Canal hearing device with disposable battery module
First Claim
1. A modular canal hearing device, comprising:
- a main module comprising durable elements including 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 battery module adapted for being laterally positioned in the ear, the battery module comprising a battery and a sound port incorporating a debris barrier, the sound port configured for receiving incoming sound and delivering said incoming sound to said microphone within said main module when said battery module is connected to said main module forming the modular hearing device; and
wherein said battery 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.
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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.
85 Citations
36 Claims
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1. A modular canal hearing device, comprising:
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a main module comprising durable elements including 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 battery module adapted for being laterally positioned in the ear, the battery module comprising a battery and a sound port incorporating a debris barrier, the sound port configured for receiving incoming sound and delivering said incoming sound to said microphone within said main module when said battery module is connected to said main module forming the modular hearing device; and wherein said battery 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. - 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, 24)
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25. A disposable battery module for connecting and forming a canal hearing aid assembly, wherein said disposable battery 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 battery module; a connector system for electrically, mechanically and acoustically coupling said disposable battery module within said canal hearing aid assembly; and wherein said disposable battery module is removable from said canal hearing aid assembly for disposal and replacement of said disposable battery module.
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26. A modular canal hearing aid assembly for wear into the ear canal comprising:
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a battery module configured to be laterally positioned in the ear and having a structure for electrically, mechanically and acoustically connecting to a main module, said main module containing a microphone therewithin, wherein said battery module comprises a battery, a sound port for receiving incoming sound and delivering said incoming sound to a microphone port, and an acoustically transparent barrier, and wherein said battery module is oriented at an angle with respect to the main module; wherein said battery module is removable from said main module. - View Dependent Claims (27)
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28. A method of fitting a hearing aid assembly, the method comprising:
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removing a battery module comprising a battery and a sound port incorporating a debris barrier 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 of an individual while said main module is 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 battery module to said main module forming a canal hearing aid assembly; and inserting said hearing aid assembly into the ear canal of the individual. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31)
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32. A method of wearing a canal hearing device, the method comprising:
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providing a main module and a battery module, wherein said battery module is removable from said main module, and wherein said battery module comprises a battery and a sound port for receiving incoming sound, the sound port incorporating a debris barrier; connecting said battery module to said main module to form a canal hearing aid assembly; and inserting said canal hearing aid assembly into the ear canal of an individual. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35)
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36. A modular canal hearing device, comprising:
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a main module including 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; and a battery module adapted for being laterally positioned in the ear, the battery module including a battery and a sound port configured for receiving incoming sound and delivering said incoming sound to said microphone within said main module when said battery module is connected to said main module forming the modular hearing device, wherein said battery is lateral to said sound port, and wherein said battery module is removably connected electrically, mechanically and acoustically to said main module for operation of the modular hearing device in the ear canal.
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Specification