Canal Hearing Device with Disposable Battery Module
First Claim
1. A modular hearing device, comprising;
- a main module adapted for being positioned entirely in the ear canal past the aperture, said main module comprising durable elements comprising a microphone for receiving incoming sound, an amplifier circuit for amplifying electrical signal representative of incoming sound, and a receiver for delivering amplified sound to the eardrum;
a disposable module adapted for being laterally positioned in the ear canal, comprising a battery and a sound port for receiving incoming sound and delivering said incoming sound to said microphone within said main module when said disposable module is connected to said main module forming the modular hearing device;
said disposable module is removably connected electrically, mechanically and acoustically to said main module for operation of the modular hearing device in the ear canal and is removable from said main module for disposal replacement thereof.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A modular canal hearing aid assembly having a main module positioned in the ear canal and a disposable battery module laterally positioned in the ear canal. The main module incorporates the durable components of a hearing device including the receiver, microphone and electronics. The disposable battery module comprises consumable elements including battery and incoming sound port. The disposable battery module provides a unitary structure that is easier to handle, remove from the main module, and replace when any of the consumable elements is depleted or degraded. The canal hearing device assembly is generic in shape and provided with assorted seal tips for “instant fitting” without resorting to custom manufacturing.
78 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A modular hearing device, comprising;
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a main module adapted for being positioned entirely in the ear canal past the aperture, said main module comprising durable elements comprising a microphone for receiving incoming sound, an amplifier circuit for amplifying electrical signal representative of incoming sound, and a receiver for delivering amplified sound to the eardrum; a disposable module adapted for being laterally positioned in the ear canal, comprising a battery and a sound port for receiving incoming sound and delivering said incoming sound to said microphone within said main module when said disposable module is connected to said main module forming the modular hearing device; said disposable module is removably connected electrically, mechanically and acoustically to said main module for operation of the modular hearing device in the ear canal and is removable from said main module for disposal replacement thereof. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A disposable module for connecting and forming a canal hearing aid assembly, said disposable module comprises;
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a power source; a sound port for receiving incoming sound and delivering said incoming sound to a microphone port; an acoustically transparent debris barrier for preventing contamination of components connected to said disposable module; a connector system for electrically, mechanically and acoustically coupling said disposable module within said canal hearing aid assembly; wherein said disposable module is removable from within said canal hearing aid assembly for disposal and replacement of said disposable module.
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25. A modular hearing aid assembly for wear into the ear canal comprising;
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a disposable battery module laterally positioned in the ear canal having a structure extended medially for electrically, mechanically and acoustically connecting to a main module placed entirely inside the ear canal, said main module containing a microphone within, wherein said disposable battery module comprises a battery and a sound port, said battery module is oriented at an angle in the range of 20-35°
with respect to the main module;wherein said disposable battery module is removable for disposal or replacement.
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26. A method of fitting a hearing aid assembly for a hearing impaired comprising the steps of:
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removing a disposable battery assembly comprising a battery and a sound port from a main module comprising a microphone, receiver and programmable electronics; connecting a programming cable assembly to said main module; inserting the main module in the ear canal of individual while being connected to said programming cable assembly; delivering power and programming signal to said main module via said programming cable; removing said programming cable assembly from said main module; connecting a disposable battery assembly to said main module forming a canal hearing aid assembly; and inserting said hearing aid assembly into the ear canal of a hearing impaired individual. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28)
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Specification