An apparatus can include a first ear simulator coupler configured to receive a first hearing device within a first aperture, with an acoustic microphone provided below the first aperture to capture first audio input data associated with the first ear simulator coupler. A second ear simulator coupler can comprise a second aperture configured to receive a contact hearing device ear tip, the second ear simulator coupler including a receive coil configured to obtain a second audio input data corresponding to a transmitted signal from the contact hearing device ear tip when inserted within the second ear simulator coupler. The apparatus can include an audio output port can be connected by a switch to a selected one of a first audio processing path corresponding to a simulated hearing experience of the first hearing device, or a second audio processing path corresponding to a simulated hearing experience of the contact hearing device.
Systems and techniques are provided for processing audio data. A process can include obtaining first audio data from a first microphone in a first direction, and second audio data from a second microphone in a second direction. A directional audio signal can be generated, comprising a weighted sum of an omni-directional signal corresponding to the first audio data and a bi-directional difference signal corresponding to the first audio data and the second audio data. A constructed noise reference can be generated based on a difference between the omni-directional signal and the bi-directional difference signal. Estimated noise information associated with one or more of the first microphone or the second microphone can be determined, based on the constructed noise reference.
44 - Medical, veterinary, hygienic and cosmetic services; agriculture, horticulture and forestry services
Goods & Services
Hearing aid services; hearing aid fitting services; medical diagnostic services, namely hearing conditions, hearing loss and hearing aid treatments and solutions; medical services, namely audiology
44 - Medical, veterinary, hygienic and cosmetic services; agriculture, horticulture and forestry services
Goods & Services
Hearing aid services; hearing aid fitting services; medical diagnostic services, namely hearing conditions, hearing loss and hearing aid treatments and solutions; medical services, namely audiology
5.
Contact hearing device and retention structure materials
Hearing aid devices, methods of manufacture, methods of use, and kits are provided. In certain aspects, the hearing aid devices comprise an apparatus having a transducer and a retention structure comprising a shape profile corresponding to a tissue of the user, and a layer of elastomer.
The present invention is directed to a hearing aid which includes a lateral ear canal assembly and a medial ear canal assembly. In embodiments of the invention the medial ear canal assembly may include smart circuitry adapted to control parameters and outputs of the medial ear canal assembly. In embodiments of the invention various methods and circuitry are described, wherein the methods and circuitry are adapted to improve the performance and efficiency of the hearing aid.
H04B 5/72 - Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive or capacitive transmission systems specially adapted for specific purposes for local intradevice communication
H04B 5/79 - Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive or capacitive transmission systems specially adapted for specific purposes for data transfer in combination with power transfer
In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a contact hearing system comprising: an ear tip including a transmit coil, wherein the transmit coil is connected to an audio processor, including an H Bridge circuit; a first input to the H Bridge circuit comprising an AND circuit wherein a first input to the AND circuit comprises a carrier signal and a second input to the AND circuit comprises an output of a delta sigma modulation circuit, wherein the delta sigma modulation circuit is a component of the audio processor; and a second input to the H Bridge circuit comprising an NAND circuit wherein a first input to the NAND circuit comprises a carrier signal and a second input to the NAND circuit comprises an output of the delta sigma modulation circuit.
H02M 3/08 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode
H02M 7/10 - Conversion of AC power input into DC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode arranged for operation in series, e.g. for multiplication of voltage
H04B 5/00 - Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive or capacitive transmission systems
H04R 25/02 - Deaf-aid sets adapted to be supported entirely by ear
H04R 3/04 - Circuits for transducers for correcting frequency response
H02J 50/12 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling of the resonant type
H02M 7/06 - Conversion of AC power input into DC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode
In embodiments of the invention, the invention comprises a light tip cable including a cartridge assembly affixed to a medial end of the cable, the cartridge assembly including an emitter housing where the emitter housing includes an opening at a medial end of the housing and a flange at a lateral end of the housing. In embodiments of the invention, the cartridge assembly includes a light emitting element in the housing extending to the opening, retention features covering at least a portion of the housing, including the flange, the retention features comprising a lateral face and a lobe and at least one load bearing strand extending from the cable to the emitter; and electrical connectors extending from the cable to the light emitting element.
H01R 43/20 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for assembling or disassembling contact members with insulating base, case or sleeve
H01R 13/422 - Securing in a demountable manner in resilient one-piece base or caseOne-piece base or case formed with resilient locking means
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode
H01R 12/71 - Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures
Methods of measuring biometric characteristics using a sensor positioned in an ear canal of a user are provided. The sensor is positioned on or connected to an ear tip, a contact hearing device, or one or more components thereof. One or more biometric signals may be sensed from the sensor. The biometric characteristic of the user is measured or derived from these sensed signals, and include but are not limited to the temperature of the user, acoustic signal(s) from the user, movement(s) of the user, a ballistocardiogram, an electrocardiogram, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure.
A61B 5/11 - Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor or mobility of a limb
A61B 5/318 - Heart-related electrical modalities, e.g. electrocardiography [ECG]
A61B 5/1455 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration or pH-value using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
A61B 5/0205 - Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
An improved microactuator for use in a contact hearing aid, wherein the microactuator includes a one-piece membrane. The one piece membrane being adapted to prevent moisture from entering the microactuator through the microactuator reed opening when the contact heaing aid microactuator is placed in the ear canal of a patient.
Embodiments of the invention include a method of charging a rechargeable battery, the method comprising the steps of: detecting the presence of a rechargeable hearing aid in a hearing aid recharger; generating a unique random ID in the charger; transmitting the unique random ID to the hearing aid using an extremely low power protocol; demodulating the unique ID in the hearing aid; using the demodulated unique ID in a low power protocol to advertise the hearing aid on a network which includes the charger; associating the hearing aid to the charger when the charger which broadcast the unique ID receives that unique ID from a hearing aid using a wireless protocol; using the wireless protocol to communicate between the associated charging station and hearing aid; radiating power from the charger to the hearing aid; and ending the association when the hearing aid is removed from the charger.
A processor comprises instructions to adjust a bias of an input signal in order to decrease a duty cycle of a pulse modulated optical signal. The bias can be increased, decreased, or maintained in response to one or more measured values of the signal. In many embodiments, a gain of the signal is adjusted with the bias in order to inhibit distortion. The bias can be adjusted slowly in order to inhibit audible noise, and the gain can be adjusted faster than the bias in order to inhibit clipping of the signal. In many embodiments, one or more of the bias or the gain is adjusted in response to a value of the signal traversing a threshold amount. The value may comprise a trough of the signal traversing the threshold.
The present disclosure provides a contact hearing device comprising a piezoelectric actuator. The attachment of the piezoelectric actuator to a tympanic membrane can vibrate the tympanic membrane based on a transmission received by the receiver assembly and produce perception of sounds.
The current invention is intended to render artifacts, which are introduced by changes in coefficients in an FIR filter, inaudible by applying a window to the filtered signal that results in the output of the filter (e.g. FIR filter), in which the coefficients are being changed, supplying little or none of the total output while the output of the filter, in which the coefficients are stable, supplies most or all of the total output.
A contact hearing device includes a chassis, sulcus platform and umbo platform wherein the chassis is formed as a single continuous material, the sulcus platform is formed as a single continuous material, and the umbo platform is formed as a single continuous material. The chassis may include a receiver mount, a motor mount pocket and a central frame. The sulcus platform includes one or more registration features adapted to mate with at least a portion of the chassis, the umbo platform includes a drive post landing pad, the drive post landing pad including at least one alignment feature.
Embodiments of the present invent include a method of controlling unwanted vibration in a tympanic lens, wherein the tympanic lens comprises a perimeter platform connected to a microactuator through at least one biasing element, the method comprising the step of: damping the motion of the at least one biasing element. In embodiments of the invention, the at least one biasing element is a spring. In embodiments of the invention, the at least one bias spring is coated in a damping material.
H01M 10/46 - Accumulators structurally combined with charging apparatus
H01M 50/24 - MountingsSecondary casings or framesRacks, modules or packsSuspension devicesShock absorbersTransport or carrying devicesHolders characterised by physical properties of casings or racks, e.g. dimensions adapted for protecting batteries from their environment, e.g. from corrosion
H01M 50/216 - Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape adapted for button or coin cells
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
C09D 5/00 - Coating compositions, e.g. paints, varnishes or lacquers, characterised by their physical nature or the effects producedFilling pastes
C09D 163/00 - Coating compositions based on epoxy resinsCoating compositions based on derivatives of epoxy resins
H01M 10/42 - Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
H01M 10/48 - Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
Embodiments of the present invention provide improved methods and apparatus suitable for use with hearing devices. A vapor deposition process can be used to make a retention structure having a shape profile corresponding to a tissue surface, such as a retention structure having a shape profile corresponding to one or more of an eardrum, the eardrum annulus, or a skin of the ear canal. The retention structure can be resilient and may comprise an anatomically accurate shape profile corresponding to a portion of the ear, such that the resilient retention structure provides mechanical stability for an output transducer assembly placed in the ear for an extended time. The output transducer may couple to the eardrum with direct mechanical coupling or acoustic coupling when retained in the ear canal with the retention structure.
Hearing systems for both hearing impaired and normal hearing subjects comprise an input transducer and a separate output transducer. The input transducer will include a light source for generating a light signal in response to either ambient sound or an external electronic sound signal. The output transducer will comprise a light-responsive transducer component which is adapted to receive light from the input transducer. The output transducer component will vibrate in response to the light input and produce vibrations in a component of a subject's hearing transduction pathway, such as the tympanic membrane, a bone in the ossicular chain, or directly on the cochlea, in order to produce neural signals representative of the original sound.
Improved methods are described for the creation of impressions for use in the manufacture of hearing aid components. In addition methods for manufacturing components of hearing aid systems using improved ear canal impressions are described.
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a microactuator including using (i) an ingress membrane mounting ring adhesive positioned on an ingress membrane mounting surface to mount an ingress membrane and (ii) a flexible encapsulation shield mounted on a support band and extending over the ingress membrane mounting ring and (iii) a first reed adhesive connecting the ingress membrane to a microactuator reed at an ingress membrane reed opening and (iv) a second reed adhesive positioned on and covering the first reed adhesive, the second reed adhesive extending from the ingress membrane to the microactuator reed.
Methods of compensating for lost data packets in hearing aid systems wherein a data streaming device streams packets of data to at least two hearing aids are disclosed.
In the present application a contact hearing system is described. In this contact hearing system, a signal processor receives ambient sounds, processes those sounds and transmits them to a transmit coil positioned in the ear. The sounds are transmitted from the processor to the transmit coil via a coaxial cable. A receive coil is used to receive signals from the transmit coil wherein the received signals are representative of the ambient sound. Signals are then transmitted from the receive coil to a balanced armature microactuator located adjacent the tympanic membrane.
The present invention is directed to a contact hearing device includes a support platform adapted to fit in the ear canal of a user, the support platform comprising an outer perimeter adapted to conform to the shape of the user's ear canal and an inner open region adapted to be positioned over a least a portion of the user's tympanic membrane. The present invention may further include a shaped magnet and/or a temporary placement fixture.
The present invention is directed to a wearable system wherein elements of the system, including various sensors adapted to detect biometric and other data and/or to deliver drugs, are positioned proximal to, on the ear or in the ear canal of a person. In embodiments of the invention, elements of the system are positioned on the ear or in the ear canal for extended periods of time. For example, an element of the system may be positioned on the tympanic membrane of a user and left there overnight, for multiple days, months, or years. Because of the position and longevity of the system elements in the ear canal, the present invention has many advantages over prior wearable biometric and drug delivery devices.
A61B 5/11 - Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor or mobility of a limb
A61B 5/145 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration or pH-value
A61B 5/1455 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration or pH-value using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
H04R 25/02 - Deaf-aid sets adapted to be supported entirely by ear
A61M 37/00 - Other apparatus for introducing media into the bodyPercutany, i.e. introducing medicines into the body by diffusion through the skin
A61B 5/021 - Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels
The present invention is directed to a hearing aid which includes a lateral ear canal assembly and a medial ear canal assembly. In embodiments of the invention the medial ear canal assembly may include smart circuitry adapted to control parameters and outputs of the medial ear canal assembly. In embodiments of the invention various methods and circuitry are described, wherein the methods and circuitry are adapted to improve the performance and efficiency of the hearing aid.
Embodiments of the invention include a method of preventing ferrite migration in a hearing aid including an antenna stack and a battery stack wherein the antenna stack sits on the battery stack, the method comprising the steps of: conformally coating the top and sides of the antenna stack using a conformal coating material; and separately coating all the surfaces of the battery stack using a separate material.
H01M 10/46 - Accumulators structurally combined with charging apparatus
H01M 50/24 - MountingsSecondary casings or framesRacks, modules or packsSuspension devicesShock absorbersTransport or carrying devicesHolders characterised by physical properties of casings or racks, e.g. dimensions adapted for protecting batteries from their environment, e.g. from corrosion
H01M 50/216 - Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape adapted for button or coin cells
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
H01M 10/42 - Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
H01M 10/48 - Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
C09D 5/00 - Coating compositions, e.g. paints, varnishes or lacquers, characterised by their physical nature or the effects producedFilling pastes
C09D 163/00 - Coating compositions based on epoxy resinsCoating compositions based on derivatives of epoxy resins
27.
Multifunction system and method for integrated hearing and communication with noise cancellation and feedback management
Systems, devices, and methods for communication include an ear canal microphone configured for placement in the ear canal to detect high frequency sound localization cues. An external microphone positioned away from the ear canal can detect low frequency sound, such that feedback can be substantially reduced. The canal microphone and the external microphone are coupled to a transducer, such that the user perceives sound from the external microphone and the canal microphone with high frequency localization cues and decreased feedback. Wireless circuitry can be configured to connect to many devices with a wireless protocol, such that the user can receive and transmit audio signals. A bone conduction sensor can detect near-end speech of the user for transmission with the wireless circuitry in a noisy environment. Noise cancellation of background sounds near the user can be provided.
Methods of measuring biometric characteristics using a sensor positioned in an ear canal of a user are provided. The sensor is positioned on or connected to an ear tip, a contact hearing device, or one or more components thereof. One or more biometric signals may be sensed from the sensor. The biometric characteristic of the user is measured or derived from these sensed signals, and include but are not limited to the temperature of the user, acoustic signal(s) from the user, movement(s) of the user, a ballistocardiogram, an electrocardiogram, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure.
A device to transmit an audio signal to a user comprises a transducer and a support. The support is configured for placement on the eardrum to drive the eardrum. The transducer is coupled to the support at a first location to decrease occlusion and a second location to drive the eardrum. The transducer may comprise one or more of an electromagnetic balanced armature transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, a magnetostrictive transducer, a photostrictive transducer, or a coil and magnet. The device may find use with open canal hearing aids.
Hearing aid systems where a data streaming device streams data to a hearing aid and methods of maintaining synchronization when converting a sampling rate are disclosed. A hearing system comprises a hearing aid, a sampling rate converter, a buffer, an RDWiff signal, and a control circuit. The hearing aid receives data from a data transmission device, and the data received has a first sampling rate. The sampling rate converter is in the hearing aid and converts the sampling rate of the received data to a sampling rate suitable for use by digital signal processing circuitry in the hearing aid. The buffer receives data from the sampling rate converter. The RWDiff signal indicates the difference between the rate at which data is read from and written to the buffer. The control circuit compares the RWDiff signal to a predetermined RWIdeal quantity and generates an adjustment signal.
In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a contact hearing system comprising: an ear tip including a transmit coil, wherein the transmit coil is connected to an audio processor, including an H Bridge circuit; a first input to the H Bridge circuit comprising an AND circuit wherein a first input to the AND circuit comprises a carrier signal and a second input to the AND circuit comprises an output of a delta sigma modulation circuit, wherein the delta sigma modulation circuit is a component of the audio processor; and a second input to the H Bridge circuit comprising an NAND circuit wherein a first input to the NAND circuit comprises a carrier signal and a second input to the NAND circuit comprises an output of the delta sigma modulation circuit.
H04R 3/04 - Circuits for transducers for correcting frequency response
H04R 25/02 - Deaf-aid sets adapted to be supported entirely by ear
H02M 3/08 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode
H02M 7/10 - Conversion of AC power input into DC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode arranged for operation in series, e.g. for multiplication of voltage
H04B 5/00 - Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive or capacitive transmission systems
H02J 50/12 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling of the resonant type
H02M 7/06 - Conversion of AC power input into DC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode
32.
Inductive coupling coil structure in a contact hearing system
In embodiments of the invention, the present invention is directed to a contact hearing system, the contact hearing system including: an ear tip, the ear tip including a transmit coil wherein the transmit coil is wound around a core including, at least in part, a ferromagnetic material; and a contact hearing device including a receive coil wherein the receive coil is wound around a core including, at least in part, a non-ferromagnetic material.
H02M 3/08 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode
H02M 7/10 - Conversion of AC power input into DC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode arranged for operation in series, e.g. for multiplication of voltage
H04B 5/00 - Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive or capacitive transmission systems
H04R 25/02 - Deaf-aid sets adapted to be supported entirely by ear
H04R 3/04 - Circuits for transducers for correcting frequency response
H02J 50/12 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling of the resonant type
H02M 7/06 - Conversion of AC power input into DC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode
33.
Intermodulation distortion reduction in a contact hearing system
In embodiments of the invention, the present invention is directed to a contact hearing system including: a transmit circuit including a transmit coil positioned in an ear tip, THE transmit circuit having a first bandpass characteristic, wherein the transmit circuit is tuned such that a center of the first bandpass characteristic is set at a first frequency; and a receive circuit including a receive coil positioned on a contact hearing device, the receive circuit having a second bandpass characteristic, wherein the receive circuit is tuned such that a center of the second bandpass characteristic differs from the center of the first bandpass characteristic.
H02M 3/08 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode
H02M 7/10 - Conversion of AC power input into DC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode arranged for operation in series, e.g. for multiplication of voltage
H04B 5/00 - Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive or capacitive transmission systems
H04R 3/04 - Circuits for transducers for correcting frequency response
H04R 25/02 - Deaf-aid sets adapted to be supported entirely by ear
H02J 50/12 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling of the resonant type
H02M 7/06 - Conversion of AC power input into DC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode
34.
Nearfield inductive coupling in a contact hearing system
In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of transmitting information from an ear tip to a contact hearing device, the method comprising the steps of: exciting a transmit coil, the transmit coil being positioned in the ear tip, wherein the transmit coil is wound on a core, the core including a ferromagnetic material; radiating an electromagnetic field from the first coil through the ear canal of a user; receiving the radiated electromagnetic field at a receive coil, the receive coil being positioned on a contact hearing device, the contact hearing device including a receive coil without a ferrite core; and transmitting the information from the transmit coil to the receive coil using, for example, near-field radiation.
H04R 25/02 - Deaf-aid sets adapted to be supported entirely by ear
H04R 3/04 - Circuits for transducers for correcting frequency response
H02M 3/08 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode
H02M 7/10 - Conversion of AC power input into DC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode arranged for operation in series, e.g. for multiplication of voltage
H04B 5/00 - Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive or capacitive transmission systems
H02J 50/12 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling of the resonant type
H02M 7/06 - Conversion of AC power input into DC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode
In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a contact hearing system including: an ear tip including a transmit circuit having a first Q value, wherein the ear tip includes a transmit coil wound on a ferrite core; a contact hearing device including a receive circuit having a second Q value, wherein the first Q value is greater than the second Q value; a receive coil positioned on the contact hearing device, wherein the receive coil includes a core of a non-ferromagnetic material.
H02M 3/08 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode
H02M 7/10 - Conversion of AC power input into DC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode arranged for operation in series, e.g. for multiplication of voltage
H04B 5/00 - Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive or capacitive transmission systems
H04R 25/02 - Deaf-aid sets adapted to be supported entirely by ear
H04R 3/04 - Circuits for transducers for correcting frequency response
H02J 50/12 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling of the resonant type
H02M 7/06 - Conversion of AC power input into DC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode
In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an ear tip having a proximal end and a distal end, the eartip including: a transmit coil, the transmit coil including a core of a ferromagnetic material, the ferromagnetic core having a central channel there through, a distal end of the ferromagnetic core positioned at a first opening in a distal end of the ear tip; a passage extending from an opening at a proximal end of the ear tip to the distal end of the ear tip, the passage ending at a second opening in the distal end of the ear tip, wherein a proximal end of the central channel is connected to the passage.
H02M 3/08 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode
H02M 7/10 - Conversion of AC power input into DC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode arranged for operation in series, e.g. for multiplication of voltage
H04B 5/00 - Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive or capacitive transmission systems
H04R 25/02 - Deaf-aid sets adapted to be supported entirely by ear
H04R 3/04 - Circuits for transducers for correcting frequency response
H02J 50/12 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling of the resonant type
H02M 7/06 - Conversion of AC power input into DC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode
In embodiments of the invention, the present invention is directed to a contact hearing system including: a transmit coil positioned in an ear tip wherein the transmit coil includes an electrical coil wound on a ferrite core; a receive coil positioned on a contact hearing device wherein the receive coil includes an electrical coil without a core; a load connected to the receive coil; and a demodulation circuit connected to the receive coil and the load wherein the demodulation circuit includes a voltage doubler and a peak detector.
H02M 3/08 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode
H02M 7/10 - Conversion of AC power input into DC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode arranged for operation in series, e.g. for multiplication of voltage
H04B 5/00 - Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive or capacitive transmission systems
H04R 25/02 - Deaf-aid sets adapted to be supported entirely by ear
H04R 3/04 - Circuits for transducers for correcting frequency response
H02J 50/12 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling of the resonant type
H02M 7/06 - Conversion of AC power input into DC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode
The current invention is intended to render artifacts, which are introduced by changes in coefficients in an FIR filter, inaudible by applying a window to the filtered signal that results in the output of the filter (e.g. FIR filter), in which the coefficients are being changed, supplying little or none of the total output while the output of the filter, in which the coefficients are stable, supplies most or all of the total output.
The present disclosure provides a contact hearing device comprising a piezoelectric actuator. The attachment of the piezoelectric actuator to a tympanic membrane can vibrate the tympanic membrane based on a transmission received by the receiver assembly and produce perception of sounds.
H01L 41/04 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR - Details thereof - Details of piezo-electric or electrostrictive elements
H01L 41/08 - Piezo-electric or electrostrictive elements
Hearing aid devices, methods of manufacture, methods of use, and kits are provided. In certain aspects, the hearing aid devices comprise an apparatus having a transducer and a retention structure comprising a shape profile corresponding to a tissue of the user, and a layer of elastomer.
Embodiments of the present invent include a method of controlling unwanted vibration in a tympanic lens, wherein the tympanic lens comprises a perimeter platform connected to a microactuator through at least one biasing element, the method comprising the step of: damping the motion of the at least one biasing element. In embodiments of the invention, the at least one biasing element is a spring. In embodiments of the invention, the at least one bias spring is coated in a damping material.
H01M 10/46 - Accumulators structurally combined with charging apparatus
H01M 50/24 - MountingsSecondary casings or framesRacks, modules or packsSuspension devicesShock absorbersTransport or carrying devicesHolders characterised by physical properties of casings or racks, e.g. dimensions adapted for protecting batteries from their environment, e.g. from corrosion
H01M 50/216 - Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape adapted for button or coin cells
H01M 10/42 - Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
H01M 10/48 - Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
C09D 5/00 - Coating compositions, e.g. paints, varnishes or lacquers, characterised by their physical nature or the effects producedFilling pastes
C09D 163/00 - Coating compositions based on epoxy resinsCoating compositions based on derivatives of epoxy resins
The present invention is directed to a contact hearing system utilizing an emitter adapted to emit light and a contact hearing device adapted to receive the emitted light and convert that light into sound by mechanical manipulation of a subjects ear drum. In the present invention the emitter may utilize multiple light sources and the multiple light sources may be passed through at least one diffuser in order to generate an emitted light having a broader angle of incidence with little or no loss in received power as measured by a photodetector on the contact hearing device when the contact hearing device is positioned on a subject's tympanic membrane and the emitter is positioned in the subject's ear canal.
A contact hearing device includes a chassis, sulcus platform and umbo platform wherein the chassis is formed as a single continuous material, the sulcus platform is formed as a single continuous material, and the umbo platform is formed as a single continuous material. The chassis may include a receiver mount, a motor mount pocket and a central frame. The sulcus platform includes one or more registration features adapted to mate with at least a portion of the chassis, the umbo platform includes a drive post landing pad, the drive post landing pad including at least one alignment feature.
H04R 25/02 - Deaf-aid sets adapted to be supported entirely by ear
H02J 7/02 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from AC mains by converters
A61F 11/00 - Methods or devices for treatment of the ears or hearing sense Non-electric hearing aidsMethods or devices for enabling ear patients to achieve auditory perception through physiological senses other than hearing senseProtective devices for the ears, carried on the body or in the hand
A61F 2/18 - Internal ear or nose parts, e.g. ear-drums
H01M 10/46 - Accumulators structurally combined with charging apparatus
The present invention is directed to a hearing aid which includes a lateral ear canal assembly and a medial ear canal assembly. In embodiments of the invention the medial ear canal assembly may include smart circuitry adapted to control parameters and outputs of the medial ear canal assembly. In embodiments of the invention various methods and circuitry are described, wherein the methods and circuitry are adapted to improve the performance and efficiency of the hearing aid.
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a microactuator including using (i) an ingress membrane mounting ring adhesive positioned on an ingress membrane mounting surface to mount an ingress membrane and (ii) a flexible encapsulation shield mounted on a support band and extending over the ingress membrane mounting ring and (iii) a first reed adhesive connecting the ingress membrane to a microactuator reed at an ingress membrane reed opening and (iv) a second reed adhesive positioned on and covering the first reed adhesive, the second reed adhesive extending from the ingress membrane to the microactuator reed.
Embodiments of the present invention provide improved methods and apparatus suitable for use with hearing devices. A vapor deposition process can be used to make a retention structure having a shape profile corresponding to a tissue surface, such as a retention structure having a shape profile corresponding to one or more of an eardrum, the eardrum annulus, or a skin of the ear canal. The retention structure can be resilient and may comprise an anatomically accurate shape profile corresponding to a portion of the ear, such that the resilient retention structure provides mechanical stability for an output transducer assembly placed in the ear for an extended time. The output transducer may couple to the eardrum with direct mechanical coupling or acoustic coupling when retained in the ear canal with the retention structure.
Hearing aid systems where a data streaming device streams data to a hearing aid and methods of maintaining synchronization when converting a sampling rate are disclosed. A hearing system comprises a hearing aid, a sampling rate converter, a buffer, an RDWiff signal, and a control circuit. The hearing aid receives data from a data transmission device, and the data received has a first sampling rate. The sampling rate converter is in the hearing aid and converts the sampling rate of the received data to a sampling rate suitable for use by digital signal processing circuitry in the hearing aid. The buffer receives data from the sampling rate converter. The RWDiff signal indicates the difference between the rate at which data is read from and written to the buffer. The control circuit compares the RWDiff signal to a predetermined RWIdeal quantity and generates an adjustment signal.
Methods of compensating for lost data packets in hearing aid systems wherein a data streaming device streams packets of data to at least two hearing aids are disclosed.
A support can be configured for placement in the middle ear to couple a transducer to the round window, such that the transducer can be removed from the round window without damaging the round window. The support can be configured to couple the transducer to the sound window such that the support can be removed from the round window. The support may be configured to decouple the transducer from the round window such that the transducer can be removed from the middle ear of the user, for example when the support is affixed to the middle ear. Removal of the transducer from the middle ear without damaging the round window can allow safe removal of the transducer, for example when the patient wishes to receive MRI imaging.
A processor comprises instructions to adjust a bias of an input signal in order to decrease a duty cycle of a pulse modulated optical signal. The bias can be increased, decreased, or maintained in response to one or more measured values of the signal. In many embodiments, a gain of the signal is adjusted with the bias in order to inhibit distortion. The bias can be adjusted slowly in order to inhibit audible noise, and the gain can be adjusted faster than the bias in order to inhibit clipping of the signal. In many embodiments, one or more of the bias or the gain is adjusted in response to a value of the signal traversing a threshold amount. The value may comprise a trough of the signal traversing the threshold.
An ear tip apparatus for use with a hearing device is provided and comprises a malleable structure. The malleable structure is sized and configured for placement in an ear canal of a user. The malleable structure is deformable to allow an adjustable venting of the ear canal, thereby minimizing the occlusion effect. Methodology for adjusting a degree of venting of the ear canal is also provided, including the automatic adjustments. Adjusting the degree of venting may be done in response to one or more of detected feedback or an environmental cue.
Systems, devices, and methods for communication include an ear canal microphone configured for placement in the ear canal to detect high frequency sound localization cues. An external microphone positioned away from the ear canal can detect low frequency sound, such that feedback can be substantially reduced. The canal microphone and the external microphone are coupled to a transducer, such that the user perceives sound from the external microphone and the canal microphone with high frequency localization cues and decreased feedback. Wireless circuitry can be configured to connect to many devices with a wireless protocol, such that the user can receive and transmit audio signals. A bone conduction sensor can detect near-end speech of the user for transmission with the wireless circuitry in a noisy environment. Noise cancellation of background sounds near the user can be provided.
A device to transmit an audio signal comprises at least one light source configured to transmit the audio signal with at least one wavelength of light. At least one detector is configured to detect the audio signal and generate at least one electrical signal in response to the at least one wavelength of light. A transducer is supported with and configured to vibrate at least one of an eardrum, an ossicle or a cochlea. Active circuitry is coupled to the transducer to drive the transducer in response to the at least one electrical signal, so as to provide the user with high quality sound.
Improved methods are described for the creation of impressions for use in the manufacture of hearing aid components. In addition methods for manufacturing components of hearing aid systems using improved ear canal impressions are described.
In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a contact hearing system including: an ear tip including a transmit circuit having a first Q value, wherein the ear tip includes a transmit coil wound on a ferrite core; a contact hearing device including a receive circuit having a second Q value, wherein the first Q value is greater than the second Q value; a receive coil positioned on the contact hearing device, wherein the receive coil includes a core of a non-ferromagnetic material.
In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an ear tip having a proximal end and a distal end, the eartip including: a transmit coil, the transmit coil including a core of a ferromagnetic material, the ferromagnetic core having a central channel there through, a distal end of the ferromagnetic core positioned at a first opening in a distal end of the ear tip; a passage extending from an opening at a proximal end of the ear tip to the distal end of the ear tip, the passage ending at a second opening in the distal end of the ear tip, wherein a proximal end of the central channel is connected to the passage.
INDUCTIVE COUPLING COIL STRUCTURE IN A CONTACT HEARING SYSTEM ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE In embodiments of the invention, the present invention is directed to a contact hearing system, the contact hearing system including: an ear tip, the ear tip including a transmit coil wherein the transmit coil is wound around a core including, at least in part, a ferromagnetic material; and a contact hearing device including a receive coil wherein the receive coil is wound around a core including, at least in part, a non-ferromagnetic material.
In embodiments of the invention, the present invention is directed to a contact hearing system including: a transmit coil positioned in an ear tip wherein the transmit coil includes an electrical coil wound on a ferrite core; a receive coil positioned on a contact hearing device wherein the receive coil includes an electrical coil without a core; a load connected to the receive coil; and a demodulation circuit connected to the receive coil and the load wherein the demodulation circuit includes a voltage doubler and a peak detector.
In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of transmitting information from an ear tip to a contact hearing device, the method comprising the steps of: exciting a transmit coil, the transmit coil being positioned in the ear tip, wherein the transmit coil is wound on a core, the core including a ferromagnetic material; radiating an electromagnetic field from the first coil through the ear canal of a user; receiving the radiated electromagnetic field at a receive coil, the receive coil being positioned on a contact hearing device, the contact hearing device including a receive coil without a ferrite core; and transmitting the information from the transmit coil to the receive coil using, for example, near-field radiation.
In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a contact hearing system comprising: an ear tip including a transmit coil, wherein the transmit coil is connected to an audio processor, including an H Bridge circuit; a first input to the H Bridge circuit comprising an AND circuit wherein a first input to the AND circuit comprises a carrier signal and a second input to the AND circuit comprises an output of a delta sigma modulation circuit, wherein the delta sigma modulation circuit is a component of the audio processor; and a second input to the H Bridge circuit comprising an NAND circuit wherein a first input to the NAND circuit comprises a carrier signal and a second input to the NAND circuit comprises an output of the delta sigma modulation circuit.
In embodiments of the invention, the present invention is directed to a contact hearing system including: a transmit circuit including a transmit coil positioned in an ear tip, THE transmit circuit having a first bandpass characteristic, wherein the transmit circuit is tuned such that a center of the first bandpass characteristic is set at a first frequency; and a receive circuit including a receive coil positioned on a contact hearing device, the receive circuit having a second bandpass characteristic, wherein the receive circuit is tuned such that a center of the second bandpass characteristic differs from the center of the first bandpass characteristic.
Embodiments of the present invent include a method of controlling unwanted vibration in a tympanic lens, wherein the tympanic lens comprises a perimeter platform connected to a microactuator through at least one biasing element, the method comprising the step of: damping the motion of the at least one biasing element. In embodiments of the invention, the at least one biasing element is a spring. In embodiments of the invention, the at least one bias spring is coated in a damping material.
H01M 2/10 - Mountings; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
H01M 10/46 - Accumulators structurally combined with charging apparatus
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
C09D 5/00 - Coating compositions, e.g. paints, varnishes or lacquers, characterised by their physical nature or the effects producedFilling pastes
C09D 163/00 - Coating compositions based on epoxy resinsCoating compositions based on derivatives of epoxy resins
H01M 10/42 - Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
H01M 10/48 - Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
63.
Contact hearing system with wearable communication apparatus
Contact hearing devices for use with a wearable communication apparatus are disclosed to provide the user with an open ear canal to hear ambient sound and sound from an audio signal. The disclosed devices and systems have an advantage of providing sound to user from the audio signal, in many embodiments without creating sound that can be perceived by others. The contact hearing device can also be used to amplify ambient sound to provide a hearing assistance to users with diminished hearing. The wearable information apparatus can be configured to couple wirelessly to the contact transducer assembly, such that the wearable information apparatus can be removed while the contact transducer assembly remains placed on the user.
In devices using the present invention, audible artifacts may be reduced or eliminated by designing the system such that the sliding bias level is fed back to an output limiter so that a single algorithm manages all saturation artifacts. In embodiments of the invention, this feedback loop will eliminate the need for a second output limiter.
The current invention is intended to render artifacts, which are introduced by changes in coefficients in an FIR filter, inaudible by applying a window to the filtered signal that results in the output of the filter (e.g. FIR filter), in which the coefficients are being changed, supplying little or none of the total output while the output of the filter, in which the coefficients are stable, supplies most or all of the total output.
Hearing aid devices, methods of manufacture, methods of use, and kits are provided. In certain aspects, the hearing aid devices comprise an apparatus having a transducer and a retention structure comprising a shape profile corresponding to a tissue of the user, and a layer of elastomer.
A61F 11/00 - Methods or devices for treatment of the ears or hearing sense Non-electric hearing aidsMethods or devices for enabling ear patients to achieve auditory perception through physiological senses other than hearing senseProtective devices for the ears, carried on the body or in the hand
The present invention is directed to a wearable system wherein elements of the system, including various sensors adapted to detect biometric and other data and/or to deliver drugs, are positioned proximal to, on the ear or in the ear canal of a person. In embodiments of the invention, elements of the system are positioned on the ear or in the ear canal for extended periods of time. For example, an element of the system may be positioned on the tympanic membrane of a user and left there overnight, for multiple days, months, or years. Because of the position and longevity of the system elements in the ear canal, the present invention has many advantages over prior wearable biometric and drug delivery devices.
A61B 5/11 - Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor or mobility of a limb
A61B 5/145 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration or pH-value
A61B 5/1455 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration or pH-value using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
A61N 1/30 - Apparatus for iontophoresis or cataphoresis
A61M 37/00 - Other apparatus for introducing media into the bodyPercutany, i.e. introducing medicines into the body by diffusion through the skin
A61B 5/021 - Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels
Embodiments of the invention include a method of charging a rechargeable battery, the method comprising the steps of: detecting the presence of a rechargeable hearing aid in a hearing aid recharger; generating a unique random ID in the charger; transmitting the unique random ID to the hearing aid using an extremely low power protocol; demodulating the unique ID in the hearing aid; using the demodulated unique ID in a low power protocol to advertise the hearing aid on a network which includes the charger; associating the hearing aid to the charger when the charger which broadcast the unique ID receives that unique ID from a hearing aid using a wireless protocol; using the wireless protocol to communicate between the associated charging station and hearing aid; radiating power from the charger to the hearing aid; and ending the association when the hearing aid is removed from the charger.
H02J 7/02 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from AC mains by converters
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
An output transducer is coupled to a support structure, and the support structure configured to contact one or more of the tympanic membrane, an ossicle, the oval window or the round window. An input transducer is configured for placement near an ear canal opening to receive high frequency localization cues. A sound inhibiting structure, such as an acoustic resistor or a screen, may be positioned at a location along the ear canal between the tympanic membrane and the input transducer to inhibit feedback. A channel can be coupled to the sound or feedback inhibiting structure to provide a desired frequency response profile of the sound or feedback inhibiting structure.
The present invention is directed to a contact hearing system utilizing an emitter adapted to emit light and a contact hearing device adapted to receive the emitted light and convert that light into sound by mechanical manipulation of a subjects ear drum. In the present invention the emitter may utilize multiple light sources and the multiple light sources may be passed through at least one diffuser in order to generate an emitted light having a broader angle of incidence with little or no loss in received power as measured by a photodetector on the contact hearing device when the contact hearing device is positioned on a subjects tympanic membrane and the emitter is positioned in the subjects ear canal.
Embodiments of the present invention provide improved methods and apparatus suitable for use with hearing devices. A vapor deposition process can be used to make a retention structure having a shape profile corresponding to a tissue surface, such as a retention structure having a shape profile corresponding to one or more of an eardrum, the eardrum annulus, or a skin of the ear canal. The retention structure can be resilient and may comprise an anatomically accurate shape profile corresponding to a portion of the ear, such that the resilient retention structure provides mechanical stability for an output transducer assembly placed in the ear for an extended time. The output transducer may couple to the eardrum with direct mechanical coupling or acoustic coupling when retained in the ear canal with the retention structure.
In embodiments of the invention, the invention comprises a light tip cable including a cartridge assembly affixed to a medial end of the cable, the cartridge assembly including an emitter housing where the emitter housing includes an opening at a medial end of the housing and a flange at a lateral end of the housing. In embodiments of the invention, the cartridge assembly includes a light emitting element in the housing extending to the opening, retention features covering at least a portion of the housing, including the flange, the retention features comprising a lateral face and a lobe and at least one load bearing strand extending from the cable to the emitter; and electrical connectors extending from the cable to the light emitting element.
H01R 43/20 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for assembling or disassembling contact members with insulating base, case or sleeve
H01R 13/422 - Securing in a demountable manner in resilient one-piece base or caseOne-piece base or case formed with resilient locking means
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode
H01R 12/71 - Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures
A device to transmit an audio signal to a user comprises a transducer and a support. The support is configured for placement on the eardrum to drive the eardrum. The transducer is coupled to the support at a first location to decrease occlusion and a second location to drive the eardrum. The transducer may comprise one or more of an electromagnetic balanced armature transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, a magnetostrictive transducer, a photostrictive transducer, or a coil and magnet. The device may find use with open canal hearing aids.
A contact hearing protection device is provided. The contact hearing protection device comprises a perimeter platform, a chassis connected to the perimeter platform, a control system including at least one variable limiting element, and an umbo platform connected to the at least one limiting element. A sound level which meets or exceeds a predetermined level is detected, as can be indicated by an increased magnitude of movement of the umbo platform, and the limiting element increases the limiting in response to the increased magnitude of movement of the umbo platform.
Systems, devices, and methods for communication include an ear canal microphone configured for placement in the ear canal to detect high frequency sound localization cues. An external microphone positioned away from the ear canal can detect low frequency sound, such that feedback can be substantially reduced. The canal microphone and the external microphone are coupled to a transducer, such that the user perceives sound from the external microphone and the canal microphone with high frequency localization cues and decreased feedback. Wireless circuitry can be configured to connect to many devices with a wireless protocol, such that the user can receive and transmit audio signals. A bone conduction sensor can detect near-end speech of the user for transmission with the wireless circuitry in a noisy environment. Noise cancellation of background sounds near the user can be provided.
A device to transmit an audio signal comprises at least one light source configured to transmit the audio signal with at least one wavelength of light. At least one detector is configured to detect the audio signal and generate at least one electrical signal in response to the at least one wavelength of light. A transducer is supported with and configured to vibrate at least one of an eardrum, an ossicle or a cochlea. Active circuitry is coupled to the transducer to drive the transducer in response to the at least one electrical signal, so as to provide the user with high quality sound.
A processor comprises instructions to adjust a bias of an input signal in order to decrease a duty cycle of a pulse modulated optical signal. The bias can be increased, decreased, or maintained in response to one or more measured values of the signal. In many embodiments, a gain of the signal is adjusted with the bias in order to inhibit distortion. The bias can be adjusted slowly in order to inhibit audible noise, and the gain can be adjusted faster than the bias in order to inhibit clipping of the signal. In many embodiments, one or more of the bias or the gain is adjusted in response to a value of the signal traversing a threshold amount. The value may comprise a trough of the signal traversing the threshold.
Improved methods are described for the creation of impressions for use in the manufacture of hearing aid components. In addition methods for manufacturing components of hearing aid systems using improved ear canal impressions are described.
A61F 2/18 - Internal ear or nose parts, e.g. ear-drums
B29C 39/10 - Shaping by casting, i.e. introducing the moulding material into a mould or between confining surfaces without significant moulding pressureApparatus therefor for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. casting around inserts or for coating articles
B29C 39/12 - Making multilayered or multicoloured articles
The present invention is adapted to assist in optimizing the performance of a hearing aid by detecting conditions which result in sub-optimal performance and assisting a user or health care professional to correct those conditions. The present invention is adapted to optimize the performance of a hearing aid by generating a reference signal which, when broadcast, creates a feedback signal. The feedback signal is then measured, or its characteristics identified, to determine whether the hearing aid system is optimized and, if not, what components or characteristics are not optimized and how to optimize the hearing aid system performance or that of its components.
The present invention is directed to a hearing aid which includes a lateral ear canal assembly and a medial ear canal assembly. In embodiments of the invention the medial ear canal assembly may include smart circuitry adapted to control parameters and outputs of the medial ear canal assembly. In embodiments of the invention various methods and circuitry are described, wherein the methods and circuitry are adapted to improve the performance and efficiency of the hearing aid.
Systems, devices and methods for communication include an ear canal microphone configured for placement in the ear canal to detect high frequency sound localization cues. An external microphone positioned away from the ear canal can detect low frequency sound, such that feedback can be substantially reduced. The canal microphone and the external microphone are coupled to a transducer, such that the user perceives sound from the external microphone and the canal microphone with high frequency localization cues and decreased feedback. Wireless circuitry can be configured to connect to many devices with a wireless protocol, such that the user can receive and transmit audio signals. A bone conduction sensor can detect near-end speech of the user for transmission with the wireless circuitry in a noisy environment. Noise cancellation of background sounds near the user can be provided.
In embodiments of the invention, the invention comprises a light tip cable including a cartridge assembly affixed to a medial end of the cable, the cartridge assembly including an emitter housing where the emitter housing includes an opening at a medial end of the housing and a flange at a lateral end of the housing. In embodiments of the invention, the cartridge assembly includes a light emitting element in the housing extending to the opening, retention features covering at least a portion of the housing, including the flange, the retention features comprising a lateral face and a lobe and at least one load bearing strand extending from the cable to the emitter; and electrical connectors extending from the cable to the light emitting element.
An ear tip apparatus for use with a hearing device is provided and comprises a malleable structure. The malleable structure is sized and configured for placement in an ear canal of a user. The malleable structure is deformable to allow an adjustable venting of the ear canal, thereby minimizing the occlusion effect. Methodology for adjusting a degree of venting of the ear canal is also provided, including the automatic adjustments. Adjusting the degree of venting may be done in response to one or more of detected feedback or an environmental cue.
A device to transmit an audio signal to a user comprises a transducer and a support. The support is configured for placement on the eardrum to drive the eardrum. The transducer is coupled to the support at a first location to decrease occlusion and a second location to drive the eardrum. The transducer may comprise one or more of an electromagnetic balanced armature transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, a magnetostrictive transducer, a photostrictive transducer, or a coil and magnet. The device may find use with open canal hearing aids.
A device to transmit an audio signal to a user comprises a transducer and a support. The support is configured for placement on the eardrum to drive the eardrum. The transducer is coupled to the support at a first location to decrease occlusion and a second location to drive the eardrum. The transducer may comprise one or more of an electromagnetic balanced armature transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, a magnetostrictive transducer, a photostrictive transducer, or a coil and magnet. The device may find use with open canal hearing aids.
A device to transmit an audio signal to a user comprises a transducer and a support. The support is configured for placement on the eardrum to drive the eardrum. The transducer is coupled to the support at a first location to decrease occlusion and a second location to drive the eardrum. The transducer may comprise one or more of an electromagnetic balanced armature transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, a magnetostrictive transducer, a photostrictive transducer, or a coil and magnet. The device may find use with open canal hearing aids.
Embodiments of the present invention include a method of aligning the elements of a tympanic lens, the method comprising the steps of: forming mold of a user's ear canal, including the user's tympanic membrane; digitally scanning the ear canal mold to create a digital model of the user's ear canal; using the digital data to size a chassis for the tympanic lens; manufacturing a chassis; manufacturing an ear canal mold, manufacturing an alignment tool, including a chassis alignment feature and a photodetector alignment feature; mating the ear canal mold and alignment tool; placing the chassis into the mold, using the alignment tool to fix the position of the chassis with respect to a model of the user's tympanic membrane and features thereof; mounting a microactuator and photodetector to the chassis; and using the photodetector alignment feature to position the photodetector prior to fixing the photodetector in place.
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
C09D 5/00 - Coating compositions, e.g. paints, varnishes or lacquers, characterised by their physical nature or the effects producedFilling pastes
C09D 163/00 - Coating compositions based on epoxy resinsCoating compositions based on derivatives of epoxy resins
H01M 2/10 - Mountings; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
H01M 10/42 - Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
H01M 10/48 - Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
H01M 10/46 - Accumulators structurally combined with charging apparatus
89.
LIGHT BASED HEARING SYSTEMS, APPARATUS AND METHODS
Embodiments of the present invention include a method of aligning the elements of a tympanic lens, the method comprising the steps of: forming mold of a user's ear canal, including the user's tympanic membrane; digitally scanning the ear canal mold to create a digital model of the user's ear canal; using the digital data to size a chassis for the tympanic lens; manufacturing a chassis; manufacturing an ear canal mold, manufacturing an alignment tool, including a chassis alignment feature and a photodetector alignment feature; mating the ear canal mold and alignment tool; placing the chassis into the mold, using the alignment tool to fix the position of the chassis with respect to a model of the user's tympanic membrane and features thereof; mounting a microactuator and photodetector to the chassis; and using the photodetector alignment feature to positon the photodetector prior to fixing the photodetector in place.
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
A61F 2/18 - Internal ear or nose parts, e.g. ear-drums
A61F 11/00 - Methods or devices for treatment of the ears or hearing sense Non-electric hearing aidsMethods or devices for enabling ear patients to achieve auditory perception through physiological senses other than hearing senseProtective devices for the ears, carried on the body or in the hand
A61F 11/04 - Methods or devices for enabling ear patients to achieve auditory perception through physiological senses other than hearing sense, e.g. through the touch sense
Embodiments of the present invent include a method of controlling unwanted vibration in a tympanic lens, wherein the tympanic lens comprises a perimeter platform connected to a microactuator through at least one biasing element, the method comprising the step of: damping the motion of the at least one biasing element. In embodiments of the invention, the at least one biasing element is a spring. In embodiments of the invention, the at least one bias spring is coated in a damping material.
A61F 2/00 - Filters implantable into blood vesselsProstheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the bodyAppliances for connecting them with the bodyDevices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
A61F 2/18 - Internal ear or nose parts, e.g. ear-drums
Embodiments of the invention include a method of charging a rechargeable battery, the method comprising the steps of: detecting the presence of a rechargeable hearing aid in a hearing aid recharger; generating a unique random ID in the charger; transmitting the unique random ID to the hearing aid using an extremely low power protocol; demodulating the unique ID in the hearing aid; using the demodulated unique ID in a low power protocol to advertise the hearing aid on a network which includes the charger; associating the hearing aid to the charger when the charger which broadcast the unique ID receives that unique ID from a hearing aid using a wireless protocol; using the wireless protocol to communicate between the associated charging station and hearing aid; radiating power from the charger to the hearing aid; and ending the association when the hearing aid is removed from the charger.
C09D 5/00 - Coating compositions, e.g. paints, varnishes or lacquers, characterised by their physical nature or the effects producedFilling pastes
H01M 2/10 - Mountings; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
H01M 10/42 - Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
H01M 10/46 - Accumulators structurally combined with charging apparatus
H01M 10/48 - Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
C09D 163/00 - Coating compositions based on epoxy resinsCoating compositions based on derivatives of epoxy resins
A device to transmit an audio signal to a user comprises a transducer and a support. The support is configured for placement on the eardrum to drive the eardrum. The transducer is coupled to the support at a first location to decrease occlusion and a second location to drive the eardrum. The transducer may comprise one or more of an electromagnetic balanced armature transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, a magnetostrictive transducer, a photostrictive transducer, or a coil and magnet. The device may find use with open canal hearing aids.
A device to transmit an audio signal comprises at least one light source configured to transmit the audio signal with at least one wavelength of light. At least one detector is configured to detect the audio signal and generate at least one electrical signal in response to the at least one wavelength of light. A transducer is supported with and configured to vibrate at least one of an eardrum, an ossicle or a cochlea. Active circuitry is coupled to the transducer to drive the transducer in response to the at least one electrical signal, so as to provide the user with high quality sound.
The present invention is directed to a wearable system wherein elements of the system, including various sensors adapted to detect biometric and other data and/or to deliver drugs, are positioned proximal to, on the ear or in the ear canal of a person. In embodiments of the invention, elements of the system are positioned on the ear or in the ear canal for extended periods of time. For example, an element of the system may be positioned on the tympanic membrane of a user and left there overnight, for multiple days, months, or years. Because of the position and longevity of the system elements in the ear canal, the present invention has many advantages over prior wearable biometric and drug delivery devices.
A61B 5/1455 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration or pH-value using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
A61N 1/30 - Apparatus for iontophoresis or cataphoresis
A61B 5/11 - Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor or mobility of a limb
A61B 5/0452 - Detecting specific parameters of the electrocardiograph cycle
The present invention is directed to a wearable system wherein elements of the system, including various sensors adapted to detect biometric and other data and/or to deliver drugs, are positioned proximal to, on the ear or in the ear canal of a person. In embodiments of the invention, elements of the system are positioned on the ear or in the ear canal for extended periods of time. For example, an element of the system may be positioned on the tympanic membrane of a user and left there overnight, for multiple days, months, or years. Because of the position and longevity of the system elements in the ear canal, the present invention has many advantages over prior wearable biometric and drug delivery devices.
A61B 5/02 - Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the cardiovascular system, e.g. pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow
A61B 1/227 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor for ears, i.e. otoscopes
The present invention is directed to a wearable system wherein elements of the system, including various sensors adapted to detect biometric and other data and/or to deliver drugs, are positioned proximal to, on or in the ear canal of a person. In embodiments of the invention, elements of the system, including drug delivery devices, are positioned on or in the ear canal for extended periods of time. For example, an element of the system may be positioned on the tympanic membrane of a user and left there overnight, for multiple days, months, or years. Because of the position and longevity of the system elements in the ear canal, the present invention has many advantages over prior wearable biometric and drug delivery devices.
A61B 17/00 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods
A61F 11/00 - Methods or devices for treatment of the ears or hearing sense Non-electric hearing aidsMethods or devices for enabling ear patients to achieve auditory perception through physiological senses other than hearing senseProtective devices for the ears, carried on the body or in the hand
A61F 11/04 - Methods or devices for enabling ear patients to achieve auditory perception through physiological senses other than hearing sense, e.g. through the touch sense
A61M 1/00 - Suction or pumping devices for medical purposesDevices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquidsDrainage systems
97.
Contact hearing system with wearable communication apparatus
Contact hearing devices for use with a wearable communication apparatus are disclosed to provide the user with an open ear canal to hear ambient sound and sound from an audio signal. The disclosed devices and systems have an advantage of providing sound to user from the audio signal, in many embodiments without creating sound that can be perceived by others. The contact hearing device can also be used to amplify ambient sound to provide a hearing assistance to users with diminished hearing. The wearable information apparatus can be configured to couple wirelessly to the contact transducer assembly, such that the wearable information apparatus can be removed while the contact transducer assembly remains placed on the user.
Embodiments of the present invention provide improved methods and apparatus suitable for use with hearing devices. A vapor deposition process can be used to make a retention structure having a shape profile corresponding to a tissue surface, such as a retention structure having a shape profile corresponding to one or more of an eardrum, the eardrum annulus, or a skin of the ear canal. The retention structure can be resilient and may comprise an anatomically accurate shape profile corresponding to a portion of the ear, such that the resilient retention structure provides mechanical stability for an output transducer assembly placed in the ear for an extended time. The output transducer may couple to the eardrum with direct mechanical coupling or acoustic coupling when retained in the ear canal with the retention structure.
A device to transmit an audio signal to a user may comprise a mass, a piezoelectric transducer, and a support to support the mass and the piezoelectric transducer with the eardrum. The piezoelectric transducer can be configured to drive the support and the eardrum with a first force and the mass with a second force opposite the first force. The device may comprise circuitry configured to receive wireless power and wireless transmission of an audio signal, and the circuitry can be supported with the eardrum to drive the transducer in response to the audio signal, such that vibration between the circuitry and the transducer can be decreased. The transducer can be positioned away from the umbo of the ear to drive the eardrum, for example on the lateral process of the malleus.
An ear tip apparatus for use with a hearing device is provided and comprises a malleable structure. The malleable structure is sized and configured for placement in an ear canal of a user. The malleable structure is deformable to allow an adjustable venting of the ear canal, thereby minimizing the occlusion effect. Methodology for adjusting a degree of venting of the ear canal is also provided, including the automatic adjustments. Adjusting the degree of venting may be done in response to one or more of detected feedback or an environmental cue.
