Hearing aid device and method for providing an improved fit and reduced feedback
First Claim
1. An ear-piece assembly for transmitting sound to a user'"'"'s ear canal that provides an improved fit within the walls of the user'"'"'s ear canal and reduces feedback, the assembly comprising:
- an ear-piece component comprising a housing for containing sound transmission components, having a face surface and an oppositely-disposed stem portion for projecting into the user'"'"'s ear canal, a speaker tube connected to the sound transmission components and extending to the exterior of the housing at the stem portion for radiating sound into the user'"'"'s ear canal, an air channel extending through the component from the face surface to the stem portion, and a ridge disposed on the exterior of the housing at the stem portion; and
an inflatable, resilient fitting balloon having a mouth, a closed end, and a sound transmission duct therein extending from the mouth to the closed end, wherein the sound transmission duct couples to the speaker tube adjacent the mouth and opens at the closed end, so that the fitting balloon may be removably fitted over the speaker tube at the stem portion of the housing and extend into the ear canal and inflated with air passed through the air channel such that the balloon will engage against the walls of the user'"'"'s ear canal with the duct providing a continuous path for the passage of sound from the sound transmission components, through the speaker tube, through the duct, and into the user'"'"'s ear canal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device and method for fitting a sound transmission device to provide an easy and effective fit, reduce feedback, and improve user comfort comprises an ear-piece component having a face at one end with operative components and a stem adjacent the other end. The stem houses a speaker tube which protrudes from the component, and it has a retaining means for securing an inflatable, resilient fitting balloon thereon. The balloon has a sound transmission duct within it which can be coupled to the speaker tube so that when the balloon is secured to the stem, a continuous path is provided for the transmission of sound from the component to the user'"'"'s ear canal external the balloon. This assembly (e.g., the component and attached balloon) is inserted into the ear canal when the balloon is in a deflated configuration. Air is then pumped into the balloon, e.g., through an air channel in the ear-piece component, to inflate the fitting balloon. The inflated fitting balloon engages the ear-piece component against the walls of the user'"'"'s ear canal and prevents sound from traveling to the external ear and face of the component.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. An ear-piece assembly for transmitting sound to a user'"'"'s ear canal that provides an improved fit within the walls of the user'"'"'s ear canal and reduces feedback, the assembly comprising:
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an ear-piece component comprising a housing for containing sound transmission components, having a face surface and an oppositely-disposed stem portion for projecting into the user'"'"'s ear canal, a speaker tube connected to the sound transmission components and extending to the exterior of the housing at the stem portion for radiating sound into the user'"'"'s ear canal, an air channel extending through the component from the face surface to the stem portion, and a ridge disposed on the exterior of the housing at the stem portion; and an inflatable, resilient fitting balloon having a mouth, a closed end, and a sound transmission duct therein extending from the mouth to the closed end, wherein the sound transmission duct couples to the speaker tube adjacent the mouth and opens at the closed end, so that the fitting balloon may be removably fitted over the speaker tube at the stem portion of the housing and extend into the ear canal and inflated with air passed through the air channel such that the balloon will engage against the walls of the user'"'"'s ear canal with the duct providing a continuous path for the passage of sound from the sound transmission components, through the speaker tube, through the duct, and into the user'"'"'s ear canal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification