EAR INSERT FOR RELIEF OF TMJ DISCOMFORT AND HEADACHES
First Claim
1. A prosthesis adapted to be inserted into an ear canal for supporting a joint between a mandible and a corresponding temporal bone, the ear canal having an entrance and an isthmus located at a position remote from the entrance, the prosthesis comprising:
- a deformable body including a sound transmission channel extending along the length of the deformable body, at least one support member disposed radially outward from sound transmission channel, the deformable body having a length adapted to extend substantially between the entrance and the isthmus of the ear canal, at least one of the deformable body and the support member being adapted to expand upon application of body heat such that the deformable body or the support member conforms in pressing relation against the walls of the ear canal.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An expansible ear canal insert for treating TMJ disorders and headaches which acts directly on the TMJ and associated ligament and muscle structures to reduce stress and loads placed on the articulator disc located between the temporal bone and the mandible, as well as supportive muscles and ligaments near the TMJ. The insert is adapted to expand by application of body heat. In the expanded condition, the insert provides support to the TMJ and associated ligament and muscle structures.
168 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A prosthesis adapted to be inserted into an ear canal for supporting a joint between a mandible and a corresponding temporal bone, the ear canal having an entrance and an isthmus located at a position remote from the entrance, the prosthesis comprising:
- a deformable body including a sound transmission channel extending along the length of the deformable body, at least one support member disposed radially outward from sound transmission channel, the deformable body having a length adapted to extend substantially between the entrance and the isthmus of the ear canal, at least one of the deformable body and the support member being adapted to expand upon application of body heat such that the deformable body or the support member conforms in pressing relation against the walls of the ear canal.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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11. A prosthesis adapted to be inserted into an ear canal for treating discomfort in a joint between a mandible and a corresponding temporal bone, the ear canal having an entrance and an isthmus located at a position remote from the entrance, the prosthesis comprising:
- a deformable body including a sound transmission channel extending along the length of the deformable body, an expansible endoskeleton frame embedded within the deformable body, the endoskeleton frame defining a support member extending at least partially along the length of the prosthesis in radially outward relation to the sound transmission channel, the deformable body having a length adapted to extend substantially between the entrance and the isthmus of the ear canal, the endoskeleton frame being adapted to undergo a phase change and to expand and increase in rigidity upon application of body heat, the deformable body being adapted to conform in pressing relation against the walls of the ear canal upon expansion of the endoskeleton frame.
- View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of treating discomfort in a joint between a mandible and a corresponding temporal bone, the method comprising:
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inserting a prosthesis into an ear canal, the ear canal having an entrance and an isthmus located at a position remote from the entrance, the prosthesis comprising;
a deformable body including a sound transmission channel extending along the length of the deformable body, at least one support member extending at least partially along the length of the prosthesis in radially outward relation to the sound transmission channel, the deformable body extending substantially between the entrance and the isthmus of the ear canal; andexpanding at least one of the deformable body and the support member within the ear canal such that the deformable body or the support member conforms in pressing relation against the walls of the ear canal with the sound transmission channel held in an open condition. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A prosthesis adapted to be inserted into an ear canal for supporting a joint between a mandible and a corresponding temporal bone, the ear canal having an entrance and an isthmus located at a position remote from the entrance, the prosthesis comprising:
- a deformable body including a sound transmission channel extending along the length of the deformable body, the deformable body having a length adapted to extend substantially between the entrance and the isthmus of the ear canal, the deformable body being adapted to expand upon application of body heat such that the deformable body conforms in pressing relation against the walls of the ear canal.
Specification