Patent · US Active

Technology delivery, positioning and sound management system and method for use in the ear canal

US8270649B2 · kind B2 · utility

4Cited by
3References
40Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateOct 16, 2008
Grant dateSep 18, 2012
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 9, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH04R25/658
  • WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

An in-the-ear technology delivery, positioning and sound management system comprises a body portion that provides support for a conformable fitting element adapted to be positioned in the user's ear canal and which is structured and arranged to anchor sound management technologies and medical instrumentalities at selected positions in the canal for the delivery and control of sound or for the performance of medical procedures therein. In an embodiment, a sound tube is provided which is adapted to deliver sound in close proximity to the ear drum and a method for selectively fitting the system in accordance with the wearer's personal comfort level is provided. In another embodiment, an apparatus and a method for a fitting pressure to be automatically applied along the device or aided by a fitting element that will facilitate placement and a secure fit in the ear canal is presented. A coating element comprising materials selected to manage, acoustically alter, or occlude sound properties and sound at selected depths within the ear canal is disclosed.

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