Ear insert for relief of TMJ discomfort and method for use thereof
First Claim
1. A prosthesis adapted to be inserted into an ear canal in an ear having a tragus for treating discomfort in a joint between a mandible and a corresponding temporal bone, wherein the ear canal includes an isthmus, the prosthesis comprising:
- a substantially rigid and incompressible structural body adapted to conform to a contour of an interior surface of a portion of the ear canal which extends between an entrance to the ear canal and the isthmus when the joint is in an open position,wherein said structural body is hollow along its length,the structural body including a proximal base portion adapted for positioning adjacent the entrance of the ear canal, the structural body further including a distal end portion adapted to extend an effective distance into the ear canal to treat discomfort in the joint,wherein a scalloped indenture is cut out from the structural body and extends away from a boundary edge of the proximal base portion across a surface of the structural body and is adapted for positioning behind the tragus of the ear.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A prosthesis for insertion in an ear to reduce pain resulting from TMJ disorders. The ear insert has a predefined shape conforming to the shape of the ear canal when the jaw is in an open position. The ear insert supports the TMJ and associated secondary musculature to reduce strain in the TMJ area, including the muscles, ligaments, nerves, and the temporo-mandibular joint itself. The insert is hollow in the inside to permit hearing and is made of a rigid material which retains the shape of the ear canal. A scalloped indenture extends across a surface of the ear insert positioned behind the tragus.
-
Citations
19 Claims
-
1. A prosthesis adapted to be inserted into an ear canal in an ear having a tragus for treating discomfort in a joint between a mandible and a corresponding temporal bone, wherein the ear canal includes an isthmus, the prosthesis comprising:
-
a substantially rigid and incompressible structural body adapted to conform to a contour of an interior surface of a portion of the ear canal which extends between an entrance to the ear canal and the isthmus when the joint is in an open position, wherein said structural body is hollow along its length, the structural body including a proximal base portion adapted for positioning adjacent the entrance of the ear canal, the structural body further including a distal end portion adapted to extend an effective distance into the ear canal to treat discomfort in the joint, wherein a scalloped indenture is cut out from the structural body and extends away from a boundary edge of the proximal base portion across a surface of the structural body and is adapted for positioning behind the tragus of the ear. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
-
Specification