U.S. patent application number 16/367534 was filed with the patent office on 2019-07-25 for open fit canal hearing device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Anova Hearing Labs, Inc.. Invention is credited to James F. CALDAROLA.
Application Number | 20190230454 16/367534 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57776026 |
Filed Date | 2019-07-25 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190230454 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CALDAROLA; James F. |
July 25, 2019 |
OPEN FIT CANAL HEARING DEVICE
Abstract
A hearing aid device adapted for use within the ear canal and of
partially exposed in the canal types. This aid allows an air gap to
substantially surround the hearing aid shell and air passages which
communicate with the inner ear minimizing occlusion sensations and
providing the user with an enhanced natural hearing experience. An
aspect of this device is the provision of air passages in the
mounting insert which securely positions the hearing aid shell in
the wearer's canal. These passages are designed to stay open after
insertion of the aid in the ear canal. In use, unamplified sound
from the outside passes around the hearing aid shell, through the
air passages in the mounting insert blending with the amplified
sound emanating from the receiver. The area of air passages in the
mounting insert can be tailored by the technician adapting to the
hearing loss characteristics of the user.
Inventors: |
CALDAROLA; James F.; (East
Longmeadow, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Anova Hearing Labs, Inc. |
Springfield |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57776026 |
Appl. No.: |
16/367534 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15221690 |
Jul 28, 2016 |
10257628 |
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16367534 |
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13932246 |
Jul 1, 2013 |
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15221690 |
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13101296 |
May 5, 2011 |
8477978 |
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13932246 |
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11604154 |
Nov 27, 2006 |
7940946 |
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13101296 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04R 25/656 20130101;
H04R 2460/09 20130101; H04R 2225/025 20130101; H04R 25/652
20130101; H04R 25/604 20130101; H04R 25/02 20130101; H04R 2225/023
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04R 25/00 20060101
H04R025/00 |
Claims
1) A hearing device adapted for insertion substantially within the
ear canal said device including a case containing at least a power
source, and a microphone said hearing device also having a receiver
element affixed to said case and in communication with an acoustic
passageway terminating at a tip which is directed towards the
wearer's inner ear wherein said case made smaller and substantially
non-conformal to a wearer's ear canal in its mounted position to
form an open passageway between the case and the ear canal along
the length of said case, a flexible mounting insert attached to a
tip portion of said case to substantially maintain said hearing
device in a mounted position, said flexible mounting insert
provided with openings maintaining an open area in said mounted
position, thereby creating a sound path extending from said tip
through said open passageway formed between the ear canal and said
case along the length of said case, wherein an internal vent
pathway extending from the vicinity of said tip to an opening in
the face plate of said hearing aid is excluded.
2) The device of claim 1 wherein the size of the case anywhere
along its length is on average at least 0.1 mm smaller than the
size of the wearer's ear canal when fitted.
3) The device of claim 1 wherein said openings are formed in a
generally concave insert element which is mounted on said tip
portion.
4) The device of claim 3 wherein said openings form a total open
area from about 0.5% to about 35% in said insert.
5) (canceled)
6) (canceled)
7) The device of claim 3 wherein the thickness of the concave
insert element increases towards the center.
8) The device of claim 3 wherein said concave insert element is
rotatably mounted against another concave apertured element to
allow adjustment of said open area.
9) The device of claim 3 wherein a disc element is positioned in
tandem with said concave insert element to allow adjustment of open
area in said mounting insert.
10) The device of claim 1 wherein said open area is formed by a
bladed element formed of flexible blades extending substantially in
a radial direction from a hub which is mounted near said tip
portion.
11) The device of claim 10 wherein said open area in said insert is
from about 25% to about 60%.
12) (canceled)
13) The device of claim 10, wherein said flexible blades are
curved.
14) The device of claim 1 wherein the area of said passage is
adjustable.
15) (canceled)
16) The device of claim 1 wherein said mounting insert is provided
at least one perforation of at least 0.75 mm in diameter.
17) The device of claim 1 wherein said mounting insert has a total
open area from about 0.1% to about 70%.
18) The device of claim 1 wherein said mounting insert has a total
open area from about 3% to about 60%.
19) (canceled)
20) (canceled)
21) The device of claim 1 wherein said mounting insert has a total
open area from about 2% to about 25%.
22) (canceled)
23) The device of claim 1, wherein the cross sectional dimension of
said case is on average from about 0.5 mm to about 6 mm less than
that of the wearer's ear canal at any cross section of said
case.
24) (canceled)
25) (canceled)
26) The device of claim 1 wherein additional mounting means are
affixed to said case to further support said hearing device within
the ear canal.
27) The device of claim 26 wherein said additional mounting means
comprises flexible ribs attached to the outside of the case
extending along the outside of said case.
28) The device of claim 1 further comprising conventional active
feedback reduction in the amplification circuitry.
29) The device of claim 1 wherein said case is prefabricated to a
standard size and shape thereby avoiding custom molding to the
wearer's ear canal.
30) (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to hearing aid devices in which the
entire hearing aid including microphone, receiver, circuitry and
power source are mounted substantially within the ear canal. This
invention provides benefits to the ITE (In the ear), wherein the
aid is partially exposed outside the ear canal, the CIC (Completely
in the Canal) Aid and modifications between these types.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A very thorough description of the ear canal anatomy is
provided in published patent application Ser. No. 10/052,199 to
Shennib et al the entirety of said specification is herein
incorporated by reference.
[0003] Conventional hearing devices are typically characterized by
the way they fit into the individual's ear and are: [0004] 1)
Behind-The-Ear (BTE) type in which the main body consisting of the
microphone, power source, amplifier and ear phone/receiver are
mounted behind the ear and the sound tube communicating from the
earphone to an ear mold which typically fits mostly in the concha
or in some instances within the ear canal. [0005] 2) In-The-Ear
(ITE) type fits largely in the auricle and concha cavity areas,
extending minimally into the ear canal. (These are custom fitted)
[0006] 3) In-The-canal (ITC) type which fits in the concha cavity
and extends into the ear canal. [0007] 4) Completely-In-the-Canal
(CIC) type which fits completely within the ear canal past the
aperture.
[0008] Quite recently the "Open-fit" or "Over the Ear" OTE hearing
aid have come to the market which are small BTE type hearing aids
with a very small delivery sound tube connected to a soft silicone
dome or highly vented acrylic tip that holds the tube within the
ear canal. These open fit devices are designed to reduce the
"occlusion effect", which is the amplification of your own voice
when your ears are blocked. Occlusion effects are an annoying in
that a user's voice sounds unnaturally higher than normal since
bone conduction becomes more pronounced as the ear canal is
blocked. Teanzer et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,183 and US Patent
publication 2005/0190940 to Ach-Kowalewski et al, herein
incorporated by reference depict earpieces that mount entirely
within the ear canal. U.S. Pat. No. 7,027,608 to Fretz et al herein
incorporated by Reference is illustrative of Open fit aids and
discusses different ear tips which can be mounted to the sound tube
of a BTE hearing aid. The tip of Fretz et al is normally open after
insertion into a wearer's ear canal.
[0009] Nielsen et al, US patent publication 2005/0244026 describes
a flexible earpiece for a hearing aid. The flexible earpiece is
made of sidewalls which conforms to the wearer's ear canal and
attaches to the base of the aid. While Nielsen illustrates that
this earpiece connects with the sound tube of a BTE hearing aid,
Nielsen do disclose that the earpiece can be used with the base
from a hearing aid of the ITC type. The earpiece of Nielson is
generally closed in use as the pressure applied to the sidewall by
the wearer's ear canal will provide close contact between the
overlapping parts of the sidewall so that no leaks occur along the
edges of the sidewall. Nielsen et al can allow some air passage
through an optional vent at the sidewall base.
[0010] US patent publication 2002/0085728 to Shennib et al is
descriptive of and extended wear CIC hearing aid wherein the body
of the aid is made smaller than a typical ear canal. This design is
stated as being mass producible as these do not have to be custom
fit to the wearer, as do conventional CIC aids. Shennib minimizes
feedback by occluding the bony region with an insert preventing
acoustic sound from entering the inner ear.
[0011] In general, occlusion in ITC, ITE and CIC aids is somewhat
mitigated by a vent tube which provides communication between the
ear canal behind the amplified sound source and the surroundings.
However, the presence of vent tubes or passageways between the
amplified sound source and the surroundings leading to unwanted
acoustical feedback, which must be carefully managed. Feedback is
caused when amplified sound reenters microphone. Therefore, to
limit feedback, most CIC devices the vent tube, designed to opening
is limited to about 0.6 to 0.8 mm diameter.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,969,534 to Kolpe et al, herein incorporated
by reference is illustrative of atypical ITC aid having a casing to
which a hollow sleeve is attached which is compressed and inserted
in the wears ear. The hollow sleeve allows only amplified sound
from the receiver to be transmitted to the tympanic membrane,
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The hearing device of the present invention pertains to
devices which are inserted substantially within the ear canal and
is an improvement over conventional ITE (in the ear), ITC (in the
canal) and CIC completely in the canal aids in that it provides a
natural sounding experience with a comfortable occlusion less fit
in a design which mitigates acoustic feedback.
[0014] In the present invention a case, otherwise known as a shell,
is made smaller than conventional CIC aids, which are custom formed
to conform to the wearer's ear canal. Specifically, the case of the
present invention has a generally elliptical cross section and is
of a smaller cross section than that of an average wearer's ear
canal when mounted in the wearer's ear. The case of the present
invention is, by design, non-conformal to the wearer's ear canal so
that a gap is provided around the case between the length of the
case and the wearer's ear canal. This gap provides both a
comfortable fit in that the case is in minimal contact with the
wearer's ear canal. In addition, occlusion, or a blocked sensation
experienced by the majority of CIC/ITC/ITE users is virtually
eliminated. Also, the gap allows natural sounds from the
surrounding to bypass microphone and blend with the sound emanating
from the receiver section. As the case is designed of smaller cross
section along the entire length of the case for most individuals,
an impression for a conformal fitting is not necessary, making the
heating device of the present invention amenable to mass
production.
[0015] Since the case of the present invention must be fixed within
the ear canal to avoid unwanted movement of the hearing device, the
case is affixed with a flexible mounting member attached to the tip
portion of the receiver section, which is preferably an integral
part of the easing.
[0016] The flexible mounting insert member of the present invention
has openings to allow continued passage of natural sound from the
gap formed upstream of the mounting insert to blend with amplified
sound delivered from the receiver section. The flexible mounting
member can take on a number of d resembling the "open fit" ear
pieces conventionally used in "open fit" BTE aids. However, because
of feedback issues particularly with wearer's having significant
hearing losses at higher frequencies, there is a limit to how
"open" the flexible mounting member can be.
[0017] The flexible mounting insert member has apertures made by
perforating or slitting or cutting custom fabricating the insert
member with openings. The mounting insert member can be
prefabricated with openings at the factory or can be custom cut or
the technician dispensing the aid can otherwise adjust the area
manually. Alternatives include adjusting the open area of the
flexible mounting by using pre-made mounts inserts having different
opening areas or custom cutting or perforating or providing new or
additional opening to a preformed insert member originally having
no open area in the region between the mounting hub and the outer
circumference of the insert.
[0018] One embodiment of the invention shows a feature wherein
rotatable adjusting members comprising vane or blades and the like
are rotated relative to the flexible mounting member already having
an open area. The adjusting member effectively blocks off more or
less area and is fixed once the wearer is satisfied with the
adjustment. The adjusting member can also function to complement
the mounting already provided by the mounting member. In many
instances, such as a dome or propeller type ear piece the adjusting
member can be a substantial duplicate of the flexible member. The
position of the adjusting member relative to the mounting member
can be retained by placing teeth on the mating surfaces of the
adjusting and mounting members so to prevent relative movement once
secured by a screw or other fastening means.
[0019] It is remarkable that providing an open case/open fit
earpiece design does not produce a noticeable feedback when
properly adjusted. Even without the use of active feedback control,
it has been discovered that proper selection or adjustment the
mounting member with the appropriate open area eliminates unwanted
feedback. As the inventive design does not require a vent tube one
explanation is that feedback is mitigated by the return of
amplified sound to the periphery of the case which is more distant
from the microphone than from the conventional hearing aids with
vent tubes. It also may be that higher frequency sounds emanated by
the receiver are redirected and absorbed at least in part by the
mounting member and also by the ear canal itself in the
opportunistic gap intentionally provided by the smaller case design
of the present invention relative to the canal. Further dampening
of the returned amplified sound can be achieved by the use of
flexible elastomeric materials as known in the art such as silicone
surrounding at least in part, the case.
[0020] Once fitted with prototype hearing aids of the present
invention, with either the propeller type or perforated dome type
both without active feedback control, long time hearing aid
wearer's, including some candidate veteran BTE customers, were
exuberant over the comfort and natural hearing experience provided
with these aids.
[0021] There is logically an upper limit as to the hearing losses
that can be accommodated with this aid and are comparable with
conventional CIC aids.
[0022] Another aspect of the invention involves a hearing air that
has a case that includes a feature wherein the receiver can be
accessed for removal, replacement, and/or repair. The case is
configured so that a portion of it can be opened so that the
receiver therein can be accessed and the appropriate action taken
with respect to the receiver. This provides a significant advantage
in terms of not having to send the entire hearing aid back to the
manufacturer to correct a problem with the receiver.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a cutaway view of a CIC type conventional
Hearing aid.
[0024] FIG. 2 depicts a general anatomy of the human ear pertaining
to the fitment of CIC/ITC hearing aid device.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows a conventionally mounted CIC hearing aid device
in a fitted position within the ear canal.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows the aid of the present without the mounting
insert.
[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates the aid of the present invention with the
perforated mounting insert.
[0028] FIG. 6 Illustrates the aid of the present invention with the
perforated mounting insert in a normally mounted position within
the wearer's ear.
[0029] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B show different views of a domed insert
with openings formed or cut into it.
[0030] FIG. 7C illustrates the use of a washer abutting the domed
insert to provide variable open area of a fixed perforated area
dome insert.
[0031] FIGS. 7D and 7E shows different views of a perforated
concave insert which open area is adjusted by means of another
perforated concave insert which rotatably abuts the other insert
allowing the effective open area of the combined insert to be
adjusted.
[0032] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B illustrates another embodiment, wherein
the case 1 and a separate portion thereof are attached employing a
hinge type arrangement.
[0033] FIG. 8C illustrates the use of threaded connections to
attach case 1 and the separate portion thereof.
[0034] FIG. 8D depicts the assembled CIC aid showing a case portion
and separate portion attached together.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] FIG. 1 shows the prior art CIC type hearing aid device. The
case or shell 1 is shaped for insertion and conforming to the
wearer's ear canal. The case 1 houses a microphone element (not
shown), battery source, amplifier circuitry that amplifies the
electric voltage generated by the microphone element. The amplified
voltage signal is passed to a receiver element converting the
amplified voltage signal to an acoustical wave which is directed
through the receiver tube 3 leading to receiver opening 4. Receiver
opening 4 is directed towards the wearer's inner ear.
[0036] Faceplate 5 is mated to the case 1 providing the wearer
access to the battery compartment by way of battery door 6.
Microphone opening 7 is positioned on faceplate 1, which directs
incoming surrounding sound into the microphone element (not shown).
Optional on/off volume control 8 are often provided as well as aid
removal means 9, which can be any protrusion to assist the wearer
to remove the device for cleaning, battery replacement or
adjustment.
[0037] FIG. 2 shows the overall anatomy of the ear as it relates to
the placement of CIC/ITC hearing devices. Canal aperture 20 or
opening leads to the ear canal 21 which is about 25 mm and leads to
the eardrum 22. Bend area 23, which is typically referred to as the
first bend is characteristic of most individuals and separates the
bony region 24, from the cartilaginous region 25. The cartilaginous
is relatively soft in comparison with the bony region 24. Most CIC
devices are custom molded to conform substantially to cartilaginous
region 25.
[0038] FIG. 3 depicts a conventionally mounted CIC hearing aid
device 30 in a fitted position within the ear canal. Note that this
aid conforms to the ear canal forming an effective seal and
reducing the conventional problems of direct acoustic feedback.
[0039] FIGS. 4 and 5 shows the CIC type aid of the present
invention which consists of a case 1 which narrows towards a
protrusion housing with sound tube opening 42 at the protrusion
tip. The case is smaller than conventional CIC aids in that when
positioned in the wearer's ear canal for use, an air gap is formed
substantially around the case 1. At the end of the protrusion 41 is
a retaining nub 43, which affixes the flexible mounting insert 51
of FIG. 5 to the case 1. It is to be also noted that when mounting
insert 51 is mounted in the bony region of the wearer ear canal, an
open area is still present in the installed insert 51. These
openings allow passage of surrounding acoustic waves which enter
through aperture 1 of FIG. 1 and around case 1 of FIG. 4 to blend
with the amplified sound exiting the sound tube opening 3 of FIG. 1
and be directed towards the ear drum 22 of FIG. 2.
[0040] FIG. 6 depicts the DC type aid of the present invention
after being mounted in a wearer's ear canal. It is readily apparent
that case 1 is smaller in cross section than the wearers ear canal
along its entire length. The average minimum gap 61 between the
case at any point along its length and the wearer's ear canal is
about 0.1 mm. Again, this gap is formed substantially between the
entire surface of the case and the wearer's ear canal and reduces
the occlusion effect, providing the wearer with the perception of
natural sounding experience. Maximum average gap distances between
the wearer's ear canal and the case ranges from about 2 to about 4
mm. Larger gap sizes tend to cause unwanted feedback even for
modest acoustical gains. The cross sectional area of case 1 is
generally elliptical and narrows along its length to the point at
which the protrusion is formed on the case. Again at the end of the
protrusion 2 is a nub 4, which retains the mounting insert 64. FIG.
6 depicts the use of a perforated dome mounting insert, although a
propeller type mounting insert 51 can also be used as depicted in
FIG. 5. Alternatively, there are a number of alternative mounting
members that can be affixed to the case tip 2 of FIG. 6 using a
variety of mounting means and is shown if FIGS. 7A-E.
[0041] FIG. 6 also depicts that the mounting insert comes in
substantial contact with the bony region 62 of the ear canal
generally beyond the first bend. This serves to stabilize the
non-conformal case inside the wearer's ear canal. Additional
stabilizing means which do not substantially interfere with the
acoustical pathway provided between the inner ear, through the
mounting insert and along the length of the case can be affixed to
the case as required. This can be for example flexible mounting
ribs which are affixed along the length of the case (not
illustrated).
[0042] As explained earlier, openings are advantageously added to
the mounting insert, these openings allow passage of surrounding
acoustic waves 63, which enter through aperture 20 and around case
1 to blend with the amplified sound exiting the sound tube opening
3 and be directed towards the eardrum 22 of FIG. 6.
[0043] FIGS. 7A and 7B, for example, shows a domed type insert 71
mounted and retained by nub 72 at the end of protrusion 73. The
dome is provided with slits or openings, which can be preformed at
the factory or custom cut by the technician fitting the aid. For
users with more pronounced high frequency losses, less open area is
provided in the mounting insert by employing by decreasing the
number and/or area of the openings. The openings can be of any
shape including slits, perforations, apertures and the like and are
formed in the shaped mounting insert either before or after
manufacture. It is important that in the blade or vaned type
mounting inserts, the projecting vanes or blades, which emanate
substantially radially from the hub portion do not touch to the
extent that openings are closed after operational placement of the
case into the wearer's ear canal.
[0044] FIG. 7-C shows insertion of a washer element 75 inside the
closed portion of the domed insert 71 serving to restrict air
passages 74. The domed insert may be prefabricated at the factory.
This allows the fitter to tailor the degree of occlusion by
swapping out washer elements of varying outside diameters to
effectively block more or less of air passages 74. This design
permits manufacture of just a few standardized dome inserts with
pre-made openings for adjustment with customized off-the-shelf
washers to accommodate users with varying hearing losses and canal
shapes to optimally reduce the wearer's occlusion effect. Though
not illustrated, washers can also be used in tandem with the
propeller type insert 51 (FIG. 5) or in conjunction with other
inserts with fixed apertures.
[0045] FIGS. 7D and 7E show a "salt-shaker" design wherein two
domed inserts 76 and 77 with open areas 78 abut each other while
mounted on protrusion 73 in tandem. Rotation of insert 76 relative
to insert 77 provides adjustable opening areas 78. Gripping ring 79
also militates against accidental rotation of the inserts after
adjustment. During adjustment, the fitter simply rotates one insert
against the other to vary the occlusion effect to consistent with
the specific hearing loss and geometry of the wearer's ear
canal.
EXAMPLE 1
[0046] A wearer with moderate hearing loss was fitted with a custom
molded conventional digital type CIC hearing aid, without active
feedback control and conforming to the wearer's ear canal. The aid
was vented by means of a 0.8 mm vent tube extending near the case
tip and through an opening in the faceplate. The aid was then
completely inserted into the wearer's ear and retained through
contact with the wearer's ear canal. The aid is adjusted to provide
sufficient amplification to the satisfaction of the wearer.
EXAMPLE 2
[0047] The same hearing aid circuit of Example 1 was placed in a
smaller diameter case, but without the conventional vent tube
arrangement described in Example 1. The case tip was then fitted
with the propeller type insert 51 of FIG. 5. The open area of the
propeller insert was about 50% in its unmounted state. The insert
51, was then secured in the wearer's inner ear by contact of the
flexible propeller insert substantially within the bony region of
the wearer's ear canal. An average air gap of about 1 mm was formed
around the case and along its length. As the case is substantially
concentrically mounted within the ear canal, a substantially
annular gap is formed between the case and the ear canal. The
propeller insert provided about 40% open area after being mounted.
The wearer commented immediately on the comfort of the fit and also
commented that he could hear more naturally not hearing his own
voice when he talked. This aid provided 25% db of gain, without
feedback.
EXAMPLE 3
[0048] The same hearing aid circuit and case of Example 2 was then
compared using a domed insert mounted at the case tip end. The
domed insert was fitted with openings around near central portion
of the dome so that they would not be blocked after insertion into
the wearer's ear. The open area was estimated at 25% after
insertion of the aid into the wearer's ear. This aid provided a 30%
improvement of gain with similar favorable responses in Example
2.
EXAMPLE 4
[0049] The same hearing aid of Example 3 was fitted with a closed
dome insert with no openings in the dome. Although a 37 db gain was
possible, the same wearer although experiencing the same comfort
levels of Examples 2 and 3, did experience echoing and complained
about hearing his own voice in comparison with the other aids
tested in Examples 1, 2 and 3.
[0050] In summary, Example 4 illustrates the use of a non apertured
insert in a non-conformal shell arrangement (ie case is not molded
in conformance with the wearer's ear canal) providing minimal
contact with the wearer's ear canal. While this example is an
improvement over example 1 in terms of comfort, Examples 2 and 3,
having passageways in the insert which are not blocked when fully
inserted in its normal operating position, additionally decreases
the occlusion effect, providing a more natural hearing
experience.
[0051] When fitting a wearer with moderate hearing loss, the use of
an open propeller type insert having about a 10-60% open area and
more preferably 25-50% open area after mounting has been found to
provide adequate gain while significantly reducing complaints
involving occlusion.
[0052] Apertured dome inserts in general, provide less open area
than propeller type inserts as there is a limit to the amount of
apertures which can be made in the dome insert before structural
integrity of the insert is compromised. The apertured dome of the
present invention would have a maximum open area of about 45% in
its mounted position, before the dome starts to lose its structural
integrity. Improvements such as the use of variable wall thickness,
with more thickness in the central portion of the dome can serve to
improve the structural integrity at higher open areas. In any
event, apertures or perforation are usually made towards the center
of the domed insert as it would otherwise be blocked when mounted
in its normal operating position.
[0053] To achieve gains in excess of about 30 db gain it is
preferable to use the apertured dome type instead of the propeller
type, as the dome type can provide further restriction of air
compared to the more open "propeller" type insert. Typical open
areas before and after mounting are about 30 and 25%
respectively.
[0054] For gains in excess of about 30 db, even smaller open areas
are required to minimize feedback which then decreases in the
feeling of openness experienced by the wearer.
[0055] In practice, adjustment of the open area of the insert can
be accomplished in one piece insert by selectively puncturing the
insert to open it up before the point in which feedback is noticed
by the user. The disadvantage if this method is that the process
must be repeated on a new insert if too much openness is provided
before the wearer notices feedback sounds. Even with a minimal
opening of 5% near the central portion of the otherwise closed dome
insert was enough to provide the wearer with significant hearing
loss increased relief from the occlusion effect.
[0056] Alternatively, a series of pre-formed domes of with open
areas ranging from 5% to about 60% can be utilized so that at the
onset of feedback, the domed inserted is swapped out with another
insert of less open area. It should be also kept in mind that each
pre-formed dome be sized to comfortably fit when mounted
substantially in the wearer's Inner ear. As the diameter of the
wearer's ear canal varies from person to person, a series of
pre-formed inserts of varying diameters is preferably utilized. The
hole or opening pattern is made in the area generally between the
hub area of the "dome" or equivalent insert to the outer periphery
of the dome that will not come into contact with the inner ear. Any
hole or opening pattern can be used, both symmetrically and
non-symmetrically placed in the insert. Also, different sizes and
shapes of openings can be employed in combination within a specific
hole pattern on the domed or equivalent insert.
[0057] Alternatively, the variable apertured design of the
inventive "washer" type of FIGS. 7A, 7B or the salt shaker design
of FIGS. 7C, and 7D are advantageous in that they can be adjusted
to minimize occlusion complaints and then backed off to decrease
open area when feedback becomes noticeable.
[0058] In addition, the use of active feedback control as is well
known in the art is advantageously incorporated into the circuitry
of the aid to further militate against unwanted feedback sounds.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,097,823 to Kuo, herein incorporated by reference,
is illustrative of the use of active feedback control in a hearing
aid circuit to minimize unwanted feedback allowing the fitter to
provide a more open insert for any given hearing loss. The
incorporation of active feedback control is more advantageous when
fitting wearers with significant hearing losses in that it does
allow the use of a more open insert compared to when active
feedback control is not utilized.
[0059] In summary, the advantages of the present invention over the
prior art should be quite apparent as it provides wearer's with
relief from occlusive sounds while providing a comfortable fit
compared with conventional CIC aids. As a gap between the case and
the wearer's ear canal is permissible in this particular CIC
device, the use of a non-custom molded or in other words a
"prefabricated" case is advantageously employed. This allows the
wearer to be fitted with a prefabricated case of standard size and
shape unlike conventional CIC requiring custom molding from an
impression made for the specific wearer.
[0060] A common problem with ITE aids, including the ITC of the
present invention, is wax buildup in the receiver tube section 3
(see FIG. 1). Wax buildup is inevitable, despite a user's attempts
to regularly clean the aid with wax brushes and other methods. Wax
filters and the like, are known to mitigate this problem, but are
not a panacea. Wax buildup is often responsible for the receiver
unit 2 (see FIG. 1) to malfunction. When this occurs, the unit is
typically returned to the manufacturer for repair.
[0061] It is estimated that over about 80% of hearing aid issues
involve problems with defective receivers.
[0062] Replacement of the receiver 2 (FIG. 1) at the factory
usually involves separation of the faceplate portion 7 (See FIG.
1), which is adhesively bonded to case 1. Faceplate 7, is typically
cut off to gain access to the receiver unit 2. Having the aid
repaired at the factory is inconvenient to both wearer and the
hearing aid fitter, or audiologist, since it requires a separate
visit and can leave the wearer without an aid until a possible
repair is made.
[0063] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D illustrate embodiments to
accommodate a removable receiver 81 for the open canal ITC hearing
aid of the present invention. This novel feature is also applicable
to any in the ear type (ITE) hearing aid.
[0064] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B illustrate an attachment feature wherein
the case 1 and separate portion 1B are attached employing a hinged
arrangement. FIG. 8B is a magnified view of FIG. 8A to the left of
dashed line 11 Referring now to FIG. 8B, hinge 84 is mounted
between case 1 and separate portion 1B. As illustrated, locking tab
85 is attached to separate portion 1B, which locks into receiving
recess 86 provided in case 1. Other possibilities (not illustrated)
would include locking tab 85 to instead, be attached to case body
1, with the receiving recess 86 being provided on separate portion
1B.
[0065] Another embodiment (not illustrated) replaces hinge 84 with
a second locking tab on either of the case 1 or separate portion
1B, and a second receiving recess on either the case or separate
portion, to receive the second locking tab. In this embodiment, the
separate portion 1B can be completely separated from the main case
1 to expose the receiver 81, for its replacement. Then after
replacement, the case 1 and separate portion 1B can be snapped
together.
[0066] In fact, any type of mechanism can be used to allow the
portion 1B to be moved from the case 1 so that the receiver is
accessible.
[0067] In use, the fitter, after determining the receiver 81 may be
damaged, separates portion 1B from case portion 1, by releasing the
locking tab 85 from the receiving recess 86. This operation can be
assisted by inserting a pin or other tool into the receiving recess
86 to release locking tab 85. Next, the fitter removes the receiver
81 from cavity 87. Receiver unit 86 is modular and is equipped with
a set of electrically conducting contacts 88 which mate with a set
of electrical contacts 89, mounted in case 1. Electrical contacts
89 establish an electrical connection with a set of wires leading
to the amplification circuitry used to drive the receiver.
[0068] Next, the fitter replaces the damaged receiver 81 with a
replacement receiver 81 and then simply swings portion 1B back
towards the case 1 to lock into case 1. FIG. 8D illustrates the aid
before or after replacement of the receiver 81 following the above
procedure.
[0069] FIG. 8C, illustrates the use of threaded connections instead
of the hinged arrangement, illustrated above, to attach the main
case body 1 to the separate portion 1B.
[0070] Threaded connections 82 and 83 are provided in both main
case body 1 and separate portion 18, respectively. In his
embodiment, the fitter simply unscrews the separate portion 1B from
the main case body 1 to gain access to the removable receiver 81.
Again, the receiver 81 is provided with a set of electrical
contacts 88 (see FIG. 8B), which mate with a receiving set of
contacts 89 mounted in the main case body 1 once the separate
portion 1B is fully threaded onto the main case body 1.
[0071] Again, FIG. 8D is representative of the aid before or after
replacement of the receiver 81 using the threaded connection design
of FIG. 8C or the hinged design of FIG. 8A.
[0072] As mentioned above, the novel features of this invention are
applicable to the open ITE aid of the present invention, having a
standardized case 1 and second portion, which preferably comprises
tip portion 2 (See FIG. 8D) to which the open area insert is
attached.
[0073] For custom fit ITE aids, the case geometry and size vary
somewhat to accommodate the contours of a particular ITE wearer, as
determined by impressions previously taken by the fitter.
[0074] In order for custom fit ITE aids to benefit from the
removable receiver feature of the present invention, case portion 1
(See FIG. 1) is preferably custom molded, to accept a standardized
second portion 1B. In this embodiment, the second portion 1B does
not need to be custom molded, since the case portion 1, is made to
conform to the wearer's ear canal, effectively forming a seal
between the case portion 1 and the wearer's ear canal.
[0075] Other modifications are also possible and within the scope
of this invention. For example, receiver 81 can be made to be
integral to second portion 1B. In this embodiment, the fitter
simply removes the second portion 18 which already contains the
receiver 81 and then swaps second portion 1B with its replacement,
also containing a receiver 81.
[0076] Other possibilities include joining case portion 1 with
second portion 1B by means of one or more pins which are inserted
into receiving holes located in both case 1 and second portion 1B,
located in registration orientation.
[0077] It should be understood that any other conventional means
can be adapted to attach the two sections 1 and 1B.
[0078] With this embodiment, the inventive hearing can include a
case with a portion that be removed to allow access to the receiver
of the case for cleaning, repair, or replacement.
[0079] Modifications to the present invention include all
enhancements conventionally applied to ITC type hearing aids
including the use of wax filters inserted in the receiver section
of the aid, rechargeable batteries, alterations of the materials of
construction of the case and mounting insert, geometry of the
insert etc.
* * * * *