Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080205679 | In-Ear Auditory Device and Methods of Using Same - An in-ear auditory device and methods of using same. The in-ear auditory device has a receiver sized to fit within an ear canal of a user, a transducer and an isolator disposed to substantially acoustically isolate the transducer from the receiver. The in-ear auditory device may include a bone vibration sensor acoustically or mechanically coupled to the transducer to detect the user's speech. The in-ear auditory device can further include a physiologic sensor to sense physiologic signals of the user. In use, the in-ear auditory device is coupled to an auxiliary device having circuitry to process signals to and from the in-ear auditory device. The auxiliary device may include wireless communication circuitry to communicate signals to and from remote communication or monitoring devices. | 08-28-2008 |
20080240481 | HEARING DEVICE WITH EMBEDDED CHANNEL - A hearing device having at least one of an acoustical/electrical converter and an electrical/acoustical converter respectively with an acoustical input or output. The input or output, as the case may be, is linked to a coupling opening at the outer surface of the device via a channel. At least a part of the outer surface of the device is formed by a one-part shell. The shell defines an inner space of the device, with the channel being provided within and along the part of the shell and being formed within the material of the shell. | 10-02-2008 |
20080247581 | Construction of A Completely-In-Canal Hearing Instrument With Receiver Compartment - A construction of a CIC instrument is provided, along with a corresponding method of manufacturing such a CIC instrument, that prevents floating components from contacting with an insulated receiver and, therefore, assures feedback-free operation. This is achieved through the presence of a compartment for the receiver in which the receiver resides, and a cover placed on top of the receiver compartment in a mating recess of the receiver compartment. | 10-09-2008 |
20080285783 | Earpiece for a hearing device with bayonet fitting - An earpiece for a hearing device is provided with a high retaining force in an ear shell in a repeatedly detachable manner. The earpiece comprising a receiver including a receiver connecting piece at the sound outlet and an ear shell in which the receiver is fixed and which holds the receiver in the ear canal and possesses, when worn in the ear canal, an inner side facing the eardrum and an opposite outer side on which the receiver is detachably fixed. The receiver is attached to the ear shell via a bayonet fitting. A first part of the bayonet fitting is fixedly connected to the receiver connecting piece. A second part of the bayonet fitting is rotated from the inner side of the ear shell to the first part of the bayonet fitting. The bayonet fitting ensures sufficient retention and wear-free releasing and closing. | 11-20-2008 |
20090016554 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MODULAR HEARING AID - A method and apparatus for a modular hearing aid for a user having a hearing canal, including a microphone connected to signal processing electronics and a power supply, a housing shaped for use in at least a portion of the hearing canal and including at least one opening and a microphone hood detachably connected to the opening in the housing, wherein the microphone hood includes one or more external ports linked to an internal port such that air may flow between the one or more external ports and the internal port. In various examples, a microphone housing is adapted to mount to the housing and to fit within the at least one access port, and to connect to the microphone, the signal processing electronics and the power supply. In one variant, the apparatus includes a receiver connected to the signal processing electronics, and a fastener as a unitary connector of the cover and microphone housing to the housing. Other variations are presented herein. | 01-15-2009 |
20090034769 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - The present invention provides an implant device comprising a shell and a printed circuit board for mounting electronic components, wherein the shell surrounds the printed circuit board and defines a large area for large electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board and a small area for smaller electronic components. The shell has a shape that is curved. The shell may consist of two layers, with one layer being thicker. Also one layer may provide openings or feedthroughs for connecting the implant to other components, such as coils and electrode arrays. | 02-05-2009 |
20090041279 | Acoustic ear tube retainer spring - A metal retainer spring bent into a U-shape retains an acoustic ear tube for use with behind-the-ear devices. The tube is held by a tube retaining opening in a tapered mid portion, forming the curved portion of the bent spring, and end slots bent together with the slots holding the tube. The retainer spring fits into the human ear canal for securing a narrow acoustic ear tube within a user's ear canal. The spring is manufactured from beryllium copper, or other material with excellent strength and great elasticity, and is then gold plated for the hypoallergenic properties. The top and bottom ear canal-contacting surfaces of each spring have a pebbled or rippled finish to limit slippage without causing abrasions. | 02-12-2009 |
20090052709 | HEARING AID SLEEVE - Systems and methods are disclosed for enhancing the performance of hearing aids and the like. For example, a sleeve for a hearing aid can include a layer of resilient material that is configured to cover that portion of the hearing aid that is inserted into the ear canal. The sleeve cushions sensitive tissues of the ear canal from contact with the hard plastic housing of the hearing aid. The sleeve also inhibits undesirable leakage of sound around the hearing aid. Thus, both comfort and effectiveness of a hearing aid or the like are enhanced. | 02-26-2009 |
20090052710 | HEARING AID EXTENSION - Systems and methods are disclosed for enhancing the performance of hearing aids and the like. For example, an extension for a hearing aid can include a stem having one or more flanges formed thereon. The flanges can be configured to enhance the fit of the hearing aid in the ear canal. The extension can cushion sensitive tissues of the ear canal from contact with the hard plastic inner end of the hearing aid. The extension also inhibits undesirable leakage of sound around the hearing aid. Thus, both comfort and effectiveness of a hearing aid or the like are enhanced. | 02-26-2009 |
20090052711 | Earpiece and Electro-Acoustic Transducer - An earpiece including a tubular core portion attached to an end of an electro-acoustic transducer and extending in an acoustic wave output direction, and an external auditory canal fitting portion disposed outside the core portion to cover an end surface of the core portion and having lower hardness than the core portion is provided. This maintains appropriate flexibility of the external auditory canal fitting portion covering the end surface of the core portion and forms the core portion with appropriate hardness. This eliminates sound quality degradation due to the core portion deformation, earpiece detachment and contact of the core portion with the external auditory canal. Consequently, this improves fitting properties with the external auditory canal and attachment properties with the electro-acoustic transducer. The earpiece which improves fitting properties with the external auditory canal and attachment properties with the electro-acoustic transducer, and the electro-acoustic transducer including the same are thereby provided. | 02-26-2009 |
20090060242 | Assembly Procedure for CIC With Floating Components - A method and appertaining assembly are provided for CIC hearing aid manufacture for the placement of floating components. A hearing aid shell fixture is formed that comprises an interior region identical in shape and size to an interior region of an actual hearing aid shell, and a replica of one or more shell components that is positioned so as to replicate a position and size of one or more real shell components in the actual hearing aid shell. The hearing aid shell fixture is placed onto a faceplate assembly that comprises a floating component, and a position of the floating component is adjusted to avoid contact with the replica of one or more shell components. The hearing aid shell fixture on the faceplate is subsequently replaced with the actual hearing aid shell. | 03-05-2009 |
20090067656 | Protective Finishing Plug For A Hearing Instrument Shell - During tumbling, a plug may be inserted into the opening of a hearing instrument shell to protect the hole and minimize additional cleaning operations subsequent to tumbling. A suitable conforming plug may be fabricated at the same time the shell is made. | 03-12-2009 |
20090092271 | Energy Delivery and Microphone Placement Methods for Improved Comfort in an Open Canal Hearing Aid - A hearing aid device for placement in an ear of a user includes an elongate support and a transducer. The elongate support has a proximal portion and a distal end, and the transducer is attached to the elongate support near the distal end. The support is adapted to position the transducer near an eardrum while the proximal portion is placed at the location near an ear canal opening. The elongate support is sized to minimize contact with the ear between the proximal portion and distal end. The elongate support permits sound waves to travel along the ear canal. In some embodiments, a microphone is positioned in the ear canal along the support, for example inside the support, to provide directionally dependent sound localization cues, and the transducer on the distal end of the elongate support comprises a coil assembly coupled to a magnet positioned on the tympanic membrane. | 04-09-2009 |
20090123015 | Composite Receiver Tube For A Hearing Instrument - The compliance of a receiver tube for a hearing instrument may be enhanced by fabricating it as a composite assembly of a tube and a compliant insulator positioned between the tube and the receiver. The material of the insulator is selected such that it has a greater compliance than that of the tube. | 05-14-2009 |
20090129618 | Hearing Aid Having an Operating Device - A hearing aid has an operating device with an operating element for activating a first operating function and a second operating function of the hearing aid. The operating device is configured to cause an execution of an operating function of the hearing aid by activating the corresponding operating function via the operating element. The operating device suppresses the execution of the first operating function by activating the first operating function via the operating element if the second operating function is activated via the operating element. | 05-21-2009 |
20090129619 | HEARING AID METHOD FOR IN-SITU OCCLUSION EFFECT AND DIRECTLY TRANSMITTED SOUND MEASUREMENT - A hearing aid ( | 05-21-2009 |
20090141920 | Ear Mold - [Technical Problem] 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, said 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 occurred the problem of a phenomenon of a howling by sound leak-out. | 06-04-2009 |
20090141921 | NON-OCCLUDING EAR MODULE FOR A PERSONAL SOUND SYSTEM - An ear module with an interior lobe ( | 06-04-2009 |
20090147979 | Attenuating tip for hearing aid - A hearing aid includes a speaker in a tip that is located in an ear canal. The tip includes a coupling, a retainer that mechanically engages the coupling, and a sleeve axially surrounding the retainer. The retainer attenuates lower frequencies than are attenuated by the sleeve. The sleeve is preferably a foam rubber and the retainer is preferably a composite material. A flange on the retainer reflects sound back into the sleeve for additional attenuation. It has been discovered that operation is improved if the outside diameter of the sleeve and the outside diameter of the retainer are in the ratio of approximately 1.75:1. | 06-11-2009 |
20090154748 | CARTILAGE DISPLACING BEAD, RIDGE, OR KEY PROJECTION - At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an in-the-ear-canal device comprising: an insertion element; and at least one non-circumferential protrusion, where the at least one non-circumferential protrusion is operatively connected to a surface of the insertion element and provides a stabilizing force for maintaining the position of the insertion element in an ear canal. | 06-18-2009 |
20090154749 | DETACHABLE EARPIECE AUDITORY DEVICE WITH SPRING OPERATION - A detachable earpiece auditory device comprises a housing, a speaker, and a connector. The housing has a sound outlet, a second opening, and a spring element positioned at the second opening. The speaker is provided within the housing and comprises an electrically conducting speaker terminal at an outer surface of the speaker. The connector comprises a first insert part, an electrically conducting connector terminal, and a second insert part. The first insert part is insertable into the second opening. The electrically conducting connector terminal is positioned in the first insert part to obtain electrical contact with the electrically conducting speaker terminal and forms a mating pair of a speaker terminal and a connector terminal when the first insert part is inserted into the second opening. The second insert part operatively contacts the spring element to bias the speaker terminal against the connector terminal with a predetermined bias force. | 06-18-2009 |
20090196448 | PREPROGRAMMED HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE WITH PROGRAM SELECTION USING A MULTIPURPOSE CONTROL DEVICE - A user programmable hearing aid allows a user to select acoustical configuration programs that provide optimum performance for the user. The user may cycle through and evaluate various available programs by rotating a scroll wheel on the hearing aid housing to switch from one program to the next. When a preferred program is active, the user can press a push button on the housing for an extended time to select the currently active program. The user can then use the scroll wheel to adjust the audio gain for the selected program. The hearing aid may also operate in a Configuration Mode wherein configuration settings may be changed using the scroll wheel and the push button. In the Configuration Mode, a clinician or patient may easily change configuration settings manually, with no need to connect the apparatus to a computer or other programming interface. | 08-06-2009 |
20090202094 | Hearing Aid with Connecting Element Serving for Retention in Concha - A hearing aid device has a shell that fits into the upper part of the concha of the outer ear of a hearing-impaired person, and connecting element that is held in the concha of the outer ear and terminates in an ear piece in the ear canal. The combination of the shell and the connecting element in the concha retain the hearing aid in the outer ear. | 08-13-2009 |
20090214065 | EAR DEVICE FOR IMPROVED FIT AND SOUND - The present invention is directed to an in the ear device sized and shaped such that the in the ear device universally and ergonomically fits into the human ear without slipping out and providing the user with a comfortable fit. The in the ear device is secured in the user's ear taking advantage of the natural curvature of the human to provide support and shift the center of gravity from outside the ear to further inside the pinna to prevent the device from slipping out while retaining a high level of comfort. | 08-27-2009 |
20090238389 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IN SITU CERUMEN REMOVAL FROM HEARING DEVICES - Various embodiments provide systems, methods and assemblies for in situ removal of cerumen from hearing devices positioned in the ear canal. One embodiments provides a fitting for in situ cerumen removal comprising a top portion shaped to be removably coupled to a hearing device component surface and a plurality of leg members extending axially from a perimeter of the top portion. The top portion has a plurality of openings and at least one flexible retaining element configured to releasably engage a retaining feature on the hearing device. The leg members are configured to fit over another surface of the hearing device component. The fitting is configured to remove cerumen obstructing a feature on the device component and can be removed from the device component without removing the hearing device from the ear canal. The fitting can also include a removal loop that has a non-deployed state and a deployed state. | 09-24-2009 |
20090245558 | REINFORCED EARBUD DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD - Various earbud embodiments comprise a sleeve portion, a base portion, a bell portion, and reinforcement members. The sleeve portion defines a central void extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the earbud. The base portion encircles the sleeve portion. The bell portion connects the sleeve portion to the base portion. The bell portion defines at least one aperture, and includes at least one web portion connected to the base portion at a connection point. At least one reinforcement member at each connection point extends from the base portion to the web portion to strengthen the structure at the connection point. | 10-01-2009 |
20090245559 | Method for Adaptive Construction of a Small CIC Hearing Instrument - A small hearing aid is provided which fits completely in an ear canal of a user wherein a shell as an outer housing of the hearing aid is shaped to closely surround components of the hearing aid to provide a gap between the hearing canal inner walls and the shell to allow flow of air when the hearing aid is mounted in the ear by a mounting element connected to the shell. The mounting element is provided with at least one aperture to allow the air flow. In a fabricating method, an image of the shell is shrunk to closely surround the hearing aid components while maintaining a shape of the ear canal to assure a custom fit. | 10-01-2009 |
20090252361 | ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A SOUND EMITTER AND TWO SOUND DETECTORS - The invention relates to an assembly comprising a sound emitter and at least two sound detectors fixed to each other, wherein each detector has a sound receiving opening. The sound receiving openings of at least two of the detectors point in opposite directions. | 10-08-2009 |
20090252362 | HEARING DEVICE TO BE CARRIED IN THE AURICLE WITH AN INDIVIDUAL MOLD - The wearing comfort of a hearing device designed as a mass-produced product, in particular a hearing aid, is improved. The hearing device is provided to be carried in an auricle. It comprises a housing which houses a sound signal processing device. A conductor conducts an acoustic or electric signal from the housing into an auditory canal of the user. A mold, which is individually fitted to a portion of the auricle of the user and provided with the housing in the form of a two-part design, is attached to the housing. The mold evenly distributes the pressure which the hearing aid exerts on adjacent sections of the auricle. | 10-08-2009 |
20090285427 | Receiver Tube and Retaining Clamp Assembly for a Hearing Instrument Receiver - A receiver tube for a hearing instrument may be securely affixed to the instruments receiver with a retaining clamp. Such an arrangement facilitates assembly and repair, and provides a positive means for the securing the receiver tube. | 11-19-2009 |
20090290739 | MIXING OF IN-THE-EAR MICROPHONE AND OUTSIDE-THE-EAR MICROPHONE SIGNALS TO ENHANCE SPATIAL PERCEPTION - This document provides a hearing assistance device for playing processed sound inside a wearer's ear canal, the hearing assistance device comprising a first housing, signal processing electronics disposed at least partially within the first housing, a first microphone connected to the first housing, the first microphone adapted for reception of sound, a second microphone configured to receive sound from inside the wearer's ear canal when the hearing assistance device is worn and in use and microphone mixing electronics in communication with the signal processing electronics and in communication with the first microphone and the second microphone, the microphone mixing electronics adapted to combine low frequency information from the first microphone and high frequency information from the second microphone to produce a composite audio signal. | 11-26-2009 |
20090310807 | Hearing Instrument With Improved Venting And Miniature Loudspeaker Therefore - The present invention relates to improvements in acoustical venting of hearing aid earmolds and to miniature loudspeakers with housing structures configured to support improved hearing aid venting. The miniature loudspeaker comprises a front chamber with first and second separate sound ports so as to allow the front chamber to form an integral part of the acoustical vent of the hearing aid earmold. Thus, while using the same opening in the hearing aid for both sound output and venting, sound from the outside of the hearing aid may be introduced into the users ear via the same opening. | 12-17-2009 |
20100002897 | PRESSURE REGULATING SYSTEMS FOR EXPANDABLE INSERTION DEVICES - At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an earpiece comprising: an ambient sound microphone (ASM); an ear canal microphone (ECM); an ear canal receiver (ECR); and an inflatable sealing section, where the sealing section includes at least one pressure valve, where the at least one pressure valve opens when the pressure in the sealing section is greater than an ambient pressure. | 01-07-2010 |
20100014696 | HEARING DEVICE - In of for a hearing device ( | 01-21-2010 |
20100034410 | HEARING AID ADAPTED FOR EMBEDDED ELECTRONICS - A hearing aid comprising a microphone, a receiver, hearing aid electronics coupled to the microphone and the receiver, and conductive traces overlaying an insulator, the conductive traces configured to interconnect the hearing aid electronics and to follow non-planar contours of the insulator. Examples are provided wherein the insulator includes a hearing aid housing. | 02-11-2010 |
20100046779 | MODULAR SPEECH PROCESSOR HEADPIECE - A cochlear implant system includes: an electrode array implanted within a cochlea; an internal processor in communication with the electrode array; an implanted antenna which is electrically coupled to the internal processor; and a modular external headpiece which is removably positioned over the implanted antenna, the modular external headpiece including a core containing a sound processor for processing sound and providing a corresponding signal to the implanted antenna; and a modular component configured to releasably engage the core and supply electrical power to the core. A modular speech processor headpiece includes a core comprising a microphone and sound processor for producing a signal representing ambient sound to be transmitted to a cochlear implant, the core further comprising a number of electrical contacts; and a modular component containing a number of electrical contacts corresponding to the electrical contacts of the core; wherein the core is configured to engage with the modular component such that electrical communication is made between the core and the modular component. | 02-25-2010 |
20100054514 | Electrical Circuit, Electrical Small Appliance, in Particular a Hearing Aid, Having the Electrical Circuit, and Use of the Electrical Circuit for Producing the Electrical Small Appliance - An electrical circuit has a printed circuit board which is lengthened at the side in the form of at least one longitudinal contact projection having at least one electrical conductor track and a solder point disposed at the end of the conductor track. Because of its mechanical flexibility, the contact projection allows flexible contact to be made with other electronic components, with little effort. An electrical circuit such as this is particularly highly suitable for electrical small appliances, in particular for a hearing aid. | 03-04-2010 |
20100086158 | Open tip for hearing aid - An earpiece includes an open tip in the shape of a dome, with apertures in the dome and a protrusion at the top of the dome for displacing ear wax, wherein the dome merges with the protrusion along a continuous curve. The dome is supported from a central body by non-linear ribs that normally have high compliance but exhibit low compliance at a limit of extension or compression. The tip can include more than one dome on the central body. If there is more than one dome, the apertures in the domes are not aligned with each other. | 04-08-2010 |
20100086159 | HEARING DEVICE WITH MICROPHONE PROTECTION - The hearing device comprises at least one microphone ( | 04-08-2010 |
20100098281 | SEALING RETAINER FOR EXTENDED WEAR HEARING DEVICES - An embodiment provides a seal for retaining a hearing device within the ear canal comprising a curved shell having an opening at a shell apex portion. The shell defines a cavity for retention of a device component. An interior surface of a shell wall has a scalloped shape configured to distribute compressive forces applied to the shell perimeter such that when the shell is positioned in the canal, the shell wall conforms to the shape of the canal to maintain an acoustical seal between a shell exterior surface and the canal walls. The scalloped shape can be configured to produce a substantially constant amount of inward deformation of a shell wall independent of a force application point on a shell perimeter. The shell can include a coating to retain the seal in the canal and/or to promote asparagine growth into the coating to fastenly retain the seal in the canal. | 04-22-2010 |
20100158296 | HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE WITH STACKED DIE - The present subject matter relates to a hearing assistance device for an ear of a wearer comprising a microphone for receiving sound, hearing assistance electronics in communications with the microphone, the hearing assistance electronics including a hybrid circuit, and a wearable housing adapted to house at least the hearing assistance electronics. The hybrid circuit comprises a first integrated circuit die having one or more through-silicon-vias (TSVs), a first redistribution layer disposed on a surface of the first integrated circuit, and a second integrated circuit die having one or more contacts, the second integrated circuit die disposed on the first redistribution layer, wherein the first redistribution layer is adapted to connect one or more of the one or more TSVs of the first integrated circuit die to one or more of the one or more contacts of the second integrated circuit die. | 06-24-2010 |
20100166241 | Hearing aid ear dome - The present invention relates to an ear tip for the end of the tube coupling the hearing aid receiver to the ear canal of a receiver wearing the hearing aid. The ear tip has variable openings therethrough for adjusting and reducing the occlusion effect in the ear canal. The ear tip may be connected to a sound tube from a receiver mounted in the hearing aid or may have the receiver mounted directly within the ear tip for insertion in the ear canal. | 07-01-2010 |
20100172529 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING USER ACTIVITIES FROM WITHIN A HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE USING A VIBRATION SENSOR - 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. | 07-08-2010 |
20100177919 | Earpiece with Bars - It is to be guaranteed that a receiver of a hearing apparatus and especially of a hearing device will be sufficiently centered in an auditory canal with an earpiece. Thus an earpiece for inserting into an auditory canal is provided that has a first hollow-cylindrical body and a second hollow-cylindrical body that is arranged coaxially with the first body and surrounds the first body, as well as one or more bars that connect the two bodies to each other. On the one hand the bars ensure sufficient stability and on the other a certain pliability and in addition they allow ventilation of the space in front of the eardrum. | 07-15-2010 |
20100202645 | HEARING SYSTEM HAVING IMPROVED HIGH FREQUENCY RESPONSE - The present invention provides hearing systems and methods that provide an improved high frequency response. The high frequency response improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the hearing system and allows for preservation and transmission of high frequency spatial localization cues. | 08-12-2010 |
20100220884 | MULTIPART COMPARTMENT FOR A HEARING SYSTEM - A hearing system and/or earpiece assembly is comprising an assembly structure with at least three parts. The parts are removably connectable and at least one of the parts can be arranged in relation to another one in a different orientation. Alternatively or in addition, at least one part is made out of a flexible material. | 09-02-2010 |
20100246872 | SIGNAL PROCESSING FOR COCHLEAR IMPLANTS - The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems for cochlear implants. One method embodiment for cochlear implant signal processing includes processing a differential analog audio signal using amplitude modulation and pulse-width modulation. The method includes driving a transmission coil on an external unit of the cochlear implant with the pulse-width and amplitude modulated signal. The method also includes driving a reception coil on an internal unit of the cochlear implant with an output of the transmission coil. | 09-30-2010 |
20100254556 | Receiver Assemblies - A receiver is provided having a balanced armature motor mechanically interconnected to a displaceable diaphragm component. A front volume changes as the displaceable diaphragm component moves. The front volume is connected to a port. A rear volume changes oppositely to the front volume as the displaceable diaphragm moves. An acoustic channel connects to the port and is also connected to a sound outlet. The sound outlet allows acoustic energy to exit from the acoustic channel. A first acoustic pressure is generated in the front volume as the balanced armature motor moves the diaphragm. The acoustic channel and the internal volume are divided by a common wall section, wherein the common wall section is defined by at least one of the walls of the housing which also provides a portion of at least one wall for the acoustic channel. | 10-07-2010 |
20100290656 | Domes for a Receiver-in-the-Canal Hearing Instrument - A receiver for a receiver-in-the-canal hearing instrument can be securely held by a dome comprising a receiver receptacle that selectively receives and holds the receiver. After the dome has been assembled, pulling on the electrical cable connected to the receiver will not dislodge the receiver from the dome. | 11-18-2010 |
20100290657 | MAGNETIC EARPIECE COUPLING - Systems and methods are provided herein that provide for magnetic earpiece coupling. | 11-18-2010 |
20110019852 | HEARING DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD - For particularly good adaptation to a given hearing situation, an in-the-ear hearing device which has a housing with a channel in the housing that is designed as a through-opening for sound and air between the interior of the ear and the environment outside the ear, the channel is provided with a structural element for changing the size of the through-opening at at least one position. The structural element is a valve formed with electroactive material and the size of the through-opening is adjusted by application of a voltage to the valve. | 01-27-2011 |
20110085689 | INVERTED BALLOON SYSTEM AND INFLATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a pressure management system for an earpiece comprising: a first valve, where the first valve allows air to pass from a first side of the valve to a second side more readily than from the second side to the first side an inflation channel, where the inflation channel has an outer diameter less than 5 mm; a pressure release mechanism; a pump; a stent, where the inflation channel is embedded; and a balloon, where the first valve, the inflation channel, the pressure release mechanism, the pump, and the balloon are operatively connected, where the first valve is positioned so that air from the pump passes through the first valve to inflate the balloon and where the leak rate of the air from the balloon back to the pump is less than 1% by volume per minute and where the pressure release mechanism is configured to release pressure from the balloon to the environment upon actuation, and where the pressure management system is configured to manage the inflation pressure of the balloon in an orifice. | 04-14-2011 |
20110091060 | HEARING INSTRUMENT - 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. | 04-21-2011 |
20110103630 | METHODS FOR INLET AND OUTLET MODELLING OF VENT AS LARGE AS POSSIBLE FOR HEARING AID DEVICES - A method of modeling an opening of a hearing aid vent includes defining a trimming surface through a tip of the vent as one of a planar surface or a non-planar surface, and trimming the shell along the trimming surface to the expose the interior of the shell to create the vent opening. The tip includes an endpoint of the vent and the hearing aid shell fits inside an ear of a patient. | 05-05-2011 |
20110116668 | UNIVERSAL-FIT HEARING DEVICE - An in-the-ear hearing instrument comprises a deformable holding element ( | 05-19-2011 |
20110135132 | HEARING DEVICE WITH MECHANICAL ADJUSTMENT OF SOUND PROPERTIES - A hearing device that is worn in the ear has a hearing aid and a support device with a runner. The support device remains stationarily inserted in the auditory canal, while the hearing aid is moveably connected to the runner and moveably arranged along the runner. This provides for a hearing device that allows a simple, intuitively understandable modification of the volume and/or sound properties. | 06-09-2011 |
20110142274 | Eardrum Implantable Devices For Hearing Systems and Methods - An implantable device is configured for placement in the eardrum to transmit an audio signal to a user. The device may be configured to improve transmission of an electromagnetic signal comprising light energy from an input assembly on a lateral side of eardrum to an output assembly positioned on a medial side of the eardrum, for example at least partially in the middle ear of the user. The output assembly may comprise a transducer or at least two electrodes configured to stimulate the cochlea, for example. The device may comprise an opening to transmit the light signal or an optic to transmit the light signal. Alternatively the device may be configured to support a transducer of the output assembly with the eardrum when the device is implanted in the eardrum, such that the eardrum vibrates in response to the signal electromagnetic signal. The electromagnetic signal may comprise light energy for a magnetic field. | 06-16-2011 |
20110150258 | EXTERNAL EAR INSERT FOR HEARING COMPREHENSION ENHANCEMENT - A simple hearing enhancement device that takes the normally adequately loud sound levels and optimizes selective frequency gain of the patient's ear passage to improve speech comprehension. | 06-23-2011 |
20110182453 | RECEIVER MODULE FOR INFLATING A MEMBRANE IN AN EAR DEVICE - A receiver module configured to be seated within an ear canal and optimized for simultaneously inflating an inflatable membrane while generating acoustic waves transmitted to a user. The inflatable membrane can be used to secure the receiver module within the bony portion of the ear canal of the user. A multi-layer valve system and method of assembly are disclosed for a valve system to harvest static pressure from acoustic waves generated within the receiver and direct the increased pressure toward the inflatable membrane to inflate the membrane. The multi-layer valve system can be used to prevent a back flow of air and thereby maintain a static pressure differential between ambient air drawn in through an air ingress port and air forced into the inflatable membrane through an air egress port. | 07-28-2011 |
20110182454 | RETAINING MODULE FOR THE EARPIECE OF A HEARING AID - A retaining module ( | 07-28-2011 |
20110188689 | CONDUCTION DEVICE FOR A HEARING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A CONDUCTION DEVICE - A hearing apparatus, more particularly a hearing aid, generally requires sound or electrical signals to be conducted from a housing, worn outside of an auditory canal of a user, to an earpiece which has been inserted into the auditory canal. An appropriate conduction device often has a soft tube. The tube must be fixedly connected to the earpiece so that the latter can be pulled out of the auditory canal using the tube. Nevertheless, the connection between the tube and the earpiece is made detachable by an appropriate plug so that the earpiece can be cleaned. The plug is attached as securely as possible to the soft tube. One end of the tube and a region of the plug may be encapsulated by a material by insert molding or the tube and the plug may be welded together. A method for producing a conduction device is also provided. | 08-04-2011 |
20110188690 | RECEIVER IN CONCHA - An elastic sleeve member ( | 08-04-2011 |
20110194716 | HEARING DEVICE WITH A DETACHABLY COUPLED EARPIECE - 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. | 08-11-2011 |
20110194717 | HEARING AID WITH EXCHANGEABLE SHELL PARTS AND WIRELESS COMMUNICATION - Hearing aid or audio device having a behind the ear part adapted to rest behind an earlobe of a user and a speaker unit comprising a speaker, whereby the speaker unit is adapted for insertion into the ear of a user, and whereby electric leads are provided between the speaker unit and the behind the ear part, said leads having a connection part opposite the speaker unit for connection with a corresponding socket in the behind the ear part, wherein the exterior and visible parts of the behind the ear part are defined by a generally U-shaped shell element, a battery drawer and a microphone cover plate characterized in that all further inside parts of the behind the ear part are interconnected to form a single sub-assembly and in that said sub-assembly is releasably coupled to the U-shaped shell element between two upright walls thereof by latch-locks provided to interact between the microphone cover plate and the upright wall elements | 08-11-2011 |
20110235837 | HEARING AID WITH AMORPHOUS LOUDSPEAKER SHIELDING - It should be possible to produce hearing aids in a simpler and more compact fashion. It is for this reason that a hearing aid is proposed, the loudspeaker device of which is shielded by a shielding device, more particularly a housing ( | 09-29-2011 |
20110243357 | MODULAR HEARING DEVICE - The hearing device ( | 10-06-2011 |
20110249849 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR IN-EAR SOUND GENERATION - A device for in-ear sound generation comprises a sound determining unit adapted to determine a first sound signal, a sound collecting unit exposed to the ear canal and adapted to collect a second sound signal, a sound correction determining unit adapted to determine a third sound signal, and a loudspeaker exposed to an ear canal and adapted to emit the third sound signal The third sound signal includes the first sound signal and a correction component, the correction component essentially corresponding to a weighted and phase-inverted signal. The phase-inverted signal is obtained by phase inversion from a difference signal essentially corresponding to a difference between the second sound signal and the first sound signal. | 10-13-2011 |
20110249850 | Acoustic ear tube retainer spring - A metal retainer spring bent into a forwardly tapered flexible spring for retaining an acoustic ear tube for use with behind-the-ear devices. A rearward hook or tapering slot holds the acoustic ear tube with a friction fit. A forward opening admits the acoustic ear tube therethrough to transmit sound to the eardrum. The ear canal-contacting surfaces of each spring have a friction surface to limit slippage without causing abrasions. | 10-13-2011 |
20110255723 | HEARING AID - A hearing aid includes a receiver with a receiver housing, the receiver having a sound port opening, and being configured to be placed at least partly in an ear canal of a user, and a sound tube acoustically connected to the sound port opening of the receiver, the sound tube having a longitudinal extension in at least two directions, wherein the sound tube has a total length of at least 16 mm. A hearing aid includes a behind the ear (BTE) unit configured to process sound and generate an electrical signal, an earpiece, and a signal conductor configured to communicate the electrical signal to the earpiece, wherein the earpiece comprises a receiver that is configured to convert the electrical signal into a sound signal, and wherein the earpiece further comprises a sound tube that is coupled to a sound port opening at the receiver, the sound tube having a longitudinal extension in at least two directions. | 10-20-2011 |
20110255724 | Implantable Hearing Aid With a Monitoring Transducer That Can Be Implanted In The Inner Ear - A device for improving hearing ability comprises an input transducer which picks up the movement of the malleus in the middle ear. The input signal generated by the input transducer is supplied to a processing unit which converts the input signal into an output signal which is applied to an output transducer in the area of the round window. The conversion of the input signal into the output signal is controlled dependent upon a monitor signal generated by a monitor transducer. If the device is used, the patient retains residual hearing. | 10-20-2011 |
20110255725 | Beamforming Microphone System - A system and method for generating a beamforming signal is disclosed. A beam forming signal is generated by disposing a first microphone and a second microphone in horizontal coplanar alignment. The first and second microphones are used to detect a known signal to generate a first response and a second response. The first response is processed along a first signal path communicatively linked to the first microphone, and the second response is processed along a second signal path communicatively linked to the second microphone. The first and second responses are matched, and the matched responses are combined to generate the beamforming signal on a combined signal path. | 10-20-2011 |
20110280425 | Open Ear Fitting - An improved open ear hearing aid fitting for insertion into an ear canal is provided. The fitting offers enhanced acoustic performance while maintaining user comfort. The fitting comprises a polymeric body having at least one acoustic source and at least one aperture extending there through and a peripheral portion shaped to conform to surface of the ear canal. A porous material covers at least one aperture of the body. | 11-17-2011 |
20110280426 | Partially Implantable Hearing Aid - A partially implantable hearing aid is provided, comprising an external audio signal unit to be worn at least in part in a user's ear canal, an implantable unit and external means for transmitting power transcutaneously to the implantable unit via an inductive link, the external audio signal unit comprising audio signal processing means for producing processed audio signals from input audio signals and means for transmitting the processed audio signals via an optical link through an ear drum to an optical receiver of the implantable unit, the implantable unit comprising an actuator for stimulating the user's hearing, a power receiving means and a driver unit for transforming the received audio signals into an input signal to the actuator. | 11-17-2011 |
20110280427 | Music Pre-Processing for Hearing Prostheses - A method of pre-processing a sound signal including music for an auditory prosthesis is provided. An input sound signal is received. The sound signal is processed using music pre-processing software to produce a music pre-processed signal. The music pre-processed signal is presented for further processing, so as to produce a corresponding stimuli signal. | 11-17-2011 |
20110299713 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE COMPRISING A FOLDED SUBSTRATE - A portable electronic device having a) a folded substrate carrying components of the device, and b) another, separate component having a fixed outer contour, and c) a housing for enclosing said folded substrate and said separate component, said housing having an inner contour, wherein said folded substrate is folded from a planar substrate along a folding line, said folded substrate exhibiting outer edges comprising a folded edge following said folding line. A method of manufacturing a folded substrate. An object of the present application is to facilitate miniaturization of a portable electronic device, such as a hearing aid. A problem is solved in that the folded substrate is shaped to provide that at least one of said outer edges follow(s) the fixed outer contour of the separate component and/or the inner contour of said housing. | 12-08-2011 |
20120020507 | HEARING AID AND IN-THE-EAR-DEVICE - A hearing aid may include a hearing aid housing. The hearing aid housing may include a first housing wall portion and a second housing wall portion. The first housing wall portion has a first flexibility, the second housing wall portion has a second flexibility and the first flexibility is different than the second flexibility. | 01-26-2012 |
20120057734 | Hearing Device System and Method - A system for linking together audio signal producing, signal processing, and ear coupling devices comprising, in an embodiment: (1) an in-ear audio coupling device; (2) hearing aid electronics; (3) an external audio signal generating device; and (4) a module for audio mixing and enhancement. | 03-08-2012 |
20120063622 | HEARING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN EARPIECE - A hearing system includes at least one earpiece having a shell, an elongate retention element attached to the shell, and an insert unit. The shell has a sound tube portion carrying a soft tip for insertion into the user's ear canal, an outwardly oriented interface portion for detachably receiving the insert unit, and an engagement portion between the sound tube portion and the interface portion for engaging with the tragus/antitragus region of the ear, wherein the material and the dimensions of the retention element are such that the retention element can engage the user's concha by manual deformation by the user, and wherein the insert unit is a filter unit with at least one sound attenuation filter, or is an active electronic unit with at least a loudspeaker, and with an external electronic unit, which is worn on the user's body below the user's neck. | 03-15-2012 |
20120070024 | HEARING AID WITH OCCLUSION SUPPRESSION - A hearing aid includes an ambient microphone configured to receive and convert environmental sound into an electronic input signal, a hearing loss processor configured to process the electronic input signal in accordance with a hearing loss of a user, and generate an electronic output signal, a receiver, an ear canal microphone configured for converting ear canal sound pressure into an ear canal signal, an occlusion suppressor for reception and processing of the ear canal signal and for transmitting an occlusion suppression signal, and a signal combiner configured for combining the occlusion suppression signal and the electronic output signal to form a combined signal, and for transmitting the combined signal to the receiver, wherein the receiver is configured to receive the combined signal, and convert the combined signal into an acoustic output signal, and wherein the receiver has a frequency response with a lower cut-off frequency that is less than 40 Hz. | 03-22-2012 |
20120189149 | HEARING AID - A hearing aid of the present invention is convenient to repair and replace. The hearing aid includes: (i) an out-of-canal assembly comprising a power source (e.g., a battery) and a processor, and (ii) an in-canal assembly comprising a microphone and a receiver. The out-of-canal assembly is selectively, removably, electrically coupled to the in-canal assembly. Sound perceived by the in-canal assembly is processed by the out-of-canal assembly and transmitted to the user's eardrum. The in-canal assembly is conveniently, selectively decoupled from the out-of-canal assembly for convenient replacement or repair. | 07-26-2012 |
20120219168 | UNIVERSAL FLEXIBLE IN-THE-EAR HEARING AID - The present patent application discloses a universal flexible in-the-ear hearing aid, comprising a front portion of the hearing aid, a middle portion of the hearing aid and a rear portion of the hearing aid, the front portion of the hearing aid including a speaker, the rear portion of the hearing aid including a main body, the middle portion of the hearing aid including the sound transmission device, the sound transmission device is a flexible or soft-connection device, a end of the soft-connection device connected to the front portion of the hearing aid, another end of the soft-connection device connected to the rear portion of the hearing aid. | 08-30-2012 |
20120250923 | AUDITORY CANAL INSERT WITH A FILTER ELEMENT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE AUDITORY CANAL INSERT - An auditory canal insert is to be produced which can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively and which is less susceptible to dirt, especially cerumen. To this end an auditory canal insert is proposed which has an at least essentially tubular inner section, an outer section lying at least in some area against a user's auditory canal wall when the device is being worn and a filter element, especially a cerumen-protection and/or attenuation element, in which the filter element is initially manufactured as a separate component and subsequently connected by an insert molding process in one piece with the inner section. For the filter element this thus enables a broad spectrum to be covered in respect of its acoustic and mechanical filter characteristics. | 10-04-2012 |
20120257774 | EAR PLUG FOR A HEARING AID AND A HEARING AID - An earplug ( | 10-11-2012 |
20120281865 | OPEN FIT CANAL HEARING DEVICE - An improved hearing aid device adapted for use within the ear canal of the CIC (Completely In the ear) and of the partially exposed ITC (In The Canal) type. This aid consists of a system of integrated parts allowing an air gap to substantially surround the hearing aid shell and air passages which communicate with the inner ear minimizing occlusion sensations and providing the user with an enhanced natural hearing experience. A key aspect of this device is the provision of air passages in the mounting insert which securely positions the hearing aid shell in the wearer's canal. These passages are designed to stay open after insertion of the aid in the ear canal. In use, unamplified sound from the outside passes around the hearing aid shell, through the air passages in the mounting insert blending with the amplified sound emanating from the receiver. The area of air passages in the mounting insert can be tailored by the technician adapting to the hearing loss characteristics of the user. Surprisingly, acoustic feedback is mitigated in spite of the openness of this novel design. | 11-08-2012 |
20120300965 | Hearing Instrument Controller - A hearing instrument has a plurality of electronic components within a body, and an inertial sensor mechanically coupled with the body. The inertial sensor is configured to monitor the motion of the body and generate a movement signal representative of the body motion. A controller operatively coupled with the inertial sensor controls power usage by at least one or more of the electronic components as a function of the movement signal. | 11-29-2012 |
20130004004 | EAR MOULD AND HEARING AID WITH OPEN IN-EAR RECEIVING DEVICE - The present patent application discloses an ear mould, working by cooperation with a receiving device which put in ear canal. The ear mould includes a head of the ear mould and a sound transmission device which connected with the head. The sound transmission device is used for connection with the speaker of the hearing aid. The head of the ear mould is integrated with the sound transmission device. An end of sound transmission device which is connected with the hearing aid is elastic. The part of the sound transmission device which is connected with the head of the ear mould is flexible. | 01-03-2013 |
20130010993 | MOLDING STRUCTURE FOR A HEARING APPARATUS, HEARING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF PRODUCING THE MOLDING APPARATUS - Hearing apparatuses should be manufactured as simply as possible and with the closest possible fit. Accordingly, a molding structure, is provided, which represents a model for the direct shaping of an otoplastic of a hearing apparatus. The molding structure having a sealing element, which can be positioned in the auditory canal, and a molding mass which is inserted into the auditory canal to a side of the sealing element facing the outlet of the auditory canal. The molding mass and the sealing element here are connected to form the model and the sealing element is part of the hearing apparatus. | 01-10-2013 |
20130051593 | TECHNOLOGY DELIVERY, POSITIONING AND SOUND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE IN THE EAR CANAL - An in-the-ear technology delivery, positioning and sound management system comprises a body portion that provides support for a conformable fitting element adapted to be positioned in the user's ear canal and which is structured and arranged to anchor sound management technologies and medical instrumentalities at selected positions in the canal for the delivery and control of sound or for the performance of medical procedures therein. In an embodiment, a sound tube is provided which is adapted to deliver sound in close proximity to the ear drum and a method for selectively fitting the system in accordance with the wearer's personal comfort level is provided. In another embodiment, an apparatus and a method for a fitting pressure to be automatically applied along the device or aided by a fitting element that will facilitate placement and a secure fit in the ear canal is presented. | 02-28-2013 |
20130051594 | TECHNOLOGY DELIVERY, POSITIONING AND SOUND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE IN THE EAR CANAL - An in-the-ear technology delivery, positioning and sound management system includes a body portion that provides support for a conformable fitting element to be positioned in the user's ear canal and is structured and arranged to anchor sound management technologies and medical instrumentalities at selected positions in the canal for the delivery and control of sound or for the performance of medical procedures. A sound tube is provided to deliver sound in close proximity to the ear drum and a method for selectively fitting the system to the wearer's personal comfort level is provided. An apparatus and a method for a fitting pressure to be automatically applied along the device or aided by a fitting element that facilitates placement and a secure fit in the ear canal are presented. A coating element manages, acoustically alters, or occludes sound properties and sound at selected depths within the ear canal. | 02-28-2013 |
20130077808 | ITE HEARING INSTRUMENT WITH PROGRAMMING CONNECTOR - An in-the-ear hearing instrument has a programming connector arranged in a faceplate and at least one microphone opening arranged in the faceplate. The programming connector is covered by an openable cover, and the at least one microphone opening is at least partially covered by at least one lining. The cover and at least one lining are integrated into a shared cover and lining device which at least partially covers both the programming connector and also the at least one microphone opening in a manner so as to be openable. | 03-28-2013 |
20130114839 | INFLATABLE EAR MOLD WITH PROTECTED INFLATION AIR INLET - An ear piece is formed for insertion and placement in an external auditory canal. The ear piece has an inflatable 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 is provided for inflating the balloon and a valve may be controlled for selectively deflating the balloon. The air intake to the pump is disposed so as to be 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. | 05-09-2013 |
20130121518 | EAR DEVICE FOR IMPROVED FIT AND SOUND - The present invention is directed to an in-the-ear device sized and shaped such that the in-the-ear device universally and ergonomically fits into the human ear without slipping out and providing the user with a comfortable fit. The in-the-ear device is secured in the user's ear taking advantage of the natural curvature of the human to provide support and shift the center of gravity from outside the ear to further inside the pinna to prevent the device from slipping out while retaining a high level of comfort. | 05-16-2013 |
20130129130 | EAR DOCKING STATION FOR HEARING AIDS - Hearing aid fixture adapted to remain firmly and completely within an external ear canal of a user allowing for an acoustically active part of a hearing aid to be releasably fastened thereto. | 05-23-2013 |
20130136284 | METHOD FOR PRODUCING A TUBE FOR A HEARING AID - A method for producing a tube for a hearing aid is disclosed. And more specifically, a method is disclosed for anchoring a fiber to a tube of a hearing aid, the fiber running through the tube. The fiber is positioned within the tube as a reinforcement fiber to improve the pull strength of the tube. | 05-30-2013 |
20130182877 | RECEIVER SYSTEM FOR A HEARING INSTRUMENT - A hearing instrument receiver system for operation in an ear canal of a user for converting audio signals into sound, comprising a lateral receiver, a medial receiver and a flexible joint assembly connecting the medial end of the lateral receiver and the lateral end of the medial receiver in such a manner that the lateral receiver and the medial receiver are pivotable relative to each other in order to follow the shape of the ear canal. | 07-18-2013 |
20130202141 | CUSTOM EAR ADAPTOR SYSTEM - An earpiece system for adapting an electronic sound producing module to an elastomeric earpiece device. The earpiece system includes an elastomeric base that mechanically snaps together with the electronic sound producing module, and a vibration dampening tube that prevents sound feedback of the overall amplification unit while also interfacing with one of a selection of elastomeric devices that fit in the ear, or a custom molded in-the-ear housing. | 08-08-2013 |
20130216080 | CABLE LENGTH ADJUSTMENT IN AUDITORY DEVICES - An In-The-Ear (ITE) device is disclosed. This ITE is adapted for connection to a cable from a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) device, the ITE device including a releasable mechanical retention device for the cable, such that the cable may be customized in length and may be attached to the retention device. | 08-22-2013 |
20130223665 | MOLDING STRUCTURE FOR A HEARING APPARATUS, HEARING APPARATUS, AND METHOD OF PRODUCING THE MOLDING STRUCTURE - Hearing apparatuses should be manufactured as simply as possible and with the closest possible fit. Accordingly, a molding structure is provided, which represents a model for the direct shaping of an otoplastic of a hearing apparatus. The molding structure has a sealing element, which can be positioned in the auditory canal. A molding mass is inserted into the auditory canal to a side of the sealing element facing the outlet of the auditory canal. The molding mass and the sealing element here are connected to form the model of the hearing apparatus and the sealing element has the exact shape of a part of the hearing apparatus. | 08-29-2013 |
20130266168 | Open Ear Canal Hearing Aid - 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. | 10-10-2013 |
20130272556 | HEARING INSTRUMENT AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - A hearing instrument and a method of operating a hearing instrument are provided. The hearing instrument includes an electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical output transducer. When a low battery status of the hearing instrument is detected, a low power audio signal processing mode is selected to extend a lifetime of a battery. The low power audio signal processing mode includes reducing a gain at predefined frequencies; switching off an audio signal processing function for one or more audio frequencies; switching-off parts of a digital audio processor to reduce a duty cycle; and reducing power consumption of an audio signal preamplifier, an audio signal analog-to-digital converter or an audio signal digital-to-analog converter. | 10-17-2013 |
20130294629 | OPEN FIT CANAL HEARING DEVICE - A hearing aid device adapted for use within the ear canal and of partially exposed in the canal types. This aid allows an air gap to substantially surround the hearing aid shell and air passages which communicate with the inner ear minimizing occlusion sensations and providing the user with an enhanced natural hearing experience. An aspect of this device is the provision of air passages in the mounting insert which securely positions the hearing aid shell in the wearer's canal. These passages are designed to stay open after insertion of the aid in the ear canal. In use, unamplified sound from the outside passes around the hearing aid shell, through the air passages in the mounting insert blending with the amplified sound emanating from the receiver. The area of air passages in the mounting insert can be tailored by the technician adapting to the hearing loss characteristics of the user. | 11-07-2013 |
20130294630 | EARPHONE DEVICE - An earphone device includes a housing having a driver unit, and a sound guide tube mounted on a front surface of the housing to protrude from the front surface, in which the sound guide tube is disposed at a position deviated from a center position of the housing. | 11-07-2013 |
20130315428 | EARDRUM IMPLANTABLE DEVICES FOR HEARING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - An implantable device is configured for placement in the eardrum to transmit an audio signal to a user. The device may be configured to improve transmission of an electromagnetic signal comprising light energy from an input assembly on a lateral side of eardrum to an output assembly positioned on a medial side of the eardrum, for example at least partially in the middle ear of the user. The output assembly may comprise a transducer or at least two electrodes configured to stimulate the cochlea, for example. The device may comprise an opening to transmit the light signal or an optic to transmit the light signal. Alternatively the device may be configured to support a transducer of the output assembly with the eardrum when the device is implanted in the eardrum, such that the eardrum vibrates in response to the signal electromagnetic signal. The electromagnetic signal may comprise light energy for a magnetic field. | 11-28-2013 |
20140003642 | EARPIECE FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE | 01-02-2014 |
20140003643 | HOUSING FOR A HEARING INSTRUMENT, METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE HOUSING AND HEARING INSTRUMENT | 01-02-2014 |
20140044294 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OWN-VOICE SENSING IN A HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE - Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for own-voice sensing in hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter includes an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing assistance device adapted to process sounds, including sounds from a wearer's mouth. According to various embodiments, the device includes a hollow plastic housing adapted to be worn in the ear of the wearer and a differential sensor mounted to an interior surface of the housing in an ear canal of the wearer. The differential sensor includes inlets located within the housing and the differential sensor is configured to improve speech intelligibility of sounds from the wearer's mouth, in various embodiments. | 02-13-2014 |
20140050342 | HEARING AID WITH GUIDING MEANS FOR INSERTION - A hearing aid comprises a microphone for transforming an acoustic signal surrounding a hearing aid user into an electrical signal, a signal processing means for processing the electrical signal into an electrical output signal and to a receiver ( | 02-20-2014 |
20140056453 | Anatomically Customized Ear Canal Hearing Apparatus - Embodiments of the present invention provide improved methods and apparatus suitable for use with hearing devices. A vapor deposition process can be used to make a retention structure having a shape profile corresponding to a tissue surface, such as a retention structure having a shape profile corresponding to one or more of an eardrum, the eardrum annulus, or a skin of the ear canal. The retention structure can be resilient and may comprise an anatomically accurate shape profile corresponding to a portion of the ear, such that the resilient retention structure provides mechanical stability for an output transducer assembly placed in the ear for an extended time. The output transducer may couple to the eardrum with direct mechanical coupling or acoustic coupling when retained in the ear canal with the retention structure. | 02-27-2014 |
20140056454 | HEARING INSTRUMENT AND EARPIECE HAVING RECEIVER - A hearing instrument has an earpiece for inserting in an auditory canal and has an expandable balloon. In the earpiece is arranged a receiver and which earpiece enables additional connections for acoustic signals and compressed air. The earpiece contains a case, a receiver and a balloon. The case has a proximal case segment and a distal case segment. The receiver is arranged between the two case segments. The two case segments mechanically fix the receiver and are connected to one another in a sealed manner. A sound channel and an air supply channel, which are separate from each other, are formed between receiver and case, the wall of each channel being formed both by the receiver and by the case. A sound exit aperture is provided, which is connected to a receiver output aperture of the receiver and to the sound channel. The balloon is connected to the air supply channel. | 02-27-2014 |
20140056455 | EARPHONE - An earphone includes: a loudspeaker unit; a sound conductive tube which is connected to a front surface having a diaphragm included in the loudspeaker unit, and has a hole through which a sound generated from the loudspeaker unit is emitted; a housing which is connected to a back surface of the loudspeaker unit so that a space is formed between the housing and the back surface of the loudspeaker unit, and has a first air hole connecting the space to external air; a first braking part which closes a sound hole of the loudspeaker unit; and a second braking part which closes the first air hole. | 02-27-2014 |
20140105437 | MINIATURE SPEAKER AND SPEAKER CABINET AND HEARING AID - A miniature speaker and speaker cabinet are provided, wherein the speaker is enclosed in an oblong capsule with a sound output opening at one end and leads passing from a speaker coil inside the capsule to connection points externally on the capsule, and where the cabinet encloses the capsule and at one end thereof comprise a lead input opening with leads passing there through to the connection points on the capsule, and where the cabinet further comprise a sound exit opening opposite the lead input opening, which is in fluid communication with the sound output opening of the capsule, wherein the cabinet has an internal space surpassing external measures of the capsule in all directions defining a gap between the capsule and cabinet wherein the thus defined gab is filled out with a hardening silicone. | 04-17-2014 |
20140105438 | Hearing Aid Positioning System And Structure - 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. | 04-17-2014 |
20140153761 | DYNAMIC PRESSURE VENT FOR CANAL HEARING DEVICES - 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. | 06-05-2014 |
20140169604 | HEARING AID WITH ANTENNA FOR RECEPTION AND TRANSMISSION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC SIGNALS - The invention regards a communication device which is adapted for placement in a users ear. The communication device comprises a shell part enclosing an input transducer for receiving an input signal, a signal processing device and an output N transducer for providing a signal perceivable as sound, a battery located at a surface part of the shell which is facing away from the head of the user, a transmission and reception circuit for transmission and/or reception of electromagnetic energy. According to the invention an antenna for radiating and/or receiving electromagnetic energy is provided such that it has a first surface turned towards the surroundings and a second surface located in close proximity of the battery. | 06-19-2014 |
20140177894 | SOUND ENVIRONMENT CLASSIFICATION BY COORDINATED SENSING USING HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES - Techniques are disclosed for classifying a sound environment for hearing assistance devices using redundant estimates of an acoustical environment from two hearing assistance devices and accessory devices. In one example, a method for operating a hearing assistance device includes sensing an environmental sound, determining a first classification of the environmental sound, receiving at least one second classification of the environmental sound, comparing the determined first classification and the at least one received second classification, and selecting an operational classification for the hearing assistance device based upon the comparison. | 06-26-2014 |
20140185851 | Hearing Aid Device - A hearing aid device comprising a receiver unit arranged in a compartment in a shell, wherein the shell comprises a venting passage between first and second opposite faces of the shell to provide air passage from one side of the shell to another, and wherein the shell comprises an opening in the first face into the compartment and a closing member positioned to close off the compartment. The opening is shaped to allow the receiver unit to be inserted into the compartment through the opening, and the compartment is acoustically connected to the venting passage to allow the sound to emit through the venting passage. The receiver unit may be releasably mounted in the compartment such that the receiver unit can be retracted from the shell through the opening. | 07-03-2014 |
20140193012 | HEARING AID COMPONENT WITH EARWAX FILTER - A hearing aid component with earwax filter is provided, wherein the hearing aid component has a sound inlet opening that has at least two sound inlet portions having different diameters and being displaced with respect to each other in a longitudinal direction of the sound inlet opening so that the sound inlet opening narrows towards the interior of the hearing aid component so that more proximal sound inlet portion has a relatively larger diameter and more distal sound inlet portion has a relatively smaller diameter. The earwax filter is placed in said sound inlet opening and comprises: a cap with an outward-facing and an inward-facing side, and a peripheral edge, said peripheral edge being force-fitted into the sound inlet portion with the relatively larger diameter. The cap has a plurality of sound inlets arranged along the periphery of the cap wherein the sound inlets are arranged along a perimeter of the cap. | 07-10-2014 |
20140193013 | HEARING AID WITH AN IN-THE-EAR COMPONENT - According to the invention, a receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aid with an in-the-ear component is proposed, wherein the in-the-ear component has a customized shell fitted to an individual user's ear canal geometry and a receiver placed in the shell, and wherein the receiver is connected to a further hearing aid component by means of a lead connection. The in-the-ear component comprises a face plate connected to the shell. The face plate is arranged on a side of the hearing aid component that faces away from a tympanic membrane when in use. The face plate comprises a cable feedthrough that is attached to the face plate and that is covered by a cover plate. | 07-10-2014 |
20140205122 | ELECTRONICS IN A RECEIVER-IN-CANAL MODULE - A hearing aid assembly comprising a Receiver-in-canal part provided with electronics. | 07-24-2014 |
20140247957 | HEARING AID WITH A BUSHING FOR AN EAR WAX GUARD - A hearing aid ( | 09-04-2014 |
20140270298 | Hearing Aid Adapter for Easy Conversion of Open Ear to Closed Ear Fitting - An open fitted hearing aid adapter allows a user to quickly transition between an open fitted style hearing aid and a closed fitted style hearing aid. This allows the user to conveniently benefit from the different advantages offered by both styles of hearing aids, according to the user's current needs. The open fitted hearing aid adapter has a custom ear mold, at least one receiving surface channel | 09-18-2014 |
20140270299 | SOUND PROCESSORS AND IMPLANTABLE COCHLEAR STIMULATION SYSTEMS INCLUDING THE SAME - Sound processors and systems including sound processors are disclosed. | 09-18-2014 |
20140286514 | Systems and Methods for Photo-Mechanical Hearing Transduction - Hearing systems for both hearing impaired and normal hearing subjects comprise an input transducer and a separate output transducer. The input transducer will include a light source for generating a light signal in response to either ambient sound or an external electronic sound signal. The output transducer will comprise a light-responsive transducer component which is adapted to receive light from the input transducer. The output transducer component will vibrate in response to the light input and produce vibrations in a component of a subject's hearing transduction pathway, such as the tympanic membrane, a bone in the ossicular chain, or directly on the cochlea, in order to produce neural signals representative of the original sound. | 09-25-2014 |
20140286515 | EARMOLDS - This disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for retaining an earpiece in the ear during physical movement and exercise. In various instances, the apparatus may include a thinned region a posterior arch and ribs to allow deformation of the earmold and facilitate securing of the earmold in the concha bowl of the ear. | 09-25-2014 |
20140286516 | EXTERNAL EAR INSERT FOR HEARING COMPREHENSION ENHANCEMENT - A simple hearing enhancement device that takes the normally adequately loud sound levels and optimizes selective frequency gain of the patient's ear passage to improve speech comprehension. | 09-25-2014 |
20140294213 | Ear Cleaning Apparatus - The invention provides apparatus and methods for cleaning an ear canal. The ear cleaning apparatus includes an elongated support member having an outer surface and first and second ends, and a bristle member that is attached to one end of the support member. The bristle member includes a plurality of flexible elongated members that are configured to contact a surface of an ear canal when the support member/bristle member assembly is inserted into the ear canal. | 10-02-2014 |
20140307905 | Hearing Aid - A novel earpiece for a hearing aid having a speaker located at the medial end, adjacent a wearer's eardrum. | 10-16-2014 |
20140314263 | REPLACEABLE RECEIVER FOR IN-THE-EAR HEARING INSTRUMENT - A hearing instrument has a shell, a bottom faceplate attached to the shell, and a replaceable receiver. The receiver is replaceable through the bottom plate without removing the bottom plate from the shell. The receiver is locked in its mounting position by a mechanism that can be unlocked. | 10-23-2014 |
20140355804 | INCREASING ANTENNA PERFORMANCE FOR WIRELESS HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES - Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for increasing antenna performance for hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing assistance device for a wearer including an antenna within a device housing, an audio receiver configured to be worn in an ear canal of a wearer, and a cable assembly configured to connect the audio receiver to the device housing. A ferrite element or an inductor is connected to the cable assembly and configured to reduce unwanted coupling between the cable assembly and the antenna by reducing high frequency current through the wires of the cable assembly. According to various embodiments, the ferrite element or the inductor is connected in series to the cable assembly adjacent to the device housing. | 12-04-2014 |
20140363037 | ANTENNA DEVICE FOR HEARING INSTRUMENTS AND A HEARING INSTRUMENT - An antenna system is provided for hearing instruments to be worn in the auditory canal. A hearing instrument has a data transmission system improved in respect of transmission bandwidth with no increase or only an insignificant increase in space and energy requirement. The antenna system has an antenna with a preferred send and receive spatial direction, and a hearing instrument component which emits noise radiation predominantly in a noise radiation spatial direction. The antenna and the hearing instrument component are disposed so that the send and receive spatial direction and the noise radiation spatial direction are oriented transverse to one another such that a coupling-in of noise radiation into the antenna is reduced. The reduction of the noise couplings into the antenna make possible a higher send and receive bandwidth, with the installation volume and energy requirement remaining the same. The hearing instrument component is a receiver. | 12-11-2014 |
20140376756 | EAR STRAP FOR A PROBE TUBE - An ear strap is disclosed. The ear strap comprises attachment means configured to be attached to a tube. The ear strap has a flexible member configured to be placed within the concha of the ear and to be held in place by the concha of the ear. The flexible member is configured to take a form that fits the shape of the concha of the ear. The ear strap comprises means for adjusting the position of the tube relative to the attachment means. | 12-25-2014 |
20150010185 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR HEARING - A device to transmit an audio signal to a user comprises a transducer and a support. The support is configured for placement on the eardrum to drive the eardrum. The transducer is coupled to the support at a first location to decrease occlusion and a second location to drive the eardrum. The transducer may comprise one or more of an electromagnetic balanced armature transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, a magnetostrictive transducer, a photostrictive transducer, or a coil and magnet. The device may find use with open canal hearing aids. | 01-08-2015 |
20150063617 | ELASTIC BODY OF AUDIO ACCESSORY, AUDIO ACCESSORY AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE SUPPORTING THE SAME - An elastic body of an audio accessory is provided. The elastic body includes a cylindrical inner cover, at least one outer cover which is elongated from a top end edge of the cylindrical inner cover to enclose the cylindrical inner cover, the at least one outer cover having at least one inlet which partially exposes at least a part of the cylindrical inner cover, and at least one sensor module disposed on at least one of the cylindrical inner cover and the at least one outer cover and configured to generate a sensor signal related to deformation of the at least one outer cover. | 03-05-2015 |
20150078602 | HEARING LOSS COMPENSATION APPARATUS INCLUDING EXTERNAL MICROPHONE - A hearing loss compensation apparatus includes a microphone configured to collect an ambient sound and generate an audio signal based on the collected ambient sound. A hearing loss compensation apparatus body inserted into an ear of a hearing impaired patient is configured to compensate for the audio signal based on auditory characteristics of the hearing impaired patient. The hearing loss compensation apparatus body is further configured to output the audio signal in a direction of an eardrum of the hearing impaired patient. A connection member is configured to connect the microphone to the hearing loss compensation apparatus body and fix a position of the microphone to be inside an ear canal of the hearing impaired patient. | 03-19-2015 |
20150078603 | TRANSDUCER COMPRISING MOISTURE TRANSPORTING ELEMENT - A hearing aid or a transducer for use in a hearing aid, having a housing with an opening from an inner chamber thereof to surroundings thereof. A moisture transporting element is positioned in the opening. The moisture transporting element may be capillary channels or a thread made of fibres which may fan out at the outer side in order to increase evaporation. The chamber may be hydrophobic and surroundings of the opening be hydrophilic to encourage humidity to travel toward the humidity transporting element to be removed from the chamber. | 03-19-2015 |
20150092970 | Hearing Aid Security Aid - A hearing aid safety aid is provided. The hearing aid is configured to attach a hearing aid to an earring of the wearer. If the hearing aid comes loose and falls off, the hearing aid safety aid prevents it from falling off the user by its connection to the user's earring. | 04-02-2015 |
20150092971 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTING AIR PRESSURE INSIDE THE EAR OF A PERSON WEARING AN EAR-WEARABLE DEVICE - A method is provided including: receiving a signal for regulating a valve of an ear-wearable device; and changing a state of the valve based on the signal, the changing including at least one of opening and closing the valve. | 04-02-2015 |
20150104053 | DIRECT DRIVE MICRO HEARING DEVICE - A device and methods are provided for a hearing device. In one embodiment, a hearing device includes a microphone to receive sound, an interactive tip and actuator. The actuator can include an actuator element and preload force element to place the interactive tip in contact with a portion of an ear. The hearing device includes circuitry coupled to the microphone and actuator, the circuitry configured to process sound received by the microphone and drive the actuator based on processed sound, wherein the actuator drives the interactive tip relative to a portion of the ear based on one or more signals received from the circuitry. | 04-16-2015 |
20150139461 | ENHANCED HEARING AID - Hearing aids are enhanced by application of liquids thereto, said liquids being solvents for organic matter, or wax, or ear canal wax. The liquids are volatile. Application of the liquids to both the hearing dome ends and the ear canal surfaces create a coupling thereof, which maintains a desired position of the aids within the ear canals. | 05-21-2015 |
20150304782 | OWN VOICE SHAPING IN A HEARING INSTRUMENT - A method of processing a signal in a hearing instrument with at least one outer microphone oriented towards the environment, an ear canal microphone oriented towards the user's ear canal, and at least one receiver capable of producing an acoustic signal in the ear canal includes the steps of:
| 10-22-2015 |
20150319541 | HEARING AID DEVICE - A hearing aid device comprising means for being at least partly inserted into the ear canal of a hearing aid user is disclosed. The hearing aid device comprises at least one electro-active member comprising a top electrode layer and a bottom electrode layer and a dielectric elastomer member sandwiched between the top electrode layer and the bottom electrode layer. | 11-05-2015 |
20150341729 | System and Method for Providing a Notification of Device Orientation - A device includes a microphone, a sensor that generates a first signal that is indicative of an orientation of the microphone, and a processor. The processor uses the first signal to determine if the microphone is in a predetermined orientation. Further, the processor, responsive to determining that the microphone is not in the predetermined orientation, generates a second signal that is used to provide a notification that the microphone is not in the predetermined orientation. | 11-26-2015 |
20160007127 | PASSIVE VIBRATION CANCELLATION SYSTEM FOR MICROPHONE ASSEMBLY - A passive vibration cancellation system manufactured of a plurality of waterproof diaphragms and a more rigid support structure is sized to cover a microphone of an auditory prosthesis. The system includes multiple flexible diaphragms that deform in opposite directions when acted upon by sound, but deform in the same direction when acted upon by vibrations. The system can further include a collar or other compliant element to help secure a microphone assembly into the auditory prosthesis housing, while further reducing vibration transmission between the housing and the microphone. | 01-07-2016 |
20160029134 | Adjustable Securing Mechanism for a Space Access Device - 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. | 01-28-2016 |
20160044423 | EXTERNAL EAR INSERT FOR HEARING COMPREHENSION ENHANCEMENT - A simple hearing enhancement device that takes the normally adequately loud sound levels and optimizes selective frequency gain of the patient's ear passage to improve speech comprehension. | 02-11-2016 |
20160057551 | ENHANCED COMFORT EARBUD - An earbud that uniformly conforms to the ear canal and maintains a constant and comfortable radial pressure on the ear canal regardless of size. The earbud is designed to extrude distally when placed inside a small canal and yet still conforms to the canal while maintaining the aforementioned comfortable radial pressure. A wax bridge may be added to provide an added layer of wax protection to the earbud. | 02-25-2016 |
20160066110 | TRENCHED SEALING RETAINER FOR CANAL HEARING DEVICE - 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. | 03-03-2016 |
20160066111 | EAR CANAL EARPIECE AND EARMOLD UNIT FOR AN EARPIECE - An ear canal earpiece comprising an electroacoustic sound transducer, a first sound guide unit for guiding the sound from the electroacoustic sound transducer, a second sound guide unit for prolonging the first sound guide unit, a third sound guide unit whose outside contour is matched to an inside contour of an ear canal of a user and which surrounds the second sound guide unit, and a sound wall in the region of the second sound guide unit, wherein the sound wall extends between the second and third sound guide units. | 03-03-2016 |
20160073193 | Moldable Earpiece System - An earpiece including an external surface having a first fixed configuration disposable within the outer ear and having a passage adapted for retention of an in ear device a portion of which extends outwardly to releasably couple to an earplug adjacent the earpiece, the earpiece heatable to achieve a moldable condition which allows reconfiguration of the external surface by engagement with the outer ear to dispose the external surface in a second fixed configuration in greater conformity to the outer ear. | 03-10-2016 |
20160150331 | ADJUSTABLE VENTING FOR HEARING INSTRUMENTS - An ear tip apparatus for use with a hearing device is provided and comprises a malleable structure. The malleable structure is sized and configured for placement in an ear canal of a user. The malleable structure is deformable to allow an adjustable venting of the ear canal, thereby minimizing the occlusion effect. Methodology for adjusting a degree of venting of the ear canal is also provided, including the automatic adjustments. Adjusting the degree of venting may be done in response to one or more of detected feedback or an environmental cue. | 05-26-2016 |
20160165334 | HEARING DEVICE WITH SELF-CLEANING TUBING - An acoustic device that is configured to be disposed at least partially within an ear includes a hard inner sleeve, a soft or flexible outer sleeve, a speaker, a microphone, and a microphone chamber. The outer sleeve includes a first channel and a second channel. The first channel extends through the soft outer sleeve. A portion of the second channel is open and not surrounded by the hard inner sleeve on an outer surface of the hard outer sleeve. The soft outer sleeve at least partially surrounds the hard inner sleeve. The soft outer sleeve covers the portion of the second channel that is open to form an enclosed channel. The speaker is in communication with the first channel. The microphone chamber communicating with a microphone, and the microphone chamber is also in communication with the second channel via a port. | 06-09-2016 |
20160182993 | ACOUSTIC DEVICE | 06-23-2016 |
20170238105 | PASSIVE VIBRATION CANCELLATION SYSTEM FOR MICROPHONE ASSEMBLY | 08-17-2017 |