US 6,940,988 B1 · Semi-permanent canal hearing device

Abstract

A semi-permanent hearing device is disclosed which is adapted to be completely positioned within the ear canal of an individual for long-term use. The device comprises a sealing retainer substantially positioned in the bony region of the ear canal and a core assembly including a receiver assembly coaxially positioned within the sealing retainer. When the device is inserted into its completely-in-the-canal position, the core assembly extends from the sealing retainer to the cartilaginous region of the ear canal in a non-occluding fashion, thereby minimizing interference with hair and earwax production present in the cartilaginous region. In a preferred embodiment of the device, the core assembly comprises a battery assembly conforming substantially to the shape and dimensions of the battery enclosed within the assembly. A connector in the form of a thin ribbon film provides electrical and flexible mechanical connectivity between the receiver assembly, the centrally positioned battery assembly, and a microphone assembly positioned in the cartilaginous region. The disclosed hearing device is characterized by the absence of a unitary enclosure or a main housing, in contrast to the enclosure or housing which typically encompasses the battery along with other components in prior art hearing device designs.

Claims49

Dependent claims

A semi-permanent hearing device configured to be inserted entirely within a wearer's ear canal past the canal aperture for long-term use therein, the device comprising:

a sealing retainer configured to be seated in a bony portion of the ear canal along the longitudinal axis and in direct contact with walls of the ear canal when the device is fully inserted within the canal, the sealing retainer being conformable to the shape of the canal;
a receiver assembly configured to mate with the sealing retainer for positioning in a bony portion of the canal, the receiver assembly including a receiver for supplying acoustic signals processed by the device to a tympanic membrane of the wearer;
a microphone assembly separate from the microphone assembly and including a microphone configured to receive incoming acoustic signals for processing by the device, thereby overcoming the need for a unitary enclosure which typically encloses the battery and microphone components, the microphone assembly sized to be substantially non-occluding of a single cartilaginous portion of the canal;
a flexible connector for providing a direct electrical and mechanical connection to flexibly coupling the receiver assembly and the microphone assembly, the connector configured to flexibly support the microphone assembly in the cartilaginous portion of the canal so as to have minimal contact with the canal walls and allow freedom of movement of the microphone assembly across a cross section of the ear canal in response to an applied force;
and
a battery assembly coupled to at least one of the flexible connector, the receiver assembly and the microphone assembly, the battery assembly including a battery for powering the device.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Semi-permanent canal hearing device

Life of this patent

Semi-permanent canal hearing device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims49