Flexible joint for extended wear hearing device
US7720242B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 12, 2005 |
| Grant date | May 18, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 1, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R2225/023
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Various embodiments provide a flexible joint for extended wear hearing devices. One embodiment provides a flexible joint for a hearing device comprising a compliant tube having a lateral and a medial end, a pivotal portion and a lumen. The hearing device can include a CIC hearing aid positioned in the bony portion of the ear canal. The tube ends are configured to be coupled to lateral and medial device assemblies. The tube allows the lateral assembly to advance the medial assembly into the bony portion of the ear canal and have the lateral and medial assemblies conform to the shape of the ear canal via pivotal movement. The tube also acoustically decouples the two assemblies. The pivotal portion can comprise a necked portion or otherwise have decreased stiffness relative to other tube portions. The tube can be shaped to fit over and retain one or both assemblies.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.