Patent · US Expired

Hearing aid transducer support

US6001129A · kind A · utility

68Cited by
35References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 7, 1997
Grant dateDec 14, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 7, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61F2002/183
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A support for input and output transducers of a hearing aid is implanted in the middle ear. The support, which is attached to the mastoid bone, can be a single component or comprise two adjustable components. In one embodiment, an arm extends from the proximal end of the support towards an access hole created behind the outer ear, where the arm is attached for further stability. In another embodiment, the arm extends outside the access hole, where it is mounted subcutaneously to the mastoid bone with a mechanical fastener. The support provides positional adjustability, stability, and is invisible externally. The support can be a single bracket. The transducers are connected to an electronics unit. The electronics can be programmed or reprogrammed.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.