Device to optically verify custom hearing aid fit and method of use
AssigneeStarkey Laboratories, Inc.
InventorsBrian Thomas Dahl, Julian Taylor Struksheats, Westley Gordon Gentry
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Embodiments herein relate to a test shell for assessing fit in an ear of a user of an ear-wearable device, such as a hearing aid. The test shell includes a body having an aperture end and an ear canal end, the aperture end defines a first aperture, and the body defines a shell cavity extending away from the first aperture in a direction of the ear canal end. The body includes a transparent or translucent material and is sized to fit within an ear of the user of an ear-wearable device. Other embodiments are also included herein.
Claims20
A test shell for assessing fit in an ear of a user of an ear-wearable device, the test shell comprising:
- a body comprising an aperture end and an ear canal end, wherein the aperture end defines a first aperture, wherein the body defines a shell cavity extending away from the first aperture in a direction of the ear canal end;
- wherein the body comprises a transparent or translucent material;
- wherein the body is sized to fit within an ear of the user of an ear-wearable device.
A method of fitting a user with an ear-wearable device comprising:
- creating an impression of the user's ear using an impression material;
- creating a test shell using the impression, wherein the test shell comprises a body comprising an aperture end and an ear canal end, wherein the aperture end defines a first aperture, wherein the body defines a shell cavity extending away from the first aperture in a direction of the ear canal end, wherein the body comprises a transparent or translucent material, wherein the body is sized to fit within an ear of the user of an ear-wearable device;
- placing the test shell into the user's ear;
- illuminating the test shell, while the test shell is in the user's ear, using a light source placed within the shell cavity;
- and
- visually inspecting the test shell, while the test shell is in the user's ear, using a light source to evaluate goodness of fit of the test shell in the user's ear.
A test shell for assessing fit in an ear of a user of an ear-wearable device, the test shell comprising:
- a body comprising an aperture end and an ear canal end, wherein the aperture end defines a first aperture, wherein the body defines a shell cavity extending away from the first aperture in a direction of the ear canal end;
- wherein the body comprises a transparent or translucent material;
- wherein the body comprises a color-changing material that changes color in response to pressure or temperature;
- and
- wherein the body is sized to fit within an ear of the user of an ear-wearable device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.