaker by designing vibration generation manners and vibration transfer structures.

Abstract: An electronic hearing protection system includes an electronic hearing device having a housing that is disposed in a recessed cavity in an earplug. The housing of the electronic hearing device is configured to be rotatable between multiple positions, including a first position in which a speaker of the electronic hearing device aligns with a sound tube in the earplug to permit sound generated by the speaker to travel through the sound tube to the user's ear canal, and a second position in which the housing blocks the sound tube to at least partially prevent sound from reaching the user's ear canal.

Abstract: A speaker of a hearing instrument generates a sound that includes a range of frequencies. Furthermore, a microphone of the hearing instrument measures an acoustic response to the sound. A processing system classifies, based on the acoustic response to the sound, a depth of insertion of an in-ear assembly of the hearing instrument into an ear canal of a user. Additionally, the processing system generates an indication based on the depth of insertion of the in-ear assembly of the hearing instrument into the ear canal of the user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described herein related to improving the sound quality of a bone conduction speaker. The sound quality of the bone conduction speaker is adjusted in the sound generation, sound transferring, and sound receiving of the bone conduction speaker by designing vibration generation manners and vibration transfer structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bone conduction speaker and its compound vibration device. The compound vibration device comprises a vibration conductive plate and a vibration board, the vibration conductive plate is set to be the first torus, where at least two first rods inside it converge to its center; the vibration board is set as the second torus, where at least two second rods inside it converge to its center. The vibration conductive plate is fixed with the vibration board; the first torus is fixed on a magnetic system, and the second torus comprises a fixed voice coil, which is driven by the magnetic system. The bone conduction speaker in the present invention and its compound vibration device adopt the fixed vibration conductive plate and vibration board, making the technique simpler with a lower cost; because the two adjustable parts in the compound vibration device can adjust both low frequency and high frequency area, the frequency response obtained is flatter and the sound is broader.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described herein related to improving the sound quality of a bone conduction speaker. The sound quality of the bone conduction speaker is adjusted in the sound generation, sound transferring, and sound receiving of the bone conduction speaker by designing vibration generation manners and vibration transfer structures.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described herein related to improving the sound quality of a bone conduction speaker. The sound quality of the bone conduction speaker is adjusted in the sound generation, sound transferring, and sound receiving of the bone conduction speaker by designing vibration generation manners and vibration transfer structures.

Abstract: An in-ear optical sensor device sits deep within the ear canal of a subject such that is in the cartilaginous region and/or the bony region of the ear canal where effects from temporomandibular joint activity or other movement, and external light, are limited. The device has a lateral housing and a medial articulating head joined at an articulation joint so that the medial articulating head may be angled relative to the lateral housing to help the device fit within tortuous ear canals. The device also includes a seal configured to conform to the shape of the ear canal to physically support the device to further limit movement and block environmental light. An audio receiver is also included in the device.

Abstract: The hearing aid includes an end wall having end face adapted to face outwards of an ear canal when the hearing aid is placed in the ear canal, and the hearing aid includes an antenna extending from the end face and having two legs inserted into the end wall and electrically coupled to wireless circuitry arranged inside the hollow housing. Each leg of the antenna is provided with a first coupling part releasably engaging a corresponding second coupling part of the hollow housing, and at least one locking part is movable between a locking position in which the first coupling parts are locked to the corresponding second coupling parts and a release position in which the first coupling parts are free to be removed from the corresponding second coupling parts.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting to an ear canal component of a hearing aid includes a sleeve having a first end, an opposite second end, and a channel extending between the first end and the second end. The sleeve is configured to engage the ear canal component such that the ear canal component is in the channel. A flap is coupled to the sleeve and pivotable into and between an open position in which the channel at the second end of the sleeve is open and a closed position in which the flap closes the channel at the second end of the sleeve. When the flap is in the closed position, the flap prevents the ear canal component from passing out of the channel through the second end of the sleeve.

Abstract: An automated process for equalizing an audio system and an apparatus for implementing the process. An audio system includes a microphone unit, for receiving the sound waves radiated from a plurality of speakers, acoustic measuring circuitry, for calculating frequency response measurements; a memory, for storing characteristic data of the loudspeaker units and further for storing the frequency response measurements; and equalization calculation circuitry, for calculating an equalization pattern responsive to the digital data and responsive to the characteristic data of the plurality of loudspeaker units. Also described is an automated equalizing system including a acoustic measuring circuitry including a microphone for measuring frequency response at a plurality of locations; a memory, for storing the frequency responses at the plurality of locations; and equalization calculation circuitry, for calculating, from the frequency responses, an optimized equalization pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for more effectively capturing the three-dimensional surface geometry of objects, particularly for teeth and/or intraoral structures, such as when a scanning processing is interrupted. Depth images are created in which the spatial relationships of points of the depth images to one another remain constant, but an overall spatial orientation of each new depth image is different. Points of the depth image that fulfill a first attribute is verified for every pose. The number of points that have this attribute is then counted. The pose that accordingly has the highest count is thus chosen, and an artificial depth image is then generated, in which the ascertained pose is applied “backwards” to create an artificial depth image. The real new depth image can then be transferred into the artificial depth image in order to create a new pose, which may then be verified by computation.

Abstract: A method of obtaining an impression of an eye, the method comprises preparing an impression material, contacting the impression material with an eye of a subject, obtaining an impression of the eye on the impression material, creating an indication of the orientation of the impression with respect to the eye, and removing the impression material from the eye. The impression can be used in a method of manufacturing a lens for an eye that comprises receiving one or more data files comprising a back lens surface calculation and a front lens surface calculation, forming a back lens surface from a lens blank based on the back lens surface calculation, forming a front lens surface from the lens blank based on the front lens surface calculation, and forming one or more asymmetric features in the back lens surface based on the back lens surface calculation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tip-plate assembly for arrangement at a proximal end portion of a hearing device to be worn at least partially within an ear canal such that said proximal end portion faces towards an ear drum. Said tip-plate assembly comprises a tip-plate (9) having a seating aperture (10), a receiver module (5) having a sound output port (6) at a front end (11), and a suspension element (12). Said suspension element (12) at least partly envelopes said receiver module (5) at said front end (11) and said receiver module (5) is mounted in said seating aperture (10) by means of said suspension element (12). Said tip-plate assembly may further comprise a microphone module (15). Moreover, a hearing device comprising such a tip-plate assembly is given, and a method of manufacturing a hearing device comprising such a tip-plate assembly is proposed.

Abstract: A hand held tool for safely inserting a canal hearing device into the ear canal having a medial end configured to simultaneously cradle the lateral end of the canal hearing device and constrain a knob element laterally positioned on the canal hearing device. In a preferred embodiment, the insertion tool comprises a C-shaped cavity for self-centering engagement with a D-shaped lateral end of a CIC device, providing ease of use for hearing impaired individuals. In a preferred embodiment, the insertion tool is substantially formed of a single monolithic structure for improved durability and lower cost of fabrication.

Abstract: An external ear canal pressure regulation device including a fluid flow generator and an earpiece having a first axial earpiece conduit fluidicly coupled to the fluid flow generator, whereby the earpiece has a compliant earpiece external surface configured to sealably engage an external ear canal as a barrier between an external ear canal pressure and an ambient pressure.

Abstract: Provided are bone conducting hearing devices having a normal force that secures the device to a user. A removable adhesive anchor secures an external component of the bone conducting hearing device to the user and provides reliable connecting that is comfortable, such as by a substantially uniform force generation over the contact area between the device and the user. Because the adhesive anchor is removable, a user can readily and reliably remove the device or connect the device, as desired. Also provide are methods of connecting any of the bone conducting hearing devices provided herein to a user, including the mastoid process of the user.

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.

Abstract: The invention describes a hearing device with a BTE (Behind-The-Ear) unit and an air filled tube. The BTE unit comprises a power source, a microphone, an amplifier, and a receiver and is configured to be mounted behind or on the ear of a user. The air filled tube as a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the air filled tube is connected to the receiver of the BTE unit and a flexible sealing part is provided at the distal end. The flexible sealing part comprises a core hole permeable for sound transmitted from the air filled tube through a core pathway. The air filled tube is further configured to be arranged in a user's ear canal to transmit sound generated by the BTE unit to a tympanic membrane of the user. The flexible sealing part is arranged in a bony portion of the user's ear canal when in use. The diameter of the flexible sealing part is at least as large as the diameter of the bony portion of the ear canal of a user to close the ear canal.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a housing for accommodation of a signal processor for processing an audio signal into a processed audio signal compensating a hearing loss, and a receiver that is connected to an output of the signal processor for converting the processed audio signal into a sound signal, wherein the housing extends through a central part of an earpiece part, and is coupled to the earpiece part, the earpiece part configured to be placed in an ear canal of a user.

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 dose the ear canal of the user and has at least one internal vent pathway located on the circumference of the core hole.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a device housing (2) in which a programmable sound processing device is received on a carrier. The carrier is provided on a main surface with a conductor track which lies exposed in an opening (8) in an outer casing of the device housing (2). A coupling connector (20) of an external programming device can be received in the opening in order to place the conductor track on the main surface of the carrier into direct and operative contact with a corresponding conductor track on the coupling connector. A separate connector for the purpose of programming and tuning the sound processing device to the individual hearing characteristics and/or wishes of a user can thus be omitted from the hearing aid.

Abstract: Electronic devices such as compact portable media players are provided. A housing for an electronic device may be relatively compact. The housing may include a door assembly with an attached spring-loaded clip. The electronic device may include a hold switch. Depending on the state of the hold switch, the electronic device may be in an off mode, a continuous playback mode, or a shuffle playback mode. The electronic device may not have integrated media playback controls such as play, pause, rewind, fast forward, etc. As one example, the electronic device may connect to an accessory that has media playback controls. Buttons and other user interfaces may be included in the accessory and user input information may be conveyed between the accessory and the electronic device using a wired path including audio connectors. The electronic device may include a printed circuit board assembly that is nested together with a battery assembly.

Abstract: The invention regards an ear canal device and a retainer strip, whereby the ear canal device has a distal part for extending into the ear canal and facing the tympanic membrane and a proximal part extending towards the ear canal opening, wherein the proximal part of the ear canal device comprises an opening extending transversely through the ear canal device, and where a retaining strip is arranged with a first end thereof arranged to be fastened in the opening and a second end arranged to lie resiliently against the inside of the concha for exerting a retaining force on the ear canal device.

Abstract: An in-ear device comprises a main body for placement in the outer ear of a wearer and has at least two derivative canals each containing a filtering medium differing from one another in terms of their frequency suppression capabilities, and a preferably rotatable knob enabling selection of the respective filtering canal without the need for removal of the device from the ear.

Abstract: An ear piece is formed for insertion and placement in an external auditory canal. The ear piece has an inflatable balloon which, when it is inflated, expands and braces against the walls of the auditory canal. When it is deflated, it may be withdrawn from the auditory canal. The ear piece may be used in connection with a hearing aid, an MP3 player, a cell phone, or the like. A pump inflates the balloon and a valve controls the selective deflation of the balloon. The air intake to the pump is protected against contamination from inside the auditory canal. For that purpose it is formed inside a housing the air inlet of which is as far outside the ear canal as possible. In the case of a behind-the-ear application, the intake opening is formed in the housing that is to be placed behind the user's ear.

Abstract: A user interface incorporated onto a hearing aid includes flexible hybrid component integrating a touch sensor into a bendable display. The touch sensor, such as a capacitive sensor, includes one or more sensor elements allowing a user to control operation of the hearing aid by touching. The bendable display presents information related to the operation of the hearing aid to the user.

Abstract: Examples of a removable earpiece assembly configured for coupling to a canal hearing device using a foil-thin clip are described. The earpiece assembly may be readily removed for replacement when soiled or degraded after use. The earpiece assembly may include a compliant element for contact with the ear canal in a comfortable and safe manner. The earpiece assembly may function as an acoustic seal and/or a retainer for the canal hearing device. The removable earpiece assembly may provide a highly space efficient solution which may be used with miniature canal hearing devices, including a CIC device. In some embodiments, disengagement of the earpiece assembly from the canal hearing device may be accomplished by a side peel motion.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion, positioning and removal of an in-ear-canal hearing aid, comprising a resilient handle, an elongated support member configured to fit into an ear canal, the support member having a first end that is configured to engage the handle and a second end that includes magnetic engagement means configured to removably engage an in-ear-canal hearing aid, and an ear canal ingression stop that is configured to limit travel of the support member and, thereby, the in-ear-canal hearing aid when engaged thereto in the ear canal.

Abstract: Methods, tools, and methods of manufacturing said tools are provided for inserting a hearing device deeply into the ear canal of a user and adjusting its medial-lateral position therein. The provided tools comprise a shaft. A distal end of the shaft can be coupled to the hearing device. The shaft is flexible to facilitate its insertion into the tortuous ear canal and minimize injurious contact with the ear canal. The length of the shaft can be adjusted to adjust the depth of insertion of the shaft into the ear canal, customizing the tool for an individual user. Medial advancement of the shaft into the ear canal is limited by a base, side extension, or mold coupled to a proximal portion of the shaft or other proximal part of the tool.

Abstract: A securing mechanism comprising a plurality of outwardly projecting members having a plurality of contact points that are configured to contact a surface of an opening when disposed on a space access device that is inserted in the opening, the securing mechanism being configured to apply a pressure to a contact surface within the opening less than approximately 10000 kPa.

Abstract: A removal tool for removing canal hearing devices from the ear canal, examples of which may include a hand piece and a removal loop having a wide section for placing over a knob handle structure incorporated within the canal hearing device, and a narrow section for interlocking with the knob handle to remove the hearing device from the ear. The removal loop is generally configured in the shape of keyhole to guide and transition of the knob and shaft of the knob handle into the narrow section for capture and interlocking therewithin. The removal tool may provide ease of use, particularly for individuals with poor dexterity and/or poor vision. In a preferred embodiment, the removal loop is made of a single formed wire for improved durability, lower cost of fabrication, and safe operation that minimizes contact with the walls of the ear canal.

Abstract: A hearing aid assembly comprising an inflatable ear dome, and in particular, a connector for connecting an inflatable ear-dome to a hearing aid.

Abstract: A soft custom ear mold (300) comprising: an inner ear mold part (100) consisting of a first bushing (101), a sound tube (102) and an ear wax guard bushing (103), and an outer ear mold part (200) that is adapted to fit an individual ear canal and comprises a sound conduit having holding means adapted to engage said inner part (100). The holding means defines the correct positioning of said inner part (100) in the sound conduit of said outer part (200) whereby a precise and stable positioning of the ear wax guard bushing (103) in the soft custom ear mold (300) is provided. The invention also relates to a hearing aid comprising such an ear mold (300, 900), a method for manufacturing such an ear mold and a tool for carrying out a part of said manufacturing method.

Abstract: A hearing aid switch utilizes pressure/sound clues from a filtered input signal to enable actuation initiated by a user by a signature hand movement relative to a wearer's ear. The preferred signature hand movement involves patting on the ear meatus at least one time to generate a compression wave commonly thought of as a soft “clap” or “pop”. A digital signal processor analyzes the signal looking for a negative pulse, a positive pulse, and dissipation of the hand generated signal.

Abstract: Methods, tools, and methods of manufacturing said tools are provided for inserting a hearing device deeply into the ear canal of a user and adjusting its medial-lateral position therein. The provided tools comprise a shaft. A distal end of the shaft can be coupled to the hearing device. The shaft is flexible to facilitate its insertion into the tortuous ear canal and minimize injurious contact with the ear canal. The length of the shaft can be adjusted to adjust the depth of insertion of the shaft into the ear canal, customizing the tool for an individual user. Medial advancement of the shaft into the ear canal is limited by a base, side extension, or mold coupled to a proximal portion of the shaft or other proximal part of the tool.

Abstract: Examples of a removable earpiece assembly configured for coupling to a canal hearing device using a foil-thin clip are described. The earpiece assembly may be readily removed for replacement when soiled or degraded after use. The earpiece assembly may include a compliant element for contact with the ear canal in a comfortable and safe manner. The earpiece assembly may function as an acoustic seal and/or a retainer for the canal hearing device. The removable earpiece assembly may provide a highly space efficient solution which may be used with miniature canal hearing devices, including a CIC device. In some embodiments, disengagement of the earpiece assembly from the canal hearing device may be accomplished by a side peel motion.

Abstract: The disclosed methods and devices incorporate a novel expandable bubble portion which provides superior fidelity to a listener while minimizing listener fatigue. The expandable bubble portion may be expanded through the transmission of low frequency audio signals or the pumping of a gas to the expandable bubble portion. In addition, embodiments of the acoustic device may be adapted to consistently and comfortably fit to any ear, providing for a variable, impedance matching acoustic seal to both the tympanic membrane and the audio transducer, respectively, while isolating the sound-vibration chamber within the driven bubble. This reduces the effect of gross audio transducer vibration excursions on the tympanic membrane and transmits the audio content in a manner which allows the ear to utilize its full inherent capabilities.

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.

Abstract: In a hearing device or hearing aid, provision can be made for a sound tube or an in-the-ear loudspeaker to be held in an auditory canal of a user by an earpiece. To couple a sound tube to an earpiece, a connection element can be provided on the sound tube, which connection element can be connected to a connection element for the earpiece. This connection must be detachable so that a user can remove the earpiece from the sound tube. Nevertheless, it must be possible to transmit such a large force over the connection that the earpiece can once again be pulled out of the auditory canal. The object is to simplify a detachable connection for coupling an earpiece to a sound tube or an in-the-ear loudspeaker. Accordingly, the connection element for the earpiece is provided as an independent component, which is attached in or on the earpiece.

Abstract: An earphone comprises an inner shell, a stem and a pivot connection. The inner shell has a generally circular periphery shaped to at least partially fit in a user's concha. The stem is mounted to the inner shell at a position spaced from a rotational center of the inner shell and supports a wire leading to the inner shell. The inner shell and the stem are rotatable relative to each other by the pivot connection to configure the earphone to fit the user's ear with the shell member positioned at least partially in the user's concha and the stem positioned exteriorly along an intertragic notch of the ear.

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.

Abstract: Provided are bone conducting hearing devices having a normal force that secures the device to a user. A removable adhesive anchor secures an external component of the bone conducting hearing device to the user and provides reliable connecting that is comfortable, such as by a substantially uniform force generation over the contact area between the device and the user. Because the adhesive anchor is removable, a user can readily and reliably remove the device or connect the device, as desired. Also provide are methods of connecting any of the bone conducting hearing devices provided herein to a user, including the mastoid process of the user.

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.

Abstract: In a hearing aid system having a first hearing aid and a second hearing aid for providing binaural hearing assistance to a user, the hearing aid for providing hearing assistance to the left ear can easily be confused with the hearing aid for providing hearing assistance to the right ear. The invention proposes a side detection device by means of which each hearing aid detects on or in which ear of the user it is currently being worn. Advantageously, the parameter settings for providing hearing assistance to both ears are stored in both hearing aids of a respective hearing aid system, with the result that following the automatic detection of the respective ear in which the respective hearing aid is currently being worn the corresponding parameter settings are also activated automatically.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a relatively rigid shell which holds hearing aid electronics and one or more flexible, shape-retaining filaments attached to the hearing aid shell. The filament(s) extend(s) out a proximal side of the hearing aid shell having a shape which interacts with the user's ear anatomy such as the conchae bowl. The shape determines an insertion depth of the hearing aid shell into the user's ear canal, and a spring action biases the hearing aid toward the desired insertion depth. The hearing aid supported by the filament(s) provides an open, unoccluding position in the ear canal.

Abstract: A removal tool for removing canal hearing devices from the ear canal, examples of which may include a hand piece and a removal loop having a wide section for placing over a knob handle structure incorporated within the canal hearing device, and a narrow section for interlocking with the knob handle to remove the hearing device from the ear. The removal loop is generally configured in the shape of keyhole to guide and transition of the knob and shaft of the knob handle into the narrow section for capture and interlocking therewithin. The removal tool may provide ease of use, particularly for individuals with poor dexterity and/or poor vision. In a preferred embodiment, the removal loop is made of a single formed wire for improved durability, lower cost of fabrication, and safe operation that minimizes contact with the walls of the ear canal.

Abstract: A hearing aid insertion tool assists a user in the insertion and removal of hearing aids into and from an ear. The tool includes a handle, a thumb pad, and a spring clip. The spring clip is adapted to releasably clamp an ear-piece portion of a hearing aid, such that a user can utilize the tool to subsequently guide the ear-piece into their ear. Once the ear-piece is in place, the user can squeeze the spring clip to release the tool from the hearing aid. The tool is provided in a short-handled embodiment which provides a smaller overall construction adapted for travel and a long-handled embodiment for use at home or by users with diminished strength or dexterity.