EAR INSERT FOR RELIEF OF TMJ DISCOMFORT
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 hollow and substantially rigid structural body having a predefined shape substantially conforming to a contour of a portion of the ear canal which extends approximately between the entrance to the ear canal and the isthmus when the jaw is in an open position, 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, wherein a scalloped indenture extends away from a boundary edge of the proximal base portion across a surface of the structural body adapted for positioning behind the tragus of the ear.
2 Assignments
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.
5 Citations
18 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 hollow and substantially rigid structural body having a predefined shape substantially conforming to a contour of a portion of the ear canal which extends approximately between the entrance to the ear canal and the isthmus when the jaw is in an open position, 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, wherein a scalloped indenture extends away from a boundary edge of the proximal base portion across a surface of the structural body adapted for positioning behind the tragus of the ear.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
8. A prosthesis adapted to be inserted into an ear canal in an ear having a tragus and an inter-tragal notch 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 hollow and substantially rigid structural body having a predefined shape substantially conforming to a contour of a portion of the ear canal which extends approximately between the entrance to the ear canal and the isthmus when the jaw is in an open position, the structural body including a proximal base portion adapted for positioning adjacent the entrance of the ear canal, wherein the proximal base portion includes an extended peninsular leg portion adapted to extend substantially to the inter-tragal notch, the structural body further including a distal end portion adapted to extend an effective distance into the ear canal, wherein a scalloped indenture extends away from a boundary edge of the proximal base portion across a surface of the structural body adapted for positioning behind the tragus of the ear, at least one post element projecting away from the peninsular leg portion, the post element adapted to extend to a position outside of the ear canal when the prosthesis is inserted within the ear canal.
- View Dependent Claims (9)
-
10. A method of treating discomfort in a joint between a mandible and a corresponding temporal bone, the method comprising:
- inserting a prosthesis into an ear canal in an ear having a tragus, wherein the ear canal includes an isthmus, wherein the prosthesis comprises a hollow and substantially rigid structural body having a predefined shape substantially conforming to a contour of a portion of the ear canal which extends approximately between the entrance to the ear canal and the isthmus when the jaw is in an open position, the structural body including a proximal base portion positioned substantially 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, the structural body further including a scalloped indenture extending away from a boundary edge of the proximal base portion across a surface of the structural body positioned behind the tragus of the ear.
- View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
Specification