Devices and methods for hearing
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A device to transmit an audio signal to a user, the user having an ear comprising an eardrum, the device comprising:
- a support configured for placement at least partially against the eardrum;
a transducer coupled to the support at a first location and a second location, the first location being spaced apart from the second location;
wherein the transducer comprises 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;
wherein the movable structure comprises at least one of a reed or an armature, and wherein an extension structure extends from the movable structure; and
wherein the movable structure extends along a first elongate dimension and the extension structure extends along a second elongate dimension which is transverse or angled relative to the first elongate dimension.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device to transmit an audio signal to a user comprises a transducer and a support. The support is configured for placement on the eardrum to drive the eardrum. The transducer is coupled to the support at a first location to decrease occlusion and a second location to drive the eardrum. The transducer may comprise one or more of an electromagnetic balanced armature transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, a magnetostrictive transducer, a photostrictive transducer, or a coil and magnet. The device may find use with open canal hearing aids.
396 Citations
31 Claims
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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:
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a support configured for placement at least partially against the eardrum;
a transducer coupled to the support at a first location and a second location, the first location being spaced apart from the second location;wherein the transducer comprises 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; wherein the movable structure comprises at least one of a reed or an armature, and wherein an extension structure extends from the movable structure; and wherein the movable structure extends along a first elongate dimension and the extension structure extends along a second elongate dimension which is transverse or angled relative to the first elongate dimension. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A device to transmit an audio signal to a user, the user having an ear comprising an eardrum, the device comprising:
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a support configured for placement at least partially against the eardrum;
a transducer coupled to the support at a first location and a second location, the first location being spaced apart from the second location;wherein the transducer comprises 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; a first attachment structure coupled to the movable structure of the transducer and to the support at the first location; and a second attachment structure affixed to the support and wherein the second attachment structure is coupled to the transducer away from the movable structure. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification