Hook Over Ear Patents (Class 381/330)
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Patent number: 8107661Abstract: An assistive listening device cap attaches to a headpiece of a cochlear implant behind-the-ear (BTE) unit, an other BTE unit, an earhook, or an external component unit to supplement or replace components thereof. The cap may receive signals from sources outside the BTE unit(s), earhook, and/or external component unit. The cap communicates with the BTE unit(s), earhook, and/or external component unit using direct, wired, or wireless technology.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2009Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Advanced Bionics, LLCInventors: Douglas P. Lynch, Carla Mann Woods
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Patent number: 8103032Abstract: Hearing aid with a first housing part to accommodate an electrical energy source, a second housing part to accommodate an electronic component and a third housing part to transmit an acoustic stimulus into the ear of a user, wherein the housing parts have a detachable, fluid-tight connection to one another and a facility for selecting an operating state is present in the first or second housing part, having an operating element, which is arranged in a fluid-tight manner on the outside of the housing part.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte LtdInventors: Wai Kit David Ho, Wee Haw Koo, Beng Hai Tan
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Patent number: 8103031Abstract: A hearing device, in particular a hearing system, is designed more acoustically stable with regard to feedback as well as more mechanically stable with regard to external influences by a sound emission tube for direct connection to an output nozzle of an earpiece of a hearing device. The sound emission tube has an outer sheath made from a first plastic and an inner wall made from a second plastic that is more elastic than the first plastic. The outer sheath and the inner wall are produced by 2-component injection molding. The inner wall damps vibrations from the earpiece outward or shocks from the outside to the earpiece. Conversely, the outer sheath provides for the mechanical stability and the sufficiently rigid mounting of the earpiece.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Wai Kit David Ho, Wee Haw Koo, Wee Loong Ng
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Publication number: 20120014549Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for hearing assistance devices, including, but not limited to connections for receiver-in-canal hearing devices. In various embodiments, a hearing device includes a hearing device component adapted to rest on or behind the ear and hearing assistance electronics disposed in the component. A first connector portion is disposed in the component, the first connector portion electrically connected to the hearing assistance electronics. A second connector portion is adapted to conform to a portion of the component and to electrically and physically connect a cable to the first connector portion. In various embodiments, at least one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion employ scratch pads for contacts. The first connector portion is top loading, in an embodiment.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Sidney A. Higgins, Curt Johnson, Thomas Spaulding, Thomas Blaise Bergner
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Patent number: 8098860Abstract: Hearing apparatus and especially hearing devices are to be designed to be smaller. To this end there is provision for the shell or otoplastic to be worn in the auditory canal or for the housing of the hearing apparatus to be made of battery layers, so that the shell or otoplastic or the housing of the hearing apparatus itself represents the battery. Alternatively the hearing device battery can also be relocated from a conventional hearing device into a normal otoplastic, with this also reducing the volume of the hearing device. The reduction in volume allows the acceptance of wearing the hearing device to be greatly increased, and a variant of the hearing apparatus can be more easily implemented as a cymba device.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2007Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbHInventor: Wolfgang Geiger
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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
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Patent number: 8098865Abstract: An ear hook is to be able to be tightly attached to a hearing device housing in a simple fashion. To this end, provision is made for it to be possible to clip the ear hook onto the hearing device housing. One of the two parts; hearing device housing and ear hook has a sound outlet tube, which can be inserted into a corresponding opening in the other part. The two parts are detachably fastened to one another in an axial direction in respect of the sound outlet tube by means of a magnetic connection. The magnetic connection ensures that the two components are fitted tightly onto one another, though it enables said two components to rotate in respect of each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2008Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbHInventors: Wai Kit David Ho, Wee Haw Koo, Beng Hai Tan
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Patent number: 8094850Abstract: An earpiece auditory device is described which includes a behind-the-ear component shaped to fit behind the ear of a user. The behind-the-ear component can also have at least one microphone and processing circuitry, where the processing circuitry is used to processes audio signal from the microphone. The device also includes a speaker sized to fit in the ear canal of a user, and an ear mold holding the speaker in place. The ear mold can also be position to touch the bony portion of the ear canal and provide sound attenuation in the ear canal. A connector physically and electrically connects the behind-the-ear component to the speaker. The connector is capable of being used to insert and remove the speaker and ear mold from the ear canal of the user.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2009Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Hear-Wear Technologies, LLCInventors: Jim Feeley, Mike Feeley
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Patent number: 8094849Abstract: A mechanically more stable and more complexly molded sound channel is to be provided for a hearing apparatus. Provision is made to this end for a sound channel, which has three sections in the longitudinal direction, the middle section of which has a different curvature or a larger internal circumference than the two outer sections, to be produced by injection molding. Here a negative of the sound channel is fixed within the injection molded form, with the negative consisting of a first material. The injection molded form with a second material, which has a higher melting point than the first material, is then extruded. The negative is then melted or burnt out of the cast sound channel. Very complex sound channel forms, for instance also with cavities and branching, can be realized in this way.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Björn Freels, Holger Kral
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Patent number: 8094852Abstract: A headset for using an electronic device worn on a head, includes an ear clip formed to have a shape conforming to and wearable on a root of auricle. The ear clip includes a core that can plastically be deformed according to a difference between shapes of the root of auricle and a protecting material that covers the core.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Michihito Ikuma, Yasuhisa Kaneda
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Patent number: 8077895Abstract: A behind-the-ear hearing aid is provided, with an elongated housing and an audio shoe, which is affixed to an end face of the housing in such a way that it can be removed, and a coupling device, with which the audio shoe is coupled to the housing by a sliding movement parallel to the end face of the housing. In addition, affixed to the audio shoe there is a securing device which includes a slider which can be moved crossways relative to the direction in which the audio shoe slides, which in a first position permits the sliding movement of the audio shoe and in a second position prevents the sliding movement. It is thus possible to mount the audio shoe on the hearing aid housing, and to make any necessary contacts, with a double linear movement which is easy to realize.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Holger Kral, Michael Sattler
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Patent number: 8073175Abstract: A behind-the-ear type hearing aid which can improve a fit to a user includes a hearing aid main body and a tube for introducing sound output from the hearing aid main body to an external auditory meatus. The tube is comprised of a connector portion, and a tube portion having one end which connects to the connector portion and an opposite end which to an earplug. The tube portion is constructed so as to be freely transformed, into a desired shape and a metal wire for maintaining the transformed shape is embedded in the tube portion. Also, the shape of the hearing aid main body to be in contact with a user's body can be formed corresponding to the shape of a user's body.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Rion Co., Ltd.Inventor: Keisuke Watanuki
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Patent number: 8068628Abstract: Data is exchanged between a hearing device and a connectable unit. The data, such as an identification code, may be read from the unit. Data may also be output to the connectable unit. The connectable unit may include a random access memory. Furthermore, the connectable unit may include a sequence control element.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2008Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Inventors: Hartmut Ritter, Tom Weidner
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Publication number: 20110268304Abstract: Children should be prevented from easily being able to remove the ear hook of a hearing aid. It is for this reason that a hearing aid that is to be worn behind an ear has a housing, which houses signal-processing components, and an ear hook, which is detachably attached to the housing. During the attachment process, the ear hook is moved toward the housing in an axial direction. The ear hook and the housing are embodied such that, in order to attach the ear hook to the housing, there is at least one movement of the ear hook in a second direction and a movement of the ear hook in a third direction, which differs from the second direction. Both the second and the third direction differ from the first direction. It follows that a complicated movement pattern is required when the ear hook is disassembled from the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: SIEMENS MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS PTE. LTD.Inventors: KerSer Ang, Chong Neng Cho, Markus Heerlein, Harald Klemenz, Peter Nikles, Yi Ren Chris Tan
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Patent number: 8050437Abstract: An earpiece auditory device is described which includes a behind-the-ear component shaped to fit behind the ear of a user. The behind-the-ear component can also have at least one microphone and processing circuitry, where the processing circuitry is used to processes audio signal from the microphone. The device also includes a speaker sized to fit in the ear canal of a user, and an ear mold holding the speaker in place. The ear mold can also be position to touch the bony portion of the ear canal and provide sound attenuation in the ear canal. A connector physically and electrically connects the behind-the-ear component to the speaker. The connector is capable of being used to insert and remove the speaker and ear mold from the ear canal of the user.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2006Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Hear-Wear Technologies, LLCInventors: Jim Feeley, Mike Feeley
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Publication number: 20110249851Abstract: There is provided a behind-the-ear hearing aid that makes it easy for a hearing aid wearer to estimate a position of a sound source with respect to a front-back direction and that enables an increase in aesthetic property when the hearing aid is worn. A behind-the-ear hearing aid of the present invention is used while fitted to an ear of a human body, and includes at least a microphone 101 which collects ambient sound, thereby generating an input signal and signal processing unit 102 that generates an output signal from the input signal. The hearing aid also has a behind-the-ear portion 110 that can be fitted to the ear and a receiver 103 that reproduces output sound from the output signal. When the behind-the-ear portion 110 is fitted to the ear, the microphone 101 is arranged in an entrance of an ear canal that lies in the extension of an ear canal 220 and that is disposed closer to an eardrum than to a plane that is defined by a helix 901, a tragus 902, and an earlobe 903.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2011Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: KENJI IWANO, HIROSHI KONDO
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Patent number: 8031893Abstract: Supply of power is ensured on use without requiring troublesome works such as battery replacement work and charging work. Specifically, hearing aids, which collect sound, amplify the collected sound, and output the amplified sound, boosts electromotive force generated by the Peltier module derived from temperature difference between a human-body contact portion and an ambient-air contact portion, and causes sound collecting units, a controller IC, a speaker to operate by the boosted voltage.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2007Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junji Imai, Hitoshi Makinaga, Hiroshi Inoue
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Patent number: 8023677Abstract: An In The Ear (ITE) microphone improves the acoustic response of a Behind The Ear (BTE) Implantable Cochlear Stimulation (ICS) system during telephone use. An acoustic seal provided by holding a telephone earpiece against the ear provides improved coupling of low frequency (up to about 1 KHz) sound waves, sufficient to overcome losses due to the near field acoustic characteristics common to telephones. In an exemplary embodiment, the ITE microphone is connected to a removable ear hook of the BTE ICS system by a short bendable stalk.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Advanced Bionics, LLCInventors: William Vanbrooks Harrison, Lee F Hartley, Philip A Segel, C. Geoffrey E Fernald, Scott Crawford
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Patent number: 8023674Abstract: An electronic hearing aid apparatus comprises a first component, a second component and a cable assembly for electrically connecting the first component to the second component. The first component includes a vibration sensor generating a vibration signal based on sensed acoustic vibrations, electronics for processing and amplifying the vibration signal and an output port for providing access to the amplified vibration signal. The second component includes an input port for receiving the amplified vibration signal and a vibration generator for generating vibrations based on the amplified vibration signal. The cable assembly conducts the amplified vibration signal from the output port of the first component to the input port of the second component. The cable assembly includes a first connector for connecting to the first component, a second connector for connecting to the second component and a flexible cable portion for electrically connecting the first connector to the second connector.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Inventors: Daniel R. Schumaier, David M. Campbell, II
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Patent number: 8023678Abstract: A hearing device and an associated method are provided. The hearing device includes a behind-the-ear part and an in-the-ear part that are connected to one another by a connecting element. The behind-the-ear part has a switching element arranged to be functionally connected to the connecting element such that at least two switching positions of the switching element can be engaged by a movement of the connecting element.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbHInventor: Eghart Fischer
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Patent number: 8014551Abstract: There is provided a behind-the-ear hearing aid that makes it easy for a hearing aid wearer to estimate a position of a sound source with respect to a front-back direction and that enables an increase in aesthetic property when the hearing aid is worn. A behind-the-ear hearing aid of the present invention is used while fitted to an ear of a human body, and includes at least a microphone 101 which collects ambient sound, thereby generating an input signal and signal processing unit 102 that generates an output signal from the input signal. The hearing aid also has a behind-the-ear portion 110 that can be fitted to the ear and a receiver 103 that reproduces output sound from the output signal. When the behind-the-ear portion 110 is fitted to the ear, the microphone 101 is arranged in an entrance of an ear canal that lies in the extension of an ear canal 220 and that is disposed closer to an eardrum than to a plane that is defined by a helix 901, a tragus 902, and an earlobe 903.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Kenji Iwano, Hiroshi Kondo
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Patent number: 8000488Abstract: In regard to an ear mold for a hearing aid, there are provided the ear mold which a metal bush is settled in a tube for joint of the hearing aid, the metal bush has been used on account of settlement of said tube for joint of the hearing aid, and which a tube is adhered by an adhesive, the adhesive has been used on account of settlement of said tube. However, said ear mold has disadvantages that said tube is easily moved for the reason of instability, said tube drops out from the ear mold, and the ear mold has the problem of a phenomenon of a howling by sound leak-out.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Suyama Dental Laboratory, Inc.Inventor: Keita Suyama
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Publication number: 20110194718Abstract: A receiver tube for a hearing aid has an integrated strain relief. A receiver mounted at the end of the receiver tube is normally worn in the auditory canal of a hearing aid wearer. It is pulled out of the auditory canal by pulling at the receiver tube or also separated from the receiver tube for the purpose of cleaning or exchange. Due to the tensile forces, the flexible receiver tube is stretched and elongated. This longitudinal extension may under certain circumstances amount to up to several millimeters and load or even damage the connection of the less extensible conductor to the receiver or to the hearing aid extending through the receiver tube due to tension. The novel receiver tube has a strain relief with a strain aid that is inexpensive to produce and benefitting a small diameter, has a high visual transparency and a high flexibility of the receiver tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: SIEMENS MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS PTE. LTD.Inventors: Andreas Ratay, Tom Weidner
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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 -
Patent number: 7970157Abstract: An In The Ear (ITE) microphone improves the acoustic response of a Behind The Ear (BTE) Implantable Cochlear Stimulation (ICS) system during telephone use. An acoustic seal provided by holding a telephone earpiece against the ear provides improved coupling of low frequency (up to about 1 KHz) sound waves, sufficient to overcome losses due to the near field acoustic characteristics common to telephones. In an exemplary embodiment, the ITE microphone is connected to a removable ear hook of the BTE ICS system by a short bendable stalk.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Advanced Bionics, LLCInventors: William Vanbrooks Harrison, Lee F Hartley, Philip A Segel, C. Geoffrey E Fernald, Scott Crawford
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Publication number: 20110116669Abstract: A special accessory adapter for use with a BTE device of a cochlear implant (CI) system provides two inputs: a T-Mic input and an auxiliary audio input. Both inputs (the T-Mic input and the auxiliary audio input) are connected to a special mixer circuit integrated into a body of the accessory adapter. The body of the accessory adapter connects to the BTE using the same earhook attachment mechanism used by other accessories used by the CI system. The special mixer circuit prevents signals from either the T-Mic input or the auxiliary audio input from interfering with each other. Both signals, however, can still be processed by the processing circuits of the BTE and combined in such a way that user is able to perceive both signals at the same time.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2010Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: Advanced Bionics, LLCInventor: R. Tissa Karunasiri
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Patent number: 7936893Abstract: In a hearing aid, a main body case has a fitting-use first communication terminal provided inside the main body case, so that the first communication terminal can be visually checked when the battery case is removed by turning, and the battery case has a first locking protrusion that is engaged with the main body case and a pressing protrusion that is opposite the first communication terminal, when the battery case is turned for installation.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2010Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Minoru Tada, Yosimasa Simogochi, Kazumasa Okamura
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Publication number: 20110091061Abstract: A hearing instrument with at least one microphone and signal processing includes at least two receivers having a different frequency response. At least a first one of the receivers can be placed outside the ear canal, for example in a behind-the-ear component. A behind-the-ear component and an external component can be provided for being placed in the user's ear canal or in the user's ear with a connection link between the behind-the-ear component and the external component. The sound processing means can feed the first receiver with a first signal of a first central frequency and the second receiver with a second signal of a second central frequency. The signal processing means can be one or two signal processing units. A frequency separating filter can have an input operatively connected to an output of the signal processing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: Phonak AGInventors: Sven von Dombrowski, Hans Leysieffer, Bruno Gabathuler
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Publication number: 20110091060Abstract: A hearing instrument includes a behind-the-ear component and an external component for being placed in the user's ear canal or in the user's ear and a connection link between the behind-the-ear component and the external component. The connection link is reversibly pluggable to the behind-the-ear component and/or the in-the-ear-canal component and has a length that is reversibly adjustable. Fixation means is provided for reversibly fixing the adjusted length of the connection link. The in-the-ear-canal component may be connected to the fixation means and detached therefrom when the same is in the ear canal. An in-the-ear-canal component to be placed in a user's ear canal can have fixation means for fixing it in the ear canal. The fixation means includes an outer shell shaped to fit in the user's ear canal and a mounting structure for holding the in-the-ear-canal component. The outer shell is preferably resilient, with an elasticity allowing temporal deformation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: PHONAK AGInventors: Sven von Dombrowski, Hans Leysieffer, Bruno Gabathuler
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Publication number: 20110091059Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for a behind-the-ear hearing aid with a capacitive sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Michael Karl Sacha
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Patent number: 7925037Abstract: A communications headset may be worn on an ear of a user. The headset may include a housing provided with a protruding concha-engaging part and a hook. The hook has an ear-engaging part and a joint part. The joint part is connected to the housing in that it is retained by a lug which is provided on an upper surface of a bottom wall of the housing. The joint part has an end portion which is configured as a rotation axis around which the hook is rotatable.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2005Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications ABInventor: Johan Te Riet
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Publication number: 20110019850Abstract: In an embodiment, a hearing aid is provided. The hearing aid may include a behind-the-ear component, a sound tube coupled with the behind-the-ear component at its one end, and a loudspeaker coupled with the sound tube at the other end of the sound tube opposite to the behind-the-ear component. The hearing aid may further include a joint connected between the loud-speaker and the sound tube, wherein the joint is moveable or flexible such that a degree of freedom in movement is provided in a direction substantially perpendicular to an insertion direction of the loudspeaker into an ear canal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2008Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: SIEMENS MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS PTE. LTD.Inventor: Wai Loon Ooi
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Publication number: 20110002493Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel protective cover for over-the-ear or behind-the-ear hearing aid devices, wherein the protective cover is resistant to infiltration of moisture, corrosive elements, and/or dirt or debris. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the protective cover comprises a flexible material that offers a formed fit over the hearing aid device, and includes at least one slit within the flexible material such that the protective cover may be readily flipped up to allow access to portions of the over-the-ear or behind-the-ear hearing aid device upon which it is placed without significant effort by the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2009Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: Magnatone Hearing Aid Corp.Inventors: Don E.K. Campbell, William Chiu
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Publication number: 20100316239Abstract: In a hearing aid, a main body case has a fitting-use first communication terminal provided inside the main body case, so that the first communication terminal can be visually checked when the battery case is removed by turning, and the battery case has a first locking protrusion that is engaged with the main body case and a pressing protrusion that is opposite the first communication terminal, when the battery case is turned for installation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: MINORU TADA, YOSIMASA SIMOGOCHI, KAZUMASA OKAMURA
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Patent number: 7841446Abstract: A hearing protection device and method of use intended for a human ear. A plug member caps or enters ear canal, and may be shaped to conform to the external auditory meatus. The plug member may be part of a replacement assembly. The device is biased at least in part by a pressure pad to provide some force against the plug member. An optional handle may be provided to assist with temporarily pulling the plug member away from the ear canal or providing adjustment. An optional bow member clips about the pinna. The device may be adapted for use as an ear phone.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2008Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Waihong Leong, Steven Craig Gehling
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Patent number: 7844065Abstract: According to the first aspect of the invention, a hearing instrument with at least one microphone and signal processing comprises at least two receivers having a different frequency response. At least a first one of the receivers is placed outside the ear canal, for example in a behind-the-ear component. According to the second aspect of the invention, a hearing instrument comprising a behind-the-ear component and an external component for being placed in the user's ear canal or in the user's ear as well as a connection link between the behind-the-ear component and the external component is provided, where the connection link is reversibly pluggable to the behind-the-ear component and/or the in-the-ear-canal component and has a length that is reversibly adjustable. The hearing instrument also comprises fixation means for reversibly fixing the adjusted length of the connection link. A hearing instrument according to the third aspect comprises a fixation means separate from the in-the-ear-canal component.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Phonak AGInventors: Sven von Dombrowski, Hans Leysieffer, Bruno Gabathuler
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Patent number: 7831277Abstract: A wireless communications device and method for providing an output signal. The device includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the wireless communications device; a selection element connected to the control unit and configured to allow selection of several modes of output coupling for generating the output signal of the device; and, a processor connected to the control unit for processing a received signal with parameters selected according to a selected mode of output coupling. The several modes of output coupling correspond to several modes of input operation for a hearing aid to improve coupling between the device and the hearing aid.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2009Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventors: Larry Edward Hawker, Scott MacIntosh
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Publication number: 20100260364Abstract: An example of an apparatus configured to be worn by a person who has an ear and an ear canal includes a first microphone adapted to be worn about the ear of the person, and a second microphone adapted to be worn at a different location than the first microphone. The apparatus includes a sound processor adapted to process signals from the first microphone to produce a processed sound signal, a receiver adapted to convert the processed sound signal into an audible signal to the wearer of the hearing assistance device, and a voice detector to detect the voice of the wearer. The voice detector includes an adaptive filter to receive signals from the first microphone and the second microphone.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Ivo Merks
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Publication number: 20100226519Abstract: The invention relates to a hearing aid comprising a shell shaped for placement behind the ear lobe of a hearing aid user whereby a battery door is mounted in the shell for rotational movement between an open position for granting access to a battery and a closed position where a latch mechanism is provided between a pivotal latching part of the battery door and a corresponding arrest part at an internal side of an arrest wall forming part of the hearing aid shell for arresting the battery door in its closed position where the pivotal latch has a proximal part and a distal part and the distal part is arranged to pivot in order to release the battery door from the arrest part when an opening force is applied to the latch.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: OTICON A/SInventors: Peter SPRAGGE, Michael F. JØrgensen, Rune Værndal
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Publication number: 20100226520Abstract: An earpiece auditory device is described which includes a behind-the-ear component shaped to fit behind the ear of a user. The behind-the-ear component can also have at least one microphone and processing circuitry, where the processing circuitry is used to processes audio signal from the microphone. The device also includes a speaker sized to fit in the ear canal of a user, and an ear mold holding the speaker in place. The ear mold can also be position to touch the bony portion of the ear canal and provide sound attenuation in the ear canal. A connector physically and electrically connects the behind-the-ear component to the speaker. The connector is capable of being used to insert and remove the speaker and ear mold from the ear canal of the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: Hear-Wear Technologies, LLCInventors: Jim Feeley, Mike Feeley
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Publication number: 20100226517Abstract: The capabilities of a helix hearing instrument may expanded with a behind-the-ear accessory module. The module accommodates additional batteries and a variety of accessory functions including an external volume control.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2009Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: Siemens Hearing Instruments. Inc.Inventor: Lavlesh Lamba
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Patent number: 7783068Abstract: A hearing device has an ear fitting piece, a housing part wearable behind the ear, and an earpiece tube connecting the ear fitting piece and the housing part. The transmission of mechanical vibrations between the ear fitting piece and the housing part via the earpiece tube is prevented by damping elements located in the region of the connection points between the ear fitting piece and the earpiece tube, or between the earpiece tube and the housing part. The damping elements damp mechanical vibrations in the transition region. A damping element that prevents the transmission of mechanical vibrations can also be present on or in the earpiece tube. The feedback tendency in the appertaining hearing device is thereby reduced.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2006Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbHInventors: Harald Klemenz, Uwe Rass, Gerhard Röhrlein, Joseph Sauer, Markus Trautner
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MEMBER FOR TRANSMITTING THE SOUND OF A LOUD-SPEAKER TO THE EAR AND EQUIPMENT FITTED WITH SUCH MEMBER
Publication number: 20100208928Abstract: The invention relates to a member that comprises a proximal portion (3) that can be connected to an apparatus (1) including an immobilisation means relative to the head of a wearer, and a distal end (4a) adapted for directing sound into the external auditory canal, characterised in that the portion (3) is provided with a connection means adapted for a rigid connection with said apparatus (1) while the distal end (4a) is adapted so as to be inserted into the concha (C) of the ear opposite the entrance of the external auditory canal and is free from means for establishing a contact immobilisation with any portion of the ear.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2008Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventors: Richard Chene, Dominique Delamour, Alain Miklitarian, Olivier Rodi -
Patent number: 7778434Abstract: A hearing aid body is provided that contains electronic hearing aid components and that is attachable to the user's body outside the ear canal. A conduit connects the hearing aid body to the flexible plug. The conduit enables sound emitted by the hearing aid to travel via the conduit to the flexible plug so that the user's able to hear a sound that is amplified by the hearing aid and received by the plug via the conduit. The conduit can be a flexible hollow tube or an electronic conduit that transmit electrical signals between the hearing aid and the plug. A stent embedded in the plug is provided, the stent having a first smaller diameter at a temperature below body temperature and being expandable to a second greater diameter when subjected to the user's body temperature, such as the temperature in the ear canal of a user.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: General Hearing Instrument, Inc.Inventors: Roger P. Juneau, Edward J. Desporte, Michael Major, Gregory R. Siegle, Brian Tanner
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Patent number: 7778410Abstract: A personal audio listening device is adapted to be worn on a user's ear, and includes a housing, a pivotal knob, and an ear hook member. The housing has a surface and a hollow portion, and defines a first axis and a second axis. The pivotal knob is pivotally mounted on the surface of the housing, and includes a pair of parallel resilient walls. The ear hook member includes a hook body and an end portion. The end portion includes a pivot element in the form of a polygonal post. The hook body is configured to be wearable on the user's ear. The ear hook member is fittingly received between the resilient walls by means of the pivot element so as to be mounted on the pivotal knob. The ear hook member is pivotable about the first axis, and is rotatable about the second axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corp.Inventors: Chun-Hsin Liu, Chung-Chun Wu, Yu-Chang Hung, Liang-Yi Liu
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Publication number: 20100202646Abstract: The fitting of hearing aids and other hearing devices is intended to be made more comfortable. For this, provision is made for a hearing device with a housing which contains a signal processing unit and has a sound outlet. A supporting hook for attaching the hearing device to an ear or a head can be fixed on the sound outlet of the housing such that sound emanating from the sound outlet is guided through the supporting hook. A sensor for detecting the type of supporting hook is arranged in or on the housing. The sensor controls the signal processing unit as a function of the detected type of supporting hook. Thus, the user can for example use different types of supporting hooks without having to decide on a type of supporting hook during the first fitting. Moreover, the degree of mass production of the hearing aid can be further increased by the automatic recognition of the type of supporting hook.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: SIEMENS MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS PTE. LTD.Inventors: Hoong Yih Chan, PhanHow Amy Cheng, Leep Foong Chew, Cheoung Hong Lee, Meng Kiang Lim
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Patent number: 7769194Abstract: An In The Ear (ITE) microphone improves the acoustic response of a Behind The Ear (BTE) Implantable Cochlear Stimulation (ICS) system during telephone use. The microphone includes means for adjusting the position of the microphone to receive sound waves through a port. An acoustic seal provided by holding a telephone earpiece against the ear provides improved coupling of low frequency (up to about 1 KHz) sound waves, sufficient to overcome losses due to the near field acoustic characteristics common to telephones. In an exemplary embodiment, the ITE microphone is connected to a removable ear hook of the BTE ICS system by a short bendable stalk.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Advanced Bionics, LLCInventors: William Vanbrooks Harrison, Lee F Hartley, Philip A Segel, C. Geoffrey E Fernald, Scott Crawford
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Patent number: 7760898Abstract: Novel techniques for hearing enhancement based on a pair of glasses are disclosed. In one embodiment, the glasses include a first lens holder, a second lens holder, a bridge element, a first temple, a second temple, a first speaker, a second speaker, a microphone and at least one electrical component that performs a hearing enhanced function to enhance audio signals from the microphone to be sent to the speakers for the user to hear. At least one electrical component in the glasses is for generating other audio signals by the speakers, with the other audio signals originating from signals other than audio signals captured by the microphone. In another embodiment, some of the electrical components are in a portable device, wired or wirelessly, coupled to the glasses. In yet another embodiment, the glasses function as a headset, with other electrical components in the portable device.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2005Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: IP Venture, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
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Publication number: 20100172529Abstract: The present subject matter relates to method and apparatus for detecting user activities within a hearing assistance device, and among other things, apparatus including a microphone for reception of sound and to generate a sound signal; an electret vibration sensor adapted to measure mechanical vibration and to produce a vibration signal; a signal processor, connected to the microphone and in communication with the electret vibration sensor, the signal processor adapted to process the sound signal and to process the vibration signal; and a housing adapted to house the signal processor. Variations provide a housing, microphone, and receiver in different configurations. In some variations wireless electronics are included and are used to communicate different signals. In some examples, the design is embodied in a variety of hearing aid configurations.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2009Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Howard Burns, Matthew Green, Michael Karl Sacha
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Publication number: 20100172528Abstract: A battery compartment for a behind-the-ear hearing device includes a battery compartment body having a battery receiving space for accommodating a battery and at least one latching element for locking to a hearing device housing. The latching element and the battery compartment body are formed of different materials and the latching element is disposed in a holding device in the battery compartment body. A behind-the-ear hearing device with a latching element and the use of polyoxymethylene for manufacturing the latching element, are likewise provided. As a result of the separation of the latching element and the battery compartment body and the use of different materials, a switching and locking function can be optimized and the wearing quality can be improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2010Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: SIEMENS MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS PTE. LTD.Inventors: Werner Fickweiler, Björn Freels, Markus Trautner