Patent Application
20130243229
Examples described herein relate to hearing devices, and include particularly hearing devices that are positioned in the ear canal for inconspicuous wear. This application is related to pending patent application Ser. No. 12/878,926, titled CANAL HEARING DEVICE WITH DISPOSABLE BATTERY MODULE incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.
The ear canal 10, as illustrated in
Canal dimensions vary significantly along the ear canal and among individuals. Placement of a hearing device substantially inside the ear canal is problematic due to extreme level of miniaturization required and the limited reliability of small parts. Furthermore, access and manipulation of a miniature canal device becomes prohibitive when placed too deeply in the bony region. However, it is desirable to deliver sound deeply, at least into the junction area 8, to achieve electroacoustic advantages including reduction of the acoustic occlusion effect, improved energy efficiency, reduced distortion, reduced receiver vibrations, and improved high frequency response.
Physiological debris is primarily present in the cartilaginous region 12 of the ear canal, and includes cerumen (earwax), sweat, and oils produced by the various glands underneath the skin in the cartilaginous region. Debris in the ear canal is a major cause of damage to canal hearing devices resulting in clogging of sound ports and frequent repairs. If sounds ports are not protected, debris often flows into the interior, and particularly the microphone causing damage. On the other hand if a sound port is protected by a permanent filter, it will eventually get contaminated by earwax disabling the hearing device.
The present invention provides a universal canal hearing device assembly that is inconspicuous and delivers amplified sound in proximity to the eardrum. The canal hearing device comprises a main module and a disposable battery module incorporating a sound port within. The battery module is restricted to perpendicular insertion and removal, into and from a main module forming a hearing device assembly when joined thereto. The unique perpendicular joining of the module and circumferential encapsulation by the main module eliminates inadvertent separation of battery module during axial movements of assembled hearing device inside the ear canal. The main module fits safely and primarily in the cartilaginous region of the ear canal and it incorporates durable components intended for long-term operation. On the other hand, the disposable battery module incorporates consumable components that deplete or deteriorate within relatively a short period of time, such as the battery and incoming sound port. The sound port is protected by an acoustically transparent membrane filter to prevent water ingress and debris from going through and reaching the microphone within the main module.
The disposable battery module is removable and connects to the main module electrically, mechanically and acoustically for delivering power and incoming sound thereto. The unique modular design of the invention allows for a reliable, predictable, and cost effective maintenance of the canal hearing device by protecting expensive components in the main module designed for long term operation, while periodically disposing degradable elements. The disposable battery module is easier to handle and replace than a battery cell alone as typically used in conventional canal hearing aid designs.
In the preferred embodiments, the battery module assembly is shaped substantially in the shape of a button-cell battery integrated within. The integrated disposable battery module offers a space efficient design by eliminating a battery compartment as practiced in conventional custom hearing aids. The battery module also incorporates a handle with a shaft and a knob for handling and manipulation of the battery module during its insertion or removal from the main module. The disposable battery module incorporates waterproofing elements to allow the assembled hearing device to be safely worn during swimming and showering. Should the debris barrier becomes soiled or damaged, such as after exposure to chlorinated water, hair spray, etc., the disposable battery module assembly is simply removed and replaced.
A unique aspect of the present invention is the perpendicular docking of the battery module into the main module, with respect to the axial axis of the hearing device assembly and the ear canal. To accomplish this, the main module is designed with a lateral cavity for receiving the battery module perpendicularly. The main module cavity substantially encapsulates, circumferentially and latterly, the battery module for preventing axial separation while providing highly space-efficient electromechanical interlocking
The main module also connects to a seal assembly positioned concentrically over it and designed with safety considerations to prevent inadvertent insertion into the eardrum. The seal tip and main module terminate the device approximately at the boney-cartilaginous junction which is sufficiently deep for mitigating feedback and reducing the acoustic occlusion effect. The seal assembly is preferably removable for disposal or washing thereof, and made of soft compliant material such as Silicone® to fit comfortably and in an acoustically sealing manner inside the ear canal.
The hearing device modules are mass-produced and offered in a generic one-size-fits-all with assorted seal tips for fitting in individual ear canals. This provides an “instant” fit method that eliminates costly custom manufacturing and cumbersome ear canal impression taking.
A further unique aspect of the present invention is the ability to remove the battery module and connect a programming assembly with a programming plug into the main module. The programming assembly connects to a personal computer, including a smart phone, allowing for remote web-enabled programming and fitting.
The above and still further objectives, features, aspects and attendant advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of certain preferred and alternate embodiments and method of manufacture and use thereof constituting the best mode presently contemplated of practicing the invention, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Certain details are set forth below to provide a sufficient understanding of embodiments of the invention. However, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that some embodiments may not include all details described. In some instances, well-known structures, hearing aid components, circuits, control signals, and software operations have not been shown in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments of the invention.
Conventional hearing devices and battery modules for such hearing devices may include numerous limitations. For example, prior art battery modules are typically configured to engage with the hearing device along the axial direction. Such axial coupling between the device and battery module is disadvantageous for a number of reasons, including the need for elaborate electromechanical mechanisms to effect such coupling, discomfort to the patient, size increase, risk of decoupling of the battery from the device while in use, risk of inserting the hearing device deeper than intended within the ear canal, and others. Accordingly, there is a need for improved battery modules for hearing aid devices.
Hearing aid devices and battery modules for use with modular canal hearing aid devices and systems are described herein. The hearing aid devices and assemblies described herein are worn substantially inside the ear canal 10 and deliver amplified sound in proximity to the eardrum 15.
Referring now to
The battery module 50 may have a shape substantially conforming to the shape of the battery cell 52 incorporated within. For example, the battery cell 52 may be a button type cell as shown. The battery module 50 may accordingly be generally cylindrical in shape and configured to enclose a portion of the battery cell 52. Other form factors may be used, however it will be appreciated that by substantially conforming to the shape of the battery cell, the size of the battery module 50 and thus the overall size of the hearing aid device 30 is reduced. The shape may be substantially conforming in that it may not match the shape of the battery cell 52 exactly, but may be sufficiently similar to enclose a portion of the battery cell 52.
The battery module 50 includes a housing 53, which may, in some examples, have a substantially cylindrical shape. In some examples, the battery module 50 may include a handle 58 attached thereto. The handle includes a shaft portion 57 with a knob portion 5.
A sound port 56 is provided in the housing 53, the sound port being configured to allow sound 65 to be transmitted to the microphone of the main module 40 while minimizing debris and/or liquids from entering the main module 40. Incoming sound ports of conventional hearing aids frequently get soiled and clogged by debris. The sound port 56 (also referred to as an air port) of the battery module 50 incorporates an acoustically transparent debris barrier 51. The barrier 51 may be made of a porous membrane. In some examples, the membrane has pore sizes in the range of about 5 to about 25 microns. In this manner, the sound port 56 is configured to allow sound to pass through to the main module 40 when connected thereto while filtering out debris that can damage durable components within the main module 40, particularly the microphone within. Debris in the ear canal environment can be physiologic, or non-physiologic, and may include earwax, oils, water, particles, chlorine, shampoo, hair spray, etc. The sound port 56 (alternatively referred to herein as air port) is configured to deliver airborne sounds 65 to the microphone within the main module 40. Microphone port 45 is provided in the main module 40 at a location proximate the sound port 56 to couple sound between the air port/sound port 56 and the microphone of the main module 40.
As previously mentioned, the main module is also provided with an aperture 46 which operates as a battery air port 46 to provide air, if needed, to the battery-cell 52 within the battery module via battery air ports 51′ (
As depicted in
In preferred embodiments, the battery module 50 is shaped substantially in the shape of a button-cell battery 52 housed therewithin to minimize the size of the battery module. The battery module 50 offers a highly space efficient design by integrating the battery cell within and thin-wall housing 53, which in some examples may be provided over a top portion of the battery cell instead of placing the cell entirely in a battery compartment as in the prior art. In this manner, the battery module 50 incorporates the battery cell 52, leaving a large portion of its exterior 54 substantially exposed to mate perpendicularly inside a receiving cavity 41 (which may be shaped as a well) within the main module 40. This arrangement allows for the battery cell and battery module to mate with the main module without resorting to elaborate electromechanical connectors or side snap inserts as in the prior art.
Another aspect of the examples according to the present invention described herein includes the perpendicular docking/mating design of the battery module 50 with respect to the main module 40, as described herein. The battery module 50 is configured to be insertable in the perpendicular direction 7 into a receiving well cavity 41 of the main module 40. As previously described, the cavity 41 is configured to receive the exposed portion 54 of the battery cell. The cavity 41 may be provided with a snap mechanism for snapping and securing the battery module within. The battery module 50 is similarly removed from the main module 40 by a perpendicular force away from the main module 40. As will be understood, when referring to a perpendicular direction in the context of the present disclosure it is meant a direction of movement or force which is substantially perpendicular to the generally longitudinal axes of the modules. For example, the directions 2 and 3 depict longitudinal directions relative to the battery module 50 and the main module 40, respectively. The present invention restricts the battery module 50 to perpendicular attachment and detachment thus minimizing the risk of inadvertent axial separation because the receiving cavity 41 completely surrounds the circumferential perimeter of battery cell 52. Since generally there is no significant perpendicular movement inside the ear canal 10, inadvertent separation of the battery module 50 during removal of the hearing device assembly 30 is essentially eliminated. In this manner, examples of the present invention provide secure attachment between the two modules and a space efficient design by eliminating connectors associated with modular designs of the prior art. For example, the electrical connection is made by the conductive surface 54 of the battery cell 52 as it mates with electrical contact pads 47 and 48 (positive and negative terminals) of the main module 40 within its receiving cavity 41. When the battery module 50 is inserted into the receiving cavity 41, the battery cell volume is substantially accommodated inside the main module without presenting any significant protrusion outside the main module 40, thus offering no significant increase in the assembled device 30 beyond the outer perimeter of the main module 40 alone. In contrast to modular hearing aid devices of the prior art, the present invention eliminates any significant lateral protrusion of the battery module by essentially encapsulating it within. In embodiments of the present invention, only the handle 58 may protrude laterally with respect to the main module with any incidental protrusion of the battery module 50 limited to less than ⅓ of the battery module, and certainly not in the lateral direction other than for the handle. In other words, at least ⅔ of the battery cell is inserted into the main module in the preferred embodiments.
The present invention minimizes costly damage and repair by incorporating degradable elements in a single unitary disposable assembly that can be replaced by the user as frequently as needed. For example, by employing a waterproof debris barrier 51, either over, within, or underneath the air port 56, water is prevented from reaching the electronic components and particularly the microphone in the main module 40, thus allowing the device to be worn safely during water exposure such as when swimming or showering. Should the air port 56 plugs or the debris barrier 51 become soiled, such as after exposure to chlorinated water in pools, hair spray, shampoo, etc., the disposable battery module 50 may simply be removed and replaced. The debris barrier 51 is preferably made of a porous film or membrane that is acoustically transparent (e.g., the membrane permits sound to be transmitted across the membrane). The pore size of the membrane is preferably in the range of about 5 to about 25 microns. This allows acoustic transparency while preventing water and debris from penetrating into the microphone of the main module. The debris barrier 51 in the preferred embodiments provides minimal acoustic attenuation of less than 3 decibels across the audiometric frequency range of 250-6,000 Hz.
Examples of the modular hearing device assembly 30 may be designed for positioning substantially in the cartilaginous region 12 for providing accessibly invisible wear therein as shown in
The perpendicular insertion and circumferential encapsulation of the battery module 50 by the main module 40, particularly by it lateral end 43, prevents accidental disengagement of the two modules during removal from the ear canal when lateral axial force in the axial directions (2 and 3) is applied. As will be understood, the battery module 50 can be readily disconnected from the main module 40 upon applying a pull force in the perpendicular direction 7. The device 30 is configured such that replacement of the battery module 50 is accomplished only when the device 30 is outside the ear canal.
In some preferred embodiments, the battery module 50 may be replaced every 5-15 days, depending on power consumption, utilization, and user environment. Users with frequent water exposure, or excessive earwax production, are likely to replace the battery module 50 more frequently since the air port 51 is more likely to get plugged frequently. The battery module 50 according to examples described herein is advantageously configured to be replaceable whenever any of the degradable parts within the battery module 50 become degraded. Other degradable parts within the battery module 50 include a sealing member 59, such as a waterproofing O-ring for example, may be provided to seal the interface between the modules. Periodic replacement of the battery module 50 is desirable for long-term reliability and function for the main module 40.
The handle 58 of the battery module 50 preferably includes a shaft portion 57 and a knob portion 55. Other form factors may of course be used and the handle may be effectively configured to assist in grasping the battery module and/or assembled hearing aid device 30 by finger tips or with the insertion tool during manipulation and insertion into the ear canal, or removal therefrom.
In some examples, the handle is an integral part of the battery module housing 53. The handle and housing may be formed as a unitary structure by methods known in the art. For example, the handle and housing may be formed as a monolithic molded part. In these preferred embodiments, the housings of main module and battery modules, including the handle, may be made of high quality thermoplastic material, such as PEEK. This allows for minimal thickness and accordingly smallest possible size of the device, while providing excellent mechanical and chemical properties in the hostile environment of the ear canal. In addition to allowing manual manipulation, the shaft 57 and knob 55 structures of the handle 58 allow for engagement with a removal or insertion tool 70 as described herein and shown in
In the preferred embodiments, the shaft is oriented at an angle of approximately 30° degrees, or between about 20° to about 35°, with respect to a general axial orientation 2 (
Safety consideration for preventing deeper insertion and damage is important and may be addressed by the overall design of devices 30 according to examples of the present invention. Factors that may provide a level of safety and comfort of wear include overall small dimensions of the device, as well as orientation of the modules relative to each other and relative to the ear canal. For example, the length of the assembled device 30, excluding the handle, may be approximately 14 mm which is significantly less than the total length of the ear canal for adults, which is approximately 26 mm from the aperture 11 to the eardrum 15. The aforementioned orientations of the modules and handle results in an essentially “C” shaped configuration, as shown in
As will be appreciated, battery modules and hearing aid devices and systems according to the examples described herein are well suited for mass-production, and may be provided in assorted sizes for fitting in a sealing manner within a variety of individual ear canals. In some examples, the device may be remotely controlled for activation or adjustment by means known in the art. The battery module 50, as described herein, is configured to provide a snap mechanical fit into the main module which can be lifted or otherwise removed from the main module by a force applied generally in a perpendicular direction. As will be understood, in some examples a force may be applied along non-perpendicular directions, which may include sufficient perpendicular component to disengage the battery module from the main module of the device. Partial removal of the battery module may also be provided for allowing for an OFF power position while keeping the modules together. In one embodiment, a switch 42 at the lateral end 43 of the main module 40 may be provided to switch off the device when not in use without requiring to remove or lift the battery module 50 from the main module 40. In some examples, the switch may be located elsewhere. The battery module 50 may also incorporate a rechargeable battery for periodic charging by a charging system (not shown).
Examples of hearing aid devices of the present invention are configured to be water-resistant and/or to withstand moisture and water exposure. In one embodiment, a waterproofing seal in the form of an O-ring 59 is incorporated within the battery module 50 to seal the interface between the modules when connected. The sealing O-ring 59 is preferably made of an elastomeric material such as Silicone®. Should the battery module 50 becomes damaged, air port 56 plugged by earwax, or its cell 52 depleted, the battery module 50 may be removed and replaced while maintaining the relatively more expensive main module 40 for long term use and operation.
Using the fitting cable assembly 72 shown in
Although examples of the invention have been described herein, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains from a consideration of the foregoing description of presently preferred and alternate embodiments and methods of fabrication and use thereof, that variations and modifications of this exemplary embodiment and method may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the above-described embodiments of the invention should not be viewed as exhaustive or as limiting the invention to the precise configurations or techniques disclosed. Rather, it is intended that the invention shall be limited only by the appended claims and the rules and principles of applicable law.
