Insertion Device for Deep-in-the-Canal Hearing Devices
First Claim
1. A device for insertion of a deep-in-the-canal (DIC) hearing aid into an ear canal comprisinga base configured to fit into the conchal cavity of an ear;
- a chimney projecting distally from the base, the chimney configured to fit into the ear canal and comprising a channel sized to accommodate a deep-in-the-canal hearing aid; and
a piston supported by a support structure such that a central longitudinal axis of the piston and a central longitudinal axis of the channel are collinearly aligned, the piston being distally moveable into the channel.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention provides a device and method for inserting a deep-in-the-ear-canal (DIC) hearing aid into the ear canal. The method may be performed by a DIC hearing aid user self-inserting the hearing aid or by a second person assisting the user. Embodiments of a DIC hearing aid insertion device include a base configured to fit into the conchal cavity of an ear, a chimney configured to fit into the ear canal projecting distally from the base and having a channel sized for a DIC hearing aid, and a piston. The piston is supported by a support structure such that the piston'"'"'s longitudinal axis is collinear with the channel and the piston is moveable into the channel. A method of using the insertion device includes seating the DIC hearing aid in the insertion device, positioning the base of the insertion conformably within the conchal bowl of the ear, and inserting the hearing aid deep into the ear canal. Other embodiments of the invention are directed to in situ activation and programming of the DIC hearing aid, as well as its removal from the ear canal.
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Citations
44 Claims
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1. A device for insertion of a deep-in-the-canal (DIC) hearing aid into an ear canal comprising
a base configured to fit into the conchal cavity of an ear; -
a chimney projecting distally from the base, the chimney configured to fit into the ear canal and comprising a channel sized to accommodate a deep-in-the-canal hearing aid; and a piston supported by a support structure such that a central longitudinal axis of the piston and a central longitudinal axis of the channel are collinearly aligned, the piston being distally moveable into the channel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 35, 36, 37)
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21. A system for insertion of a deep-in-the-canal (DIC) hearing aid into an ear canal comprising
a base configured to fit into the conchal cavity of an ear; -
a DIC hearing aid; a chimney projecting distally from the base, the chimney configured to fit into the ear canal and comprising a channel with the DIC hearing aid seated therein; and a piston supported by a support structure such that a central longitudinal axis of the piston and a central longitudinal axis of the channel are collinearly aligned, the piston being distally moveable into the channel. - View Dependent Claims (29)
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22. A method of inserting a deep-in-the-canal (DIC) hearing aid into an ear canal comprising:
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seating the DIC hearing aid within an insertion device; positioning the insertion device conformably within a conchal bowl of an ear; and advancing the DIC hearing aid deep into the ear canal. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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38. A method of selecting an insertion device for a deep-in-the-canal (DIC) hearing aid comprising:
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determining a length of an ear canal of a hearing aid user; identifying the length of the DIC hearing aid appropriate for a user; and selecting a device configured such that the insertion device will advance the hearing aid into the ear canal to a position where the distal end of the hearing aid is at a distance of about 2 mm to about 4 mm from the tympanic membrane.
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39. A platform for a removal device for a deep-in-the-canal (DIC) hearing aid from within an ear canal, the platform comprising:
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a distal surface configured to fit into the conchal cavity of an ear; a chimney projecting distally from the distal surface of platform, the chimney configured to fit into a canal of the ear and comprising a channel sized to accommodate the DIC hearing aid removal device.
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40. A system for removal of a deep-in-the-canal (DIC) hearing aid from within an ear canal comprising:
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a platform for a removal device for a DIC hearing aid from within the ear canal, the platform comprising a distal surface configured to fit into the conchal cavity of an ear and a chimney projecting distally from the distal surface of platform, the chimney configured to fit into the ear canal and comprising a channel sized to accommodate the DIC hearing aid removal device; and a DIC hearing aid removal device.
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41. A method for removing a deep-in-the-canal (DIC) hearing aid from an ear canal comprising:
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positioning a platform for a DIC hearing aid removal device conformably within the conchal bowl of an ear; inserting at least a portion of a DIC hearing aid removal tool through the platform and into the ear canal; detachably engaging the DIC hearing aid removal tool to the DIC hearing aid; and withdrawing the removal tool from the ear canal with the hearing aid attached thereto.
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42. A platform for an magnetic activation device for a deep-in-the-canal (DIC) hearing aid residing in an ear canal, the platform comprising:
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a distal surface configured to fit into the conchal cavity of an ear; a chimney projecting distally from the distal surface of platform, the chimney configured to fit into a canal of the ear and comprising a channel sized to accommodate the DIC hearing aid magnetic activation device.
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43. A system for activation of a deep-in-the-canal (DIC) hearing aid residing within an ear canal comprising:
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a platform for an magnetic activation device for a deep-in-the-canal (DIC) hearing aid residing in an ear canal, the platform comprising a distal surface configured to fit into the conchal cavity of an ear, a chimney projecting distally from the distal surface of platform, the chimney configured to fit into a canal of the ear and comprising a channel sized to accommodate the DIC hearing aid magnetic activation device; and a DIC hearing aid magnetic activation device.
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44. A method for activating a deep-in-the-canal (DIC) hearing aid residing in an ear canal comprising:
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positioning a platform for a DIC hearing aid magnetic activation device conformably within the conchal bowl of an ear; inserting at least a portion of a DIC hearing aid magnetic activation device through the platform and into the ear canal; and transmitting an electromagnetic signal to the DIC hearing aid.
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Specification