Sealing retainer for extended wear hearing devices

Details Sealing retainer for extended wear hearing devices Sealing retainer for extended wear hearing devices

2006-06-13

2009-08-25

Ensey, Brian (Department: 2614)

Electrical audio signal processing systems and devices

Hearing aids, electrical

Specified casing or housing

C381S328000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07580537

ABSTRACT:
Embodiments of the invention provide seals for retaining hearing devices in the ear canal. An embodiment provides a seal for a hearing device comprising a curved shell having a wall and an opening at a shell apex portion. The shell defines a cavity for retention of a device component. The shell wall has a shape configured to distribute compressive forces applied to the shell perimeter such that when the shell is positioned in the canal, the shell wall dynamically conforms to changes in the shape of the canal to maintain an acoustical seal between a shell exterior surface and the canal walls. The shell can include an anti-microbial coating to produce a reduction in bacteria contacting the coating. Also, the shell wall can have a water vapor transmission rate to reduce moisture accumulation in the canal during periods of extended wear to reduce the incidence of infection and otitis.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4817609 (1989-04-01), Perkins et al.
patent: 5201007 (1993-04-01), Ward et al.
patent: 5390254 (1995-02-01), Adelman
patent: 5401920 (1995-03-01), Oliveira
patent: 5572954 (1996-11-01), Elkins
patent: 5654530 (1997-08-01), Sauer et al.
patent: 5682020 (1997-10-01), Oliveira
patent: 5701348 (1997-12-01), Shennib et al.
patent: 5742692 (1998-04-01), Garcia et al.
patent: 5833626 (1998-11-01), Leysieffer
patent: 5887070 (1999-03-01), Iseberg et al.
patent: 6137889 (2000-10-01), Shennib et al.
patent: 6229900 (2001-05-01), Leenen
patent: 6359993 (2002-03-01), Brimhall
patent: 6473511 (2002-10-01), Aceti et al.
patent: 6473513 (2002-10-01), Shennib et al.
patent: 6671381 (2003-12-01), Lux-Wellenhof
patent: 6754357 (2004-06-01), McIntoch et al.
patent: 6940988 (2005-09-01), Shennib et al.
patent: 7016512 (2006-03-01), Feeley et al.
patent: 7130437 (2006-10-01), Stonikas et al.
patent: 7403629 (2008-07-01), Aceti et al.
patent: 2004/0017922 (2004-01-01), Bachler et al.
patent: 2004/0161445 (2004-08-01), Bulk et al.
patent: 2006/0067551 (2006-03-01), Cartwright et al.
Ballachandra, The Human Ear Canal, Singular Publishing, 1995, pp. 195.
International Preliminary Report on Patentability of PCT Application No. PCT/US2006/037971, mailed Apr. 1, 2008, 9 pages total.
International Search Report and Written Opinion of PCT Application No. PCT/US07/71005, mailed May 15, 2008, 12 pages total.
International Search Report and Written Opinion of PCT Application No. PCT/US07/70996, dated Sep. 10, 2008, 15 pages.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Sealing retainer for extended wear hearing devices does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Sealing retainer for extended wear hearing devices, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Sealing retainer for extended wear hearing devices will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-4058763