Process of making a hearing aid earmold in situ
US5045266A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 2, 1989 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 2, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S264/30
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An acoustically sealed earmold for a hearing aid insertable into the ear of individuals with impaired hearing can be prepared in situ employing the hydrophilic composite polymer materials described herein. Such composite materials include at least one hydrophilic polymer in a powder form and one or more liquid components of which at least one is hydrophilic and which can be polymerized with said hydrophilic polymer. The resulting earmold has a shape-retaining, non-tacky flexible consistency which allows it to be shaped further and also to be modified to accommodate a receiver adapter or external receiver. The earmold can then be cured by any of the conventional curing methods to retain its shape permanently. This method enables an audiologist to fit the earmold and evaluate the hearing aid in a single office visit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.