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Apparatus and method for conveying amplified sound to the ear

  • US 5,031,219 A
  • Filed: 09/15/1988
  • Issued: 07/09/1991
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/15/1988
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A hearing aid comprising:

  • (a) amplifier means for receiving and amplifying unamplified sound and for conveying the amplified sound to the ear canal, said amplifier means not substantially preventing unamplified sound from entering the ear canal;

    (b) a longitudinally rigid acoustic conduction tube for conducting amplified sound from said amplifier means to the tympanic membrane at the inner end of the ear canal, said tube having an external diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the ear canal for exposing a substantial portion of the ear canal to said unamplified sound, and having a first end affixed to said amplifier means and a second end in the ear canal between the isthmus of the canal and the tympanic membrane; and

    (c) a flexible flanged tip affixed to said tube near said second end, said flanged tip having an outermost perimeter that conforms to the cross-sectional perimeter of the ear canal adjacent said second end while exerting negligible pressure on the wall of the ear canal.

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