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Balanced armature devices and methods for hearing

  • US 8,858,419 B2
  • Filed: 03/22/2011
  • Issued: 10/14/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/22/2008
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A device to transmit an audio signal to a user, the user having an ear comprising an eardrum, the device comprising:

  • a transducer; and

    a support configured for placement at least partially against an outer portion of the eardrum without penetrating the outer portion, the transducer coupled to the support at a first location and a second location to drive the eardrum when the support is placed at least partially against the eardrum, wherein the first location of the support is configured to be placed over a first eardrum portion and the second location of the support is configured to be placed over a second eardrum portion,wherein the first location of the support is configured to align with at least a portion of the malleus of the ear and wherein the second location of the support is configured to align with a location away from the first location such that the first location is separated from the second location by distance of at least 1 mm,wherein the transducer is coupled to the support to support the transducer at the first location and the second location, andwherein the transducer comprises an input element and a movable structure coupled to the support at the first location and configured to drive the eardrum at the first location in response to movement of the movable structure.

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