Search Patents
  • Patent number: 9918171
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a programmable hearing device configured to deliver a sequence of outputs in-situ, each output corresponding to a sound segment, wherein the outputs are delivered according to fitting parameters programmed into the programmable hearing device, and a computing device communicatively coupled online to a remote server. The computing device may be configured to receive a consumer input indicative of a subjective assessment of the consumer of each of the sound segments, wherein the consumer input is configured to adjust one or more fitting parameters associated with the output corresponding to the sound segment being assessed, wherein the fitting application is configured to make adjustments to the fitting parameters in accordance with the consumer input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: iHear Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Adnan Shennib
  • Publication number: 20140153762
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: IHEAR MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Adnan Shennib, Victor Valenzuela, Patrick Contioso, Greg Anderson
  • Publication number: 20150023534
    Abstract: Methods and systems of interactive fitting of a hearing aid by a non-expert person without resorting to a clinical setup are disclosed. The system includes an audio generator for delivering test audio signals at predetermined levels to a non-acoustic input of a programmable hearing aid in-situ. The consumer is instructed to listen to the output of the hearing device in-situ and interactively adjust fitting parameters of the programmable hearing aid according to the perceptual assessment of the hearing aid output in-situ. The output is representative of the test audio signal presented to the non-acoustic input. In one embodiment, the fitting system includes a personal computer, a handheld device communicatively coupled to the personal computer, and a fitting software application. In one embodiment, the fitting system includes an earphone for conducting a hearing evaluation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: iHear Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Adnan Shennib
  • Patent number: 9185504
    Abstract: A seal assembly for canal hearing devices including a dynamic pressure vent formed and defined by diaphragmatic flaps configured to open in response to a pressure gradient across the diaphragm. The seal assembly comprises a compliant seal element configured to be positioned generally concentrically around the canal hearing device for providing comfortable contact with the ear canal and for acoustically sealing the residual volume of the ear canal. The seal assembly is preferably made of an elastomeric material. The dynamic pressure vent is substantially closed in the normal position to minimize feedback, while momentarily opening inside the ear canal during insertion or removal of the canal hearing device into or from the ear canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: IHEAR MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Adnan Shennib, Victor Valenzuela, Patrick Contioso, Greg Anderson
  • Publication number: 20200100709
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are examples of methods and systems for performing a calibration check of a personal hearing test system using a built-in calibration cavity, particularly for use by a non-expert user outside the clinical environment. The hearing test system includes a one or more earpieces. The hearing test system further includes a portable test unit having an acoustic calibration cavity for accommodating the earpiece at least partially therein. The acoustic calibration cavity may include an opening along an exterior surface of the portable test unit. The acoustic calibration cavity receives an acoustic calibration stimuli and the microphone provided within the acoustic calibration cavity produces a calibration signal input for measuring and performing a calibration check, or an automatic self-calibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Applicant: iHear Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Adnan Shennib, Victor Valenzuela
  • Patent number: 9107016
    Abstract: Methods and systems of interactive fitting of a hearing aid by a non-expert person without resorting to a clinical setup are disclosed. The system includes an audio generator for delivering test audio signals at predetermined levels to a non-acoustic input of a programmable hearing aid in-situ. The consumer is instructed to listen to the output of the hearing device in-situ and interactively adjust fitting parameters of the programmable hearing aid according to the perceptual assessment of the hearing aid output in-situ. The output is representative of the test audio signal presented to the non-acoustic input. In one embodiment, the fitting system includes a personal computer, a handheld device communicatively coupled to the personal computer, and a fitting software application. In one embodiment, the fitting system includes an earphone for conducting a hearing evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: iHear Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Adnan Shennib
  • Patent number: 9088852
    Abstract: Examples of modular hearing devices and tools for disengaging a battery module from a main module of the canal hearing device are described. The disengagement tool may be used to switch the modular hearing device to the power OFF condition, or to completely remove the battery module therefrom. According to examples described, the disengagement tool comprises a receptacle cavity shaped to accommodate the lateral end of the modular hearing device, the cavity including features arranged to actuate a handle of the battery module for automatically disengaging the battery module upon insertion of the canal hearing device into the receptacle cavity. Other examples describe features for holding the battery module with the main module in either the ON or OFF positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: iHear Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Adnan Shennib, Victor Valenzuela
  • Patent number: 10045128
    Abstract: A hearing device test system for use by a non-expert user may include a hearing device comprising a sound processor and a speaker and a portable test unit including a test microphone acoustically coupled to an exterior of the portable test unit via an acoustic calibration cavity. The portable test unit may include a coupler at an opening to the acoustic calibration cavity configured to receive the hearing device at least partially therein and the test microphone may be configured to produce a calibration signal input responsive to acoustic calibration stimuli provided by the speaker of the hearing device. The hearing device test system may also include a processor associated therewith and configured to measure a level of the calibration signal input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: iHear Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Adnan Shennib
  • Publication number: 20130243229
    Abstract: A modular canal hearing aid assembly having a main module and a disposable battery module that docks perpendicularly into the main module which surrounds the battery module circumferentially and laterally for secure connection that eliminates inadvertent separation of the modules during removal of the hearing aid assembly from the ear canal. The disposable battery module incorporates battery cell, sound port, and handle, in a unitary structure that is easy to handle and replace as an integrated unit when any of the degradables within are consumed. The disposable battery module also comprises a membrane filter for filtering out earwax and liquids. The perpendicular docking mechanism provides highly space efficient design for comfortable and inconspicuous fit deep in the ear canal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: iHear Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Adnan Shennib, Victor Valenzuela, Patrick Contioso
  • Patent number: 8855345
    Abstract: A modular canal hearing aid assembly having a main module and a disposable battery module that docks perpendicularly into the main module which surrounds the battery module circumferentially and laterally for secure connection that eliminates inadvertent separation of the modules during removal of the hearing aid assembly from the ear canal. The disposable battery module incorporates battery cell, sound port, and handle, in a unitary structure that is easy to handle and replace as an integrated unit when any of the degradables within are consumed. The disposable battery module also comprises a membrane filter for filtering out earwax and liquids. The perpendicular docking mechanism provides highly space efficient design for comfortable and inconspicuous fit deep in the ear canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: iHear Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Adnan Shennib, Victor Valenzuela, Patrick Contioso
  • Patent number: 9060233
    Abstract: Examples of a rechargeable canal hearing device and charging systems are described. An exemplary rechargeable hearing device includes a battery module and a main module adapted to be removably couple together to form a modular canal hearing device assembly configured to be inserted inconspicuously in the ear canal. The modular canal hearing device assembly may include electrical contacts or an inductive charging system to couple charging energy from a charging station. According to examples described, the charging station includes a receptacle cavity shaped to partially accommodate the modular canal hearing device assembly including its handle. The receptacle cavity includes features operable to manipulate the handle as an actuator for automatically disengaging the battery module from the main module upon insertion of the lateral end into the receptacle cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: iHEAR MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Adnan Shennib, Victor Valenzuela, Greg Anderson
  • Publication number: 20150023512
    Abstract: Methods and systems of interactive online fitting of a hearing aid by a non-expert consumer without requiring a clinical setup are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes an audio generator for delivering test audio signals at predetermined levels to a non-acoustic input of a programmable hearing aid in-situ, and a programming interface for delivering programming signals to the hearing aid. The consumer is instructed to listen to the output of the hearing device in-situ and to interactively adjust fitting parameters according to a subjective assessment of audible output representative of the test audio signal. In one embodiment, the online-based fitting system comprises a personal computer, a handheld device connected to the personal computer, and a fitting application hosted by a server. In one embodiment, remote customer support personnel may communicate with a hearing aid worn by the consumer and interactively control fitting parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: iHear Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Adnan Shennib
  • Publication number: 20150025413
    Abstract: Examples of systems and methods for profiling the hearing ability of a consumer are disclosed. One example includes a personal computer and a handheld device configured to produce calibrated acoustic output at suprathreshold levels above 20 db HL, and at step levels of 10-20 decibels, and presented test frequency bands across an audiometric frequency range from 400 to 8000Hz. The consumer's minimal audibility levels are registered, and a hearing profile score is presented to indicate hearing ability and hearing aid candidacy. In some embodiments, band-limited natural sounds are presented. Systems and methods disclosed herein, with considerations for noise present in the consumer's environment, allow for rapid calibrated hearing profiling, using a standard personal computer and minimal hardware, thus particularly suited for self-testing outside clinical environments such as at home or the office.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: iHear Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Adnan Shennib
  • Patent number: 9326706
    Abstract: Examples of systems and methods for profiling the hearing ability of a consumer are disclosed. One example includes a personal computer and a handheld device configured to produce calibrated acoustic output at suprathreshold levels above 20 db HL, and at step levels of 10-20 decibels, and presented test frequency bands across an audiometric frequency range from 400 to 8000Hz. The consumer's minimal audibility levels are registered, and a hearing profile score is presented to indicate hearing ability and hearing aid candidacy. In some embodiments, band-limited natural sounds are presented. Systems and methods disclosed herein, with considerations for noise present in the consumer's environment, allow for rapid calibrated hearing profiling, using a standard personal computer and minimal hardware, thus particularly suited for self-testing outside clinical environments such as at home or the office.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: iHear Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Adnan Shennib
  • Patent number: 9807524
    Abstract: Examples of retaining seal assemblies for acoustically sealing and retaining a canal hearing device or an earpiece within the ear canal are disclosed. The retaining seal assembly may include one or more flanges and a clip element. The flanges may include elongate trenches along an exterior surface of one or more of the flanges. The elongate trenches may allow the flange to conform to the shape of the ear canal and distribute concentric compressive forces when the seal assembly is inserted in the ear canal. The clip element may be formed of a relatively rigid material and may include one or more locking tabs. The conforming flanges may be concentrically positioned over the clip element. The seal assembly may include a debris barrier to provide protection for a sound outlet of the canal hearing device or the earpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: iHear Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Adnan Shennib, Victor Valenzuela
  • Patent number: 8340335
    Abstract: A modular canal hearing device having a speaker module placed in the bony region for extended wear while a main module is removably inserted in the cartilaginous region. The main module wirelessly activates the speaker module when placed in proximity thereto. The main module is removed daily or as needed for maintenance of the hearing device such as for battery replacement. The speaker module remains undisturbed in the bony region to avoid skin friction. The main module contains the microphone, electronics, battery and in the preferred embodiment an inductive coupling coil for inductively sending audio signals to the receiver module. The modular design allows for a highly miniaturized design that is easier to navigate in the ear canal for improved fit and sound fidelity at the eardrum while allowing easy maintenance of a removable module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: iHear Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Adnan Shennib
  • Publication number: 20140254844
    Abstract: Examples of a rechargeable canal hearing device and charging systems are described. An exemplary rechargeable hearing device includes a battery module and a main module adapted to be removably couple together to form a modular canal hearing device assembly configured to be inserted inconspicuously in the ear canal. The modular canal hearing device assembly may include electrical contacts or an inductive charging system to couple charging energy from a charging station. According to examples described, the charging station includes a receptacle cavity shaped to partially accommodate the modular canal hearing device assembly including its handle. The receptacle cavity includes features operable to manipulate the handle as an actuator for automatically disengaging the battery module from the main module upon insertion of the lateral end into the receptacle cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: iHEAR MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Adnan Shennib, Victor Valenzuela, Greg Anderson
  • Publication number: 20130294631
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: iHear Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Adnan Shennib, Victor Valenzuela, Patrick Contioso
  • Patent number: 8867768
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: iHear Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Adnan Shennib, Victor Valenzuela, Patrick Contioso, Greg Anderson
  • Patent number: 10085678
    Abstract: Examples of systems and methods for rapidly grading the hearing of a user in accordance with WHO guidelines are disclosed. One example includes a personal computer and a test device configured to produce calibrated acoustic output at suprathreshold levels presented at an audiometric frequency range from 500 to 4000 Hz. The consumer's minimal response levels are registered, and a hearing ability score is presented to indicate a hearing grade and hearing aid candidacy. The hearing ability score may be representative of a classification of the WHO grading of hearing impairment. Systems and methods disclosed herein, with considerations for room noise present in the consumer's environment, allow for rapid hearing profiling, using a standard personal computer and minimal low-cost hardware, thus particularly suited for self-testing outside clinical environments such as at home, office, or retail store settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: iHear Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Adnan Shennib
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