U.S. patent application number 12/702629 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-06 for bone conduction hearing aid devices and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to SONITUS MEDICAL, INC.. Invention is credited to Amir ABOLFATHI, John SPIRIDIGLIOZZI.
Application Number | 20110002492 12/702629 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38779406 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110002492 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ABOLFATHI; Amir ; et
al. |
January 6, 2011 |
BONE CONDUCTION HEARING AID DEVICES AND METHODS
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations via an
electronic and/or transducer assembly through a tooth or teeth are
disclosed herein. The assembly may include a bracket which is
adhered or affixed onto the tooth or teeth and an electronics
and/or transducer assembly which may be removably coupled to the
bracket. The electronic and/or transducer assembly may receive
incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to process
and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds via a
vibrating transducer element coupled to the bracket for
transmission into the underlying tooth or other bone structure.
Inventors: |
ABOLFATHI; Amir; (Woodside,
CA) ; SPIRIDIGLIOZZI; John; (San Mateo, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEVINE BAGADE HAN LLP
2400 GENG ROAD, SUITE 120
PALO ALTO
CA
94303
US
|
Assignee: |
SONITUS MEDICAL, INC.
San Mateo
CA
|
Family ID: |
38779406 |
Appl. No.: |
12/702629 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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|
11754833 |
May 29, 2007 |
7664277 |
|
|
12702629 |
|
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|
60820223 |
Jul 24, 2006 |
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60809244 |
May 30, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
381/324 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04R 1/46 20130101; H04R
2225/31 20130101; H04R 2420/07 20130101; A61C 8/0093 20130101; H04R
25/602 20130101; A61C 8/0098 20130101; H04R 25/606 20130101; H04R
3/04 20130101; H04R 2460/13 20130101; H04R 25/554 20130101; H04R
2225/67 20130101; H04R 2460/01 20130101; B33Y 70/00 20141201; H04R
25/604 20130101; B33Y 80/00 20141201 |
Class at
Publication: |
381/324 |
International
Class: |
H04R 25/00 20060101
H04R025/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for transmitting vibrations via at least one tooth
to facilitate hearing in a patient, comprising: a bracket affixed
to a surface of the at least one tooth; and a housing assembly
removably coupled to the bracket such that an actuatable transducer
is placed in vibratory communication with the bracket and wherein
the transducer conducts vibrations directly into the surface via
the bracket.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bracket is affixed to the
surface via an adhesive or cement.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the adhesive or cement is
selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide eugenol, zinc
phosphate, zinc silico-phosphate, zinc-polyacrylate,
zinc-polycarboxylate, glass ionomer, resin-based, and
silicate-based cements.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bracket defines one or more
projections configured to securely mate with the housing assembly
so as to inhibit or prevent disconnection of the housing assembly
when coupled to one another.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bracket comprises a rail
upon which the housing assembly slides.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bracket assembly is
integrated with an oral appliance which is configured to be placed
upon and conform to the at least one tooth.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bracket comprises a
magnetic portion which is configured to couple to a complementary
magnetic portion contained within the housing assembly.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bracket comprises a
cylindrical housing configured to receive the housing assembly
having a threaded outer surface.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bracket comprises a
releasable retaining tab configured to engage an opening along the
housing assembly.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bracket defines an opening
configured to receive a protruding stop projecting from the housing
assembly.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bracket comprises a
biasing element configured to urge the housing assembly into a
secure engagement via a retaining step.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bracket and housing
assembly are coupled via a temporary adhesive or cement.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing assembly comprises
a processor in communication with the actuatable transducer.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a battery
contained within the housing assembly.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing assembly comprises
an alignment member configured to align the housing relative to the
bracket.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an alignment tool
having at least two members projecting distally, wherein the two
members each define an alignment channel for slidingly receiving
the housing assembly.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one
additional actuatable transducer in vibratory communication with
the surface.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the at least one additional
actuatable transducer is disposed within or upon at least one
additional bracket affixed to a surface of an additional tooth.
19. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein each transducer is configured
to provide a sound or vibrational queue indicative of a direction
in which sound is detected relative to an orientation of a
user.
20. A method of transmitting vibrations via at least one tooth,
comprising: affixing a bracket onto a surface of the at least one
tooth; coupling a removable housing assembly onto the bracket; and
actuating a transducer within the housing assembly which is in
vibratory communication with the bracket such that the transducer
conducts vibrations directly into the surface via the bracket.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein affixing comprises adhering the
bracket onto the surface via an adhesive or cement.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein adhering comprises permanently
adhering the bracket onto the surface.
23. The method of claim 20 wherein coupling comprises magnetically
coupling the housing assembly onto the bracket.
24. The method of claim 20 wherein coupling comprises sliding the
housing assembly upon a rail defined along the bracket.
25. The method of claim 20 wherein coupling comprises screwing the
housing assembly into a threaded receiving channel of the
bracket.
26. The method of claim 20 wherein coupling further comprises
securing the housing assembly to the bracket via a locking tab.
27. The method of claim 20 wherein coupling further comprises
securing the housing assembly to the bracket via a stop member
protruding from the housing assembly into the bracket.
28. The method of claim 20 wherein coupling further comprises
securing the housing assembly to the bracket via a biasing element
compressing a retaining step between the housing assembly and the
bracket.
29. The method of claim 20 wherein coupling comprises positioning
the housing assembly onto the bracket via an alignment tool.
30. The method of claim 20 wherein coupling comprises adhering the
housing assembly to the bracket via a temporary adhesive or
cement.
31. The method of claim 20 further comprising receiving an
electronic signal representative of a received audio signal prior
to actuating a transducer.
32. The method of claim 31 wherein receiving further comprises
processing the electronic signal via a processor.
33. The method of claim 20 wherein actuating comprises actuating
the transducer to correspond to a perceived audio signal.
34. The method of claim 20 further comprising actuating at least
one additional transducer in vibratory communication with at least
one additional bracket affixed upon an additional tooth.
35. The method of claim 20 further comprising removing the housing
assembly from the bracket.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/754,833 filed May 29, 2007 which claims the
benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos.
60/809,244 filed May 30, 2006 and 60/820,223 filed Jul. 24, 2006,
each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for
transmitting vibrations through teeth or bone structures in and/or
around a mouth. More particularly, the present invention relates to
methods and apparatus for sound conduction through teeth or bone
structures in and/or around the mouth by transmitting vibrations
correlating to auditory signals received by a user.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Hearing loss affects over 31 million people in the United
States (about 13% of the population). As a chronic condition, the
incidence of hearing impairment rivals that of heart disease and,
like heart disease, the incidence of hearing impairment increases
sharply with age.
[0004] While the vast majority of those with hearing loss can be
helped by a well-fitted, high quality hearing device, only 22% of
the total hearing impaired population own hearing devices. Current
products and distribution methods are not able to satisfy or reach
over 20 million persons with hearing impairment in the U.S.
alone.
[0005] Hearing loss adversely affects a person's quality of life
and psychological well-being. Individuals with hearing impairment
often withdraw from social interactions to avoid frustrations
resulting from inability to understand conversations. Recent
studies have shown that hearing impairment causes increased stress
levels, reduced self-confidence, reduced sociability and reduced
effectiveness in the workplace.
[0006] The human ear generally comprises three regions: the outer
ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The outer ear generally
comprises the external auricle and the ear canal, which is a
tubular pathway through which sound reaches the middle ear. The
outer ear is separated from the middle ear by the tympanic membrane
(eardrum). The middle ear generally comprises three small bones,
known as the ossicles, which form a mechanical conductor from the
tympanic membrane to the inner ear. Finally, the inner ear includes
the cochlea, which is a fluid-filled structure that contains a
large number of delicate sensory hair cells that are connected to
the auditory nerve.
[0007] Hearing loss can also be classified in terms of being
conductive, sensorineural, or a combination of both. Conductive
hearing impairment typically results from diseases or disorders
that limit the transmission of sound through the middle ear. Most
conductive impairments can be treated medically or surgically.
Purely conductive hearing loss represents a relatively small
portion of the total hearing impaired population (estimated at less
than 5% of the total hearing impaired population).
[0008] Sensorineural hearing losses occur mostly in the inner ear
and account for the vast majority of hearing impairment (estimated
at 90-95% of the total hearing impaired population). Sensorineural
hearing impairment (sometimes called "nerve loss") is largely
caused by damage to the sensory hair cells inside the cochlea.
Sensorineural hearing impairment occurs naturally as a result of
aging or prolonged exposure to loud music and noise. This type of
hearing loss cannot be reversed nor can it be medically or
surgically treated; however, the use of properly fitted hearing
devices can improve the individual's quality of life.
[0009] Conventional hearing devices are the most common devices
used to treat mild to severe sensorineural hearing impairment.
These are acoustic devices that amplify sound to the tympanic
membrane. These devices are individually customizable to the
patient's physical and acoustical characteristics over four to six
separate visits to an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist.
Such devices generally comprise a microphone, amplifier, battery,
and speaker. Recently, hearing device manufacturers have increased
the sophistication of sound processing, often using digital
technology, to provide features such as programmability and
multi-band compression. Although these devices have been
miniaturized and are less obtrusive, they are still visible and
have major acoustic limitation.
[0010] Industry research has shown that the primary obstacles for
not purchasing a hearing device generally include: a) the stigma
associated with wearing a hearing device; b) dissenting attitudes
on the part of the medical profession, particularly ENT physicians;
c) product value issues related to perceived performance problems;
d) general lack of information and education at the consumer and
physician level; and e) negative word-of-mouth from dissatisfied
users.
[0011] Other devices such as cochlear implants have been developed
for people who have severe to profound hearing loss and are
essentially deaf (approximately 2% of the total hearing impaired
population). The electrode of a cochlear implant is inserted into
the inner ear in an invasive and non-reversible surgery. The
electrode electrically stimulates the auditory nerve through an
electrode array that provides audible cues to the user, which are
not usually interpreted by the brain as normal sound. Users
generally require intensive and extended counseling and training
following surgery to achieve the expected benefit.
[0012] Other devices such as electronic middle ear implants
generally are surgically placed within the middle ear of the
hearing impaired. They are surgically implanted devices with an
externally worn component.
[0013] The manufacture, fitting and dispensing of hearing devices
remain an arcane and inefficient process. Most hearing devices are
custom manufactured, fabricated by the manufacturer to fit the ear
of each prospective purchaser. An impression of the ear canal is
taken by the dispenser (either an audiologist or licensed hearing
instrument specialist) and mailed to the manufacturer for
interpretation and fabrication of the custom molded rigid plastic
casing. Hand-wired electronics and transducers (microphone and
speaker) are then placed inside the casing, and the final product
is shipped back to the dispensing professional after some period of
time, typically one to two weeks.
[0014] The time cycle for dispensing a hearing device, from the
first diagnostic session to the final fine-tuning session,
typically spans a period over several weeks, such as six to eight
weeks, and involves multiple with the dispenser.
[0015] Accordingly, there exists a need for methods and devices
which are efficacious and safe in facilitating the treatment of
hearing loss in patients as well as for providing efficient methods
for attaching such devices as well as for removing them from the
user's mouth without compromising performance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] An electronic and transducer device may be attached,
adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable dental or
oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly or attached directly
to the tooth or upper or lower jaw bone. Such a removable oral
appliance may be a custom-made device fabricated from a thermal
forming process utilizing a replicate model of a dental structure
obtained by conventional dental impression methods. The electronic
and transducer assembly may receive incoming sounds either directly
or through a receiver to process and amplify the signals and
transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element
coupled to a tooth or other bone structure, such as the maxillary,
mandibular, or palatine bone structure.
[0017] The assembly for transmitting vibrations via at least one
tooth may generally comprise, in one variation, a housing having a
shape which is conformable to at least a portion of the at least
one tooth, and an actuatable transducer disposed within or upon the
housing and in vibratory communication with a surface of the at
least one tooth. Moreover, the transducer itself may be a separate
assembly from the electronics and may be positioned along another
surface of the tooth.
[0018] In other variations utilizing multiple components, generally
a first component may be attached to the tooth or teeth using
permanent or semi-permanent adhesives while a second removable
component may be attached, adhered, or otherwise affixed to the
first component. Examples of adhesives for attaching the first
component to the tooth or teeth may include cements and epoxies
intended to be applied and/or removed by a healthcare provider.
Examples of typical dental cements include, but are not limited to,
zinc oxide eugenol, zinc phosphate, zinc silico-phosphate,
zinc-polyacrylate, zinc-polycarboxylate, glass ionomer,
resin-based, silicate-based cements, etc.
[0019] The first component can contain any, all, or none of the
mechanisms and/or electronics (e.g., actuators, processors,
receivers, etc.) while the second component, which can be attached
to the first component, can also contain any combination of the
mechanisms and/or electronics, such as the battery. These two
components may be temporarily coupled utilizing a variety of
mechanisms, e.g., electromagnetic, mechanical attachment, chemical
attachment, or a combination of any or all of these coupling
mechanisms.
[0020] In one example, an electronics and/or transducer assembly
may define a channel or groove along a surface for engaging a
corresponding dental anchor or bracket which may comprise a
light-curable acrylate-based composite material adhered directly to
the tooth surface or a metallic bracket (e.g., stainless steel,
Nickel-Titanium, Nickel, ceramics, composites, etc.) attached
either directly to the tooth or integrated as part of an oral
appliance. The dental anchor may be configured in a shape which
corresponds to a shape of channel or groove such that the two may
be interfitted in a mating engagement. In this manner, the
transducer may vibrate directly against the dental anchor which may
then transmit these signals directly into the tooth. Sealing the
electronics and/or transducer assembly may facilitate the
manufacturing of such devices by utilizing a single size for the
electronics encasement which may mount onto a custom-fit retainer
or bracket.
[0021] In yet another variation, a bracket may be ferromagnetic or
electromagnetic and removably coupled via magnetic attraction to
the housing which may also contain a complementary magnetic
component for coupling to the magnetic component. The magnetic
portion of the bracket may be confined or the entire bracket may be
magnetic. One or more alignment members or arms defined along the
bracket may facilitate the alignment of the bracket with the
housing by aligning with an alignment step.
[0022] Alternative brackets may be configured into a cylindrical
configuration sufficiently sized to fit comfortably within the
user's mouth. For instance, suitable dimensions for such a bracket
may range from 5 to 10 mm in diameter and 10 to 15 mm in length.
Alternatively, the bracket may be variously shaped, e.g., ovoid,
cubicle, etc. An electronics and/or transducer assembly having an
outer surface configured with screw threading may be screwed into
the bracket by rotating the assembly into the bracket to achieve a
secure attachment for vibrational coupling.
[0023] Other variations utilizing a bracket may define a receiving
channel into which the electronics and/or transducer assembly may
be positioned and secured via a retaining tab. Yet other variations
may utilize a protruding stop member for securing the two
components to one another or other mechanical mechanisms for
coupling.
[0024] Aside from mechanical coupling mechanisms, chemical
attachment may also be utilized. The electronics and/or transducer
assembly may be adhered to the bracket via a non-permanent
adhesive, e.g., eugenol and non-eugenol cements. Examples of
eugenol temporary cements include, but are not limited to, zinc
oxide eugenol commercially available from Temrex (Freeport, N.Y.)
or TempoCem.RTM. available from Zenith Dental (Englewood, N.J.).
Other examples of non-eugenol temporary cements include, but are
not limited to, cements which are commercially available such as
PROVISCELL.TM. (Septodont, Inc., Ontario, Canada) as well as
NOMIX.TM. (Centrix, Inc., Shelton, Conn.).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates the dentition of a patient's teeth and
one variation of a hearing aid device which is removably placed
upon or against the patient's tooth or teeth as a removable oral
appliance.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the lower teeth
showing one exemplary location for placement of the removable oral
appliance hearing aid device.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the
hearing aid where the electronics and/or transducer assembly may be
embedded into the removable custom-made oral appliance.
[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic representation of one
variation of the hearing aid assembly utilizing a receiving
transducer which may generally comprise at least one microphone for
receiving sounds and which is electrically connected to a processor
for processing the auditory signals.
[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates an extra-buccal transmitter assembly
located outside the patient's mouth to receive auditory signals for
processing and transmitting via a wireless signal to the
electronics and/or transducer assembly positioned within the
patient's mouth.
[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic representation of the
processor receiving signals via the antenna from external
sound-generating devices and controls for modifying various
parameters.
[0031] FIG. 7 shows a hearing aid assembly embedded into or
configured as a custom made dental implant, e.g., a permanent
crown, that may be secured onto an implant post previously
implanted into the bone.
[0032] FIG. 8 shows the electronics and transducer assembly bonded
or otherwise adhered directly to the surface of one or more teeth
rather than being embedded or attached to a separate housing.
[0033] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate perspective and side views,
respectively, of an oral appliance which may be coupled to a screw
or post implanted directly into the underlying bone, such as the
maxillary or mandibular bone.
[0034] FIG. 10 illustrates another variation in which the oral
appliance may be coupled to a screw or post implanted directly into
the palate of a patient.
[0035] FIG. 11 illustrates several screws drilled into several
locations within the user's mouth.
[0036] FIG. 12 shows two components of a partially-removable
assembly which are configured to securely mate with one
another.
[0037] FIG. 13A shows yet another variation of an oral appliance
having a composite dental anchor for coupling the transducer to the
tooth.
[0038] FIG. 13B illustrates a variation in which the oral appliance
may be omitted and the electronics and/or transducer assembly may
be attached to a composite dental anchor attached directly to the
tooth surface.
[0039] FIG. 14A shows partial cross-sectional end view of yet
another variation where a metallic bracket may be integrated
directly with or attached directly to an oral appliance such that
the metallic bracket directly contacts the tooth.
[0040] FIG. 14B illustrates a perspective view of the encasement
slidingly removed from the metallic bracket.
[0041] FIG. 15 illustrates a partial cross-sectional end view of
another variation of a system utilizing a bracket mounted to the
underlying tooth or teeth.
[0042] FIG. 16A shows an end view of a bracket containing a
magnetic component for removably coupling via magnetic attraction
to a housing also containing a complementary magnetic
component.
[0043] FIG. 16B shows an end view of another variation where the
entire bracket is magnetic for magnetically coupling to the
housing.
[0044] FIG. 16C shows a top view of yet another variation where a
magnetic component may be disposed at a first end of the housing
and a complementary magnetic component may be disposed at a first
end of the bracket.
[0045] FIGS. 17A and 17B show end and side views, respectively, of
a bracket having a cylindrical configuration.
[0046] FIGS. 17C and 17D show assembly side and end views,
respectively, of an electronics and/or transducer assembly having a
threaded outer surface configured to be screwed into a threaded
housing opening of the bracket.
[0047] FIG. 18A shows an end view of another variation of a bracket
which defines a receiving channel into which the electronics and/or
transducer assembly may be positioned and secured via retaining
tab.
[0048] FIG. 18B shows a perspective view of the electronics and/or
transducer assembly removed from the bracket.
[0049] FIG. 19A shows a removal tool prior positioned to remove the
electronics and/or transducer assembly from the bracket.
[0050] FIGS. 19B and 19C show partial side and top views,
respectively, of an engaging step of the removal tool advanced to
release the retaining tab from the electronics and/or transducer
assembly.
[0051] FIG. 20A shows an end view of another variation where of a
bracket likewise attached to a tooth or teeth.
[0052] FIG. 20B shows a perspective view of the assembly removed
from receiving channel of the bracket.
[0053] FIGS. 21A to 21D illustrate partial cross-sectional side
views of one example for the detachment and removal of the
electronics and/or transducer assembly from the bracket utilizing a
removal tool.
[0054] FIG. 22A shows an end view of another variation utilizing a
bracket and a removable electronics and/or transducer assembly
which may be coupled via a sliding mechanism and alignment members
protruding from assembly.
[0055] FIGS. 22B and 22C show partial cross-sectional side and end
views, respectively, of an assembly positioned partially along the
bracket prior to its secure engagement.
[0056] FIGS. 23A to 23D illustrate partial cross-sectional side
views of an example for engaging and disengaging a removable
electronics and/or transducer assembly from its bracket.
[0057] FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate side views of the electronics
and/or transducer assembly prior to engagement with a retaining
step with the other features removed for clarity to further
illustrate the securement mechanism.
[0058] FIGS. 25A and 25B show perspective and detail perspective
views, respectively, of the electronics and/or transducer assembly
retained by an applicator tool for securement into the bracket.
[0059] FIGS. 25C and 25D show top and end views, respectively, of
the assembly and applicator tool illustrating the alignment
channels defined along the lengths of the alignment members.
[0060] FIGS. 26A and 26B show end views of another coupling
mechanism utilizing a chemical attachment.
[0061] FIG. 27A illustrates an example where multiple transducer
assemblies may be placed on multiple teeth.
[0062] FIG. 27B illustrates another variation where at least one
microphone (or optionally any number of additional microphones) may
be positioned within the mouth of the user while physically
separated from the electronics and/or transducer assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0063] An electronic and transducer device may be attached,
adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral
appliance or other oral device to form a hearing aid assembly. Such
an oral appliance may be a custom-made device fabricated from a
thermal forming process utilizing a replicate model of a dental
structure obtained by conventional dental impression methods. The
electronic and transducer assembly may receive incoming sounds
either directly or through a receiver to process and amplify the
signals and transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating
transducer element coupled to a tooth or other bone structure, such
as the maxillary, mandibular, or palatine bone structure.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 1, a patient's mouth and dentition 10 is
illustrated showing one possible location for removably attaching
hearing aid assembly 14 upon or against at least one tooth, such as
a molar 12. The patient's tongue TG and palate PL are also
illustrated for reference. An electronics and/or transducer
assembly 16 may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or
upon the assembly 14, as described below in further detail.
[0065] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the patient's lower
dentition illustrating the hearing aid assembly 14 comprising a
removable oral appliance 18 and the electronics and/or transducer
assembly 16 positioned along a side surface of the assembly 14. In
this variation, oral appliance 18 may be fitted upon two molars 12
within tooth engaging channel 20 defined by oral appliance 18 for
stability upon the patient's teeth, although in other variations, a
single molar or tooth may be utilized. Alternatively, more than two
molars may be utilized for the oral appliance 18 to be attached
upon or over. Moreover, electronics and/or transducer assembly 16
is shown positioned upon a side surface of oral appliance 18 such
that the assembly 16 is aligned along a buccal surface of the tooth
12; however, other surfaces such as the lingual surface of the
tooth 12 and other positions may also be utilized. The figures are
illustrative of variations and are not intended to be limiting;
accordingly, other configurations and shapes for oral appliance 18
are intended to be included herein. In one variation, a partial
cross-sectional view of the hearing aid assembly 14 is shown in
FIG. 3 where the electronics and/or transducer assembly 16 may be
embedded into the removable custom-made oral appliance 18.
[0066] Generally, the volume of electronics and/or transducer
assembly 16 may be minimized so as to be unobtrusive and as
comfortable to the user when placed in the mouth. Although the size
may be varied, a volume of assembly 16 may be less than 800 cubic
millimeters. This volume is, of course, illustrative and not
limiting as size and volume of assembly 16 and may be varied
accordingly between different users.
[0067] Moreover, removable oral appliance 18 may be fabricated from
various polymeric or a combination of polymeric and metallic
materials using any number of methods, such as computer-aided
machining processes using computer numerical control (CNC) systems
or three-dimensional printing processes, e.g., stereolithography
apparatus (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), and/or other
similar processes utilizing three-dimensional geometry of the
patient's dentition, which may be obtained via any number of
techniques. Such techniques may include use of scanned dentition
using intra-oral scanners such as laser, white light, ultrasound,
mechanical three-dimensional touch scanners, magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), other optical methods,
etc.
[0068] In forming the removable oral appliance 18, the appliance 18
may be optionally formed such that it is molded to fit over the
dentition and at least a portion of the adjacent gingival tissue to
inhibit the entry of food, fluids, and other debris into the oral
appliance 18 and between the transducer assembly and tooth surface.
Moreover, the greater surface area of the oral appliance 18 may
facilitate the placement and configuration of the assembly 16 onto
the appliance 18.
[0069] Additionally, the removable oral appliance 18 may be
optionally fabricated to have a shrinkage factor such that when
placed onto the dentition, oral appliance 18 may be configured to
securely grab onto the tooth or teeth as the appliance 18 may have
a resulting size slightly smaller than the scanned tooth or teeth
upon which the appliance 18 was formed. The fitting may result in a
secure interference fit between the appliance 18 and underlying
dentition.
[0070] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic representation of one
variation of hearing aid assembly 14 utilizing receiving transducer
30, which may generally comprise microphone for receiving sounds
and which is electrically connected to processor 32 for processing
the auditory signals. Processor 32 may be electrically connected to
antenna 34 for receiving wireless communication signals, e.g.,
input control signals from an external remote control 36 and/or
other external sound generating devices, e.g., cell phones,
telephones, stereos, MP3 players, and other media players. The
microphone 30 and processor 32 may be configured to detect and
process auditory signals in any practicable range, but may be
configured in one variation to detect auditory signals ranging
from, e.g., 250 Hertz to 20,000 Hertz. The detected and processed
signals may be amplified via amplifier 44, which increases the
output levels for vibrational transmission by transducer 40 into
the adjacent, or otherwise coupled, bone structure such as a
patient's tooth or teeth 12.
[0071] With respect to microphone 30, a variety of various
microphone systems may be utilized. For instance, microphone 30 may
be a digital, analog, piezo, and/or directional type microphone.
Such various types of microphones may be interchangeably configured
to be utilized with the assembly, if so desired.
[0072] Power supply 42 may be connected to each of the components
such as processor 32 and transducer 40 to provide power thereto.
The control or other sound generated signals received by antenna 34
may be in any wireless form utilizing, e.g., radio frequency,
ultrasound, microwave, Blue Tooth.RTM. (BLUETOOTH SIG, INC.,
Bellevue, Wash.), etc. for transmission to assembly 16. The
external remote control 36 may be utilized such that a user may
manipulate to adjust various acoustic parameters of the electronics
and/or transducer assembly 16, such as acoustic focusing, volume
control, filtration, muting, frequency optimization, sound
adjustments, and tone adjustments, etc.
[0073] The signals transmitted may be received by electronics
and/or transducer assembly 16 via a receiver, which may be
connected to an internal processor for additional processing of the
received signals. The received signals may be communicated to
transducer 40, which may vibrate correspondingly against a surface
of the tooth to conduct the vibratory signals through the, tooth
and bone and subsequently to the middle ear to facilitate hearing
of the user. Transducer 40 may be configured as any number of
different vibratory mechanisms. For instance, in one variation,
transducer 40 may be an electromagnetically actuated transducer. In
other variations, transducer 40 may be in the form of a
piezoelectric crystal having a range of vibratory frequencies,
e.g., between 250 to 20,000 Hz.
[0074] Although power supply 42 may be a simple battery,
replaceable or permanent, other variations may include a power
supply 42 which is charged by inductance via an external charger.
Additionally, power supply 42 may alternatively be charged via
direct coupling 48 to an alternating current (AC) or direct current
(DC) source. Other variations may include a power supply 42 which
is charged via a mechanical mechanism 46, such as an internal
pendulum or slidable electrical inductance charger as known in the
art, which is actuated via, e.g., motions of the jaw and/or
movement for translating the mechanical motion into stored
electrical energy for charging power supply 42.
[0075] In one variation, with assembly 14 positioned upon the
teeth, as shown in FIG. 5, an extra-buccal transmitter assembly 22
located outside the patient's mouth may be utilized to receive
auditory signals for processing and transmission via a wireless
signal 24 to the electronics and/or transducer assembly 16
positioned within the patient's mouth, which may then process and
transmit the processed auditory signals via vibratory conductance
to the underlying tooth and consequently to the patient's inner
ear.
[0076] The transmitter assembly 22, as described in further detail
below, may contain a microphone assembly as well as a transmitter
assembly and may be configured in any number of shapes and forms
worn by the user, such as a watch, necklace, lapel, phone,
belt-mounted device, etc.
[0077] In such a variation, as illustrated schematically in FIG. 6,
the processor 32 may receive the signals through antenna 34 from
external sound-generating devices 38 (as described above, e.g.,
cell phones, telephones, stereos, MP3 players, and other media
players) as well as from other incoming sounds received from
receiving transducer 30 for processing and transmission to the
hearing aid assembly 14. Control 36 may be used to modify various
parameters of the received sound while powered by battery 42, as
above.
[0078] In another variation, a hearing aid assembly may be embedded
into or configured as a custom made dental implant 54 (e.g., a
permanent crown) that may be secured onto an implant post 50
previously implanted into the bone 52, e.g., jaw bone, of a
patient, as shown in FIG. 7. Dental implant 54 may be secured or
coupled to post 50 via receiving channel 56 defined within implant
54. The transducer assembly as well as the associated electronics
and power supply may be contained within implant 54 such that when
implant 54 received a signal for conductance to the user, the
transducer may vibrate within implant 54 to conduct the vibrations
through post 50 and into the user.
[0079] In yet another variation, the electronics and transducer
assembly 16 may be bonded or otherwise adhered directly to the
surface of one or more teeth 12 rather than embedded or attached to
a separate housing, as shown in FIG. 8.
[0080] In yet other variations, vibrations may be transmitted
directly into the underlying bone or tissue structures rather than
transmitting directly through the tooth or teeth of the user. As
shown in FIG. 9A, an oral appliance 70 is illustrated positioned
upon the user's tooth, in this example upon a molar located along
the upper row of teeth. The electronics and/or transducer assembly
72 is shown as being located along the buccal surface of the tooth.
Rather than utilizing a transducer in contact with the tooth
surface, a conduction transmission member 74, such as a rigid or
solid metallic member, may be coupled to the transducer in assembly
72 and extend from oral appliance 70 to a post or screw 76 which is
implanted directly into the underlying bone 78, such as the
maxillary bone, as shown in the partial cross-sectional view of
FIG. 9B. As the distal end of transmission member 74 is coupled
directly to post or screw 76, the vibrations generated by the
transducer may be transmitted through transmission member 74 and
directly into post or screw 76, which in turn transmits the
vibrations directly into and through the bone 78 for transmission
to the user's inner ear.
[0081] FIG. 10 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an
oral appliance 80 placed upon the user's tooth TH with the
electronics and/or transducer assembly 82 located along the lingual
surface of the tooth. Similarly, the vibrations may be transmitted
through the conduction transmission member 74 and directly into
post or screw 76, which in this example is implanted into the
palatine bone PL. Other variations may utilize this arrangement
located along the lower row of teeth for transmission to a post or
screw 76 drilled into the mandibular bone. In yet other variations,
one or more screws may be drilled into several locations within the
user's mouth. For instance, two screws 60, 62 may be drilled along
the maxillary and palatine bone, as shown in FIG. 11.
[0082] Additional examples of various transducer configurations and
elements which may be utilized with any of the configurations
described herein, as practicable, are shown and described in
further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/741,648 filed
Apr. 27, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0083] In other variations utilizing multiple components, generally
a first component may be attached to the tooth or teeth using
permanent or semi-permanent adhesives while a second removable
component may be attached, adhered, or otherwise affixed to the
first component. Examples of adhesives for attaching the first
component to the tooth or teeth may include cements and epoxies
intended to be applied and/or removed by a healthcare provider.
Examples of typical dental cements include, but are not limited to,
zinc oxide eugenol, zinc phosphate, zinc silico-phosphate,
zinc-polyacrylate, zinc-polycarboxylate, glass ionomer,
resin-based, silicate-based cements, etc.
[0084] The first component can contain any, all, or none of the
mechanisms and/or electronics (e.g., actuators, processors,
receivers, etc.) while the second component, which can be attached
to the first component, can also contain any combination of the
mechanisms and/or electronics, such as the battery. These two
components may be temporarily coupled utilizing a variety of
mechanisms, e.g., electromagnetic, mechanical attachment, chemical
attachment, or a combination of any or all of these coupling
mechanisms.
[0085] An illustrative example is shown in FIG. 12, which shows two
components of assembly 84 which are configured to securely mate
with one another. A first component 86 may be permanently or
non-removably attached onto the underlying tooth or teeth TH and a
second component 88 may be removably coupled to the first component
86 by the user. First component 86 may be bonded, adhered, or
otherwise affixed via an attachment mechanism 89 such as a cement,
epoxy, glue, etc., as mentioned above.
[0086] In one variation, the first component 86 may contain a
signal processor, transducer, receiver, and any combinations of
these components or including additional components. In another
variation, the first component may omit each of these elements and
function simply as an attachment base for holding and securing the
components relative to the tooth. In either case, the second
component 88 may comprise a power supply alone, such as a battery,
if the remaining components are contained within first component 86
or it may optionally comprise a power supply in combination with a
processor, transducer, receiver, etc. Moreover, first and second
components 86, 88 may be coupled to one another via any number of
magnetic, mechanical, or chemical attachment mechanisms, which are
described below in further detail.
[0087] In another variation, an electronics and/or transducer
assembly 90 may define a channel or groove 92 along a surface for
engaging a corresponding dental anchor or bracket 96, as shown in
FIG. 13A. Dental anchor 96 may comprise a light-curable
acrylate-based composite material adhered directly to the tooth
surface. Moreover dental anchor 96 may be configured in a shape
which corresponds to a shape of channel or groove 92 such that the
two may be interfitted in a mating engagement. In this manner, the
transducer in assembly 90 may vibrate directly against dental
anchor 96 which may then transmit these signals directly into the
tooth TH. Sealing the electronics and/or transducer assembly 90 may
facilitate the manufacturing of such devices by utilizing a single
size for the electronics encasement which may mount onto a
custom-fit retainer or bracket.
[0088] FIG. 13B shows yet another variation in which the oral
appliance is omitted entirely. Here, a composite dental anchor or
bracket 96 may be adhered directly onto the tooth surface, as
above. Alternatively, bracket 96 may be comprised of a
biocompatible material, e.g., stainless steel, Nickel-Titanium,
ceramics, composites, etc., formed into a bracket and anchored onto
the tooth surface. The bracket 96 may be configured to have a shape
98 over which an electronics and/or transducer assembly 90 may be
slid over or upon via a channel 92 having a corresponding receiving
configuration 94 for engagement with bracket 96. In this manner,
assembly 90 may be directly engaged against bracket 96, through
which a transducer may directly vibrate into the underlying tooth
TH. Additionally, in the event that assembly 90 is removed from the
tooth TH, assembly 90 may be simply slid or rotated off bracket 96
and a replacement assembly may be put in its place upon bracket
96.
[0089] FIG. 14A shows yet another variation where a metallic
bracket 100, fabricated from any of the metals or composites
mentioned above, may be integrated directly with or attached
directly to oral appliance 18 such that metallic bracket 100
directly contacts tooth TH via an inner contact surface 102 to
facilitate coupling and transmission of the vibrations. As also
described above, the removable encasement 106 may contain the
transducer and many of the electronics, e.g., power supply,
receiver, processor, etc., in an enclosure which is hermetically
sealed. As above, metallic bracket 100 may have one or more
retaining or alignment members 104 which are configured to
slidingly or rotatingly mate with a complementary retaining channel
114 defined within encasement 106. Also illustrated is an example
of positioning of transducer assembly 108, which may contact
against metallic bracket 100 when mated, as well as
receiver/processor 110 and power supply or battery 112. To remove
encasement 106 and transducer assembly 108 from metallic bracket
100, encasement 106 may be slid off bracket 100 or oral appliance
18 may be removed entirely from user's tooth or teeth TH. FIG. 14B
illustrates a perspective view of encasement 106 slidingly removed
from metallic bracket 100.
[0090] FIG. 15 illustrates a partial cross-sectional end view of
another variation of a system utilizing a bracket 120 fabricated
from any of the materials described above and mounted to the
underlying tooth or teeth TH. This variation may utilize bracket
120 attached or otherwise affixed against mounting surface 122.
Bracket 120 may define one or more mounting members or surfaces 124
upon which housing 126 may be secured via one or more securement
members 128 extending from housing 126 to grasp or mechanically
lock onto mounting members or surfaces 124. The one or more
securement members 128 may be fabricated from a metallic or plastic
member such as a clip or soft rubber boot.
[0091] Housing 126 not only provides mass for enhancing the
vibrational transmission, but it also encapsulates the removable
electronics and actuators, etc. An alignment member or feature 130
(e.g., a rod, dowel, or cylindrical projection which aligns the
coil 132 with magnet 138) may be configured as a weak magnet poled
in such a direction that its field interacts with the permanent
magnet 138 to guide the motion of the transducer against bracket
120. In this variation, coil 132 may be wound about bobbin 134,
which may be mounted against mounting substrate or surface 136
contained within housing 126. Coil 132 may interact with an
adjacent permanent magnet 138 which vibrates against bracket 120.
Moreover, coil 132 may be connected via electrical connector 142
leading to electronics 140. Power supply 144 may also be in
electrical communication with the various elements contained within
housing 126.
[0092] In yet another variation, FIG. 16A shows an end view of
bracket 160 which may contain magnetic component 166, which may be
ferromagnetic or electromagnetic, for removably coupling via
magnetic attraction to housing 162 which may also contain a
complementary magnetic component 168 for coupling to magnetic
component 166. One or more alignment members or arms 164 defined
along bracket 160 may facilitate the alignment of bracket 160 with
housing 162 by aligning with alignment step 170. FIG. 16B shows
another variation where bracket 160 may be configured such that the
entire bracket is magnetic 172 for magnetically coupling to housing
162.
[0093] FIG. 16C shows yet another variation where a magnetic
component 174 may be disposed at a first end of housing 162 and a
complementary magnetic component 176 may be disposed at a first end
of bracket 160. Having the magnetic components disposed along a
single portion of bracket 160 and housing 162 may help to align
housing 168 in a desired orientation when sliding housing 168 upon
bracket 160.
[0094] Another variation is illustrated in the end and side views
of FIGS. 17A and 17B, which show bracket 180 configured into a
cylindrical configuration. Cylindrical bracket 180 may be adhered
to attached to tooth TH via attachment 184 and is sufficiently
sized to fit comfortably within the user's mouth. For instance,
suitable dimensions for bracket 180 may range from 5 to 10 mm in
diameter and 10 to 15 mm in length. Although illustrated in a
cylindrical configuration, bracket 180 may be variously shaped,
e.g., ovoid, cubicle, etc.
[0095] An electronics and/or transducer assembly 182 having an
outer surface configured with screw threading 190 may be screwed
into threaded housing opening 188 of bracket 180, as shown in the
assembly side view of FIG. 17C. By rotating assembly 182 into
bracket 180, e.g., by utilizing screw guide 186 as shown in FIG.
17D, a secure attachment and vibrational coupling may be achieved.
Housing 180 may be removed from bracket 180 by reversing the
direction of rotation of housing 180.
[0096] FIG. 18A shows an end view of another variation utilizing
bracket 200 attached to tooth TH via attachment 204 and which
defines a receiving channel 208 into which electronics and/or
transducer assembly 202 may be positioned and secured via retaining
tab 206. As shown in FIG. 18B, a perspective view of the assembly
with assembly 202 removed from bracket 200 illustrates the housing
of assembly 202 defining one or more tool alignment grooves 210
along one or both sides of the housing. A tool opening 216 is
defined along a proximal end of the housing and opens into a
removal tool channel 214 defined through the length of assembly
202. Moreover, retaining tab receiving opening 212 is also defined
near or at a distal end of the housing for receiving the retaining
tab 206 when assembly 202 is inserted within bracket 200.
[0097] As shown in FIG. 19A, assembly 202 has been slid within
bracket 200 and retaining tab 206 has been engaged within tab
receiving opening 212. To remove assembly 202 from bracket 200,
removal tool 220 may be used to release and remove assembly 202.
Removal tool 220 may comprise central member 222 extending from
elongate member 228. An engaging step 224 may be defined near or at
a distal end of central member 222 for releasing tab 206 and two
tool alignment members or prongs 226 may also extend from elongate
member 228 in parallel on either side of central member 222.
[0098] During removal, engaging step 224 and central member 222 may
be inserted into opening 216. With alignment members 226 slid into
their respective alignment grooves defined along either side of
assembly 202, engaging step 224 may be advanced until a distal
portion of central member 222 releases tab 206 from tab receiving
opening 212, as shown in the partial cross-sectional side view of
FIG. 19B. With tab 206 disengaged, engaging step 224 may catch upon
the edge of opening 212, as shown in FIG. 19B and the top view of
FIG. 19C, allowing central member 222 and step 224 to pull assembly
202 from bracket 200 for removal.
[0099] FIG. 20A shows an end view of another variation where
bracket 230 may likewise be attached to tooth or teeth TH via
attachment 234 and contain electronics and/or transducer assembly
232 within. Although illustrated as having an oval shape, any
number of configurations may be utilized. FIG. 20B shows a
perspective view of assembly 232 removed from receiving channel 238
of bracket 230. Assembly 232 may define a removal tool opening 242
at a proximal end and a protruding stop 240, e.g., ball, spring,
etc., which may project at least partially from a surface of
assembly 232. Bracket 230 may define a stop engagement opening 236
near or at a distal end of the bracket 230 such that when assembly
232 is initially inserted within bracket 230, stop 240 may be
depressed into assembly 232 until released into stop engagement
opening 236, thus functioning as a locking mechanism for retaining
assembly 232 within bracket 230.
[0100] To remove assembly 232 from bracket 230, an elongate removal
tool 256 having a step 258 defined near or at a distal end of tool
256 may be inserted into removal tool receiving channel 252 defined
within assembly 242, as illustrated in FIG. 21A. Tool 256 may be
advanced through channel 252 until it contacts stop 240,
illustrated here as a spherical ball protruding through engagement
opening 236 of bracket 230, as shown in FIG. 21B. Step 258 may be
urged distally to push stop 240 out of engagement with opening 236
until tool 256 has been pushed over stop 240 to release assembly
232 from bracket 230. With stop 240 compressed against biasing
element 250, e.g., a spring, tool 256 may be further advanced until
step 258 engages engagement step 254, which is defined at the end
of tool receiving channel 252, as shown in FIG. 21C. With tool 256
engaged via step 258 to engagement step 254, assembly 232 may then
be slid proximally out from bracket 230 for removal, as shown in
FIG. 21D.
[0101] FIG. 22A shows an end view of another variation utilizing
bracket 260 and removable electronics and/or transducer assembly
262 which may be coupled via a sliding mechanism and alignment
members 264 protruding from assembly 262. FIGS. 22B and 22C show
partial cross-sectional side and end views, respectively, of
assembly 262 positioned partially along bracket 260 prior to secure
engagement. Assembly 262 may define alignment members 264
protruding from either side of the housing and tool applicator
rails 268, as described in further detail below, also protruding
from either side of the housing along the length of assembly 262. A
distal end of assembly 262 also defines a stop member 270
protruding from the housing for engagement with bracket 260.
Bracket 260 defines one or more sliding tracks 266 along a length
of bracket 260 through which the alignment members 264 may be
inserted and guided through. Tracks 266 may further define a curved
portion 278 along a distal end of sliding track 266, as described
further below. A distal end of bracket 260 also defines a retaining
step 272 for engagement with stop member 270 of assembly 262. A
biasing element 276, e.g., a spring, may also be positioned within
a cavity 274 defined near or at a distal portion of bracket
260.
[0102] In use, when assembly 262 is to be coupled to bracket 260,
alignment members 264 may be inserted into a proximal end of
sliding track 266 and advanced therealong, as shown in FIGS. 23A
and 23B. Assembly 262 may be urged distally until it contacts
biasing element 276 contained within the distal portion of bracket
260 whereupon assembly 262 may be further urged distally while
compressing biasing element 276. Sliding track 266 may be curved in
such a manner where further advancement of assembly 262 forces stop
member 270 to become engaged against retaining step 272. With the
compressed biasing element 276 pushing against assembly 262, stop
member 270 may be secured against retaining step 272 to inhibit or
prevent the release of assembly 262, as shown in FIG. 23C. To
release assembly 262 from bracket 260, assembly 262 may be pushed
further distally relative to bracket 260 to further compress
biasing element 276. With the distal portion 278 of sliding track
266 curved transversely relative to the proximal portion of track
266, alignment members 264 may be slid through the distal portion
278 and released from bracket 260 for removal, as shown in FIG.
23D.
[0103] FIGS. 24A and 24B show side views of the assembly 262 prior
to engagement with retaining step 272 with the other features
removed for clarity to further illustrate the securement mechanism.
As shown, as assembly 262 contacts and compresses biasing element
276, stop member 270 is eventually brought into engagement with
retaining step 272 for securing assembly 262 to bracket 260.
[0104] In order to facilitate the handling and introduction of
assembly 262 into engagement with bracket 260, applicator tool 280
may be used, as shown in the perspective assembly view of FIG. 25A,
to insert and secure assembly 262 relative to bracket 260. Tool 280
may define two alignment members 282, 284 which extend distally for
releasably holding assembly 262 on either side. As seen in the
detail perspective view of FIG. 25B, applicator rails 268
protruding from either or both sides of assembly 262 along the
length of the housing may be slid into corresponding alignment
channels 286 which are defined along the length of alignment
members 282, 284 such that the applicator rails 268 are secured and
transverse movement of assembly 262 relative to alignment members
282, 284 is inhibited or prevented, as shown in the top and end
views of FIGS. 25C and 25D, respectively.
[0105] Aside from mechanical coupling mechanisms, chemical
attachment may also be utilized. As shown in the end views of FIGS.
26A and 26B, electronics and/or transducer assembly 292 may be
adhered to bracket 290 via a non-permanent adhesive 294. Examples
of such temporary adhesive 294 may include, e.g., eugenol and
non-eugenol cements. Examples of eugenol temporary cements include,
but are not limited to, zinc oxide eugenol commercially available
from Temrex (Freeport, N.Y.) or TempoCem.RTM. available from Zenith
Dental (Englewood, N.J.). Other examples of non-eugenol temporary
cements include, but are not limited to, cements which are
commercially available such as PROVISCELL.TM. (Septodont, Inc.,
Ontario, Canada) as well as NOMIX.TM. (Centrix, Inc., Shelton,
Conn.).
[0106] For any of the variations described above, they may be
utilized as a single device or in combination with any other
variation herein, as practicable, to achieve the desired hearing
level in the user. Moreover, more than one oral appliance device
and electronics and/or transducer assemblies may be utilized at any
one time. For example, FIG. 27A illustrates one example where
multiple transducer assemblies 300, 302, 304, 306 may be placed on
multiple teeth. Although shown on the lower row of teeth, multiple
assemblies may alternatively be positioned and located along the
upper row of teeth or both rows as well. Moreover, each of the
assemblies may be configured to transmit vibrations within a
uniform frequency range. Alternatively in other variations,
different assemblies may be configured to vibrate within
non-overlapping frequency ranges between each assembly. As
mentioned above, each transducer 300, 302, 304, 306 can be
programmed or preset for a different frequency response such that
each transducer may be optimized for a different frequency response
and/or transmission to deliver a relatively high-fidelity sound to
the user.
[0107] Moreover, each of the different transducers 300, 302, 304,
306 can also be programmed to vibrate in a manner which indicates
the directionality of sound received by the microphone worn by the
user. For example, different transducers positioned at different
locations within the user's mouth can vibrate in a specified manner
by providing sound or vibrational queues to inform the user which
direction a sound was detected relative to an orientation of the
user. For instance, a first transducer located, e.g., on a user's
left tooth, can be programmed to vibrate for sound detected
originating from the user's left side. Similarly, a second
transducer located, e.g., on a user's right tooth, can be
programmed to vibrate for sound detected originating from the
user's right side. Other variations and queues may be utilized as
these examples are intended to be illustrative of potential
variations.
[0108] In yet another variation for separating the microphone from
the transducer assembly, FIG. 27B illustrates another variation
where at least one microphone 312 (or optionally any number of
additional microphones 314, 316) may be positioned within the mouth
of the user while physically separated from the electronics and/or
transducer assembly 310. In this manner, the one or optionally more
microphones 312, 314, 316 may be wirelessly coupled to the
electronics and/or transducer assembly 310 in a manner which
attenuates or eliminates feedback from the transducer.
[0109] Further examples of these algorithms are shown and described
in detail in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/672,239;
11/672,250; 11/672,264; and 11/672,271 all filed Feb. 7, 2007 and
each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0110] The applications of the devices and methods discussed above
are not limited to the treatment of hearing loss but may include
any number of further treatment applications. Moreover, such
devices and methods may be applied to other treatment sites within
the body. Modification of the above-described assemblies and
methods for carrying out the invention, combinations between
different variations as practicable, and variations of aspects of
the invention that are obvious to those of skill in the art are
intended to be within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *