Devices and methods for hearing
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A device to inductively transmit an audio signal to a user, the user having an ear comprising an eardrum, the device comprising:
- a support configured for placement at least partially against the eardrum;
a transducer coupled to the support at a first location and a second location, the first location being spaced apart from the second location, the transducer comprising a movable structure configured to drive the eardrum at a third location;
a first coil electrically coupled to the transducer; and
an extension structure extending from the movable structure,wherein the movable structure comprises at least one of a reed or an armature, and wherein the movable structure is configured to move in response to a magnetic field;
wherein the movable structure extends along a first elongate dimension and the extension structure extends along a second elongate dimension which is transverse or angled relative to the first elongate dimension.
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Abstract
A device to transmit an audio signal to a user comprises a transducer and a support. The support is configured for placement on the eardrum to drive the eardrum. The transducer is coupled to the support at a first location to decrease occlusion and a second location to drive the eardrum. The transducer may comprise one or more of an electromagnetic balanced armature transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, a magnetostrictive transducer, a photostrictive transducer, or a coil and magnet. The device may find use with open canal hearing aids.
656 Citations
32 Claims
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1. A device to inductively transmit an audio signal to a user, the user having an ear comprising an eardrum, the device comprising:
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a support configured for placement at least partially against the eardrum; a transducer coupled to the support at a first location and a second location, the first location being spaced apart from the second location, the transducer comprising a movable structure configured to drive the eardrum at a third location; a first coil electrically coupled to the transducer; and an extension structure extending from the movable structure, wherein the movable structure comprises at least one of a reed or an armature, and wherein the movable structure is configured to move in response to a magnetic field; wherein the movable structure extends along a first elongate dimension and the extension structure extends along a second elongate dimension which is transverse or angled relative to the first elongate dimension. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A device to inductively transmit an audio signal to a user, the user having an ear comprising an eardrum, the device comprising:
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a support configured for placement at least partially against an eardrum; a transducer coupled to the support at a first location; and a first coil electrically coupled to the transducer, wherein the transducer is coupled to the support at the first location and comprises a movable structure configured to drive the eardrum at a second location, and wherein the movable structure extends along a first elongate dimension and comprises at least one of a reed or an armature, the movable structure being configured to move in response to a magnetic field, wherein an extension structure extends from the movable structure along a second elongate dimension which is transverse or angled relative to the first elongate dimension, and wherein the transducer is coupled to the support through at least one compression structure, the at least one compression structure configured to urge the transducer toward the eardrum when the device is positioned on the eardrum. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A device to transmit an audio signal to a user, the user having an ear comprising an eardrum, the device comprising:
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a support configured for placement at least partially against an eardrum; and a transducer coupled to the support at a first location, wherein the transducer is coupled to the support at the first location and comprises a movable structure configured to drive the eardrum at a second location, wherein the movable structure extends along a first elongate dimension and comprises at least one of a reed or an armature, the movable structure being configured to move in response to a magnetic field, wherein an extension structure extends from the movable structure along a second elongate dimension which is transverse or angled relative to the first elongate dimension, and wherein the transducer is coupled to the support with a conformable material comprising a resilient spring material. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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Specification