Open fit canal hearing device

Abstract

A hearing aid device adapted for use within the ear canal and of partially exposed in the canal types. This aid allows an air gap to substantially surround the hearing aid shell and air passages which communicate with the inner ear minimizing occlusion sensations and providing the user with an enhanced natural hearing experience. An aspect of this device is the provision of air passages in the mounting insert which securely positions the hearing aid shell in the wearer's canal. These passages are designed to stay open after insertion of the aid in the ear canal. In use, unamplified sound from the outside passes around the hearing aid shell, through the air passages in the mounting insert blending with the amplified sound emanating from the receiver. The area of air passages in the mounting insert can be tailored by the technician adapting to the hearing loss characteristics of the user.

Claims

1. A completely in the canal hearing device, said device comprising: a case having a power source, a microphone, a receiver element, and an acoustic passageway, wherein said case, when mounted in the ear canal, provides at least one open passageway between the ear canal and the case; at least one flexible insert comprising a hub portion and an outer peripheral portion extending radially from the hub portion, the hub portion configured to be attached to a tip formed at a receiver end of the case, the outer peripheral portion providing an open area when mounted against a wearer's ear canal to create a sound path extending through the at least one open passageway and said open area, wherein the open area defined by the outer peripheral portion ranges from about 5 to 70% of the flexible insert when the flexible insert is in its mounted position within the ear canal.

2. A hearing device kit including a completely in the canal hearing device, said hearing device further comprising: a case having a power source, a microphone, a receiver element, and an acoustic passageway, wherein said case, when mounted in the ear canal, provides at least one open passageway between the ear canal and the case; at least one flexible insert comprising a hub portion and an outer peripheral portion extending radially from the hub portion, the hub portion configured to be attached to a tip formed at a receiver end of the case, the outer peripheral portion providing an open area when mounted against the wearer's ear canal to create a sound path extending through the at least one open passageway and said open area, wherein the open area defined by the outer peripheral portion ranges from about 5 to 70% of the flexible insert when the flexible insert is in its mounted position within the ear canal; and at least another flexible insert having a different open area than the at least one flexible insert for creating the sound path when mounted within the wearer's ear canal, wherein said flexible inserts are included in said kit separately from said case for later attachment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a cutaway view of a CIC type conventional Hearing aid

(2) FIG. 2 depicts a general anatomy of the human ear pertaining to the fitment of CIC/ITC hearing aid device

(3) FIG. 3 shows a conventionally mounted CIC hearing aid device in a fitted position within the ear canal

(4) FIG. 4 shows the aid of the present without the mounting insert.

(5) FIG. 5 illustrates the aid of the present invention with the perforated mounting insert.

(6) FIG. 6 Illustrates the aid of the present invention with the perforated mounting insert in a normally mounted position within the wearer's ear.

(7) FIG. 7 A and FIG. 7B show different views of a domed insert with openings formed or cut into it.

(8) FIG. 7C illustrates the use of a washer abutting the domed insert to provide variable open area of a fixed perforated area dome insert.

(9) FIGS. 7D and 7E shows different views of a perforated concave insert which open area is adjusted by means of another perforated concave insert which rotatably abuts the other insert allowing the effective open area of the combined insert to be adjusted.

(10) FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B illustrates another embodiment, wherein the case 1 and a separate portion thereof are attached employing a hinge type arrangement.

(11) FIG. 8C illustrates the use of threaded connections to attach case 1 and the separate portion thereof.

(12) FIG. 8D depicts the assembled CIC aid showing a case portion and separate portion attached together.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(13) FIG. 1 shows the prior art CIC type hearing aid device. The case or shell 1 is shaped for insertion and conforming to the wearer's ear canal. The case 1 houses a microphone element (not shown), battery source, amplifier circuitry that amplifies the electric voltage generated by the microphone element. The amplified voltage signal is passed to a receiver element converting the amplified voltage signal to an acoustical wave which is directed through the receiver tube 3 leading to receiver opening 4. Receiver opening 4 is directed towards the wearer's inner ear.

(14) Faceplate 5 is mated to the case 1 providing the wearer access to the battery compartment by way of battery door 6. Microphone opening 7 is positioned on faceplate 1, which directs incoming surrounding sound into the microphone element (not shown). Optional on/off volume control 8 are often provided as well as aid removal means 9, which can be any protrusion to assist the wearer to remove the device for cleaning, battery replacement or adjustment.

(15) FIG. 2 shows the overall anatomy of the ear as it relates to the placement of CIC/ITC hearing devices. Canal aperture 20 or opening leads to the ear canal 21 which is about 25 mm and leads to the eardrum 22. Bend area 23, which is typically referred to as the first bend is characteristic of most individuals and separates the bony region 24, from the cartilaginous region 25. The cartilaginous is relatively soft in comparison with the bony region 24. Most CIC devices are custom molded to conform substantially to cartilaginous region 25.

(16) FIG. 3 depicts a conventionally mounted CIC hearing aid device 30 in a fitted position within the ear canal. Note that this aid conforms to the ear canal forming an effective seal and reducing the conventional problems of direct acoustic feedback.

(17) FIGS. 4 and 5 shows the CIC type aid of the present invention which consists of a case 1 which narrows towards a protrusion housing with sound tube opening 42 at the protrusion tip. The case is smaller than conventional CIC aids in that when positioned in the wearer's ear canal for use, an air gap is formed substantially around the case 1. At the end of the protrusion 41 is a retaining nub 43, which affixes the flexible mounting insert 51 of FIG. 5 to the case 1. It is to be also noted that when mounting insert 51 is mounted in the bony region of the wearer ear canal, an open area is still present in the installed insert 51. These openings allow passage of surrounding acoustic waves which enter through aperture 1 of FIG. 1 and around case 1 of FIG. 4 to blend with the amplified sound exiting the sound tube opening 3 of FIG. 1 and be directed towards the ear drum 22 of FIG. 2.

(18) FIG. 6 depicts the CIC type aid of the present invention after being mounted in a wearer's ear canal. It is readily apparent that case 1 is smaller in cross section than the wearer's ear canal along its entire length. The average minimum gap 61 between the case at any point along its length and the wearer's ear canal is about 0.1 mm. Again, this gap is formed substantially between the entire surface of the case and the wearer's ear canal and reduces the occlusion effect, providing the wearer with the perception of natural sounding experience. Maximum average gap distances between the wearer's ear canal and the case ranges from about 2 to about 4 mm. Larger gap sizes tend to cause unwanted feedback even for modest acoustical gains. The cross sectional area of case 1 is generally elliptical and narrows along its length to the point at which the protrusion is formed on the case. Again at the end of the protrusion 2 is a nub 4, which retains the mounting insert 64. FIG. 6 depicts the use of a perforated dome mounting insert, although a propeller type mounting insert 51 can also be used as depicted in FIG. 5. Alternatively, there are a number of alternative mounting members that can be affixed to the case tip 2 of FIG. 6 using a variety of mounting means and is shown if FIGS. 7 A-E.

(19) FIG. 6 also depicts that the mounting insert comes in substantial contact with the bony region 62 of the ear canal generally beyond the first bend. This serves to stabilize the non-conformal case inside the wearer's ear canal. Additional stabilizing means which do not substantially interfere with the acoustical pathway provided between the inner ear, through the mounting insert and along the length of the case can be affixed to the case as required. This can be for example flexible mounting ribs which are affixed along the length of the case (not illustrated).

(20) As explained earlier, openings are advantageously added to the mounting insert, these openings allow passage of surrounding acoustic waves 63, which enter through aperture 20 and around case 1 to blend with the amplified sound exiting the sound tube opening 3 and be directed towards the eardrum 22 of FIG. 6.

(21) FIGS. 7A and 7B, for example, shows a domed type insert 71 mounted and retained by nub 72 at the end of protrusion 73. The dome is provided with slits or openings, which can be preformed at the factory or custom cut by the technician fitting the aid. For users with more pronounced high frequency losses, less open area is provided in the mounting insert by employing by decreasing the number and/or area of the openings. The openings can be of any shape including slits, perforations, apertures and the like and are formed in the shaped mounting insert either before or after manufacture. It is important that in the blade or varied type mounting inserts, the projecting vanes or blades, which emanate substantially radially from the hub portion do not touch to the extent that openings are closed after operational placement of the case into the wearer's ear canal.

(22) FIG. 7-C shows insertion of a washer element 75 inside the closed portion of the domed insert 71 serving to restrict air passages 74. The domed insert may be prefabricated at the factory. This allows the fitter to tailor the degree of occlusion by swapping out washer elements of varying outside diameters to effectively block more or less of air passages 74. This design permits manufacture of just a few standardized dome inserts with pre-made openings for adjustment with customized off-the-shelf washers to accommodate users with varying hearing losses and canal shapes to optimally reduce the wearer's occlusion effect. Though not illustrated, washers can also be used in tandem with the propeller type insert 51 (FIG. 5) or in conjunction with other inserts with fixed apertures.

(23) FIGS. 7D and 7E show a “salt-shaker” design wherein two domed inserts 76 and 77 with open areas 78 abut each other while mounted on protrusion 73 in tandem. Rotation of insert 76 relative to insert 77 provides adjustable opening areas 78. Gripping ring 79 also militates against accidental rotation of the inserts after adjustment. During adjustment, the fitter simply rotates one insert against the other to vary the occlusion effect to consistent with the specific hearing loss and geometry of the wearer's ear canal.

Example 1

(24) A wearer with moderate hearing loss was fitted with a custom molded conventional digital type CIC hearing aid, without active feedback control and conforming to the wearer's ear canal. The aid was vented by means of a 0.8 mm vent tube extending near the case tip and through an opening in the faceplate. The aid was then completely inserted into the wearer's ear and retained through contact with the wearer's ear canal. The aid is adjusted to provide sufficient amplification to the satisfaction of the wearer.

Example 2

(25) The same hearing aid circuit of Example 1 was placed in a smaller diameter case, but without the conventional vent tube arrangement described in Example 1. The case tip was then fitted with the propeller type insert 51 of FIG. 5. The open area of the propeller insert was about 50% in its unmounted state. The insert 51, was then secured in the wearer's inner ear by contact of the flexible propeller insert substantially within the bony region of the wearer's ear canal. An average air gap of about 3 mm was formed around the case and along its length. As the case is substantially concentrically mounted within the ear canal, a substantially annular gap is formed between the case and the ear canal. The propeller insert provided about 40% open area after being mounted. The wearer commented immediately on the comfort of the fit and also commented that he could hear more naturally not hearing his own voice when he talked. This aid provided 25% db of gain, without feedback.

Example 3

(26) The same hearing aid circuit and case of Example 2 was then compared using a domed insert mounted at the case tip end. The domed insert was fitted with openings around near central portion of the dome so that they would not be blocked after insertion into the wearer's ear. The open area was estimated at 25% after insertion of the aid into the wearer's ear. This aid provided a 30% improvement of gain with similar favorable responses in Example 2.

Example 4

(27) The same hearing aid of Example 3 was fitted with a closed dome insert with no openings in the dome. Although a 37 db gain was possible, the same wearer although experiencing the same comfort levels of Examples 2 and 3, did experience echoing and complained about hearing his own voice in comparison with the other aids tested in Examples 1, 2 and 3.

(28) In summary, Example 4 illustrates the use of a non apertured insert in a non-conformal shell arrangement (ie case is not molded in conformance with the wearer's ear canal) providing minimal contact with the wearer's ear canal. While this example is an improvement over example 1 in terms of comfort, Examples 2 and 3, having passageways in the insert which are not blocked when fully inserted in its normal operating position, additionally decreases the occlusion effect, providing a more natural hearing experience.

(29) When fitting a wearer with moderate hearing loss, the use of an open propeller type insert having about a 10-60% open area and more preferably 25-50% open area after mounting has been found to provide adequate gain while significantly reducing complaints involving occlusion.

(30) Apertured dome inserts in general, provide less open area than propeller type inserts as there is a limit to the amount of apertures which can be made in the dome insert before structural integrity of the insert is compromised. The apertured dome of the present invention would have a maximum open area of about 45% in its mounted position, before the dome starts to lose its structural integrity. Improvements such as the use of variable wall thickness, with more thickness in the central portion of the dome can serve to improve the structural integrity at higher open areas. In any event, apertures or perforation are usually made towards the center of the domed insert as it would otherwise be blocked when mounted in its normal operating position.

(31) To achieve gains in excess of about 30 db gain it is preferable to use the apertured dome type instead of the propeller type, as the dome type can provide further restriction of air compared to the more open “propeller” type insert. Typical open areas before and after mounting are about 30 and 25% respectively.

(32) For gains in excess of about 30 db, even smaller open areas are required to minimize feedback which then decreases in the feeling of openness experienced by the wearer.

(33) In practice, adjustment of the open area of the insert can be accomplished in one piece insert by selectively puncturing the insert to open it up before the point in which feedback is noticed by the user. The disadvantage if this method is that the process must be repeated on a new insert if too much openness is provided before the wearer notices feedback sounds. Even with a minimal opening of 5% near the central portion of the otherwise closed dome insert was enough to provide the wearer with significant hearing loss increased relief from the occlusion effect.

(34) Alternatively, a series of pre-formed domes of with open areas ranging from 5% to about 60% can be utilized so that at the onset of feedback, the domed inserted is swapped out with another insert of less open area. It should be also kept in mind that each pre-formed dome be sized to comfortably fit when mounted substantially in the wearer's Inner ear. As the diameter of the wearer's ear canal varies from person to person, a series of pre-formed inserts of varying diameters is preferably utilized. The hole or opening pattern is made in the area generally between the hub area of the “dome” or equivalent insert to the outer periphery of the dome that will not come into contact with the inner ear. Any hole or opening pattern can be used, both symmetrically and non-symmetrically placed in the insert. Also, different sizes and shapes of openings can be employed in combination within a specific hole pattern on the domed or equivalent insert.

(35) Alternatively, the variable apertured design of the inventive “washer” type of FIGS. 7 A, 7B or the salt shaker design of FIGS. 7C, and 7D are advantageous in that they can be adjusted to minimize occlusion complaints and then backed off to decrease open area when feedback becomes noticeable.

(36) In addition, the use of active feedback control as is well known in the art is advantageously incorporated into the circuitry of the aid to further militate against unwanted feedback sounds. U.S. Pat. No. 6,097,823 to Kuo, herein incorporated by reference, is illustrative of the use of active feedback control in a hearing aid circuit to minimize unwanted feedback allowing the fitter to provide a more open insert for any given hearing loss. The incorporation of active feedback control is more advantageous when fitting wearers with significant hearing losses in that it does allow the use of a more open insert compared to when active feedback control is not utilized.

(37) In summary, the advantages of the present invention over the prior art should be quite apparent as it provides wearer's with relief from occlusive sounds while providing a comfortable fit compared with conventional CIC aids. As a gap between the case and the wearer's ear canal is permissible in this particular CIC device, the use of a non-custom molded or in other words a “prefabricated” case is advantageously employed. This allows the wearer to be fitted with a prefabricated case of standard size and shape unlike conventional CIC requiring custom molding from an impression made for the specific wearer.

(38) A common problem with ITE aids, including the ITC of the present invention, is wax buildup in the receiver tube section 3 (see FIG. 1). Wax buildup is inevitable, despite a user's attempts to regularly clean the aid with wax brushes and other methods. Wax filters and the like, are known to mitigate this problem, but are not a panacea. Wax buildup is often responsible for the receiver unit 2 (see FIG. 1) to malfunction. When this occurs, the unit is typically returned to the manufacturer for repair.

(39) It is estimated that over about 80% of hearing aid issues involve problems with defective receivers

(40) Replacement of the receiver 2 (FIG. 1) at the factory usually involves separation of the faceplate portion 7 (See FIG. 1), which is adhesively bonded to case 1. Faceplate 7, is typically cut off to gain access to the receiver unit 2. Having the aid repaired at the factory is inconvenient to both wearer and the hearing aid fitter, or audiologist, since it requires a separate visit and can leave the wearer without an aid until a possible repair is made.

(41) FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D illustrate embodiments to accommodate a removable receiver 81 for the open canal ITC hearing aid of the present invention. This novel feature is also applicable to any in the ear type (ITE) hearing aid.

(42) FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B illustrate an attachment feature wherein the case 1 and separate portion 1B are attached employing a hinged arrangement. FIG. 8B is a magnified view of FIG. 8A to the left of dashed line 11. Referring now to FIG. 8B, hinge 84 is mounted between case 1 and separate portion 1B. As illustrated, locking tab 85 is attached to separate portion 1B, which locks into receiving recess 86 provided in case 1. Other possibilities (not illustrated) would include locking tab 85 to instead, be attached to case body 1, with the receiving recess 86 being provided on separate portion 1B.

(43) Another embodiment (not illustrated) replaces hinge 84 with a second locking tab on either of the case 1 or separate portion 1B, and a second receiving recess on either the case or separate portion, to receive the second locking tab. In this embodiment, the separate portion 1B can be completely separated from the main case 1 to expose the receiver 81, for its replacement. Then after replacement, the case 1 and separate portion 1B can be snapped together.

(44) In fact, any type of mechanism can be used to allow the portion 1B to be moved from the case 1 so that the receiver is accessible.

(45) In use, the fitter, after determining the receiver 81 may be damaged, separates portion 1B from case portion 1, by releasing the locking tab 85 from the receiving recess 86. This operation can be assisted by inserting a pin or other tool into the receiving recess 86 to release locking tab 85. Next, the fitter removes the receiver 81 from cavity 87. Receiver unit 86 is modular and is equipped with a set of electrically conducting contacts 88 which mate with a set of electrical contacts 89, mounted in case 1. Electrical contacts 89 establish an electrical connection with a set of wires leading to the amplification circuitry used to drive the receiver.

(46) Next, the fitter replaces the damaged receiver 81 with a replacement receiver 81 and then simply swings portion 1B back towards the case 1 to lock into case 1. FIG. 8D illustrates the aid before or after replacement of the receiver 81 following the above procedure.

(47) FIG. 8C, illustrates the use of threaded connections instead of the hinged arrangement, illustrated above, to attach the main case body 1 to the separate portion 1B.

(48) Threaded connections 82 and 83 are provided in both main case body 1 and separate portion 1B, respectively. In his embodiment, the fitter simply unscrews the separate portion 1B from the main case body 1 to gain access to the removable receiver 81. Again, the receiver 81 is provided with a set of electrical contacts 88 (see FIG. 8B), which mate with a receiving set of contacts 89 mounted in the main case body 1 once the separate portion 1B is fully threaded onto the main case body 1.

(49) Again, FIG. 8D is representative of the aid before or after replacement of the receiver 81 using the threaded connection design of FIG. 8C or the hinged design of FIG. 8A.

(50) As mentioned above, the novel features of this invention are applicable to the open ITE aid of the present invention, having a standardized case 1 and second portion, which preferably comprises tip portion 2 (See FIG. 8D) to which the open area insert is attached.

(51) For custom fit ITE aids, the case geometry and size vary somewhat to accommodate the contours of a particular ITE wearer, as determined by impressions previously taken by the fitter.

(52) In order for custom fit ITE aids to benefit from the removable receiver feature of the present invention, case portion 1 (See FIG. 1) is preferably custom molded, to accept a standardized second portion 1B. In this embodiment, the second portion 1B does not need to be custom molded, since the case portion 1, is made to conform to the wearer's ear canal, effectively forming a seal between the case portion 1 and the wearer's ear canal.

(53) Other modifications are also possible and within the scope of this invention. For example, receiver 81 can be made to be integral to second portion 1B. In this embodiment, the fitter simply removes the second portion 1B which already contains the receiver 81 and then swaps second portion 1B with its replacement, also containing a receiver 81.

(54) Other possibilities include joining case portion 1 with second portion 1B by means of one or more pins which are inserted into receiving holes located in both case 1 and second portion 1B, located in registration orientation.

(55) It should be understood that any other conventional means can be adapted to attach the two sections 1 and 1B.

(56) With this embodiment, the inventive hearing can include a case with a portion that be removed to allow access to the receiver of the case for cleaning, repair, or replacement.

(57) Modifications to the present invention include all enhancements conventionally applied to ITC type hearing aids including the use of wax filters inserted in the receiver section of the aid, rechargeable batteries, alterations of the materials of construction of the case and mounting insert, geometry of the insert etc.