Compact hearing aids
US11368797B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 2021 |
| Grant date | Jun 21, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R2460/17
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to compact hearing aids, components thereof, and support systems therefor, as well as methods of insertion and removal thereof. The compact hearing aids generally include a sensor, such as a microphone, an actuation mass, an energy source for providing power to the compact hearing aid, a processor, and an actuator enclosed in a housing that is designed to be inserted through the tympanic membrane during a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure. In operation, the microphone receives sound waves and converts the sound waves into electrical signals. A processor then modifies the electrical signals and provides the electrical signals to the actuator. The actuator converts the electrical signals into mechanical motion, which actuates the actuation mass to modulate the velocity or the position of the tympanic membrane.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.