Energy delivery and microphone placement methods for improved comfort in an open canal hearing aid
US8295523B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 2, 2008 |
| Grant date | Oct 23, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R2225/0213
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A hearing aid device for placement in an ear of a user includes an elongate support and a transducer. The elongate support has a proximal portion and a distal end, and the transducer is attached to the elongate support near the distal end. The support is adapted to position the transducer near an eardrum while the proximal portion is placed at the location near an ear canal opening. The elongate support is sized to minimize contact with the ear between the proximal portion and distal end. The elongate support permits sound waves to travel along the ear canal. In some embodiments, a microphone is positioned in the ear canal along the support, for example inside the support, to provide directionally dependent sound localization cues, and the transducer on the distal end of the elongate support comprises a coil assembly coupled to a magnet positioned on the tympanic membrane.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.