Shape adaptable in-the-ear hearing aid
First Claim
1. A hearing aid to be worn to least partially in the auditory canal of a user, said hearing aid comprising:
- a plurality of electrical components connected together with flexible electrical lines;
a pliable member in which said electrical components and lines are embedded, said pliable member having a size smaller than said auditory canal permitting said components to be roughly positioned to conform to the shape of said auditory canal;
said pliable member consisting of first and second joined halves, said first half having a plurality of recesses therein respectively conforming to the shape of said electrical components, and said second half forming a cover for said first half; and
a hardened otoplastic material surrounding said pliable member and filling the volume between said pliable member and the wall of said auditory canal.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An in-the-ear hearing aid has a number of electrical and electro-mechanical discrete components embedded in a flexible plastic compound. The combination of the components in the plastic compound can be introduced into the user'"'"'s ear, or into a negative of an ear impression, for pre-fitting. Due to the flexibility of the plastic compound, the combination can be shaped as needed. The shaped combination is then cast in an otoplastic material which conforms precisely to the shape of the user'"'"'s ear, and hardens to retain that shape. A rigid shell for holding the components is thus not needed, and therefore the hearing aid is far more adaptable to different shapes of auditory canals than conventional hearing aids.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A hearing aid to be worn to least partially in the auditory canal of a user, said hearing aid comprising:
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a plurality of electrical components connected together with flexible electrical lines; a pliable member in which said electrical components and lines are embedded, said pliable member having a size smaller than said auditory canal permitting said components to be roughly positioned to conform to the shape of said auditory canal; said pliable member consisting of first and second joined halves, said first half having a plurality of recesses therein respectively conforming to the shape of said electrical components, and said second half forming a cover for said first half; and a hardened otoplastic material surrounding said pliable member and filling the volume between said pliable member and the wall of said auditory canal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification