WO2017059240A1 - Drug delivery customized ear canal apparatus - Google Patents
Drug delivery customized ear canal apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2017059240A1 WO2017059240A1 PCT/US2016/054757 US2016054757W WO2017059240A1 WO 2017059240 A1 WO2017059240 A1 WO 2017059240A1 US 2016054757 W US2016054757 W US 2016054757W WO 2017059240 A1 WO2017059240 A1 WO 2017059240A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- ear canal
- sensors
- user
- assembly
- medial
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
- A61B5/0205—Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
- A61B5/02055—Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular condition and temperature
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/0059—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
- A61B5/026—Measuring blood flow
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/103—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
- A61B5/11—Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb
- A61B5/1118—Determining activity level
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/103—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
- A61B5/11—Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb
- A61B5/112—Gait analysis
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/145—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue
- A61B5/14507—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue specially adapted for measuring characteristics of body fluids other than blood
- A61B5/14517—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue specially adapted for measuring characteristics of body fluids other than blood for sweat
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/145—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue
- A61B5/14532—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/145—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue
- A61B5/1455—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
- A61B5/14551—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters for measuring blood gases
- A61B5/14552—Details of sensors specially adapted therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/24—Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
- A61B5/25—Bioelectric electrodes therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/24—Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
- A61B5/25—Bioelectric electrodes therefor
- A61B5/279—Bioelectric electrodes therefor specially adapted for particular uses
- A61B5/291—Bioelectric electrodes therefor specially adapted for particular uses for electroencephalography [EEG]
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/24—Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
- A61B5/25—Bioelectric electrodes therefor
- A61B5/279—Bioelectric electrodes therefor specially adapted for particular uses
- A61B5/296—Bioelectric electrodes therefor specially adapted for particular uses for electromyography [EMG]
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/24—Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
- A61B5/316—Modalities, i.e. specific diagnostic methods
- A61B5/318—Heart-related electrical modalities, e.g. electrocardiography [ECG]
- A61B5/346—Analysis of electrocardiograms
- A61B5/349—Detecting specific parameters of the electrocardiograph cycle
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/24—Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
- A61B5/316—Modalities, i.e. specific diagnostic methods
- A61B5/369—Electroencephalography [EEG]
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/24—Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
- A61B5/316—Modalities, i.e. specific diagnostic methods
- A61B5/389—Electromyography [EMG]
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/40—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the nervous system
- A61B5/4076—Diagnosing or monitoring particular conditions of the nervous system
- A61B5/4094—Diagnosing or monitoring seizure diseases, e.g. epilepsy
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/48—Other medical applications
- A61B5/4806—Sleep evaluation
- A61B5/4815—Sleep quality
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/48—Other medical applications
- A61B5/4836—Diagnosis combined with treatment in closed-loop systems or methods
- A61B5/4839—Diagnosis combined with treatment in closed-loop systems or methods combined with drug delivery
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/48—Other medical applications
- A61B5/4866—Evaluating metabolism
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/48—Other medical applications
- A61B5/4869—Determining body composition
- A61B5/4875—Hydration status, fluid retention of the body
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
- A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
- A61B5/6813—Specially adapted to be attached to a specific body part
- A61B5/6814—Head
- A61B5/6815—Ear
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
- A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
- A61B5/6813—Specially adapted to be attached to a specific body part
- A61B5/6814—Head
- A61B5/6815—Ear
- A61B5/6816—Ear lobe
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
- A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
- A61B5/6813—Specially adapted to be attached to a specific body part
- A61B5/6814—Head
- A61B5/6815—Ear
- A61B5/6817—Ear canal
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M31/00—Devices for introducing or retaining media, e.g. remedies, in cavities of the body
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M31/00—Devices for introducing or retaining media, e.g. remedies, in cavities of the body
- A61M31/002—Devices for releasing a drug at a continuous and controlled rate for a prolonged period of time
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/02—Details
- A61N1/04—Electrodes
- A61N1/05—Electrodes for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode
- A61N1/0526—Head electrodes
- A61N1/0541—Cochlear electrodes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
- A61N1/20—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes continuous direct currents
- A61N1/30—Apparatus for iontophoresis, i.e. transfer of media in ionic state by an electromotoric force into the body, or cataphoresis
- A61N1/303—Constructional details
- A61N1/306—Arrangements where at least part of the apparatus is introduced into the body
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
- A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
- A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
- A61N1/36036—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation of the outer, middle or inner ear
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
- A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
- A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
- A61N1/36036—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation of the outer, middle or inner ear
- A61N1/36038—Cochlear stimulation
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
- H04R1/02—Casings; Cabinets ; Supports therefor; Mountings therein
- H04R1/028—Casings; Cabinets ; Supports therefor; Mountings therein associated with devices performing functions other than acoustics, e.g. electric candles
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
- H04R25/02—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception adapted to be supported entirely by ear
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
- H04R25/70—Adaptation of deaf aid to hearing loss, e.g. initial electronic fitting
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
- A61B5/021—Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
- A61B5/024—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/08—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
- A61B5/0816—Measuring devices for examining respiratory frequency
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/103—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
- A61B5/11—Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb
- A61B5/1112—Global tracking of patients, e.g. by using GPS
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/145—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue
- A61B5/14507—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue specially adapted for measuring characteristics of body fluids other than blood
- A61B5/1451—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue specially adapted for measuring characteristics of body fluids other than blood for interstitial fluid
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/145—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue
- A61B5/14539—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue for measuring pH
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/145—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue
- A61B5/14542—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue for measuring blood gases
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/42—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the gastrointestinal, the endocrine or the exocrine systems
- A61B5/4261—Evaluating exocrine secretion production
- A61B5/4266—Evaluating exocrine secretion production sweat secretion
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/48—Other medical applications
- A61B5/4806—Sleep evaluation
- A61B5/4818—Sleep apnoea
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M37/00—Other apparatus for introducing media into the body; Percutany, i.e. introducing medicines into the body by diffusion through the skin
- A61M37/0015—Other apparatus for introducing media into the body; Percutany, i.e. introducing medicines into the body by diffusion through the skin by using microneedles
- A61M2037/0023—Drug applicators using microneedles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2210/00—Anatomical parts of the body
- A61M2210/06—Head
- A61M2210/0662—Ears
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2225/023—Completely in the canal [CIC] hearing aids
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2225/025—In the ear hearing aids [ITE] hearing aids
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2225/55—Communication between hearing aids and external devices via a network for data exchange
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2460/00—Details of hearing devices, i.e. of ear- or headphones covered by H04R1/10 or H04R5/033 but not provided for in any of their subgroups, or of hearing aids covered by H04R25/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2460/07—Use of position data from wide-area or local-area positioning systems in hearing devices, e.g. program or information selection
Definitions
- the present invention is related to wearable devices and methods for their use.
- the present invention is further related to hearing devices.
- the present invention is further related to drug delivery devices.
- the present invention is further related to methods for the use of wearable devices, hearing devices and drug delivery devices.
- the present invention is directed to a wearable system wherein elements of the system, including various sensors, are adapted to detect biometric and other data and/or to deliver drugs.
- the elements of the system are positioned proximal to, on, or in the ear canal of a person.
- elements of the system are positioned external to, on or in the ear canal and may reside there for extended periods of time.
- an element of the system, including drug delivery devices may be positioned on the tympanic membrane of a user and left there overnight, for multiple days, months or years. Because of the position and longevity of the system elements in the ear canal, the present invention has many advantages over prior drug delivery devices.
- Figure 1 shows a hearing system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the medial ear canal assembly of the hearing system of Figure 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- Figure 3 shows a top view of the medial ear canal assembly of the hearing system of Figure 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- Figure 4 shows an exploded view of a medial ear canal assembly and its method of assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- Figure 5A is an isometric Top view of a medial ear canal assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- Figure 5B is an isometric bottom view of a medial ear canal assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- Figure 6 shows a medial ear canal assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- Figure 7 shows an isometric view of a medial ear canal assembly including a drug delivery reservoir in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- Figure 7 A is a side view of a medial ear canal assembly including drug delivery system according to one embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 8 shows an isometric view of a lateral ear canal assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- Figure 9 is an isometric top view of a medial ear canal assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- Figure 10 is an isometric bottom view of a medial ear canal assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- biometric sensors and other devices may be placed in proximity to, on or in the ear canal resulting in a system with the ability to collect information on the user's environment, including information on the user's location, the time of day, and the activity the user is engaged in.
- drug delivery devices may be placed in proximity to, on or in the ear canal resulting in a system with the ability to deliver drugs to a user through the ear and/or components of the ear.
- the combination of a superior hearing system with biometric sensors and other devices, such as drug delivery devices, in a single system which may be placed in proximity to, on or in the ear canal may result in a system with the ability to collect information on the user's environment, including information on the user's location, the time of day, and the activity the user is engaged in.
- the system may further provide access to highly vascular sections of ear canal, including the pars tensa and manubrium vessels and the information that may be gathered from such locations.
- the system may further provide the ability to gather data, monitor health, send alerts and deliver drugs through a device that is in place 24 hours a day for years on end, without interfering with or changing the wearer's day to day activities.
- the system may further provide the ability to ensure user compliance without the need for user interaction, other than, in some cases, normal upkeep.
- the current invention may be used to replace halter monitors, event recorders and/or Sub-Cutaneous (Sub-Q) monitors (e.g. injectable monitors).
- Sub-Q Sub-Cutaneous
- the system may further provide the ability to mount sensors directly against the skin and ensure that they stay in place over long periods of time, by, for example, using system components that are custom fit to the ear canal wall and/or to the tympanic membrane.
- the system may further provide the user with feedback, instructions or warnings which go directly to the wearer's tympanic membrane in a manner which is imperceptible to any third party.
- a system according to the present invention may further enable a user to take advantage of characteristics of the ear canal of the user to make measurements of the user's biometric data, including: positioning of sensors in a place, which is undetectable to both the user and third parties; positioning of sensors in a place where they are well protected from the environment, and from external forces (not subject to false alarms, such as, for example, the type of false alarms that result from the dropping or shaking of externally worn devices); positioning of sensors in a very vascular environment; positioning sensors in an environment which may be highly conducive to the measurement of biometric data (an environment where a better signal to noise ratio is achievable - enclosed and dark to facilitate optical
- biometric data including blood pressure, heart rate, glucose levels, respiration rate, temperature, blood flow and other biometric data.
- a system according to the present invention may further provide: the ability to deliver drugs to a user, including sustained, timed and/or algorithm controlled drug delivery; the ability to ensure compliance with drug regimens by automating drug delivery in an easily accessible region such as the ear canal; the ability to limit the amount of drug delivered without compromising efficacy by delivering to highly vascular tissue in or around the ear canal, such as, for example, the pars tensa and manubrium vessels; the ability to deliver drugs to regions of the body where the vasculature is easily accessible, for example, where the tissue covering the vasculature is very thin, such as, for example, over the manubrium vessels; the ability to locally deliver drugs which are normally delivered systemically, thereby reducing the amount of drugs delivered and the related side effects; and the ability to deliver drugs and treat diseases using a novel platform in the ear canal.
- Drugs which may be delivered using the present invention include antibiotics (neomycin / quinolenes),
- dexamethasone steroids (prednisolone), acetic acid, aluminum acetate, boric acid, betnesol, prednisolone sodium phosphate, clotrimazole, Cerumino lytic agents (sodium chloride / chlorbutanol / paradichlorobenzene), amoxicillin, flucloxacillin; ciprofloxacillin, penicillin, betahistine dopamine antagonists (prochlorperazine), antihistamines (cinnarizine and cyclizine), antiviral drugs (acyclovir), sodium fluoride, nicotine and insulin.
- steroids prednisolone
- acetic acid aluminum acetate
- boric acid boric acid
- betnesol prednisolone sodium phosphate
- clotrimazole Cerumino lytic agents (sodium chloride / chlorbutanol / paradichlorobenzene), amoxicillin, fluclox
- Embodiments of the invention may be used to deliver drugs in which systemic or local drug delivery would be beneficial.
- Figure 1 shows a hearing system 10 configured to transmit electromagnetic energy EM to a medial ear canal assembly 100 positioned in the ear canal EC of the user.
- the ear comprises an external ear, a middle ear ME and an inner ear.
- the external ear comprises a Pinna P and an ear canal EC and is bounded medially by a tympanic membrane (also referred to as an eardrum) TM.
- Ear canal EC extends medially from pinna P to tympanic membrane TM.
- Ear canal EC is at least partially defined by a skin SK disposed along the surface of the ear canal.
- the tympanic membrane TM comprises a tympanic membrane annulus TMA that extends circumferentially around a majority of the eardrum to hold the eardrum in place.
- the middle ear ME is disposed between tympanic membrane TM of the ear and a cochlea CO of the ear.
- the middle ear ME comprises the ossicles OS to couple the tympanic membrane TM to cochlea CO.
- the ossicles OS comprise an incus IN, a malleus ML and a stapes ST.
- the malleus ML is connected to the tympanic membrane TM and the stapes ST is connected to an oval window OW, with the incus IN disposed between the malleus ML and stapes ST.
- Stapes ST is coupled to the oval window OW so as to conduct sound from the middle ear to the cochlea.
- the hearing system 10 may include an input transducer assembly 20 and a medial ear canal assembly 100 to transmit sound to the user.
- Hearing system 10 may comprise a sound processor 24, which may be, for example, a behind the ear unit (BTE).
- Sound processor 24 may comprise many components of hearing system 10 such as a speech processor, battery, wireless transmission circuitry, and input transducer assembly 20.
- the input transducer assembly 20 can be located at least partially behind the pinna P or substantially or entirely within the ear canal EC.
- Input transducer assembly 20 may further comprise a BluetoothTM connection to couple to a cell phone or other external communication device 26.
- the medial ear canal assembly 100 of hearing system 10 may comprise components to receive the light energy or other energy, such as RF energy and vibrate the eardrum in response to such energy.
- the input transducer assembly 20 can receive a sound input, for example an audio sound or an input from external communication device 26. With hearing aids for hearing impaired individuals, the input can be ambient sound.
- the input transducer assembly may comprise at least one input transducer, for example a microphone 22.
- the at least one input transducer may comprise a second microphone located away from the first microphone, in the ear canal or the ear canal opening, for example positioned on sound processor 24.
- Input transducer assembly 20 may also include can include a suitable amplifier or other electronic interface.
- the input may comprise an electronic sound signal from a sound producing or receiving device, such as a telephone, a cellular telephone, a Bluetooth connection, a radio, a digital audio unit, and the like.
- Input transducer assembly 20 may include a lateral ear canal assembly 12 which may comprise a light source such as an LED or a laser diode for transmitting data (including audio data) and energy to medial ear canal assembly 100.
- lateral ear canal assembly 12 may comprise an electromagnetic coil, an RF source, or the like for transmitting data (including audio data) and energy to medial ear canal assembly 100.
- lateral ear canal assembly 12 may further comprise a receiver adapted to receive data transmitted from medial ear canal assembly 100, such as, for example, biometric data from sensors positioned on or near medial ear canal assembly 100.
- medial ear canal assembly 100 is adapted to receive the output from input transducer assembly 20 and produce mechanical vibrations in response to the received information, which may be, for example, in the form of a light signal generated by lateral ear canal assembly 12.
- medial ear canal assembly 100 comprises a sound transducer, wherein the sound transducer may comprise at least one of a microactuator, a coil, a magnet, a magneto strictive element, a photo strictive element, or a piezoelectric element.
- input transducer assembly 20 may comprise a light source coupled to sound processor 24 by a fiber optic cable and positioned on lateral ear canal assembly 12.
- input transducer assembly 20 may comprise a laser diode coupled to sound processor 24 and positioned on lateral ear canal assembly 12.
- the light source of the input transducer assembly 20 may be positioned in the ear canal along with sound processor 24 and microphone 22.
- the mechanical vibrations caused by medial ear canal assembly 100 can stimulate the cochlea CO, which induces neural impulses in the subject which can be interpreted by the subject as a sound input.
- Figure 2 and Figure 3 show isometric and top views, respectively, of an
- medial ear canal assembly 100 may comprise a retention structure 110, a support structure 120, a transducer 130, at least one spring 140, and a photodetector 150.
- Medial ear canal assembly 100 may include data processor 200 and transmitter 210 which may be positioned on transducer 130.
- Retention structure 110 which may be a resilient retention structure, may be sized to couple to the tympanic membrane annulus TMA and at least a portion of the anterior sulcus AS of the ear canal EC.
- Retention structure 110 may comprise an aperture 110A.
- Aperture 110A is sized to receive transducer 130 and to allow for normal transduction of sound through the subjects hearing transduction pathway.
- the retention structure 110 can be sized to the user and may comprise one or more of an O-ring, a C-ring, a molded structure, or a structure having a shape profile so as to correspond to the user's ear canal anatomy, or to a mold of the ear canal of the user.
- Retention structure 110 may comprise a resilient retention structure such that the retention structure can be compressed radially inward as indicated by arrows 102 from an expanded wide profile configuration to a narrow profile configuration when passing through the ear canal and subsequently expand to the wide profile configuration when placed on one or more of the eardrum, the eardrum annulus, or the skin of the ear canal.
- the retention structure 110 may comprise a shape profile corresponding to anatomical structures that define the ear canal.
- the retention structure 110 may comprise a first end 112 corresponding to a shape profile of the anterior sulcus AS of the ear canal and the anterior portion of the tympanic membrane annulus TMA.
- the first end 112 may comprise an end portion having a convex shape profile, for example a nose, so as to fit the anterior sulcus and so as to facilitate advancement of the first end 112 into the anterior sulcus.
- the retention structure 110 may comprise a second end 114 having a shape profile corresponding to the posterior portion of tympanic membrane annulus TMA.
- the support structure 120 may be positioned in aperture 110A and may comprise a frame, or chassis, so as to support the components connected to support structure 120.
- Support structure 120 may comprise a rigid material and can be coupled to the retention structure 110, the transducer 130, the at least one spring 140, which may support transducer 130, and the photodetector 150.
- the support structure 120 may comprise an elastomeric bumpers 122 extending between the support and the retention structure, so as to couple the support to the retention structure 110 with the elastomeric bumpers 122.
- the support structure 120 may define an aperture 120A formed thereon.
- the aperture 120A can be sized so as to receive transducer 130, which may be, for example, a balanced armature transducer.
- housing 139 of the balanced armature transducer 130 may extend at least partially through the aperture 120A when transducer 130 is coupled to the tympanic membrane TM.
- Aperture 120A may be further sized to allow normal sound conduction through medial ear canal assembly 100.
- Transducer 130 may, in embodiments of the invention, comprise structures to couple to the eardrum when the retention structure 110 contacts one or more of the eardrum, the eardrum annulus, or the skin of the ear canal.
- the transducer 130 may, in embodiments of the invention, comprise a balanced armature transducer having a housing 139 and a vibratory reed 132 extending out one end of housing 139.
- Housing 139 may also, in embodiments of the invention, be a part of a flux return path for transducer 130.
- the housing may be a fully integrated part of the transducer, including, for example, the magnetic flux path.
- the vibratory reed 132 may be affixed to a post 134 and an umbo pad 136.
- the umbo pad 136 may have a convex surface that contacts the tympanic membrane TM and may move the TM in response to signals received by medial ear canal assembly 100, causing the TM to vibrate.
- the umbo pad 136 can be anatomically customized to the anatomy of the ear of the user.
- At least one spring 140 may be connected to the support structure 120 and the transducer 130, so as to support the transducer 130 in aperture 120A.
- the at least one spring 140 may comprise a first spring 142 and a second spring 144, in which each spring is connected to opposing sides of a first end of transducer 130.
- the springs may comprise coil springs having a first end attached to support structure 120 and a second end attached to transducer 130 or a mount affixed to transducer 130, such that the coil springs pivot the transducer about axes 140A of the coils of the coil springs and resiliently urge the transducer toward the eardrum when retention structure 110 contacts one or more of the eardrum, the eardrum annulus, or the skin of the ear canal.
- the support structure 120 may comprise a tube sized to receiving an end of the at least one spring 140, so as to couple the at least one spring to support structure 120.
- a photodetector 150 may be coupled to support structure 120 of medial ear canal assembly 100.
- a bracket mount 152 can extend
- An arm 154 may extend between support structure 120 and bracket mount 152 so as to support photodetector 150 with an orientation relative to support structure 120 when placed in the ear canal EC.
- the arm 154 may comprise a ball portion so as to couple to support structure 120 with a ball-joint 128.
- the photodetector 150 may be electrically coupled to transducer 130 so as to drive transducer 130 with electrical energy in response to the light energy signal radiated to medial ear canal assembly 100 by input transducer assembly 20.
- medial ear canal assembly 100 may include an electronics package 215 mounted on a back surface of photodetector 150.
- Electronics in electronics package 215 may be used to, for example, condition or modulate the light energy signal between photodetector 150 and transducer 130.
- Electronics package 215 may comprise, for example, an amplifier to amplify the signal from photodetector 150.
- Resilient retention structure 110 can be resiliently deformed when inserted into the ear canal EC.
- the retention structure 110 can be compressed radially inward along the pivot axes 140A of the coil springs such that the retention structure 110 is compressed as indicated by arrows 102 from a wide profile configuration having a first width 110W1 as illustrated in Figure 3 to an elongate narrow profile configuration having a second width 110W2.
- Compression of retention structure 110 may facilitate advancement of medial ear canal assembly 12 through ear canal EC in the direction illustrate by arrow 104 in Figure 2 and when removed from the ear canal in the direction illustrated by arrow 106 in Figure 2.
- the elongate narrow profile configuration may comprise an elongate dimension extending along an elongate axis corresponding to an elongate dimension of support structure 120 (120W) and aperture 120A.
- the elongate narrow profile configuration may comprise a shorter dimension corresponding to a width of the support structure 120 and aperture 120A.
- the retention structure 110 and support structure 120 may be passed through the ear canal EC for placement on, for example, the tympanic membrane TM of a user.
- vibratory reed 132 of the transducer 130 can be aligned substantially with the ear canal EC while medial ear canal assembly 100 is advanced along the ear canal EC in the elongate narrow profile configuration having second width 110W2.
- retention structure 110 may return to a shape conforming to the ear canal adjacent to tympanic membrane TM, wherein the medial ear canal assembly is held in place, at least in part, by the interaction of retention structure 110 with the walls of ear canal EC.
- the medial ear canal assembly 100 including support structure 120, may apply a predetermined amount of force to the tympanic membrane TM when the umbo pad 136 is in contact with the eardrum.
- the support structure 120 can maintain a substantially fixed shape and contact with the tympanic membrane TM is maintained, at least in part, by the force exerted by at least one spring 140.
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a medial ear canal assembly 100 according to embodiments of the present invention which shows an assembly drawing and a method of assembling medial ear canal assembly 100.
- the retention structure 110 as described herein can be coupled to the support structure 120, for example, with elastomeric bumpers 122 extending between the retention structure 110 and the support structure 120.
- the retention structure 110 may define an aperture 110A having a width 110AW corresponding to the wide profile configuration.
- the support structure 120 may define an aperture 120A having a width 120AW that remains substantially fixed when the resilient retention structure is compressed.
- the aperture 110A of the resilient retention structure can be aligned with the aperture 120A of the support.
- Support structure 120 may comprise ball joint 128, and ball joint 128 can be coupled to arm 154 and bracket mount 152, such that the support is coupled to the
- the transducer 130 may comprise a housing 139 and a mount 138 attached to housing 139, in which the mount 138 is shaped to receive the at least one spring 140.
- the transducer 130 may comprise a vibratory reed 132 extending from housing 139, in which the vibratory reed 132 is attached to a post 134.
- the post 134 can be connected to the umbo pad 136.
- the support structure 120 can be coupled to the transducer 130 with the at least one spring 140 extending between the coil and the transducer such that the umbo pad 136 is urged against the tympanic membrane TM when the medial ear canal assembly 100 is placed to transmit sound to the user.
- the support structure 120 may comprise mounts 126, for example tubes, and the mounts 126 can be coupled to a first end of the at least one spring 140, and a second end of the at least one spring 140 can be coupled to the transducer 130 such that the at least one spring 140 extends between the support and the transducer.
- Umbo sensor 220 may be attached to umbo pad 136 such that umbo sensor 220 is positioned against tympanic membrane TM when medial ear canal assembly 100 is positioned in the ear canal.
- Umbo sensor may be positioned against any portion of the tympanic membrane and may be referred to as a tympanic membrane sensor.
- FIG. 5A is an isometric top view of a medial ear canal assembly 100 according to embodiments of the invention.
- Figure 5B is an isometric bottom view of a medial ear canal assembly 100 according to embodiments of the invention.
- medial ear canal assembly 100 has a retention structure 110 comprising a stiff support 121 extending along a portion of retention structure 110.
- the stiff support 121 may be connected to resilient member 141 and coupled to intermediate portion 149.
- resilient member 141 and stiff support structure 120 comprise an integrated component such as an injection molded (or 3-D Printed) unitary component comprising a modulus of elasticity and dimensions so as to provide the resilient member 141 and the stiff support 121.
- stiff support 121 and resilient member 141 can be configured to support output transducer 130 such that output transducer 130 is coupled to the tympanic membrane TM when the medial ear canal assembly 100, including retention structure 110 is placed in the ear canal EC.
- the resilient member 141 can be attached to the stiff support 121, such that the resilient member 141 directly engages the stiff support 121.
- the stiff support 121 can be affixed to the resilient member 141 so as to position the umbo pad 136 below the retention structure 110, such that the umbo pad 136 engages the tympanic membrane TM when the retention structure 110 is placed, for example on the tympanic membrane annulus TMA.
- the resilient member 141 can be configured to provide a predetermined force to the eardrum when the medial ear canal assembly 100 is placed in the Ear Canal.
- resilient member 141 may comprise a resilient cantilever beam.
- photodetector 150 may be attached to the output transducer 130 with a mount 153. Photodetector 150 and output transducer 130 can deflect together when the biasing structure 149, for example a spacer, is adjusted to couple the output transducer 130 and the umbo pad 136 to the tympanic membrane TM.
- Sulcus sensors 230 may be positioned on layer 115 of retention structure 110 such that sulcus sensors 230 are in contact with the tympanic membrane TM and/or other portions of the ear canal EC when medial ear canal assembly 100 is positioned in the ear canal.
- Sulcus sensors 230 may also be positioned on sulcus flanges 235 to optimize their position in ear canal EC, such as, for example, to optimize their position against the tissue of tympanic membrane TM and / or against the tissue of the tympanic membrane annulus TMA.
- Sulcus flanges 235 may be used to, for example, position sulcus sensors 230 over regions of highly vascular tissue in the ear canal EC, such as on the tympanic membrane TM.
- Sulcus flanges 235 may be used to, for example, position sulcus sensors 230 over the pars tensa.
- FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of the medial ear canal assembly 100.
- Medial ear canal assembly 100 comprises a retention structure 110, a support structure 120, a transducer 130, at least one spring 140 and a photodetector 150.
- Medial ear canal assembly 100 may include data processor 200 and transmitter 210 which may be positioned on transducer 130.
- Medial ear canal assembly 100 may further include non-contact sensors 260 and tethered sensors 250.
- Non-contact sensors 260 and tethered sensors 250 may be connected to data processor 200 to provide data to data processor 200.
- one or more of data processor 200, transmitter 210, non-contact sensor(s) 260 and tethered sensors 250 may be part of, located on, or connected to electronics package 215 on photodetector 150. Tethered sensors 250 may be positioned against the skin SK in the ear canal EC where umbo sensors 220 (not shown in Figure 6) and sulcus sensors 230 (not shown in Figure 6) cannot contact. Alternatively or in combination, one or more of non-contact sensors 260 may be positioned loosely in ear canal EC to gather data.
- Retention structure 110 is sized to couple to the tympanic membrane annulus TMA and at least a portion of the anterior sulcus AS of the ear canal EC. With respect to the remaining elements of the retention structure and their function, see the discussion of Figures 2 and 3.
- FIG. 7 shows and isometric view of the medial ear canal assembly 100 including retention structure 110, support structure 120, springs 140, a photodetector 150, and at least one drug delivery device.
- medial ear canal assembly 100 may include reservoir 400 and delivery tube 410 which are adapted to deliver drugs to the wearer.
- reservoir 400 may be used to store drugs for delivery to, for example, the tympanic membrane.
- delivery tube 410 may be used to transport drugs from reservoir 400 to umbo pad 136 which may be constructed to transmit the drugs to or through at least a portion of the tympanic membrane TM.
- umbo pad 136 may be constructed to include, for example, microneedles through which drugs may be transported into the tissue of, for example, the tympanic membrane.
- the medial ear canal assembly 100 may include sensors, such as, for example, umbo sensors 220, sulcus sensors 230 and tethered sensors 250, such as those shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6.
- sensors located on medial ear canal assembly 100 may be used to collect data on the user, which user data may be used to regulate the flow of drugs from the at least one drug delivery device which is incorporated into medial ear canal assembly 100.
- the drug delivery device on medial ear canal assembly 100 may include power supply 426 adapted to provide power to medial ear canal assembly 100, including pump 424.
- FIG. 7A is an isometric view of the medial ear canal assembly 100 including retention structure 110, a photodetector 150, and at least one drug delivery device.
- medial ear canal assembly 100 may include reservoir (not shown) and delivery tube 410 which are adapted to deliver drugs to the wearer.
- the reservoir may be used to store drugs for delivery to, for example, the tympanic membrane or the region surrounding the tympanic membrane.
- delivery tube 410 may be used to transport drugs from the reservoir to umbo pad 136 which may be constructed to transmit the drugs to or through at least a portion of the tympanic membrane TM.
- umbo pad 136 may be constructed to include, for example, microneedles 422 through which drugs may be transported into the tissue of, for example, the tympanic membrane.
- umbo pad 136 may be constructed to include, for example, needles 420 through which drugs may be transported into the tissue of, for example, the tympanic membrane.
- retention structure 110 may be constructed to include, for example, microneedles 422 through which drugs may be transported into the tissue of, for example, the tympanic membrane.
- the drug delivery device on medial ear canal assembly 100 may include pump 424 adapted to pump drugs from the reservoir to microneedles 422.
- the drug delivery device on medial ear canal assembly 100 may include pump 424 adapted to pump drugs from the reservoir to needle 420.
- the drug delivery device on medial ear canal assembly 100 may include power supply 426 adapted to provide power to medial ear canal assembly 100, including pump 424.
- Figure 8 shows a lateral ear canal assembly 12, including a retention structure 310 (which may also be referred to as an eartip retention structure) configured for placement in the ear canal.
- Retention structure 310 may comprise a molded tubular structure having the shape of the ear canal.
- Retention structure 310 may be configured to retain lateral ear canal assembly 12 in the ear canal.
- Lateral ear canal assembly 12 may include a signal source 320 such as a laser diode.
- An outer surface 340 of retention structure 310 may include ear tip sensors 240, which may be positioned against the skin SK of the ear canal EC and, alternatively or in combination, sensors (not shown) which are positioned on the medial or lateral ends of lateral ear canal assembly 12, such as, for example, a body temperature sensor.
- FIG 9 is an isometric Top view of a medial ear canal assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- medial ear canal assembly 100 comprises transducer 130, photodetector 150, spring 140, support structure 120 and retention structure 110.
- sulcus sensors 230 may be positioned on retention structure 110, which may be, for example a flexible material adapted to conform to the anatomy of the user's ear canal.
- Retention structure 110 may comprise a material such as Parylene or Silicone.
- Figure 10 is an isometric bottom view of a medial ear canal assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- medial ear canal assembly 100 may comprise transducer 130, photodetector 150, spring 140, support structure 120, retention structure 110 and umbo pad 136.
- sulcus sensors 230 may be positioned on retention structure 110, which may be, for example a flexible material adapted to conform to the anatomy of the user's ear canal.
- umbo sensors 220 may be positioned on umbo pad 136.
- Retention structure 110 may comprise a material such as Parylene or Silicone.
- umbo sensors 220, sulcus sensors 230, eartip sensors 240, and tethered sensors 250 may comprise sensors that contact the skin to detect biometric data.
- umbo sensors 220, sulcus sensors 230, eartip sensors 240, and tethered sensors 250 may comprise sensors that do not require skin contact to detect biometric data.
- Non-contact sensors may also be sensors which do not require skin contact to detect biometric data.
- Skin contacting sensors adaptable for use in embodiments of the present invention may include: micro -sensors, electrochemical sensors; thin film sensors; pressure sensors; micro-needle sensors, capacitive sensors thermometers, thermocouples, trigeminal nerve monitors; piezoelectric sensors; electrodes, pulse oximetry sensors, glucose meters, oxygen sensors and iontophoresis electrodes.
- Non-skin contacting sensors adaptable for use in embodiments of the present invention may include: light sensors (e.g. optical sensors or infrared sensors); sound sensors (e.g. a microphone to pick up sounds in the ear canal); vibration sensors; heat sensors, micro- sensors; electrochemical sensors; thin film sensors; liquid (e.g. oil) sensors; accelero meters, microphones; gyroscopes, including 3-axis accelerometers, 3 axis gyroscopes; MEMS sensors, including 3 axis MEMS sensors; GPS circuitry; pedometers; reservoir monitors; walking gait sensors; battery state monitors; energy level monitors; and strain gauges.
- light sensors e.g. optical sensors or infrared sensors
- sound sensors e.g. a microphone to pick up sounds in the ear canal
- vibration sensors e.g. a microphone to pick up sounds in the ear canal
- heat sensors e.g. a microphone to pick up sounds in the ear canal
- micro- sensors e.
- a suitable microphone might be transducer 130 wired to measure back electromagnetic fields (back EMF) which is generated when post 134 is moved independent of any drive signal provided to transducer 130, such as by vibrations in the tympanic membrane TM resulting from, for example the user speaking or snoring.
- the back EMF could then be provided to data processor 200 where it could be analyzed and transmitted to a receiver in lateral ear canal assembly 12 or in a remote receiver (e.g. a smart phone) by transmitter 210.
- data processor 200 could include circuitry used to separate sounds coming from sources other than the user from sounds generated by the user to provide filtered data, which filtered feedback data may represent, for example, the user's voice.
- a suitable optical sensor may comprise an infrared transmitter and infrared receiver.
- a suitable optical sensor may include an optical receiver tuned to the same frequency as signal source 320.
- sensors may be 3D printed on or as an integral part of structures in the components of hearing system 10.
- non-skin contacting sensors may be mounted on, for example, the back side of photodetector 150.
- a light may be mounted on medial ear canal assembly 100 and positioned to shine through tympanic membrane TM to illuminate the middle ear and the contents thereof.
- a sensor may be further included on medial ear canal assembly 100 to measure light reflected from the middle ear.
- sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 may be used to sense the position of transducer assembly with respect to structural features of the ear canal EC, such as the tympanic membrane TM. The data from such sensors may be used to position the medial ear canal assembly 100 to ensure it is properly placed and aligned in the user's ear.
- sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure environmental factors which are related to the proper functioning of the medial ear canal assembly 100, such as, degradation in photodetector output, earwax buildup, whether the user is compliant with the required oiling mitine.
- sensors may be used to ensure that the user is properly oiling by, for example, measuring the amount and regularity of oiling.
- sensors on the eartip may be used to guide and/or detect proper medial ear canal assembly insertion.
- pressure sensors and/or fluid sensors may be positioned on a medial ear canal assembly, including on the umbo pad 136 or sulcus platform to assist in the preceding tasks.
- strain gauges may be included in the medial ear canal assembly 100 to provide feedback on the proper placement of medial ear canal assembly 100.
- post 134 may include strain gauges which indicate when displacement starts and/or the degree of displacement by registering the lateral force on umbo pad 136.
- the placement of one or more strain gages on retention structure 110 may provide an indication that the medial ear canal assembly 100 has lifted off of the tympanic membrane TM.
- medial ear canal assembly 100 may include features which interact with physical features of the wearer to maintain medial ear canal assembly 100 in a predetermined position in the ear canal EC, such as, for example against the tympanic membrane TM.
- such physical features may create strain on the medial ear canal assembly 100, which strain may be measured by strain gauges positioned on medial ear canal assembly 100 to ensure proper placement of medial ear canal assembly 100.
- a feedback signal representative of the average power received by photodetector 150 may be provided, which signal may be used to quantify the coupling efficiency between photodetector 150 and signal source 320.
- the power level of signal source 320 may be adjusted to reflect the degree of coupling and the coupling efficiency indicated by the feedback signal.
- the position of lateral ear canal assembly 12 and/or medial ear canal assembly 100 may be modified to increase or decrease the level of the feedback signal, thus improving the coupling efficiency between the lateral ear canal assembly 12 and the medial ear canal assembly 100.
- noise cancelation may be implemented by, for example, incorporating a microphone onto the back of photodetector 150. Sound signals received by the microphone could be converted into drive signals which move the tympanic membrane in opposition to the received signals such that the received signals are not perceived by the user.
- Such noise cancelation may be implemented such that the microphone is turned on only when the output from the photodetector exceeds a predetermined voltage, such as, for example, approximately 300 millivolts. Alternatively, or in combination, the microphone may be turned on when the photodetector output voltage exceeds approximately 1 volt.
- the sound signals may be measured by measuring the back EMF of transducer 130 and generating a signal to the transducer which causes the transducer to vibrate the tympanic membrane in a way which cancels the movement which generated the measured back EMF.
- sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure bodily fluids, such as sweat, interstitial fluid, blood and/or cerumen (ear wax). Sensors suitable for making these measurements include electrochemical sensors, micro-needles and capacitive sensors.
- sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure sweat for the purpose of, for example, measuring hydration levels, electrolyte balance, lactate threshold, glucose levels, calories burned, respiration rate, drug levels, metabolites, small molecules (e.g. amino acids, DHEA, Cortisol, pH levels and various proteins. Sensors suitable for making these measurements include electrochemical sensors, micro-needles and capacitive sensors.
- sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure the temperature, including the core body temperature of a user.
- Sensors suitable for making these measurements include thermometers, thermocouples, and optical temperature sensors.
- sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor blood pressure, blood flow, heart rate, pulse, and arrhythmia. Sensors suitable for making these
- measurements include electrodes, PPG (Photoplethysmography) sensors and pulse oximetry sensors.
- sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor the oxygen level in a user's blood.
- Sensors suitable for making these measurements include optical sensors PPG (Photoplethysmography) sensors, and/or pulse oximetry sensors.
- sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor drug delivery and/or medication use by monitoring the drug content in blood or interstitial fluid of a user.
- Sensors suitable for making these measurements include micro-needles and/or iontophoresis electrodes.
- sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor body fat. Sensors suitable for making these measurements include electrodes.
- sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to monitor and/or measure sleep, including the duration and/or quality of such sleep.
- Sensors suitable for making these measurements include accelero meters, microphones and gyroscopes.
- sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor snoring and/or sleep apnea.
- Sensors suitable for making these measurements include accelero meters, microphones; gyroscopes; head position monitors (3 axis gyroscope); vibration sensor (microphone, TMT microactuator); oxygen sensors; and trigeminal nerve monitors.
- sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC and/or on the tympanic membrane may be used to measure and/or monitor the location of a user.
- Sensors suitable for making these measurements include GPS circuitry.
- sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor the movement of a user.
- Sensors suitable for making these measurements include an accelerometer and/or a pedometer.
- sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor calorie intake.
- Sensors suitable for making these measurements include microphones and piezoelectric sensors.
- sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor posture, head position and/or body position.
- Sensors suitable for making these measurements include gyroscopes, accelerometers (including 3-axis accelerometers) and MEMS sensors (including 3 axis MEMS sensors).
- sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor seizure disorders, including epilepsy, by making electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements.
- Sensors suitable for making these measurements include electrodes and/or electroencephalograph.
- sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor electrical activities of the heart by making an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG). Sensors suitable for making these measurements may include electrodes and/or electrocardiographs.
- sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles by making an electromyogram using Electromyography (EMG). Sensors suitable for making these measurements may include electrodes and/or electro myographs .
- sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor the glucose in a user's blood and/or interstitial fluid. Sensors suitable for making these measurements include glucose meters, electrochemical sensors, microneedles, and/or iontophoresis electrodes.
- sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor neurological function.
- Sensors suitable for making these measurements may include sensors for measuring the walking gait of a user.
- sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor the position and/or orientation of a user's eye.
- sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC including: multi-axis acceleration; multi-axis angle; skin capacitance; infrared absorption, (e.g. pulse ox), chemical reactions; and strains.
- devices on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to deliver medication to a user.
- Devices suitable for making these delivers may include drug reservoirs, patches, microneedles, polymers designed to elute over time and/or drug eluting materials.
- drugs may be delivered through, for example, iontophoresis, direct skin contact, needles, drugs in the platform, drug infused silicon or other structural materials or holes or pores in the tympanic membrane structure to hold drugs prior to dispensing or weep over time.
- devices on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to stimulate serotonin production in a user by, for example, shining light in the ear canal EC for predetermined periods of time.
- such devices may be adapted to increase the production of vitamin D.
- devices including sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to recognize the speech of a user.
- Devices suitable for making these delivers may include microphones and speech recognition / signal processing chips and software.
- sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to control the function of hearing system 10.
- the function of hearing system 10 may be controlled by, for example, sensing control instructions from the user, including, verbal instructions and/or instructions conveyed by finger snapping, bone conduction and/or bringing a hand or finger into proximity with the sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100.
- Sensors suitable for such control functions may include touch sensors, bone conduction sensors and proximity sensors.
- the power required to operate sensors, drug delivery, and/or other devices located on medial ear canal assembly 100 may be supplied by one or more of the following: AC or DC current from photodetector 150; AC or DC current from an RF antenna located on or connected to medial ear canal assembly 100; Energy from a battery, micro-battery and/or super capacitor on or connected to medial ear canal assembly 100.
- circuitry on medial canal assembly 100 may be obtained by, for example: harvesting power from the motion of the user, including the dynamic motion of the wall of an outer ear, using, for example, a spring located on or connected to medial ear canal assembly 100; harvesting power from the motion of the tympanic membrane, including harvesting sound energy which vibrates the tympanic membrane; harvesting power from the motion of the tympanic membrane, including harvesting sound energy below approximately 100 Hz; harvesting power from the action of muscles in or near the ear canal, such as, for example muscles used in chewing food; harvesting power from the temporomandibular joint; using the movement of the eardrum (such as, for example, driven by music) to act as a pump.
- circuitry on medial ear canal assembly 100 may be powered by, for example, the use of light based earplugs which transmits energy to medial ear canal assembly 100 to power the assembly when lateral ear canal assembly 12 is not being used. In embodiments of the invention, such light based earplugs may be used to recharge batteries or super capacitors located on or connected to medial ear canal assembly 100. In embodiments of the invention circuitry on medial ear canal assembly 100 may be powered by, for example, a wand which radiates, for example, RF energy to an antenna located on or connected to medial ear canal assembly 100 to power sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 and/or in the ear canal EC for the purpose of making measurements.
- sensors located on medial ear canal assembly 100 may communicate data to any one of a number of devices, including lateral ear canal assembly 12, a smartphone, a smart watch, a cellular network, a ZigBee network, a Wi- Fi network, a WiGi-G network, and/or a Bluetooth enabled device.
- information may be transmitted from medial ear canal assembly 100 to lateral ear canal assembly 12 and from lateral ear canal assembly 12 to a smartphone, a smart watch, a cellular network, a ZigBee network, and/or a Bluetooth enabled device.
- such sensors a part of a closed loop communication network.
- communication to medial ear canal assembly 100 may be facilitated by the positioning of an antenna on or connected to medial ear canal assembly 100.
- antennas may be printed on or formed as part of a chassis of medial ear canal assembly 100.
- communication of data may be facilitated by the inclusion of transmitter 210 on medial ear canal assembly 100.
- removable portions of hearing system 10 may sense emergency situations, such as fire alarms, and communicate with the user wearing medial ear canal assembly 100 using an antenna located on or connected to medial ear canal assembly 100 to warn the user of danger.
- emergency situations such as fire alarms
- data collected from sensors located on medial ear canal assembly 100 or in the ear canal EC of a user may be communicated to the user's physician and/or family.
- data collected from sensors located on medial ear canal assembly 100 or in the ear canal EC of a user may be used to generate data or reports which may be communicated to the user's physician and/or family.
- information, data or reports which may be communicated to the user, the user's physician and/or family may include information on the user's environment, including time of day, activity, surrounding sounds.
- information, data or reports which may be communicated to the user, the user's family physician, and/or family may include information on bio metric date related to the user, including blood pressure, heart rate, glucose levels, and other biometric data.
- the user's family physician and/or family may include information on specific events related to the user or the user's physical condition, including, falls, blood pressure spikes, heart attacks, temperature spikes, impending or actual seizures, changes in specific biomarkers, or other metrics.
- information, data or reports which may be communicated to the user, the user's family physician and/or family may include algorithm results transmitted when trends or parameters in the user's biometric data become concerning.
- information, including warnings may be communicated to the user may include, sleep apnea warnings, drowsiness warnings (e.g. when driving), warnings of impending seizures, migraine headaches warnings, and/or cluster headache warnings.
- medial ear canal assembly 100 may be used to communicate with the user to, for example, remind the user when to drink or when the user's sugar levels are spiking or dropping.
- data or other information may be transmitted by a user to the hearing system 10 of a second user.
- a user may transmit data or other information to a network of hearing systems 10.
- data collected by sensors positioned on medial ear canal assembly 100 or in the ear canal of a user may be collected and analyzed, by, for example, an Application on the user's smart phone.
- Such data may be used for many purposes, including predicating changes in the user's health and generating event alarms.
- Event alarms generated from the collected data might include alarms related to epilepsy seizures, migraines, cluster headaches, or predetermined changes in key biometric data or trends.
- Such data may be further processed to allow the user to, for example, view the data which is most important to the user, perform trend analysis on the data, correlate specific data with activities or environment, provide a dashboard of data or chart specific data.
- Data may also be stored for review at future doctor's appointments. Data trends may also be stored and analyzed over time.
- Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a hearing system comprising a medial ear canal assembly including a transducer configured to be positioned on the tympanic membrane of a user; a lateral ear canal assembly including a signal source configured to be positioned in the ear canal of a user; and sensors connected to the medial ear canal assembly, the sensors being connected to a transmitter.
- the sensors may include sensors adapted to detect biometric data.
- the sensors may include sensors adapted to detect one or more physical characteristics of the user.
- at least one of the sensors may comprise a microphone.
- the microphone may comprise a micro- actuator.
- sound received by the micro-actuator is configured to be converted to a back EMF signal.
- the hearing system may include a data processor which is configured to convert the back EMF to a signal representative of the sound received by the micro-actuator.
- the hearing system may be configured to transmit the signal representative of the sound received by the microactuator to a receiver external to the hearing system.
- the receiver comprises a smart phone, a wireless network, or a peripheral device.
- at least one of the sensors comprises a skin contacting sensor or a no n- skin contacting sensor.
- at least one of the sensors comprises an umbo sensor, an eartip sensor, or a tethered sensor.
- Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of sensing physical characteristics of a hearing system user, the hearing system comprising a medial ear canal assembly positioned on or near the tympanic membrane, the medial ear canal assembly comprising transducer sensors and a transmitter, the method comprising the steps of: using the sensors to measure biometric data of the user; and transmitting the measured biometric data using the transmitter.
- the method further comprising using the sensors to measure one or more physical characteristics of the user.
- At least one of the sensors comprises a microphone the method further comprising the steps of measuring sound in the user's ear canal.
- the microphone comprises a micro-actuator, the method further comprising measuring the back EMF signal.
- the hearing system includes a data processor, the method further including the step of converting the back EMF signal to an electrical signal and transmitting the electrical signal to the data signal processor.
- the back EMF signal includes a first signal portion representative of the signal received from the hearing system and a second signal
- the method further including the step of separating the first signal from the second signal.
- the method further includes the step of transmitting the signal to a receiver external to the hearing system.
- the receiver comprises a smart phone.
- at least one of the sensors comprises a skin contacting sensor or a no n- skin contacting sensor.
- at least one of the sensors comprises an umbo sensor, an eartip sensor, or a tethered sensor.
- the output transducer is used as a sensor.
- the sensor is used as a microphone to measure received sound at the tympanic membrane.
- the signal from the microphone is coupled to the transmitter.
- Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an ear canal platform comprising: a medial ear canal assembly positioned on or over the tympanic membrane of a user; and sensors connected to the signal output transducer, the sensors being connected to a transmitter.
- the sensors include sensors adapted to detect biometric data.
- the sensors include sensors adapted to detect one or more physical characteristics of the user.
- at least one of the sensors comprises a microphone.
- the microphone comprises a micro-actuator.
- sound received by the micro-actuator is configured to be converted to a voltage representative of the back EMF generated in the microactuator by the sound received by the microactuator.
- the hearing system includes a data processor which is configured to convert the voltage to a signal representative of the sound received by the micro-actuator.
- the signal is configured to be transmitted by the hearing system to a receiver external to the hearing system.
- the receiver comprises a smart phone, a wireless network, or a peripheral device.
- at least one of the sensors comprises a skin contacting sensor or a non-skin contacting sensor.
- at least one of the sensors comprises an umbo sensor, an eartip sensor, or a tethered sensor.
- Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of sensing physical characteristics of a user having a medial ear canal assembly positioned on or near the tympanic membrane, the medial ear canal assembly comprising sensors and a transmitter, the method comprising the steps of: using the sensors to measure biometric data of the user; and transmitting the measured biometric data using the transmitter.
- the method further comprising using the sensors to measure one or more physical characteristics of the user.
- at least one of the sensors comprises a microphone the method further comprising the steps of measuring sound in the user's ear canal.
- the microphone comprises a microactuator, the method further comprising measuring and transmitting the output of the microphone.
- the hearing system includes a data processor, the method further including the step of sending the transmitted signal to the data processor, the transmitted signal includes a first signal portion representative of the signal received from the hearing system and a second signal representative of a physical characteristic of the user, the method further including the step of separating the first signal from the second signal.
- the method further includes the step of transmitting the signal to a receiver external to the hearing system.
- the receiver comprises a smart phone.
- at least one of the sensors comprises a skin contacting sensor or a non-skin contacting sensor.
- at least one of the sensors comprises an umbo sensor, an eartip sensor, or a tethered sensor.
- the output transducer is used as a sensor.
- the sensor is used as a microphone to measure received sound at the tympanic membrane.
- the signal from the microphone is coupled to the transmitter.
- Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an ear canal platform comprising: a medial ear canal assembly positioned on the tympanic membrane of a user; a drug delivery device mounted on the ear canal assembly.
- an ear canal assembly further includes sensors connected to the ear canal assembly, the sensors being connected to a transmitter.
- the sensors include sensors adapted to detect biometric data.
- the sensors include sensors adapted to detect one or more physical characteristics of the user.
- at least one of the sensors is a microphone.
- the microphone is a micro-actuator. In embodiments of the invention sound received by the micro-actuator is converted to a transmitted signal.
- the hearing system includes a data processor which converts the transmitted signal to a signal representative of the sound received by the micro-actuator.
- the signal is transmitted by the hearing system to a receiver external to the hearing system.
- the receiver is a smart phone, a wireless network, or a peripheral device.
- at least one of the sensors comprises a skin contacting sensor, or a no n- skin contacting sensor.
- at least one of the sensors comprises an umbo sensor, an eartip sensor, or a tethered sensor.
- Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of delivering drugs to a user having a medial ear canal assembly positioned on or near the user's tympanic membrane, the medial ear canal assembly comprising a drug delivery device, the method comprising the steps of: delivering drugs to the user through the drug delivery device.
- the medial ear canal assembly further includes sensors and a transmitter, the method comprising the steps of: using the sensors to measure biometric data of the user; and transmitting the measured biometric data using the transmitter.
- the method further includes the step of activating the drug delivery device using the biometric data measured by the sensors.
- the method further comprises using the sensors to measure one or more physical characteristics of the user.
- the method further comprises the step of activating the drug delivery device using the measured physical characteristics of the user.
- the step of activating drug delivery includes activating drug delivery when needed and/or at predetermined times or over predetermined time periods.
- at least one of the sensors comprises a skin contacting sensor or a no n- skin contacting sensor.
- at least one of the sensors comprises an umbo sensor, an eartip sensor, or a tethered sensor.
- the system may comprise a reservoir and mechanisms for drug delivery.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Otolaryngology (AREA)
- Cardiology (AREA)
- Physiology (AREA)
- Neurosurgery (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Neurology (AREA)
- Hematology (AREA)
- Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Dentistry (AREA)
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
- Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics (AREA)
- Anesthesiology (AREA)
- Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
- Pulmonology (AREA)
- Pharmacology & Pharmacy (AREA)
- Emergency Medicine (AREA)
- Obesity (AREA)
- Psychology (AREA)
- Psychiatry (AREA)
- Measuring And Recording Apparatus For Diagnosis (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a wearable system wherein elements of the system, including various sensors adapted to detect biometric and other data and/or to deliver drugs, are positioned proximal to, on or in the ear canal of a person. In embodiments of the invention, elements of the system, including drug delivery devices, are positioned on or in the ear canal for extended periods of time. For example, an element of the system may be positioned on the tympanic membrane of a user and left there overnight, for multiple days, months, or years. Because of the position and longevity of the system elements in the ear canal, the present invention has many advantages over prior wearable biometric and drug delivery devices.
Description
DRUG DELIVERY CUSTOMIZED EAR CANAL APPARATUS
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 62/236,295, filed October 2, 2015, and 62/395,667, filed September 16, 2016, which applications are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is related to wearable devices and methods for their use. The present invention is further related to hearing devices. The present invention is further related to drug delivery devices. The present invention is further related to methods for the use of wearable devices, hearing devices and drug delivery devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention is directed to a wearable system wherein elements of the system, including various sensors, are adapted to detect biometric and other data and/or to deliver drugs. In this invention, the elements of the system are positioned proximal to, on, or in the ear canal of a person. In embodiments of the invention, elements of the system are positioned external to, on or in the ear canal and may reside there for extended periods of time. For example, an element of the system, including drug delivery devices, may be positioned on the tympanic membrane of a user and left there overnight, for multiple days, months or years. Because of the position and longevity of the system elements in the ear canal, the present invention has many advantages over prior drug delivery devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of embodiments of the present inventive concepts will be apparent from the more particular description of preferred embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same or like elements. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the preferred embodiments.
[0005] Figure 1 shows a hearing system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0006] Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the medial ear canal assembly of the hearing system of Figure 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0007] Figure 3 shows a top view of the medial ear canal assembly of the hearing system of Figure 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0008] Figure 4 shows an exploded view of a medial ear canal assembly and its method of assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0009] Figure 5A is an isometric Top view of a medial ear canal assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0010] Figure 5B is an isometric bottom view of a medial ear canal assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0011] Figure 6 shows a medial ear canal assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0012] Figure 7 shows an isometric view of a medial ear canal assembly including a drug delivery reservoir in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0013] Figure 7 A is a side view of a medial ear canal assembly including drug delivery system according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0014] Figure 8 shows an isometric view of a lateral ear canal assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0015] Figure 9 is an isometric top view of a medial ear canal assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0016] Figure 10 is an isometric bottom view of a medial ear canal assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Advantages
[0017] In embodiments of the present invention, biometric sensors and other devices may be placed in proximity to, on or in the ear canal resulting in a system with the ability to collect information on the user's environment, including information on the user's location, the time of day, and the activity the user is engaged in. In embodiments of the present invention, drug delivery devices may be placed in proximity to, on or in the ear canal resulting in a system with the ability to deliver drugs to a user through the ear and/or components of the ear. In embodiments of the present invention, the combination of a superior hearing system with biometric sensors and other devices, such as drug delivery devices, in a single system which may be placed in proximity to, on or in the ear canal may result in a system with the ability to collect information on the user's environment, including information on the user's location, the time of day, and the activity the user is engaged in. The system may further provide access to highly vascular sections of ear canal, including the pars tensa and manubrium vessels and the information that may be gathered from such locations. The system may further provide the ability to gather data, monitor health, send
alerts and deliver drugs through a device that is in place 24 hours a day for years on end, without interfering with or changing the wearer's day to day activities. The system may further provide the ability to ensure user compliance without the need for user interaction, other than, in some cases, normal upkeep. In some embodiments, the current invention may be used to replace halter monitors, event recorders and/or Sub-Cutaneous (Sub-Q) monitors (e.g. injectable monitors). The system may further provide the ability to mount sensors directly against the skin and ensure that they stay in place over long periods of time, by, for example, using system components that are custom fit to the ear canal wall and/or to the tympanic membrane. The system may further provide the user with feedback, instructions or warnings which go directly to the wearer's tympanic membrane in a manner which is imperceptible to any third party.
[0018] A system according to the present invention may further enable a user to take advantage of characteristics of the ear canal of the user to make measurements of the user's biometric data, including: positioning of sensors in a place, which is undetectable to both the user and third parties; positioning of sensors in a place where they are well protected from the environment, and from external forces (not subject to false alarms, such as, for example, the type of false alarms that result from the dropping or shaking of externally worn devices); positioning of sensors in a very vascular environment; positioning sensors in an environment which may be highly conducive to the measurement of biometric data (an environment where a better signal to noise ratio is achievable - enclosed and dark to facilitate optical
measurements; and positioning sensors in an environment where an extensive range of biometric data is available and can be measured, including blood pressure, heart rate, glucose levels, respiration rate, temperature, blood flow and other biometric data.
[0019] A system according to the present invention may further provide: the ability to deliver drugs to a user, including sustained, timed and/or algorithm controlled drug delivery; the ability to ensure compliance with drug regimens by automating drug delivery in an easily accessible region such as the ear canal; the ability to limit the amount of drug delivered without compromising efficacy by delivering to highly vascular tissue in or around the ear canal, such as, for example, the pars tensa and manubrium vessels; the ability to deliver drugs to regions of the body where the vasculature is easily accessible, for example, where the tissue covering the vasculature is very thin, such as, for example, over the manubrium vessels; the ability to locally deliver drugs which are normally delivered systemically, thereby reducing the amount of drugs delivered and the related side effects; and the ability to deliver drugs and treat diseases using a novel platform in the ear canal. Drugs which may be
delivered using the present invention include antibiotics (neomycin / quinolenes),
dexamethasone, steroids (prednisolone), acetic acid, aluminum acetate, boric acid, betnesol, prednisolone sodium phosphate, clotrimazole, Cerumino lytic agents (sodium chloride / chlorbutanol / paradichlorobenzene), amoxicillin, flucloxacillin; ciprofloxacillin, penicillin, betahistine dopamine antagonists (prochlorperazine), antihistamines (cinnarizine and cyclizine), antiviral drugs (acyclovir), sodium fluoride, nicotine and insulin. Diseases which may be treated using the present invention include acute otitis media, furunculosis of external auditory canal, perichondritis of pinna, acute mastoiditis, and malignant otitis externa, vertigo, herpes zoster oticus and cancer. Embodiments of the invention may be used to deliver drugs in which systemic or local drug delivery would be beneficial.
[0020] Figure 1 shows a hearing system 10 configured to transmit electromagnetic energy EM to a medial ear canal assembly 100 positioned in the ear canal EC of the user. The ear comprises an external ear, a middle ear ME and an inner ear. The external ear comprises a Pinna P and an ear canal EC and is bounded medially by a tympanic membrane (also referred to as an eardrum) TM. Ear canal EC extends medially from pinna P to tympanic membrane TM. Ear canal EC is at least partially defined by a skin SK disposed along the surface of the ear canal. The tympanic membrane TM comprises a tympanic membrane annulus TMA that extends circumferentially around a majority of the eardrum to hold the eardrum in place. The middle ear ME is disposed between tympanic membrane TM of the ear and a cochlea CO of the ear. The middle ear ME comprises the ossicles OS to couple the tympanic membrane TM to cochlea CO. The ossicles OS comprise an incus IN, a malleus ML and a stapes ST. The malleus ML is connected to the tympanic membrane TM and the stapes ST is connected to an oval window OW, with the incus IN disposed between the malleus ML and stapes ST. Stapes ST is coupled to the oval window OW so as to conduct sound from the middle ear to the cochlea.
[0021] The hearing system 10 may include an input transducer assembly 20 and a medial ear canal assembly 100 to transmit sound to the user. Hearing system 10 may comprise a sound processor 24, which may be, for example, a behind the ear unit (BTE). Sound processor 24 may comprise many components of hearing system 10 such as a speech processor, battery, wireless transmission circuitry, and input transducer assembly 20. The input transducer assembly 20 can be located at least partially behind the pinna P or substantially or entirely within the ear canal EC. Input transducer assembly 20 may further comprise a Bluetooth™ connection to couple to a cell phone or other external communication device 26. The medial ear canal assembly 100 of hearing system 10 may comprise
components to receive the light energy or other energy, such as RF energy and vibrate the eardrum in response to such energy.
[0022] The input transducer assembly 20 can receive a sound input, for example an audio sound or an input from external communication device 26. With hearing aids for hearing impaired individuals, the input can be ambient sound. The input transducer assembly may comprise at least one input transducer, for example a microphone 22. The at least one input transducer may comprise a second microphone located away from the first microphone, in the ear canal or the ear canal opening, for example positioned on sound processor 24. Input transducer assembly 20 may also include can include a suitable amplifier or other electronic interface. In some embodiments, the input may comprise an electronic sound signal from a sound producing or receiving device, such as a telephone, a cellular telephone, a Bluetooth connection, a radio, a digital audio unit, and the like.
[0023] Input transducer assembly 20 may include a lateral ear canal assembly 12 which may comprise a light source such as an LED or a laser diode for transmitting data (including audio data) and energy to medial ear canal assembly 100. In other embodiments, lateral ear canal assembly 12 may comprise an electromagnetic coil, an RF source, or the like for transmitting data (including audio data) and energy to medial ear canal assembly 100. In embodiments of the invention, lateral ear canal assembly 12 may further comprise a receiver adapted to receive data transmitted from medial ear canal assembly 100, such as, for example, biometric data from sensors positioned on or near medial ear canal assembly 100.
[0024] In embodiments of the invention, medial ear canal assembly 100 is adapted to receive the output from input transducer assembly 20 and produce mechanical vibrations in response to the received information, which may be, for example, in the form of a light signal generated by lateral ear canal assembly 12. In embodiments of the invention, medial ear canal assembly 100 comprises a sound transducer, wherein the sound transducer may comprise at least one of a microactuator, a coil, a magnet, a magneto strictive element, a photo strictive element, or a piezoelectric element. In embodiments of the invention, input transducer assembly 20 may comprise a light source coupled to sound processor 24 by a fiber optic cable and positioned on lateral ear canal assembly 12. In embodiments of the invention, input transducer assembly 20 may comprise a laser diode coupled to sound processor 24 and positioned on lateral ear canal assembly 12. In embodiments of the invention, the light source of the input transducer assembly 20 may be positioned in the ear canal along with sound processor 24 and microphone 22. When properly coupled to the subject's hearing transduction pathway, the mechanical vibrations caused by medial ear canal assembly 100
can stimulate the cochlea CO, which induces neural impulses in the subject which can be interpreted by the subject as a sound input.
[0025] Figure 2 and Figure 3 show isometric and top views, respectively, of an
embodiment of medial ear canal assembly 100 according to the present invention. In the illustrated embodiments, medial ear canal assembly 100 may comprise a retention structure 110, a support structure 120, a transducer 130, at least one spring 140, and a photodetector 150. Medial ear canal assembly 100 may include data processor 200 and transmitter 210 which may be positioned on transducer 130. Retention structure 110, which may be a resilient retention structure, may be sized to couple to the tympanic membrane annulus TMA and at least a portion of the anterior sulcus AS of the ear canal EC. Retention structure 110 may comprise an aperture 110A. Aperture 110A is sized to receive transducer 130 and to allow for normal transduction of sound through the subjects hearing transduction pathway.
[0026] The retention structure 110 can be sized to the user and may comprise one or more of an O-ring, a C-ring, a molded structure, or a structure having a shape profile so as to correspond to the user's ear canal anatomy, or to a mold of the ear canal of the user.
Retention structure 110 may comprise a resilient retention structure such that the retention structure can be compressed radially inward as indicated by arrows 102 from an expanded wide profile configuration to a narrow profile configuration when passing through the ear canal and subsequently expand to the wide profile configuration when placed on one or more of the eardrum, the eardrum annulus, or the skin of the ear canal. The retention structure 110 may comprise a shape profile corresponding to anatomical structures that define the ear canal. For example, the retention structure 110 may comprise a first end 112 corresponding to a shape profile of the anterior sulcus AS of the ear canal and the anterior portion of the tympanic membrane annulus TMA. The first end 112 may comprise an end portion having a convex shape profile, for example a nose, so as to fit the anterior sulcus and so as to facilitate advancement of the first end 112 into the anterior sulcus. The retention structure 110 may comprise a second end 114 having a shape profile corresponding to the posterior portion of tympanic membrane annulus TMA.
[0027] The support structure 120 may be positioned in aperture 110A and may comprise a frame, or chassis, so as to support the components connected to support structure 120.
Support structure 120 may comprise a rigid material and can be coupled to the retention structure 110, the transducer 130, the at least one spring 140, which may support transducer 130, and the photodetector 150. The support structure 120 may comprise an elastomeric bumpers 122 extending between the support and the retention structure, so as to couple the
support to the retention structure 110 with the elastomeric bumpers 122. The support structure 120 may define an aperture 120A formed thereon. The aperture 120A can be sized so as to receive transducer 130, which may be, for example, a balanced armature transducer. When positioned in aperture 120A, housing 139 of the balanced armature transducer 130 may extend at least partially through the aperture 120A when transducer 130 is coupled to the tympanic membrane TM. Aperture 120A may be further sized to allow normal sound conduction through medial ear canal assembly 100.
[0028] Transducer 130 may, in embodiments of the invention, comprise structures to couple to the eardrum when the retention structure 110 contacts one or more of the eardrum, the eardrum annulus, or the skin of the ear canal. The transducer 130 may, in embodiments of the invention, comprise a balanced armature transducer having a housing 139 and a vibratory reed 132 extending out one end of housing 139. Housing 139 may also, in embodiments of the invention, be a part of a flux return path for transducer 130. In embodiments of the invention, the housing may be a fully integrated part of the transducer, including, for example, the magnetic flux path. The vibratory reed 132 may be affixed to a post 134 and an umbo pad 136. The umbo pad 136 may have a convex surface that contacts the tympanic membrane TM and may move the TM in response to signals received by medial ear canal assembly 100, causing the TM to vibrate. The umbo pad 136 can be anatomically customized to the anatomy of the ear of the user.
[0029] At least one spring 140 may be connected to the support structure 120 and the transducer 130, so as to support the transducer 130 in aperture 120A. The at least one spring 140 may comprise a first spring 142 and a second spring 144, in which each spring is connected to opposing sides of a first end of transducer 130. The springs may comprise coil springs having a first end attached to support structure 120 and a second end attached to transducer 130 or a mount affixed to transducer 130, such that the coil springs pivot the transducer about axes 140A of the coils of the coil springs and resiliently urge the transducer toward the eardrum when retention structure 110 contacts one or more of the eardrum, the eardrum annulus, or the skin of the ear canal. The support structure 120 may comprise a tube sized to receiving an end of the at least one spring 140, so as to couple the at least one spring to support structure 120.
[0030] In embodiments of the invention, a photodetector 150 may be coupled to support structure 120 of medial ear canal assembly 100. A bracket mount 152 can extend
substantially around photodetector 150. An arm 154 may extend between support structure 120 and bracket mount 152 so as to support photodetector 150 with an orientation relative to
support structure 120 when placed in the ear canal EC. The arm 154 may comprise a ball portion so as to couple to support structure 120 with a ball-joint 128. The photodetector 150 may be electrically coupled to transducer 130 so as to drive transducer 130 with electrical energy in response to the light energy signal radiated to medial ear canal assembly 100 by input transducer assembly 20. In embodiments of the invention, medial ear canal assembly 100 may include an electronics package 215 mounted on a back surface of photodetector 150. Electronics in electronics package 215 may be used to, for example, condition or modulate the light energy signal between photodetector 150 and transducer 130. Electronics package 215 may comprise, for example, an amplifier to amplify the signal from photodetector 150.
[0031] Resilient retention structure 110 can be resiliently deformed when inserted into the ear canal EC. The retention structure 110 can be compressed radially inward along the pivot axes 140A of the coil springs such that the retention structure 110 is compressed as indicated by arrows 102 from a wide profile configuration having a first width 110W1 as illustrated in Figure 3 to an elongate narrow profile configuration having a second width 110W2.
Compression of retention structure 110 may facilitate advancement of medial ear canal assembly 12 through ear canal EC in the direction illustrate by arrow 104 in Figure 2 and when removed from the ear canal in the direction illustrated by arrow 106 in Figure 2. The elongate narrow profile configuration may comprise an elongate dimension extending along an elongate axis corresponding to an elongate dimension of support structure 120 (120W) and aperture 120A. The elongate narrow profile configuration may comprise a shorter dimension corresponding to a width of the support structure 120 and aperture 120A. The retention structure 110 and support structure 120 may be passed through the ear canal EC for placement on, for example, the tympanic membrane TM of a user. To facilitate placement, vibratory reed 132 of the transducer 130 can be aligned substantially with the ear canal EC while medial ear canal assembly 100 is advanced along the ear canal EC in the elongate narrow profile configuration having second width 110W2.
[0032] When properly positioned, retention structure 110 may return to a shape conforming to the ear canal adjacent to tympanic membrane TM, wherein the medial ear canal assembly is held in place, at least in part, by the interaction of retention structure 110 with the walls of ear canal EC. The medial ear canal assembly 100, including support structure 120, may apply a predetermined amount of force to the tympanic membrane TM when the umbo pad 136 is in contact with the eardrum. When medial ear canal assembly 100 is positioned the support structure 120 can maintain a substantially fixed shape and contact with the tympanic membrane TM is maintained, at least in part, by the force exerted by at least one spring 140.
[0033] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a medial ear canal assembly 100 according to embodiments of the present invention which shows an assembly drawing and a method of assembling medial ear canal assembly 100. The retention structure 110 as described herein can be coupled to the support structure 120, for example, with elastomeric bumpers 122 extending between the retention structure 110 and the support structure 120. The retention structure 110 may define an aperture 110A having a width 110AW corresponding to the wide profile configuration. The support structure 120 may define an aperture 120A having a width 120AW that remains substantially fixed when the resilient retention structure is compressed. The aperture 110A of the resilient retention structure can be aligned with the aperture 120A of the support. Support structure 120 may comprise ball joint 128, and ball joint 128 can be coupled to arm 154 and bracket mount 152, such that the support is coupled to the
photodetector 150.
[0034] The transducer 130 may comprise a housing 139 and a mount 138 attached to housing 139, in which the mount 138 is shaped to receive the at least one spring 140. The transducer 130 may comprise a vibratory reed 132 extending from housing 139, in which the vibratory reed 132 is attached to a post 134. The post 134 can be connected to the umbo pad 136.
[0035] The support structure 120 can be coupled to the transducer 130 with the at least one spring 140 extending between the coil and the transducer such that the umbo pad 136 is urged against the tympanic membrane TM when the medial ear canal assembly 100 is placed to transmit sound to the user. The support structure 120 may comprise mounts 126, for example tubes, and the mounts 126 can be coupled to a first end of the at least one spring 140, and a second end of the at least one spring 140 can be coupled to the transducer 130 such that the at least one spring 140 extends between the support and the transducer. Umbo sensor 220 may be attached to umbo pad 136 such that umbo sensor 220 is positioned against tympanic membrane TM when medial ear canal assembly 100 is positioned in the ear canal. Umbo sensor may be positioned against any portion of the tympanic membrane and may be referred to as a tympanic membrane sensor.
[0036] Figure 5A is an isometric top view of a medial ear canal assembly 100 according to embodiments of the invention. Figure 5B is an isometric bottom view of a medial ear canal assembly 100 according to embodiments of the invention. In figures 5A and 5B, medial ear canal assembly 100 has a retention structure 110 comprising a stiff support 121 extending along a portion of retention structure 110. The stiff support 121 may be connected to resilient member 141 and coupled to intermediate portion 149. In many embodiments, resilient
member 141 and stiff support structure 120 comprise an integrated component such as an injection molded (or 3-D Printed) unitary component comprising a modulus of elasticity and dimensions so as to provide the resilient member 141 and the stiff support 121.
[0037] In the embodiments of Figure 5A and 5B, stiff support 121 and resilient member 141 can be configured to support output transducer 130 such that output transducer 130 is coupled to the tympanic membrane TM when the medial ear canal assembly 100, including retention structure 110 is placed in the ear canal EC. The resilient member 141 can be attached to the stiff support 121, such that the resilient member 141 directly engages the stiff support 121. The stiff support 121 can be affixed to the resilient member 141 so as to position the umbo pad 136 below the retention structure 110, such that the umbo pad 136 engages the tympanic membrane TM when the retention structure 110 is placed, for example on the tympanic membrane annulus TMA. The resilient member 141 can be configured to provide a predetermined force to the eardrum when the medial ear canal assembly 100 is placed in the Ear Canal.
[0038] In the embodiments of Figures 5A and 5B, resilient member 141 may comprise a resilient cantilever beam. In these embodiments, photodetector 150 may be attached to the output transducer 130 with a mount 153. Photodetector 150 and output transducer 130 can deflect together when the biasing structure 149, for example a spacer, is adjusted to couple the output transducer 130 and the umbo pad 136 to the tympanic membrane TM.
[0039] Sulcus sensors 230 may be positioned on layer 115 of retention structure 110 such that sulcus sensors 230 are in contact with the tympanic membrane TM and/or other portions of the ear canal EC when medial ear canal assembly 100 is positioned in the ear canal.
Sulcus sensors 230 may also be positioned on sulcus flanges 235 to optimize their position in ear canal EC, such as, for example, to optimize their position against the tissue of tympanic membrane TM and / or against the tissue of the tympanic membrane annulus TMA. Sulcus flanges 235 may be used to, for example, position sulcus sensors 230 over regions of highly vascular tissue in the ear canal EC, such as on the tympanic membrane TM. Sulcus flanges 235 may be used to, for example, position sulcus sensors 230 over the pars tensa.
[0040] Figure 6 shows an isometric view of the medial ear canal assembly 100. Medial ear canal assembly 100 comprises a retention structure 110, a support structure 120, a transducer 130, at least one spring 140 and a photodetector 150. Medial ear canal assembly 100 may include data processor 200 and transmitter 210 which may be positioned on transducer 130. Medial ear canal assembly 100 may further include non-contact sensors 260 and tethered sensors 250. Non-contact sensors 260 and tethered sensors 250 may be connected to data
processor 200 to provide data to data processor 200. Alternatively, or in combination, one or more of data processor 200, transmitter 210, non-contact sensor(s) 260 and tethered sensors 250 may be part of, located on, or connected to electronics package 215 on photodetector 150. Tethered sensors 250 may be positioned against the skin SK in the ear canal EC where umbo sensors 220 (not shown in Figure 6) and sulcus sensors 230 (not shown in Figure 6) cannot contact. Alternatively or in combination, one or more of non-contact sensors 260 may be positioned loosely in ear canal EC to gather data. Retention structure 110 is sized to couple to the tympanic membrane annulus TMA and at least a portion of the anterior sulcus AS of the ear canal EC. With respect to the remaining elements of the retention structure and their function, see the discussion of Figures 2 and 3.
[0041] Figure 7 shows and isometric view of the medial ear canal assembly 100 including retention structure 110, support structure 120, springs 140, a photodetector 150, and at least one drug delivery device. In embodiments of the invention, medial ear canal assembly 100 may include reservoir 400 and delivery tube 410 which are adapted to deliver drugs to the wearer. In embodiments of the invention, reservoir 400 may be used to store drugs for delivery to, for example, the tympanic membrane. In embodiments of the invention, delivery tube 410 may be used to transport drugs from reservoir 400 to umbo pad 136 which may be constructed to transmit the drugs to or through at least a portion of the tympanic membrane TM. In embodiments of the invention, umbo pad 136 may be constructed to include, for example, microneedles through which drugs may be transported into the tissue of, for example, the tympanic membrane.
[0042] In embodiments of the invention, the medial ear canal assembly 100 may include sensors, such as, for example, umbo sensors 220, sulcus sensors 230 and tethered sensors 250, such as those shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6. In embodiments of the invention, sensors located on medial ear canal assembly 100 may be used to collect data on the user, which user data may be used to regulate the flow of drugs from the at least one drug delivery device which is incorporated into medial ear canal assembly 100. In embodiments of the invention, the drug delivery device on medial ear canal assembly 100 may include power supply 426 adapted to provide power to medial ear canal assembly 100, including pump 424.
[0043] Figure 7A is an isometric view of the medial ear canal assembly 100 including retention structure 110, a photodetector 150, and at least one drug delivery device. In embodiments of the invention, medial ear canal assembly 100 may include reservoir (not shown) and delivery tube 410 which are adapted to deliver drugs to the wearer. In embodiments of the invention, the reservoir may be used to store drugs for delivery to, for
example, the tympanic membrane or the region surrounding the tympanic membrane. In embodiments of the invention, delivery tube 410 may be used to transport drugs from the reservoir to umbo pad 136 which may be constructed to transmit the drugs to or through at least a portion of the tympanic membrane TM. In embodiments of the invention, umbo pad 136 may be constructed to include, for example, microneedles 422 through which drugs may be transported into the tissue of, for example, the tympanic membrane. In embodiments of the invention, umbo pad 136 may be constructed to include, for example, needles 420 through which drugs may be transported into the tissue of, for example, the tympanic membrane. In embodiments of the invention, retention structure 110 may be constructed to include, for example, microneedles 422 through which drugs may be transported into the tissue of, for example, the tympanic membrane. In embodiments of the invention, the drug delivery device on medial ear canal assembly 100 may include pump 424 adapted to pump drugs from the reservoir to microneedles 422. In embodiments of the invention, the drug delivery device on medial ear canal assembly 100 may include pump 424 adapted to pump drugs from the reservoir to needle 420. In embodiments of the invention, the drug delivery device on medial ear canal assembly 100 may include power supply 426 adapted to provide power to medial ear canal assembly 100, including pump 424.
[0044] Figure 8 shows a lateral ear canal assembly 12, including a retention structure 310 (which may also be referred to as an eartip retention structure) configured for placement in the ear canal. Retention structure 310 may comprise a molded tubular structure having the shape of the ear canal. Retention structure 310 may be configured to retain lateral ear canal assembly 12 in the ear canal. Lateral ear canal assembly 12 may include a signal source 320 such as a laser diode. An outer surface 340 of retention structure 310 may include ear tip sensors 240, which may be positioned against the skin SK of the ear canal EC and, alternatively or in combination, sensors (not shown) which are positioned on the medial or lateral ends of lateral ear canal assembly 12, such as, for example, a body temperature sensor.
[0045] Figure 9 is an isometric Top view of a medial ear canal assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In Figure 9, medial ear canal assembly 100 comprises transducer 130, photodetector 150, spring 140, support structure 120 and retention structure 110. In the embodiment of Figure 9, sulcus sensors 230 may be positioned on retention structure 110, which may be, for example a flexible material adapted to conform to the anatomy of the user's ear canal. Retention structure 110 may comprise a material such as Parylene or Silicone.
[0046] Figure 10 is an isometric bottom view of a medial ear canal assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In Figure 10, medial ear canal assembly 100 may comprise transducer 130, photodetector 150, spring 140, support structure 120, retention structure 110 and umbo pad 136. In the embodiment of Figure 10, sulcus sensors 230 may be positioned on retention structure 110, which may be, for example a flexible material adapted to conform to the anatomy of the user's ear canal. In the embodiment of Figure 10, umbo sensors 220 may be positioned on umbo pad 136. Retention structure 110 may comprise a material such as Parylene or Silicone.
[0047] In embodiments of the invention, umbo sensors 220, sulcus sensors 230, eartip sensors 240, and tethered sensors 250 may comprise sensors that contact the skin to detect biometric data. Alternatively, or in combination, umbo sensors 220, sulcus sensors 230, eartip sensors 240, and tethered sensors 250 may comprise sensors that do not require skin contact to detect biometric data. Non-contact sensors may also be sensors which do not require skin contact to detect biometric data.
[0048] Skin contacting sensors adaptable for use in embodiments of the present invention may include: micro -sensors, electrochemical sensors; thin film sensors; pressure sensors; micro-needle sensors, capacitive sensors thermometers, thermocouples, trigeminal nerve monitors; piezoelectric sensors; electrodes, pulse oximetry sensors, glucose meters, oxygen sensors and iontophoresis electrodes.
[0049] Non-skin contacting sensors adaptable for use in embodiments of the present invention may include: light sensors (e.g. optical sensors or infrared sensors); sound sensors (e.g. a microphone to pick up sounds in the ear canal); vibration sensors; heat sensors, micro- sensors; electrochemical sensors; thin film sensors; liquid (e.g. oil) sensors; accelero meters, microphones; gyroscopes, including 3-axis accelerometers, 3 axis gyroscopes; MEMS sensors, including 3 axis MEMS sensors; GPS circuitry; pedometers; reservoir monitors; walking gait sensors; battery state monitors; energy level monitors; and strain gauges.
[0050] In embodiments of the present invention, a suitable microphone might be transducer 130 wired to measure back electromagnetic fields (back EMF) which is generated when post 134 is moved independent of any drive signal provided to transducer 130, such as by vibrations in the tympanic membrane TM resulting from, for example the user speaking or snoring. The back EMF could then be provided to data processor 200 where it could be analyzed and transmitted to a receiver in lateral ear canal assembly 12 or in a remote receiver (e.g. a smart phone) by transmitter 210. In one embodiment of the invention, data processor 200 could include circuitry used to separate sounds coming from sources other than the user
from sounds generated by the user to provide filtered data, which filtered feedback data may represent, for example, the user's voice.
[0051] In embodiments of the invention, a suitable optical sensor may comprise an infrared transmitter and infrared receiver. In embodiments of the invention, a suitable optical sensor may include an optical receiver tuned to the same frequency as signal source 320.
[0052] In embodiments of the invention, sensors may be 3D printed on or as an integral part of structures in the components of hearing system 10. In embodiments of the invention, non-skin contacting sensors may be mounted on, for example, the back side of photodetector 150.
[0053] In embodiments of the invention, a light may be mounted on medial ear canal assembly 100 and positioned to shine through tympanic membrane TM to illuminate the middle ear and the contents thereof. In embodiments of the invention, a sensor may be further included on medial ear canal assembly 100 to measure light reflected from the middle ear.
[0054] In embodiments of the invention, sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 may be used to sense the position of transducer assembly with respect to structural features of the ear canal EC, such as the tympanic membrane TM. The data from such sensors may be used to position the medial ear canal assembly 100 to ensure it is properly placed and aligned in the user's ear.
[0055] In embodiments of the invention, sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure environmental factors which are related to the proper functioning of the medial ear canal assembly 100, such as, degradation in photodetector output, earwax buildup, whether the user is compliant with the required oiling regimine. In embodiments of the invention, sensors may be used to ensure that the user is properly oiling by, for example, measuring the amount and regularity of oiling. In embodiments of the invention, sensors on the eartip may be used to guide and/or detect proper medial ear canal assembly insertion. In embodiments of the invention, pressure sensors and/or fluid sensors may be positioned on a medial ear canal assembly, including on the umbo pad 136 or sulcus platform to assist in the preceding tasks.
[0056] In embodiments of the invention, strain gauges may be included in the medial ear canal assembly 100 to provide feedback on the proper placement of medial ear canal assembly 100. For example, post 134 may include strain gauges which indicate when displacement starts and/or the degree of displacement by registering the lateral force on umbo pad 136. Further, the placement of one or more strain gages on retention structure 110 may
provide an indication that the medial ear canal assembly 100 has lifted off of the tympanic membrane TM. In embodiments of the invention, medial ear canal assembly 100 may include features which interact with physical features of the wearer to maintain medial ear canal assembly 100 in a predetermined position in the ear canal EC, such as, for example against the tympanic membrane TM. In embodiments of the invention, such physical features may create strain on the medial ear canal assembly 100, which strain may be measured by strain gauges positioned on medial ear canal assembly 100 to ensure proper placement of medial ear canal assembly 100.
[0057] In embodiments of the invention, a feedback signal representative of the average power received by photodetector 150 may be provided, which signal may be used to quantify the coupling efficiency between photodetector 150 and signal source 320. In embodiments of the invention, the power level of signal source 320 may be adjusted to reflect the degree of coupling and the coupling efficiency indicated by the feedback signal. In embodiments of the invention, the position of lateral ear canal assembly 12 and/or medial ear canal assembly 100 may be modified to increase or decrease the level of the feedback signal, thus improving the coupling efficiency between the lateral ear canal assembly 12 and the medial ear canal assembly 100.
[0058] In embodiments of the invention, noise cancelation may be implemented by, for example, incorporating a microphone onto the back of photodetector 150. Sound signals received by the microphone could be converted into drive signals which move the tympanic membrane in opposition to the received signals such that the received signals are not perceived by the user. Such noise cancelation may be implemented such that the microphone is turned on only when the output from the photodetector exceeds a predetermined voltage, such as, for example, approximately 300 millivolts. Alternatively, or in combination, the microphone may be turned on when the photodetector output voltage exceeds approximately 1 volt. In one embodiment of the invention, the sound signals may be measured by measuring the back EMF of transducer 130 and generating a signal to the transducer which causes the transducer to vibrate the tympanic membrane in a way which cancels the movement which generated the measured back EMF.
[0059] In embodiments of the present invention, sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure bodily fluids, such as sweat, interstitial fluid, blood and/or cerumen (ear wax). Sensors suitable for making these measurements include electrochemical sensors, micro-needles and capacitive sensors.
[0060] In embodiments of the present invention, sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure sweat for the purpose of, for example, measuring hydration levels, electrolyte balance, lactate threshold, glucose levels, calories burned, respiration rate, drug levels, metabolites, small molecules (e.g. amino acids, DHEA, Cortisol, pH levels and various proteins. Sensors suitable for making these measurements include electrochemical sensors, micro-needles and capacitive sensors.
[0061] In embodiments of the present invention, sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure the temperature, including the core body temperature of a user. Sensors suitable for making these measurements include thermometers, thermocouples, and optical temperature sensors.
[0062] In embodiments of the present invention, sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor blood pressure, blood flow, heart rate, pulse, and arrhythmia. Sensors suitable for making these
measurements include electrodes, PPG (Photoplethysmography) sensors and pulse oximetry sensors.
[0063] In embodiments of the present invention, sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor the oxygen level in a user's blood. Sensors suitable for making these measurements include optical sensors PPG (Photoplethysmography) sensors, and/or pulse oximetry sensors.
[0064] In embodiments of the present invention, sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor drug delivery and/or medication use by monitoring the drug content in blood or interstitial fluid of a user. Sensors suitable for making these measurements include micro-needles and/or iontophoresis electrodes.
[0065] In embodiments of the present invention, sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor body fat. Sensors suitable for making these measurements include electrodes.
Physical Monitoring
[0066] In embodiments of the present invention, sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to monitor and/or measure sleep, including the duration and/or quality of such sleep. Sensors suitable for making these measurements include accelero meters, microphones and gyroscopes.
[0067] In embodiments of the present invention, sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor snoring and/or sleep
apnea. Sensors suitable for making these measurements include accelero meters, microphones; gyroscopes; head position monitors (3 axis gyroscope); vibration sensor (microphone, TMT microactuator); oxygen sensors; and trigeminal nerve monitors.
[0068] In embodiments of the present invention, sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC and/or on the tympanic membrane may be used to measure and/or monitor the location of a user. Sensors suitable for making these measurements include GPS circuitry.
[0069] In embodiments of the present invention, sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor the movement of a user. Sensors suitable for making these measurements include an accelerometer and/or a pedometer.
[0070] In embodiments of the present invention, sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor calorie intake. Sensors suitable for making these measurements include microphones and piezoelectric sensors.
[0071] In embodiments of the present invention, sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor posture, head position and/or body position. Sensors suitable for making these measurements include gyroscopes, accelerometers (including 3-axis accelerometers) and MEMS sensors (including 3 axis MEMS sensors).
[0072] In embodiments of the present invention, sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor seizure disorders, including epilepsy, by making electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements. Sensors suitable for making these measurements include electrodes and/or electroencephalograph.
[0073] In embodiments of the present invention, sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor electrical activities of the heart by making an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG). Sensors suitable for making these measurements may include electrodes and/or electrocardiographs.
[0074] In embodiments of the present invention, sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles by making an electromyogram using Electromyography (EMG). Sensors suitable for making these measurements may include electrodes and/or electro myographs .
[0075] In embodiments of the present invention, sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor the glucose in a user's blood and/or interstitial fluid. Sensors suitable for making these measurements include glucose meters, electrochemical sensors, microneedles, and/or iontophoresis electrodes.
[0076] In embodiments of the present invention, sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor neurological function. Sensors suitable for making these measurements may include sensors for measuring the walking gait of a user.
[0077] In embodiments of the present invention, sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to measure and/or monitor the position and/or orientation of a user's eye.
[0078] Many other physical characteristics may be measured by sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC, including: multi-axis acceleration; multi-axis angle; skin capacitance; infrared absorption, (e.g. pulse ox), chemical reactions; and strains.
[0079] In embodiments of the present invention, devices on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to deliver medication to a user. Devices suitable for making these delivers may include drug reservoirs, patches, microneedles, polymers designed to elute over time and/or drug eluting materials.
[0080] In embodiments of the invention, drugs may be delivered through, for example, iontophoresis, direct skin contact, needles, drugs in the platform, drug infused silicon or other structural materials or holes or pores in the tympanic membrane structure to hold drugs prior to dispensing or weep over time.
[0081] In embodiments of the present invention, devices on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to stimulate serotonin production in a user by, for example, shining light in the ear canal EC for predetermined periods of time.
Alternatively, such devices may be adapted to increase the production of vitamin D.
[0082] In embodiments of the present invention, devices, including sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to recognize the speech of a user. Devices suitable for making these delivers may include microphones and speech recognition / signal processing chips and software.
[0083] In embodiments of the present invention, sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 or positioned in the ear canal EC may be used to control the function of hearing system 10. The function of hearing system 10 may be controlled by, for example, sensing control
instructions from the user, including, verbal instructions and/or instructions conveyed by finger snapping, bone conduction and/or bringing a hand or finger into proximity with the sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100. Sensors suitable for such control functions may include touch sensors, bone conduction sensors and proximity sensors.
[0084] In embodiments of the present invention, the power required to operate sensors, drug delivery, and/or other devices located on medial ear canal assembly 100 may be supplied by one or more of the following: AC or DC current from photodetector 150; AC or DC current from an RF antenna located on or connected to medial ear canal assembly 100; Energy from a battery, micro-battery and/or super capacitor on or connected to medial ear canal assembly 100. In further embodiments of the present invention, circuitry on medial canal assembly 100 may be obtained by, for example: harvesting power from the motion of the user, including the dynamic motion of the wall of an outer ear, using, for example, a spring located on or connected to medial ear canal assembly 100; harvesting power from the motion of the tympanic membrane, including harvesting sound energy which vibrates the tympanic membrane; harvesting power from the motion of the tympanic membrane, including harvesting sound energy below approximately 100 Hz; harvesting power from the action of muscles in or near the ear canal, such as, for example muscles used in chewing food; harvesting power from the temporomandibular joint; using the movement of the eardrum (such as, for example, driven by music) to act as a pump. In embodiments of the invention circuitry on medial ear canal assembly 100 may be powered by, for example, the use of light based earplugs which transmits energy to medial ear canal assembly 100 to power the assembly when lateral ear canal assembly 12 is not being used. In embodiments of the invention, such light based earplugs may be used to recharge batteries or super capacitors located on or connected to medial ear canal assembly 100. In embodiments of the invention circuitry on medial ear canal assembly 100 may be powered by, for example, a wand which radiates, for example, RF energy to an antenna located on or connected to medial ear canal assembly 100 to power sensors on medial ear canal assembly 100 and/or in the ear canal EC for the purpose of making measurements.
[0085] In embodiments of the present invention, sensors located on medial ear canal assembly 100 may communicate data to any one of a number of devices, including lateral ear canal assembly 12, a smartphone, a smart watch, a cellular network, a ZigBee network, a Wi- Fi network, a WiGi-G network, and/or a Bluetooth enabled device. In embodiments of the present invention, such information may be transmitted from medial ear canal assembly 100 to lateral ear canal assembly 12 and from lateral ear canal assembly 12 to a smartphone, a
smart watch, a cellular network, a ZigBee network, and/or a Bluetooth enabled device. In embodiments of the invention, such sensors a part of a closed loop communication network. In embodiments of the invention, communication to medial ear canal assembly 100 may be facilitated by the positioning of an antenna on or connected to medial ear canal assembly 100. In embodiments of the invention, such antennas may be printed on or formed as part of a chassis of medial ear canal assembly 100. In embodiments of the present invention, communication of data may be facilitated by the inclusion of transmitter 210 on medial ear canal assembly 100.
[0086] In embodiments of the invention, removable portions of hearing system 10 may sense emergency situations, such as fire alarms, and communicate with the user wearing medial ear canal assembly 100 using an antenna located on or connected to medial ear canal assembly 100 to warn the user of danger.
[0087] In embodiments of the invention, data collected from sensors located on medial ear canal assembly 100 or in the ear canal EC of a user may be communicated to the user's physician and/or family. In embodiments of the invention, data collected from sensors located on medial ear canal assembly 100 or in the ear canal EC of a user may be used to generate data or reports which may be communicated to the user's physician and/or family. In embodiments of the present invention, information, data or reports which may be communicated to the user, the user's physician and/or family may include information on the user's environment, including time of day, activity, surrounding sounds. In embodiments of the present invention, information, data or reports which may be communicated to the user, the user's family physician, and/or family may include information on bio metric date related to the user, including blood pressure, heart rate, glucose levels, and other biometric data. In embodiments of the present invention, information, data or reports which may be
communicated to the user, the user's family physician and/or family may include information on specific events related to the user or the user's physical condition, including, falls, blood pressure spikes, heart attacks, temperature spikes, impending or actual seizures, changes in specific biomarkers, or other metrics. In embodiments of the present invention, information, data or reports which may be communicated to the user, the user's family physician and/or family may include algorithm results transmitted when trends or parameters in the user's biometric data become concerning. In embodiments of the present invention, information, including warnings may be communicated to the user may include, sleep apnea warnings, drowsiness warnings (e.g. when driving), warnings of impending seizures, migraine headaches warnings, and/or cluster headache warnings.
[0088] In embodiments of the invention, medial ear canal assembly 100 may be used to communicate with the user to, for example, remind the user when to drink or when the user's sugar levels are spiking or dropping.
[0089] In embodiments of the present invention, data or other information may be transmitted by a user to the hearing system 10 of a second user. In embodiments of the invention, a user may transmit data or other information to a network of hearing systems 10.
[0090] In embodiments of the present invention, data collected by sensors positioned on medial ear canal assembly 100 or in the ear canal of a user may be collected and analyzed, by, for example, an Application on the user's smart phone. Such data may be used for many purposes, including predicating changes in the user's health and generating event alarms. Event alarms generated from the collected data might include alarms related to epilepsy seizures, migraines, cluster headaches, or predetermined changes in key biometric data or trends. Such data may be further processed to allow the user to, for example, view the data which is most important to the user, perform trend analysis on the data, correlate specific data with activities or environment, provide a dashboard of data or chart specific data. Data may also be stored for review at future doctor's appointments. Data trends may also be stored and analyzed over time.
[0091] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a hearing system comprising a medial ear canal assembly including a transducer configured to be positioned on the tympanic membrane of a user; a lateral ear canal assembly including a signal source configured to be positioned in the ear canal of a user; and sensors connected to the medial ear canal assembly, the sensors being connected to a transmitter. In embodiments of the invention, the sensors may include sensors adapted to detect biometric data. In embodiments of the invention, the sensors may include sensors adapted to detect one or more physical characteristics of the user. In embodiments of the invention, at least one of the sensors may comprise a microphone. In embodiments of the invention, the microphone may comprise a micro- actuator. In embodiments of the invention, sound received by the micro-actuator is configured to be converted to a back EMF signal. In embodiments of the invention, the hearing system may include a data processor which is configured to convert the back EMF to a signal representative of the sound received by the micro-actuator. In embodiments of the invention the hearing system may be configured to transmit the signal representative of the sound received by the microactuator to a receiver external to the hearing system. In embodiments of the invention, the receiver comprises a smart phone, a wireless network, or a peripheral device. In embodiments of the invention, at least one of the sensors comprises a
skin contacting sensor or a no n- skin contacting sensor. In embodiments of the invention, at least one of the sensors comprises an umbo sensor, an eartip sensor, or a tethered sensor.
[0092] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of sensing physical characteristics of a hearing system user, the hearing system comprising a medial ear canal assembly positioned on or near the tympanic membrane, the medial ear canal assembly comprising transducer sensors and a transmitter, the method comprising the steps of: using the sensors to measure biometric data of the user; and transmitting the measured biometric data using the transmitter. In embodiments of the invention the method further comprising using the sensors to measure one or more physical characteristics of the user. In
embodiments of the invention at least one of the sensors comprises a microphone the method further comprising the steps of measuring sound in the user's ear canal. In embodiments of the invention the microphone comprises a micro-actuator, the method further comprising measuring the back EMF signal. In embodiments of the invention the hearing system includes a data processor, the method further including the step of converting the back EMF signal to an electrical signal and transmitting the electrical signal to the data signal processor. In embodiments of the invention the back EMF signal includes a first signal portion representative of the signal received from the hearing system and a second signal
representative of at least one physical characteristic of the user, the method further including the step of separating the first signal from the second signal. In embodiments of the invention the method further includes the step of transmitting the signal to a receiver external to the hearing system. In embodiments of the invention the receiver comprises a smart phone. In embodiments of the invention at least one of the sensors comprises a skin contacting sensor or a no n- skin contacting sensor. In embodiments of the invention at least one of the sensors comprises an umbo sensor, an eartip sensor, or a tethered sensor. In embodiments of the invention the output transducer is used as a sensor. In embodiments of the invention the sensor is used as a microphone to measure received sound at the tympanic membrane. In embodiments of the invention the signal from the microphone is coupled to the transmitter.
[0093] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an ear canal platform comprising: a medial ear canal assembly positioned on or over the tympanic membrane of a user; and sensors connected to the signal output transducer, the sensors being connected to a transmitter. In embodiments of the invention the sensors include sensors adapted to detect biometric data. In embodiments of the invention the sensors include sensors adapted to detect one or more physical characteristics of the user. In embodiments of the invention at
least one of the sensors comprises a microphone. In embodiments of the invention the microphone comprises a micro-actuator. In embodiments of the invention sound received by the micro-actuator is configured to be converted to a voltage representative of the back EMF generated in the microactuator by the sound received by the microactuator. In embodiments of the invention the hearing system includes a data processor which is configured to convert the voltage to a signal representative of the sound received by the micro-actuator. In embodiments of the invention the signal is configured to be transmitted by the hearing system to a receiver external to the hearing system. In embodiments of the invention the receiver comprises a smart phone, a wireless network, or a peripheral device. In embodiments of the invention at least one of the sensors comprises a skin contacting sensor or a non-skin contacting sensor. In embodiments of the invention at least one of the sensors comprises an umbo sensor, an eartip sensor, or a tethered sensor.
[0094] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of sensing physical characteristics of a user having a medial ear canal assembly positioned on or near the tympanic membrane, the medial ear canal assembly comprising sensors and a transmitter, the method comprising the steps of: using the sensors to measure biometric data of the user; and transmitting the measured biometric data using the transmitter. In embodiments of the invention the method further comprising using the sensors to measure one or more physical characteristics of the user. In embodiments of the invention at least one of the sensors comprises a microphone the method further comprising the steps of measuring sound in the user's ear canal. In embodiments of the invention the microphone comprises a microactuator, the method further comprising measuring and transmitting the output of the microphone. In embodiments of the invention the hearing system includes a data processor, the method further including the step of sending the transmitted signal to the data processor, the transmitted signal includes a first signal portion representative of the signal received from the hearing system and a second signal representative of a physical characteristic of the user, the method further including the step of separating the first signal from the second signal. In embodiments of the invention the method further includes the step of transmitting the signal to a receiver external to the hearing system. In embodiments of the invention the receiver comprises a smart phone. In embodiments of the invention at least one of the sensors comprises a skin contacting sensor or a non-skin contacting sensor. In embodiments of the invention at least one of the sensors comprises an umbo sensor, an eartip sensor, or a tethered sensor. In embodiments of the invention the output transducer is used as a sensor. In embodiments of the invention the sensor is used as a microphone to measure received sound
at the tympanic membrane. In embodiments of the invention the signal from the microphone is coupled to the transmitter.
[0095] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an ear canal platform comprising: a medial ear canal assembly positioned on the tympanic membrane of a user; a drug delivery device mounted on the ear canal assembly. In embodiments of the invention an ear canal assembly further includes sensors connected to the ear canal assembly, the sensors being connected to a transmitter. In embodiments of the invention the sensors include sensors adapted to detect biometric data. In embodiments of the invention the sensors include sensors adapted to detect one or more physical characteristics of the user. In embodiments of the invention at least one of the sensors is a microphone. In embodiments of the invention the microphone is a micro-actuator. In embodiments of the invention sound received by the micro-actuator is converted to a transmitted signal. In embodiments of the invention the hearing system includes a data processor which converts the transmitted signal to a signal representative of the sound received by the micro-actuator. In embodiments of the invention the signal is transmitted by the hearing system to a receiver external to the hearing system. In embodiments of the invention the receiver is a smart phone, a wireless network, or a peripheral device. In embodiments of the invention at least one of the sensors comprises a skin contacting sensor, or a no n- skin contacting sensor. In embodiments of the invention at least one of the sensors comprises an umbo sensor, an eartip sensor, or a tethered sensor.
[0096] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of delivering drugs to a user having a medial ear canal assembly positioned on or near the user's tympanic membrane, the medial ear canal assembly comprising a drug delivery device, the method comprising the steps of: delivering drugs to the user through the drug delivery device. In embodiments of the invention the medial ear canal assembly further includes sensors and a transmitter, the method comprising the steps of: using the sensors to measure biometric data of the user; and transmitting the measured biometric data using the transmitter. In embodiments of the invention the method further includes the step of activating the drug delivery device using the biometric data measured by the sensors. In embodiments of the invention the method further comprises using the sensors to measure one or more physical characteristics of the user. In embodiments of the invention the method further comprises the step of activating the drug delivery device using the measured physical characteristics of the user. In embodiments of the invention, the step of activating drug delivery includes activating drug delivery when needed and/or at predetermined times or over predetermined time periods. In embodiments of the invention at least one of the sensors comprises a skin
contacting sensor or a no n- skin contacting sensor. In embodiments of the invention at least one of the sensors comprises an umbo sensor, an eartip sensor, or a tethered sensor. In embodiments of the invention, the system may comprise a reservoir and mechanisms for drug delivery.
[0097] While the preferred embodiments of the devices and methods have been described in reference to the environment in which they were developed, they are merely illustrative of the principles of the present inventive concepts. Modification or combinations of the above- described assemblies, other embodiments, configurations, and methods for carrying out the invention, and variations of aspects of the invention that are obvious to those of skill in the art are intended to be within the scope of the claims. In addition, where this application has listed the steps of a method or procedure in a specific order, it may be possible, or even expedient in certain circumstances, to change the order in which some steps are performed, and it is intended that the particular steps of the method or procedure claim set forth hereinbelow not be construed as being order- specific unless such order specificity is expressly stated in the claim.
Claims
1. An ear canal platform comprising: a medial ear canal assembly positioned on the tympanic membrane of a user; a drug delivery device mounted on the ear canal assembly.
2. An ear canal platform according to Claim 1 further including sensors connected to the ear canal assembly, the sensors being connected to a transmitter.
3. An ear canal platform according to Claim 2, wherein the sensors include sensors adapted to detect biometric data.
4. An ear canal platform according to Claim 3, wherein the sensors include sensors adapted to detect one or more physical characteristics of the user.
5. An ear canal platform according to Claim 2, wherein at least one of the sensors is a microphone.
6. An ear canal platform according to Claim 5, wherein the microphone is a micro- actuator.
7. An ear canal platform according to Claim 6, wherein sound received by the micro- actuator is converted to a transmitted signal.
8. An ear canal platform according to Claim 7, wherein the hearing system includes a data processor which converts the transmitted signal to a signal representative of the sound received by the micro-actuator.
9. An ear canal platform according to Claim 8, wherein the signal is transmitted by the hearing system to a receiver external to the hearing system.
10. An ear canal platform according to Claim 9, wherein the receiver is a smart phone, a wireless network, or a peripheral device.
11. An ear canal platform according to Claim 2, wherein at least one of the sensors comprises a skin contacting sensor, or a non-skin contacting sensor.
12. An ear canal platform according to Claim 2, wherein at least one of the sensors comprises an umbo sensor, an eartip sensor, or a tethered sensor.
13. A method of delivering drugs to a user having a medial ear canal assembly positioned on or near the user's tympanic membrane, the medial ear canal assembly comprising a drug delivery device, the method comprising the steps of: delivering drugs to the user through the drug delivery device.
14. A method according to Claim 13, wherein the medial ear canal assembly further includes sensors and a transmitter, the method comprising the steps of: using the sensors to measure biometric data of the user; and transmitting the measured biometric data using the transmitter.
15. A method according to Claim 14 further including the step of activating the drug delivery device using the biometric data measured by the sensors.
16. A method according to Claim 14, the method further comprising using the sensors to measure one or more physical characteristics of the user.
17. A method according to Claim 15 further comprising the step of activating the drug delivery device using the measured physical characteristics of the user.
18. A method according to Claim 14, wherein at least one of the sensors comprises a skin contacting sensor or a no n- skin contacting sensor.
19. A method according to Claim 14, wherein at least one of the sensors comprises an umbo sensor, an eartip sensor, or a tethered sensor.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DK16852706.7T DK3355801T3 (en) | 2015-10-02 | 2016-09-30 | Adapted ear canal device for drug delivery |
EP16852706.7A EP3355801B1 (en) | 2015-10-02 | 2016-09-30 | Drug delivery customized ear canal apparatus |
EP21164575.9A EP3888564A1 (en) | 2015-10-02 | 2016-09-30 | Drug delivery customized ear canal apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201562236295P | 2015-10-02 | 2015-10-02 | |
US62/236,295 | 2015-10-02 | ||
US201662395667P | 2016-09-16 | 2016-09-16 | |
US62/395,667 | 2016-09-16 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2017059240A1 true WO2017059240A1 (en) | 2017-04-06 |
Family
ID=58424313
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2016/054757 WO2017059240A1 (en) | 2015-10-02 | 2016-09-30 | Drug delivery customized ear canal apparatus |
PCT/US2016/054714 WO2017059218A1 (en) | 2015-10-02 | 2016-09-30 | Wearable customized ear canal apparatus |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2016/054714 WO2017059218A1 (en) | 2015-10-02 | 2016-09-30 | Wearable customized ear canal apparatus |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (5) | US20170095202A1 (en) |
EP (2) | EP3355801B1 (en) |
DK (1) | DK3355801T3 (en) |
WO (2) | WO2017059240A1 (en) |
Cited By (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10178483B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2019-01-08 | Earlens Corporation | Light based hearing systems, apparatus, and methods |
US10237663B2 (en) | 2008-09-22 | 2019-03-19 | Earlens Corporation | Devices and methods for hearing |
US10284964B2 (en) | 2010-12-20 | 2019-05-07 | Earlens Corporation | Anatomically customized ear canal hearing apparatus |
US10292601B2 (en) | 2015-10-02 | 2019-05-21 | Earlens Corporation | Wearable customized ear canal apparatus |
US10492010B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2019-11-26 | Earlens Corporations | Damping in contact hearing systems |
US10516950B2 (en) | 2007-10-12 | 2019-12-24 | Earlens Corporation | Multifunction system and method for integrated hearing and communication with noise cancellation and feedback management |
US10516949B2 (en) | 2008-06-17 | 2019-12-24 | Earlens Corporation | Optical electro-mechanical hearing devices with separate power and signal components |
US10516951B2 (en) | 2014-11-26 | 2019-12-24 | Earlens Corporation | Adjustable venting for hearing instruments |
US10531206B2 (en) | 2014-07-14 | 2020-01-07 | Earlens Corporation | Sliding bias and peak limiting for optical hearing devices |
GB2585364A (en) * | 2019-06-14 | 2021-01-13 | Roy Gompertz Nicholas | Method for a device to be worn within or near the ear, to monitor health, physiology and status of the ear and the wearer, and to provide authentication |
US11102594B2 (en) | 2016-09-09 | 2021-08-24 | Earlens Corporation | Contact hearing systems, apparatus and methods |
US11166114B2 (en) | 2016-11-15 | 2021-11-02 | Earlens Corporation | Impression procedure |
US11212626B2 (en) | 2018-04-09 | 2021-12-28 | Earlens Corporation | Dynamic filter |
US11317224B2 (en) | 2014-03-18 | 2022-04-26 | Earlens Corporation | High fidelity and reduced feedback contact hearing apparatus and methods |
US11343617B2 (en) | 2018-07-31 | 2022-05-24 | Earlens Corporation | Modulation in a contact hearing system |
US11350226B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2022-05-31 | Earlens Corporation | Charging protocol for rechargeable hearing systems |
US11516603B2 (en) | 2018-03-07 | 2022-11-29 | Earlens Corporation | Contact hearing device and retention structure materials |
Families Citing this family (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7668325B2 (en) | 2005-05-03 | 2010-02-23 | Earlens Corporation | Hearing system having an open chamber for housing components and reducing the occlusion effect |
US10536768B2 (en) | 2014-08-06 | 2020-01-14 | Valencell, Inc. | Optical physiological sensor modules with reduced signal noise |
US11490858B2 (en) * | 2016-08-31 | 2022-11-08 | Bragi GmbH | Disposable sensor array wearable device sleeve system and method |
US20210298619A1 (en) * | 2018-05-31 | 2021-09-30 | Valencell, Inc. | Biometric sensor head assembly |
EP3672272A1 (en) | 2018-12-17 | 2020-06-24 | GN Hearing A/S | Earpiece for a hearing device |
WO2020198334A1 (en) | 2019-03-27 | 2020-10-01 | Earlens Corporation | Direct print chassis and platform for contact hearing system |
US11523229B2 (en) * | 2019-04-09 | 2022-12-06 | Gn Hearing A/S | Hearing devices with eye movement detection |
WO2021087121A1 (en) * | 2019-11-01 | 2021-05-06 | Starkey Laboratories, Inc. | Ear-based biometric identification |
WO2021173520A1 (en) * | 2020-02-28 | 2021-09-02 | Earlens Corporation | Wearable system for the ear |
WO2021188360A1 (en) * | 2020-03-16 | 2021-09-23 | Starkey Laboratories, Inc. | Posture detection using hearing instruments |
US11523202B2 (en) * | 2020-07-07 | 2022-12-06 | Sonova Ag | Hearing devices including biometric sensors and associated methods |
WO2022026725A1 (en) * | 2020-07-31 | 2022-02-03 | Starkey Laboratories, Inc. | Hypoxic or anoxic neurological injury detection with ear-wearable devices and system |
WO2022056247A1 (en) * | 2020-09-11 | 2022-03-17 | Pre Health Technology, Inc. | Long-term continuous biometric monitoring using in-ear pod |
CN114831641A (en) * | 2021-02-02 | 2022-08-02 | 武汉联影智融医疗科技有限公司 | Human body signal acquisition device |
WO2023014342A1 (en) * | 2021-08-02 | 2023-02-09 | Restorear Devices, Llc | Methods and devices for applying hypothermic therapy to a human auditory system |
EP4401622A1 (en) | 2021-09-14 | 2024-07-24 | Applied Cognition, Inc. | Non-invasive assessment of glymphatic flow and neurodegeneration from a wearable device |
US12004874B2 (en) | 2022-10-24 | 2024-06-11 | Applied Cognition, Inc. | Wearable device and method for non-invasive assessment of glymphatic flow |
CN115715667A (en) * | 2022-11-14 | 2023-02-28 | 北京信息科技大学 | Device and method for ear drum imaging |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2014254A (en) | 1935-01-26 | 1935-09-10 | Cooper Tea Packet Company | Fastener and combination thereof with strings and tags of tea-bags or the like |
US20100202645A1 (en) * | 2005-05-03 | 2010-08-12 | Earlens Corporation | Hearing system having improved high frequency response |
US8197461B1 (en) * | 1998-12-04 | 2012-06-12 | Durect Corporation | Controlled release system for delivering therapeutic agents into the inner ear |
US20130343584A1 (en) * | 2012-06-20 | 2013-12-26 | Broadcom Corporation | Hearing assist device with external operational support |
US20140379874A1 (en) * | 2012-12-03 | 2014-12-25 | Mylan, Inc. | Medication delivery system and method |
Family Cites Families (600)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2763334A (en) | 1952-08-07 | 1956-09-18 | Charles H Starkey | Ear mold for hearing aids |
US3209082A (en) | 1957-05-27 | 1965-09-28 | Beltone Electronics Corp | Hearing aid |
US3229049A (en) | 1960-08-04 | 1966-01-11 | Goldberg Hyman | Hearing aid |
US3440314A (en) | 1966-09-30 | 1969-04-22 | Dow Corning | Method of making custom-fitted earplugs for hearing aids |
US3449768A (en) | 1966-12-27 | 1969-06-17 | James H Doyle | Artificial sense organ |
US3549818A (en) | 1967-08-15 | 1970-12-22 | Message Systems Inc | Transmitting antenna for audio induction communication system |
US3526949A (en) | 1967-10-09 | 1970-09-08 | Ibm | Fly's eye molding technique |
US3585416A (en) | 1969-10-07 | 1971-06-15 | Howard G Mellen | Photopiezoelectric transducer |
US3594514A (en) | 1970-01-02 | 1971-07-20 | Medtronic Inc | Hearing aid with piezoelectric ceramic element |
US3710399A (en) | 1970-06-23 | 1973-01-16 | H Hurst | Ossicle replacement prosthesis |
DE2044870C3 (en) | 1970-09-10 | 1978-12-21 | Dietrich Prof. Dr.Med. 7400 Tuebingen Plester | Hearing aid arrangement for the inductive transmission of acoustic signals |
US3712962A (en) | 1971-04-05 | 1973-01-23 | J Epley | Implantable piezoelectric hearing aid |
US3764748A (en) | 1972-05-19 | 1973-10-09 | J Branch | Implanted hearing aids |
US3808179A (en) | 1972-06-16 | 1974-04-30 | Polycon Laboratories | Oxygen-permeable contact lens composition,methods and article of manufacture |
GB1440724A (en) | 1972-07-18 | 1976-06-23 | Fredrickson J M | Implantable electromagnetic hearing aid |
US3882285A (en) | 1973-10-09 | 1975-05-06 | Vicon Instr Company | Implantable hearing aid and method of improving hearing |
US4075042A (en) | 1973-11-16 | 1978-02-21 | Raytheon Company | Samarium-cobalt magnet with grain growth inhibited SmCo5 crystals |
GB1489432A (en) | 1973-12-03 | 1977-10-19 | Commw Scient Ind Res Org | Communication or signalling system |
US3965430A (en) | 1973-12-26 | 1976-06-22 | Burroughs Corporation | Electronic peak sensing digitizer for optical tachometers |
US3985977A (en) | 1975-04-21 | 1976-10-12 | Motorola, Inc. | Receiver system for receiving audio electrical signals |
US4002897A (en) | 1975-09-12 | 1977-01-11 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Opto-acoustic telephone receiver |
US4031318A (en) | 1975-11-21 | 1977-06-21 | Innovative Electronics, Inc. | High fidelity loudspeaker system |
US4338929A (en) | 1976-03-18 | 1982-07-13 | Gullfiber Ab | Ear-plug |
US4120570A (en) | 1976-06-22 | 1978-10-17 | Syntex (U.S.A.) Inc. | Method for correcting visual defects, compositions and articles of manufacture useful therein |
US4098277A (en) | 1977-01-28 | 1978-07-04 | Sherwin Mendell | Fitted, integrally molded device for stimulating auricular acupuncture points and method of making the device |
FR2383657A1 (en) | 1977-03-16 | 1978-10-13 | Bertin & Cie | EQUIPMENT FOR HEARING AID |
US4109116A (en) | 1977-07-19 | 1978-08-22 | Victoreen John A | Hearing aid receiver with plural transducers |
GB2047894B (en) | 1978-03-09 | 1982-11-03 | Nat Res Dev | Speckle interferometric measurement of small oscillatory movements |
US4252440A (en) | 1978-12-15 | 1981-02-24 | Nasa | Photomechanical transducer |
US4248899A (en) | 1979-02-26 | 1981-02-03 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of Agriculture | Protected feeds for ruminants |
JPS5850078B2 (en) | 1979-05-04 | 1983-11-08 | 株式会社 弦エンジニアリング | Vibration pickup type ear microphone transmitting device and transmitting/receiving device |
IT1117418B (en) | 1979-08-01 | 1986-02-17 | Marcon Srl | IMPROVEMENT IN SOUND RE-PRODUCTION CAPSULES FOR HEARING AIDS |
US4303772A (en) | 1979-09-04 | 1981-12-01 | George F. Tsuetaki | Oxygen permeable hard and semi-hard contact lens compositions methods and articles of manufacture |
US4357497A (en) | 1979-09-24 | 1982-11-02 | Hochmair Ingeborg | System for enhancing auditory stimulation and the like |
US4281419A (en) | 1979-12-10 | 1981-08-04 | Richards Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Middle ear ossicular replacement prosthesis having a movable joint |
DE3008677C2 (en) | 1980-03-06 | 1983-08-25 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | Hearing prosthesis for electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve |
US4319359A (en) | 1980-04-10 | 1982-03-09 | Rca Corporation | Radio transmitter energy recovery system |
US4375016A (en) | 1980-04-28 | 1983-02-22 | Qualitone Hearing Aids Inc. | Vented ear tip for hearing aid and adapter coupler therefore |
GB2085694B (en) | 1980-10-02 | 1984-02-01 | Standard Telephones Cables Ltd | Balanced armature transducers |
US4334321A (en) | 1981-01-19 | 1982-06-08 | Seymour Edelman | Opto-acoustic transducer and telephone receiver |
US4556122A (en) | 1981-08-31 | 1985-12-03 | Innovative Hearing Corporation | Ear acoustical hearing aid |
US4588867A (en) | 1982-04-27 | 1986-05-13 | Masao Konomi | Ear microphone |
JPS5919918A (en) | 1982-07-27 | 1984-02-01 | Hoya Corp | Oxygen permeable hard contact lens |
DE3243850A1 (en) | 1982-11-26 | 1984-05-30 | Manfred 6231 Sulzbach Koch | Induction coil for hearing aids for those with impaired hearing, for the reception of low-frequency electrical signals |
US4592087B1 (en) | 1983-12-08 | 1996-08-13 | Knowles Electronics Inc | Class D hearing aid amplifier |
US4689819B1 (en) | 1983-12-08 | 1996-08-13 | Knowles Electronics Inc | Class D hearing aid amplifier |
JPS60154800A (en) | 1984-01-24 | 1985-08-14 | Eastern Electric Kk | Hearing aid |
US4628907A (en) | 1984-03-22 | 1986-12-16 | Epley John M | Direct contact hearing aid apparatus |
US4756312A (en) | 1984-03-22 | 1988-07-12 | Advanced Hearing Technology, Inc. | Magnetic attachment device for insertion and removal of hearing aid |
US4641377A (en) | 1984-04-06 | 1987-02-03 | Institute Of Gas Technology | Photoacoustic speaker and method |
US4524294A (en) | 1984-05-07 | 1985-06-18 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Ferroelectric photomechanical actuators |
DE3420244A1 (en) | 1984-05-30 | 1985-12-05 | Hortmann GmbH, 7449 Neckartenzlingen | MULTI-FREQUENCY TRANSMISSION SYSTEM FOR IMPLANTED HEARING PROSTHESES |
DE3431584A1 (en) | 1984-08-28 | 1986-03-13 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | HOERHILFEGERAET |
GB2166022A (en) | 1984-09-05 | 1986-04-23 | Sawafuji Dynameca Co Ltd | Piezoelectric vibrator |
CA1246680A (en) | 1984-10-22 | 1988-12-13 | James M. Harrison | Power transfer for implanted prosthesis |
US4729366A (en) | 1984-12-04 | 1988-03-08 | Medical Devices Group, Inc. | Implantable hearing aid and method of improving hearing |
US4652414A (en) | 1985-02-12 | 1987-03-24 | Innovative Hearing Corporation | Process for manufacturing an ear fitted acoustical hearing aid |
US4963963A (en) | 1985-02-26 | 1990-10-16 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force | Infrared scanner using dynamic range conserving video processing |
DE3506721A1 (en) | 1985-02-26 | 1986-08-28 | Hortmann GmbH, 7449 Neckartenzlingen | TRANSMISSION SYSTEM FOR IMPLANTED HEALTH PROSTHESES |
DE3508830A1 (en) | 1985-03-13 | 1986-09-18 | Robert Bosch Gmbh, 7000 Stuttgart | Hearing aid |
US4606329A (en) | 1985-05-22 | 1986-08-19 | Xomed, Inc. | Implantable electromagnetic middle-ear bone-conduction hearing aid device |
US4776322A (en) | 1985-05-22 | 1988-10-11 | Xomed, Inc. | Implantable electromagnetic middle-ear bone-conduction hearing aid device |
US5015225A (en) | 1985-05-22 | 1991-05-14 | Xomed, Inc. | Implantable electromagnetic middle-ear bone-conduction hearing aid device |
US5699809A (en) | 1985-11-17 | 1997-12-23 | Mdi Instruments, Inc. | Device and process for generating and measuring the shape of an acoustic reflectance curve of an ear |
JPS62170263A (en) | 1986-01-23 | 1987-07-27 | 森 敬 | Remedy irradiation beam inserter |
US4948855A (en) | 1986-02-06 | 1990-08-14 | Progressive Chemical Research, Ltd. | Comfortable, oxygen permeable contact lenses and the manufacture thereof |
US4800884A (en) | 1986-03-07 | 1989-01-31 | Richards Medical Company | Magnetic induction hearing aid |
US4840178A (en) | 1986-03-07 | 1989-06-20 | Richards Metal Company | Magnet for installation in the middle ear |
US4817607A (en) | 1986-03-07 | 1989-04-04 | Richards Medical Company | Magnetic ossicular replacement prosthesis |
US4759070A (en) | 1986-05-27 | 1988-07-19 | Voroba Technologies Associates | Patient controlled master hearing aid |
US4870688A (en) | 1986-05-27 | 1989-09-26 | Barry Voroba | Mass production auditory canal hearing aid |
US4742499A (en) | 1986-06-13 | 1988-05-03 | Image Acoustics, Inc. | Flextensional transducer |
NL8602043A (en) | 1986-08-08 | 1988-03-01 | Forelec N V | METHOD FOR PACKING AN IMPLANT, FOR example AN ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT, PACKAGING AND IMPLANT. |
US5068902A (en) | 1986-11-13 | 1991-11-26 | Epic Corporation | Method and apparatus for reducing acoustical distortion |
US4766607A (en) | 1987-03-30 | 1988-08-23 | Feldman Nathan W | Method of improving the sensitivity of the earphone of an optical telephone and earphone so improved |
JPS63252174A (en) | 1987-04-07 | 1988-10-19 | 森 敬 | Light irradiation remedy apparatus |
US4774933A (en) | 1987-05-18 | 1988-10-04 | Xomed, Inc. | Method and apparatus for implanting hearing device |
EP0296092A3 (en) | 1987-06-19 | 1989-08-16 | George Geladakis | Arrangement for wireless earphones without batteries and electronic circuits, applicable in audio-systems or audio-visual systems of all kinds |
US20030021903A1 (en) | 1987-07-17 | 2003-01-30 | Shlenker Robin Reneethill | Method of forming a membrane, especially a latex or polymer membrane, including multiple discrete layers |
JPS6443252A (en) | 1987-08-06 | 1989-02-15 | Fuoreretsuku Nv | Stimulation system, housing, embedding, data processing circuit, ear pad ear model, electrode and coil |
US4918745A (en) | 1987-10-09 | 1990-04-17 | Storz Instrument Company | Multi-channel cochlear implant system |
US4800982A (en) | 1987-10-14 | 1989-01-31 | Industrial Research Products, Inc. | Cleanable in-the-ear electroacoustic transducer |
DE8816422U1 (en) | 1988-05-06 | 1989-08-10 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | Hearing aid with wireless remote control |
US4944301A (en) | 1988-06-16 | 1990-07-31 | Cochlear Corporation | Method for determining absolute current density through an implanted electrode |
US4936305A (en) | 1988-07-20 | 1990-06-26 | Richards Medical Company | Shielded magnetic assembly for use with a hearing aid |
US5201007A (en) | 1988-09-15 | 1993-04-06 | Epic Corporation | Apparatus and method for conveying amplified sound to ear |
US5031219A (en) | 1988-09-15 | 1991-07-09 | Epic Corporation | Apparatus and method for conveying amplified sound to the ear |
US5015224A (en) | 1988-10-17 | 1991-05-14 | Maniglia Anthony J | Partially implantable hearing aid device |
US4957478A (en) | 1988-10-17 | 1990-09-18 | Maniglia Anthony J | Partially implantable hearing aid device |
US5066091A (en) | 1988-12-22 | 1991-11-19 | Kingston Technologies, Inc. | Amorphous memory polymer alignment device with access means |
US4982434A (en) | 1989-05-30 | 1991-01-01 | Center For Innovative Technology | Supersonic bone conduction hearing aid and method |
DE3940632C1 (en) | 1989-06-02 | 1990-12-06 | Hortmann Gmbh, 7449 Neckartenzlingen, De | Hearing aid directly exciting inner ear - has microphone encapsulated for implantation in tympanic cavity or mastoid region |
US5117461A (en) | 1989-08-10 | 1992-05-26 | Mnc, Inc. | Electroacoustic device for hearing needs including noise cancellation |
US5003608A (en) | 1989-09-22 | 1991-03-26 | Resound Corporation | Apparatus and method for manipulating devices in orifices |
US5061282A (en) | 1989-10-10 | 1991-10-29 | Jacobs Jared J | Cochlear implant auditory prosthesis |
US4999819A (en) | 1990-04-18 | 1991-03-12 | The Pennsylvania Research Corporation | Transformed stress direction acoustic transducer |
US5272757A (en) | 1990-09-12 | 1993-12-21 | Sonics Associates, Inc. | Multi-dimensional reproduction system |
US5094108A (en) | 1990-09-28 | 1992-03-10 | Korea Standards Research Institute | Ultrasonic contact transducer for point-focussing surface waves |
KR100229086B1 (en) | 1990-11-07 | 1999-11-01 | 빈센트 블루비너지 | Contact transducer assembly for hearing devices |
US5259032A (en) | 1990-11-07 | 1993-11-02 | Resound Corporation | contact transducer assembly for hearing devices |
US5298692A (en) | 1990-11-09 | 1994-03-29 | Kabushiki Kaisha Pilot | Earpiece for insertion in an ear canal, and an earphone, microphone, and earphone/microphone combination comprising the same |
AU1189592A (en) | 1991-01-17 | 1992-08-27 | Roger A. Adelman | Improved hearing apparatus |
DE4104358A1 (en) | 1991-02-13 | 1992-08-20 | Implex Gmbh | IMPLANTABLE HOER DEVICE FOR EXCITING THE INNER EAR |
US5167235A (en) | 1991-03-04 | 1992-12-01 | Pat O. Daily Revocable Trust | Fiber optic ear thermometer |
CA2106459A1 (en) | 1991-04-01 | 1992-10-02 | Adnan A. Shennib | Inconspicuous communication method utilizing remote electromagnetic drive |
US5282858A (en) | 1991-06-17 | 1994-02-01 | American Cyanamid Company | Hermetically sealed implantable transducer |
US5142186A (en) | 1991-08-05 | 1992-08-25 | United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force | Single crystal domain driven bender actuator |
US5163957A (en) | 1991-09-10 | 1992-11-17 | Smith & Nephew Richards, Inc. | Ossicular prosthesis for mounting magnet |
US5276910A (en) | 1991-09-13 | 1994-01-04 | Resound Corporation | Energy recovering hearing system |
US5440082A (en) | 1991-09-19 | 1995-08-08 | U.S. Philips Corporation | Method of manufacturing an in-the-ear hearing aid, auxiliary tool for use in the method, and ear mould and hearing aid manufactured in accordance with the method |
US5220612A (en) | 1991-12-20 | 1993-06-15 | Tibbetts Industries, Inc. | Non-occludable transducers for in-the-ear applications |
US5338287A (en) | 1991-12-23 | 1994-08-16 | Miller Gale W | Electromagnetic induction hearing aid device |
EP0563421B1 (en) | 1992-03-31 | 1997-06-04 | Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH | Circuit arrangement with a switch amplifier |
US5296797A (en) | 1992-06-02 | 1994-03-22 | Byrd Electronics Corp. | Pulse modulated battery charging system |
US5402496A (en) | 1992-07-13 | 1995-03-28 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Auditory prosthesis, noise suppression apparatus and feedback suppression apparatus having focused adaptive filtering |
US5360388A (en) | 1992-10-09 | 1994-11-01 | The University Of Virginia Patents Foundation | Round window electromagnetic implantable hearing aid |
US5715321A (en) | 1992-10-29 | 1998-02-03 | Andrea Electronics Coporation | Noise cancellation headset for use with stand or worn on ear |
US5455994A (en) | 1992-11-17 | 1995-10-10 | U.S. Philips Corporation | Method of manufacturing an in-the-ear hearing aid |
US5531787A (en) | 1993-01-25 | 1996-07-02 | Lesinski; S. George | Implantable auditory system with micromachined microsensor and microactuator |
EP0627206B1 (en) | 1993-03-12 | 2002-11-20 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Apparatus for ultrasound medical treatment |
US5440237A (en) | 1993-06-01 | 1995-08-08 | Incontrol Solutions, Inc. | Electronic force sensing with sensor normalization |
US5456654A (en) | 1993-07-01 | 1995-10-10 | Ball; Geoffrey R. | Implantable magnetic hearing aid transducer |
US5800336A (en) | 1993-07-01 | 1998-09-01 | Symphonix Devices, Inc. | Advanced designs of floating mass transducers |
US5554096A (en) | 1993-07-01 | 1996-09-10 | Symphonix | Implantable electromagnetic hearing transducer |
US5897486A (en) | 1993-07-01 | 1999-04-27 | Symphonix Devices, Inc. | Dual coil floating mass transducers |
US20090253951A1 (en) | 1993-07-01 | 2009-10-08 | Vibrant Med-El Hearing Technology Gmbh | Bone conducting floating mass transducers |
US6676592B2 (en) | 1993-07-01 | 2004-01-13 | Symphonix Devices, Inc. | Dual coil floating mass transducers |
US5913815A (en) | 1993-07-01 | 1999-06-22 | Symphonix Devices, Inc. | Bone conducting floating mass transducers |
US5624376A (en) | 1993-07-01 | 1997-04-29 | Symphonix Devices, Inc. | Implantable and external hearing systems having a floating mass transducer |
US5615229A (en) | 1993-07-02 | 1997-03-25 | Phonic Ear, Incorporated | Short range inductively coupled communication system employing time variant modulation |
US5424698A (en) | 1993-12-06 | 1995-06-13 | Motorola, Inc. | Ferrite-semiconductor resonator and filter |
EP0704143B1 (en) | 1994-04-08 | 2000-09-13 | Beltone Netherlands B.V. | In-the-ear hearing aid with flexible seal |
ITGE940067A1 (en) | 1994-05-27 | 1995-11-27 | Ernes S R L | END HEARING HEARING PROSTHESIS. |
US8085959B2 (en) | 1994-07-08 | 2011-12-27 | Brigham Young University | Hearing compensation system incorporating signal processing techniques |
RU2074444C1 (en) | 1994-07-26 | 1997-02-27 | Евгений Инвиевич Гиваргизов | Self-emitting cathode and device which uses it |
US5531954A (en) | 1994-08-05 | 1996-07-02 | Resound Corporation | Method for fabricating a hearing aid housing |
US5571148A (en) | 1994-08-10 | 1996-11-05 | Loeb; Gerald E. | Implantable multichannel stimulator |
US5572594A (en) | 1994-09-27 | 1996-11-05 | Devoe; Lambert | Ear canal device holder |
US5549658A (en) | 1994-10-24 | 1996-08-27 | Advanced Bionics Corporation | Four-Channel cochlear system with a passive, non-hermetically sealed implant |
SE503790C2 (en) | 1994-12-02 | 1996-09-02 | P & B Res Ab | Displacement device for implant connection at hearing aid |
US5701348A (en) | 1994-12-29 | 1997-12-23 | Decibel Instruments, Inc. | Articulated hearing device |
US5906635A (en) * | 1995-01-23 | 1999-05-25 | Maniglia; Anthony J. | Electromagnetic implantable hearing device for improvement of partial and total sensoryneural hearing loss |
US5558618A (en) | 1995-01-23 | 1996-09-24 | Maniglia; Anthony J. | Semi-implantable middle ear hearing device |
US5868682A (en) | 1995-01-26 | 1999-02-09 | Mdi Instruments, Inc. | Device and process for generating and measuring the shape of an acoustic reflectance curve of an ear |
DE19504478C2 (en) | 1995-02-10 | 1996-12-19 | Siemens Audiologische Technik | Ear canal insert for hearing aids |
US5692059A (en) | 1995-02-24 | 1997-11-25 | Kruger; Frederick M. | Two active element in-the-ear microphone system |
US5740258A (en) | 1995-06-05 | 1998-04-14 | Mcnc | Active noise supressors and methods for use in the ear canal |
US5721783A (en) | 1995-06-07 | 1998-02-24 | Anderson; James C. | Hearing aid with wireless remote processor |
US5606621A (en) | 1995-06-14 | 1997-02-25 | Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc. | Hybrid behind-the-ear and completely-in-canal hearing aid |
US6168948B1 (en) | 1995-06-29 | 2001-01-02 | Affymetrix, Inc. | Miniaturized genetic analysis systems and methods |
US5949895A (en) | 1995-09-07 | 1999-09-07 | Symphonix Devices, Inc. | Disposable audio processor for use with implanted hearing devices |
US5772575A (en) | 1995-09-22 | 1998-06-30 | S. George Lesinski | Implantable hearing aid |
JP3567028B2 (en) | 1995-09-28 | 2004-09-15 | 株式会社トプコン | Control device and control method for optical distortion element |
US6434246B1 (en) | 1995-10-10 | 2002-08-13 | Gn Resound As | Apparatus and methods for combining audio compression and feedback cancellation in a hearing aid |
US6072884A (en) | 1997-11-18 | 2000-06-06 | Audiologic Hearing Systems Lp | Feedback cancellation apparatus and methods |
EP0861570B1 (en) | 1995-11-13 | 2005-08-10 | Cochlear Limited | Implantable microphone for cochlear implants |
WO1997019573A1 (en) | 1995-11-20 | 1997-05-29 | Resound Corporation | An apparatus and method for monitoring magnetic audio systems |
CA2235738C (en) | 1995-11-22 | 2005-07-26 | Minimed, Inc. | Detection of biological molecules using chemical amplification and optical sensors |
US5729077A (en) | 1995-12-15 | 1998-03-17 | The Penn State Research Foundation | Metal-electroactive ceramic composite transducer |
US5795287A (en) | 1996-01-03 | 1998-08-18 | Symphonix Devices, Inc. | Tinnitus masker for direct drive hearing devices |
US6068589A (en) | 1996-02-15 | 2000-05-30 | Neukermans; Armand P. | Biocompatible fully implantable hearing aid transducers |
US5824022A (en) | 1996-03-07 | 1998-10-20 | Advanced Bionics Corporation | Cochlear stimulation system employing behind-the-ear speech processor with remote control |
US5922017A (en) | 1996-03-13 | 1999-07-13 | Med-El Elektromedizinische Gerate Gmbh | Device and method for implants in ossified cochleas |
US5951601A (en) | 1996-03-25 | 1999-09-14 | Lesinski; S. George | Attaching an implantable hearing aid microactuator |
WO1997037720A1 (en) | 1996-04-04 | 1997-10-16 | Medtronic, Inc. | Living tissue stimulation and recording techniques |
DE19618964C2 (en) | 1996-05-10 | 1999-12-16 | Implex Hear Tech Ag | Implantable positioning and fixing system for actuator and sensory implants |
US5797834A (en) | 1996-05-31 | 1998-08-25 | Resound Corporation | Hearing improvement device |
JPH09327098A (en) | 1996-06-03 | 1997-12-16 | Yoshihiro Koseki | Hearing aid |
US6978159B2 (en) | 1996-06-19 | 2005-12-20 | Board Of Trustees Of The University Of Illinois | Binaural signal processing using multiple acoustic sensors and digital filtering |
US6222927B1 (en) | 1996-06-19 | 2001-04-24 | The University Of Illinois | Binaural signal processing system and method |
US6493453B1 (en) | 1996-07-08 | 2002-12-10 | Douglas H. Glendon | Hearing aid apparatus |
US5859916A (en) | 1996-07-12 | 1999-01-12 | Symphonix Devices, Inc. | Two stage implantable microphone |
WO1998003134A1 (en) | 1996-07-19 | 1998-01-29 | Neukermans Armand P | Biocompatible, implantable hearing aid microactuator |
US5762583A (en) | 1996-08-07 | 1998-06-09 | St. Croix Medical, Inc. | Piezoelectric film transducer |
US5842967A (en) | 1996-08-07 | 1998-12-01 | St. Croix Medical, Inc. | Contactless transducer stimulation and sensing of ossicular chain |
US5836863A (en) | 1996-08-07 | 1998-11-17 | St. Croix Medical, Inc. | Hearing aid transducer support |
US6005955A (en) | 1996-08-07 | 1999-12-21 | St. Croix Medical, Inc. | Middle ear transducer |
US5879283A (en) | 1996-08-07 | 1999-03-09 | St. Croix Medical, Inc. | Implantable hearing system having multiple transducers |
US6001129A (en) | 1996-08-07 | 1999-12-14 | St. Croix Medical, Inc. | Hearing aid transducer support |
US5899847A (en) | 1996-08-07 | 1999-05-04 | St. Croix Medical, Inc. | Implantable middle-ear hearing assist system using piezoelectric transducer film |
US5707338A (en) | 1996-08-07 | 1998-01-13 | St. Croix Medical, Inc. | Stapes vibrator |
US8526971B2 (en) | 1996-08-15 | 2013-09-03 | Snaptrack, Inc. | Method and apparatus for providing position-related information to mobile recipients |
US5814095A (en) | 1996-09-18 | 1998-09-29 | Implex Gmbh Spezialhorgerate | Implantable microphone and implantable hearing aids utilizing same |
US6024717A (en) | 1996-10-24 | 2000-02-15 | Vibrx, Inc. | Apparatus and method for sonically enhanced drug delivery |
US5804109A (en) | 1996-11-08 | 1998-09-08 | Resound Corporation | Method of producing an ear canal impression |
US5922077A (en) | 1996-11-14 | 1999-07-13 | Data General Corporation | Fail-over switching system |
US6010532A (en) | 1996-11-25 | 2000-01-04 | St. Croix Medical, Inc. | Dual path implantable hearing assistance device |
JPH10190589A (en) | 1996-12-17 | 1998-07-21 | Texas Instr Inc <Ti> | Adaptive noise control system and on-line feedback route modeling and on-line secondary route modeling method |
DE19653582A1 (en) | 1996-12-20 | 1998-06-25 | Nokia Deutschland Gmbh | Device for the wireless optical transmission of video and / or audio information |
DE19700813A1 (en) | 1997-01-13 | 1998-07-16 | Eberhard Prof Dr Med Stennert | Middle ear prosthesis |
US5804907A (en) | 1997-01-28 | 1998-09-08 | The Penn State Research Foundation | High strain actuator using ferroelectric single crystal |
US5888187A (en) | 1997-03-27 | 1999-03-30 | Symphonix Devices, Inc. | Implantable microphone |
JPH10285690A (en) | 1997-04-01 | 1998-10-23 | Sony Corp | Acoustic transducer |
US6181801B1 (en) | 1997-04-03 | 2001-01-30 | Resound Corporation | Wired open ear canal earpiece |
US5987146A (en) | 1997-04-03 | 1999-11-16 | Resound Corporation | Ear canal microphone |
US6445799B1 (en) | 1997-04-03 | 2002-09-03 | Gn Resound North America Corporation | Noise cancellation earpiece |
US6240192B1 (en) | 1997-04-16 | 2001-05-29 | Dspfactory Ltd. | Apparatus for and method of filtering in an digital hearing aid, including an application specific integrated circuit and a programmable digital signal processor |
US6045528A (en) | 1997-06-13 | 2000-04-04 | Intraear, Inc. | Inner ear fluid transfer and diagnostic system |
US6408496B1 (en) | 1997-07-09 | 2002-06-25 | Ronald S. Maynard | Method of manufacturing a vibrational transducer |
CA2242545C (en) | 1997-07-11 | 2009-09-15 | Sony Corporation | Information provision system, information regeneration terminal and server |
US7027608B2 (en) | 1997-07-18 | 2006-04-11 | Gn Resound North America | Behind the ear hearing aid system |
DE69826675T2 (en) | 1997-08-01 | 2006-02-16 | Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research, Valenica | IMPLANTABLE DEVICE WITH IMPROVED ARRANGEMENT FOR BATTERY CHARGING AND ENERGY SUPPLY |
US6264603B1 (en) | 1997-08-07 | 2001-07-24 | St. Croix Medical, Inc. | Middle ear vibration sensor using multiple transducers |
US5954628A (en) | 1997-08-07 | 1999-09-21 | St. Croix Medical, Inc. | Capacitive input transducers for middle ear sensing |
US7014336B1 (en) | 1999-11-18 | 2006-03-21 | Color Kinetics Incorporated | Systems and methods for generating and modulating illumination conditions |
US6139488A (en) | 1997-09-25 | 2000-10-31 | Symphonix Devices, Inc. | Biasing device for implantable hearing devices |
JPH11168246A (en) | 1997-09-30 | 1999-06-22 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Piezoelectric actuator, infrared ray sensor, and piezoelectric light deflector |
US5851199A (en) | 1997-10-14 | 1998-12-22 | Peerless; Sidney A. | Otological drain tube |
US6068590A (en) | 1997-10-24 | 2000-05-30 | Hearing Innovations, Inc. | Device for diagnosing and treating hearing disorders |
US6498858B2 (en) | 1997-11-18 | 2002-12-24 | Gn Resound A/S | Feedback cancellation improvements |
US6219427B1 (en) | 1997-11-18 | 2001-04-17 | Gn Resound As | Feedback cancellation improvements |
AUPP052097A0 (en) | 1997-11-24 | 1997-12-18 | Nhas National Hearing Aids Systems | Hearing aid |
US6093144A (en) | 1997-12-16 | 2000-07-25 | Symphonix Devices, Inc. | Implantable microphone having improved sensitivity and frequency response |
US6438244B1 (en) | 1997-12-18 | 2002-08-20 | Softear Technologies | Hearing aid construction with electronic components encapsulated in soft polymeric body |
US6695943B2 (en) | 1997-12-18 | 2004-02-24 | Softear Technologies, L.L.C. | Method of manufacturing a soft hearing aid |
US6473512B1 (en) | 1997-12-18 | 2002-10-29 | Softear Technologies, L.L.C. | Apparatus and method for a custom soft-solid hearing aid |
DE69834059D1 (en) | 1997-12-18 | 2006-05-18 | Softear Technologies L L C | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PASSABLE SOFT FIXED HEARING AID |
US6366863B1 (en) | 1998-01-09 | 2002-04-02 | Micro Ear Technology Inc. | Portable hearing-related analysis system |
EP1057367B1 (en) | 1998-02-18 | 2008-01-09 | Widex A/S | A binaural digital hearing aid system |
US5900274A (en) | 1998-05-01 | 1999-05-04 | Eastman Kodak Company | Controlled composition and crystallographic changes in forming functionally gradient piezoelectric transducers |
US6084975A (en) | 1998-05-19 | 2000-07-04 | Resound Corporation | Promontory transmitting coil and tympanic membrane magnet for hearing devices |
US20080063231A1 (en) | 1998-05-26 | 2008-03-13 | Softear Technologies, L.L.C. | Method of manufacturing a soft hearing aid |
US6137889A (en) | 1998-05-27 | 2000-10-24 | Insonus Medical, Inc. | Direct tympanic membrane excitation via vibrationally conductive assembly |
US6681022B1 (en) | 1998-07-22 | 2004-01-20 | Gn Resound North Amerca Corporation | Two-way communication earpiece |
US6217508B1 (en) | 1998-08-14 | 2001-04-17 | Symphonix Devices, Inc. | Ultrasonic hearing system |
US6216040B1 (en) | 1998-08-31 | 2001-04-10 | Advanced Bionics Corporation | Implantable microphone system for use with cochlear implantable hearing aids |
US6792114B1 (en) | 1998-10-06 | 2004-09-14 | Gn Resound A/S | Integrated hearing aid performance measurement and initialization system |
US6261223B1 (en) | 1998-10-15 | 2001-07-17 | St. Croix Medical, Inc. | Method and apparatus for fixation type feedback reduction in implantable hearing assistance system |
AT408607B (en) | 1998-10-23 | 2002-01-25 | Vujanic Aleksandar Dipl Ing Dr | IMPLANTABLE SOUND RECEPTOR FOR HEARING AIDS |
US6393130B1 (en) | 1998-10-26 | 2002-05-21 | Beltone Electronics Corporation | Deformable, multi-material hearing aid housing |
US6940988B1 (en) | 1998-11-25 | 2005-09-06 | Insound Medical, Inc. | Semi-permanent canal hearing device |
US6473513B1 (en) | 1999-06-08 | 2002-10-29 | Insonus Medical, Inc. | Extended wear canal hearing device |
KR100282067B1 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 2001-09-29 | 조진호 | Transducer of Middle Ear Implant Hearing Aid |
US6359993B2 (en) | 1999-01-15 | 2002-03-19 | Sonic Innovations | Conformal tip for a hearing aid with integrated vent and retrieval cord |
WO2000047017A2 (en) | 1999-02-05 | 2000-08-10 | St. Croix Medical, Inc. | Method and apparatus for a programmable implantable hearing aid |
US6342035B1 (en) | 1999-02-05 | 2002-01-29 | St. Croix Medical, Inc. | Hearing assistance device sensing otovibratory or otoacoustic emissions evoked by middle ear vibrations |
US6277148B1 (en) | 1999-02-11 | 2001-08-21 | Soundtec, Inc. | Middle ear magnet implant, attachment device and method, and test instrument and method |
EP1035753A1 (en) | 1999-03-05 | 2000-09-13 | Nino Rosica | Implantable acoustic device |
US6507758B1 (en) | 1999-03-24 | 2003-01-14 | Second Sight, Llc | Logarithmic light intensifier for use with photoreceptor-based implanted retinal prosthetics and those prosthetics |
GB9907050D0 (en) | 1999-03-26 | 1999-05-19 | Sonomax Sft Inc | System for fitting a hearing device in the ear |
US6385363B1 (en) | 1999-03-26 | 2002-05-07 | U.T. Battelle Llc | Photo-induced micro-mechanical optical switch |
US6135612A (en) | 1999-03-29 | 2000-10-24 | Clore; William B. | Display unit |
US6312959B1 (en) | 1999-03-30 | 2001-11-06 | U.T. Battelle, Llc | Method using photo-induced and thermal bending of MEMS sensors |
US6724902B1 (en) | 1999-04-29 | 2004-04-20 | Insound Medical, Inc. | Canal hearing device with tubular insert |
US6738485B1 (en) | 1999-05-10 | 2004-05-18 | Peter V. Boesen | Apparatus, method and system for ultra short range communication |
US6879698B2 (en) | 1999-05-10 | 2005-04-12 | Peter V. Boesen | Cellular telephone, personal digital assistant with voice communication unit |
US6094492A (en) | 1999-05-10 | 2000-07-25 | Boesen; Peter V. | Bone conduction voice transmission apparatus and system |
US6754537B1 (en) | 1999-05-14 | 2004-06-22 | Advanced Bionics Corporation | Hybrid implantable cochlear stimulator hearing aid system |
US6259951B1 (en) * | 1999-05-14 | 2001-07-10 | Advanced Bionics Corporation | Implantable cochlear stimulator system incorporating combination electrode/transducer |
DE19931788C1 (en) | 1999-07-08 | 2000-11-30 | Implex Hear Tech Ag | Implanted mechanical coupling device for auditory ossicle chain in hearing aid system has associated settling device for movement of coupling device between open and closed positions |
US6434247B1 (en) | 1999-07-30 | 2002-08-13 | Gn Resound A/S | Feedback cancellation apparatus and methods utilizing adaptive reference filter mechanisms |
US6374143B1 (en) | 1999-08-18 | 2002-04-16 | Epic Biosonics, Inc. | Modiolar hugging electrode array |
DE19942707C2 (en) | 1999-09-07 | 2002-08-01 | Siemens Audiologische Technik | Hearing aid portable in the ear or hearing aid with earmold portable in the ear |
US6480610B1 (en) | 1999-09-21 | 2002-11-12 | Sonic Innovations, Inc. | Subband acoustic feedback cancellation in hearing aids |
US7058182B2 (en) | 1999-10-06 | 2006-06-06 | Gn Resound A/S | Apparatus and methods for hearing aid performance measurement, fitting, and initialization |
US7058188B1 (en) | 1999-10-19 | 2006-06-06 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Configurable digital loudness compensation system and method |
US6629922B1 (en) | 1999-10-29 | 2003-10-07 | Soundport Corporation | Flextensional output actuators for surgically implantable hearing aids |
US6554761B1 (en) | 1999-10-29 | 2003-04-29 | Soundport Corporation | Flextensional microphones for implantable hearing devices |
US6726718B1 (en) | 1999-12-13 | 2004-04-27 | St. Jude Medical, Inc. | Medical articles prepared for cell adhesion |
US6888949B1 (en) | 1999-12-22 | 2005-05-03 | Gn Resound A/S | Hearing aid with adaptive noise canceller |
US6436028B1 (en) | 1999-12-28 | 2002-08-20 | Soundtec, Inc. | Direct drive movement of body constituent |
US6940989B1 (en) | 1999-12-30 | 2005-09-06 | Insound Medical, Inc. | Direct tympanic drive via a floating filament assembly |
JP2001195901A (en) | 2000-01-14 | 2001-07-19 | Nippon Sheet Glass Co Ltd | Illumination apparatus |
US20030208099A1 (en) | 2001-01-19 | 2003-11-06 | Geoffrey Ball | Soundbridge test system |
US6387039B1 (en) | 2000-02-04 | 2002-05-14 | Ron L. Moses | Implantable hearing aid |
DE10015421C2 (en) | 2000-03-28 | 2002-07-04 | Implex Ag Hearing Technology I | Partially or fully implantable hearing system |
US7095981B1 (en) | 2000-04-04 | 2006-08-22 | Great American Technologies | Low power infrared portable communication system with wireless receiver and methods regarding same |
US6631196B1 (en) | 2000-04-07 | 2003-10-07 | Gn Resound North America Corporation | Method and device for using an ultrasonic carrier to provide wide audio bandwidth transduction |
DE10018361C2 (en) | 2000-04-13 | 2002-10-10 | Cochlear Ltd | At least partially implantable cochlear implant system for the rehabilitation of a hearing disorder |
DE10018334C1 (en) * | 2000-04-13 | 2002-02-28 | Implex Hear Tech Ag | At least partially implantable system for the rehabilitation of a hearing impairment |
US6536530B2 (en) | 2000-05-04 | 2003-03-25 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Hydraulic control system for downhole tools |
US6668062B1 (en) | 2000-05-09 | 2003-12-23 | Gn Resound As | FFT-based technique for adaptive directionality of dual microphones |
US6432248B1 (en) | 2000-05-16 | 2002-08-13 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Process for making a garment with refastenable sides and butt seams |
US6491622B1 (en) | 2000-05-30 | 2002-12-10 | Otologics Llc | Apparatus and method for positioning implantable hearing aid device |
JP2003535528A (en) | 2000-06-01 | 2003-11-25 | オートロジックス エルエルシー | Method and apparatus for measuring the performance of an implantable middle ear hearing aid |
US6648813B2 (en) | 2000-06-17 | 2003-11-18 | Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research | Hearing aid system including speaker implanted in middle ear |
US6785394B1 (en) | 2000-06-20 | 2004-08-31 | Gn Resound A/S | Time controlled hearing aid |
US7130437B2 (en) | 2000-06-29 | 2006-10-31 | Beltone Electronics Corporation | Compressible hearing aid |
DE10031832C2 (en) | 2000-06-30 | 2003-04-30 | Cochlear Ltd | Hearing aid for the rehabilitation of a hearing disorder |
US6800988B1 (en) | 2000-07-11 | 2004-10-05 | Technion Research & Development Foundation Ltd. | Voltage and light induced strains in porous crystalline materials and uses thereof |
IT1316597B1 (en) | 2000-08-02 | 2003-04-24 | Actis S R L | OPTOACOUSTIC ULTRASONIC GENERATOR FROM LASER ENERGY POWERED THROUGH OPTICAL FIBER. |
DE10041725B4 (en) | 2000-08-25 | 2004-04-29 | Phonak Ag | Device for electromechanical stimulation and testing of the hearing |
US6754359B1 (en) | 2000-09-01 | 2004-06-22 | Nacre As | Ear terminal with microphone for voice pickup |
DE10046938A1 (en) | 2000-09-21 | 2002-04-25 | Implex Ag Hearing Technology I | At least partially implantable hearing system with direct mechanical stimulation of a lymphatic space in the inner ear |
US7394909B1 (en) | 2000-09-25 | 2008-07-01 | Phonak Ag | Hearing device with embedded channnel |
US7050876B1 (en) | 2000-10-06 | 2006-05-23 | Phonak Ltd. | Manufacturing methods and systems for rapid production of hearing-aid shells |
US6842647B1 (en) | 2000-10-20 | 2005-01-11 | Advanced Bionics Corporation | Implantable neural stimulator system including remote control unit for use therewith |
US9089450B2 (en) | 2000-11-14 | 2015-07-28 | Cochlear Limited | Implantatable component having an accessible lumen and a drug release capsule for introduction into same |
KR20040067836A (en) | 2000-11-16 | 2004-07-30 | 에이.비.와이. 샤하르 이니셜 다이어그노시스 리미티드 | A diagnostic system for the ear |
US7313245B1 (en) | 2000-11-22 | 2007-12-25 | Insound Medical, Inc. | Intracanal cap for canal hearing devices |
US7050675B2 (en) | 2000-11-27 | 2006-05-23 | Advanced Interfaces, Llc | Integrated optical multiplexer and demultiplexer for wavelength division transmission of information |
US6831986B2 (en) | 2000-12-21 | 2004-12-14 | Gn Resound A/S | Feedback cancellation in a hearing aid with reduced sensitivity to low-frequency tonal inputs |
US6801629B2 (en) | 2000-12-22 | 2004-10-05 | Sonic Innovations, Inc. | Protective hearing devices with multi-band automatic amplitude control and active noise attenuation |
US6620110B2 (en) | 2000-12-29 | 2003-09-16 | Phonak Ag | Hearing aid implant mounted in the ear and hearing aid implant |
US20020086715A1 (en) | 2001-01-03 | 2002-07-04 | Sahagen Peter D. | Wireless earphone providing reduced radio frequency radiation exposure |
US7120501B2 (en) | 2001-01-23 | 2006-10-10 | Microphonics, Inc. | Transcanal cochlear implant system |
US6643378B2 (en) | 2001-03-02 | 2003-11-04 | Daniel R. Schumaier | Bone conduction hearing aid |
AU2002252676A1 (en) | 2001-04-12 | 2002-10-28 | Otologics Llc | Hearing aid with internal acoustic middle ear transducer |
EP1251715B2 (en) | 2001-04-18 | 2010-12-01 | Sound Design Technologies Ltd. | Multi-channel hearing instrument with inter-channel communication |
JP2004527320A (en) | 2001-05-07 | 2004-09-09 | コクレア リミテッド | Manufacturing method of conductive parts |
US20020172350A1 (en) | 2001-05-15 | 2002-11-21 | Edwards Brent W. | Method for generating a final signal from a near-end signal and a far-end signal |
ATE474497T1 (en) | 2001-05-17 | 2010-08-15 | Oticon As | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR LOCALIZING FOREIGN OBJECTS IN THE EAR CANAL |
US7057256B2 (en) | 2001-05-25 | 2006-06-06 | President & Fellows Of Harvard College | Silicon-based visible and near-infrared optoelectric devices |
US7390689B2 (en) | 2001-05-25 | 2008-06-24 | President And Fellows Of Harvard College | Systems and methods for light absorption and field emission using microstructured silicon |
US7354792B2 (en) | 2001-05-25 | 2008-04-08 | President And Fellows Of Harvard College | Manufacture of silicon-based devices having disordered sulfur-doped surface layers |
US6727789B2 (en) | 2001-06-12 | 2004-04-27 | Tibbetts Industries, Inc. | Magnetic transducers of improved resistance to arbitrary mechanical shock |
US7072475B1 (en) | 2001-06-27 | 2006-07-04 | Sprint Spectrum L.P. | Optically coupled headset and microphone |
US6775389B2 (en) | 2001-08-10 | 2004-08-10 | Advanced Bionics Corporation | Ear auxiliary microphone for behind the ear hearing prosthetic |
US20050036639A1 (en) | 2001-08-17 | 2005-02-17 | Herbert Bachler | Implanted hearing aids |
US6592513B1 (en) | 2001-09-06 | 2003-07-15 | St. Croix Medical, Inc. | Method for creating a coupling between a device and an ear structure in an implantable hearing assistance device |
US6944474B2 (en) | 2001-09-20 | 2005-09-13 | Sound Id | Sound enhancement for mobile phones and other products producing personalized audio for users |
US6786860B2 (en) * | 2001-10-03 | 2004-09-07 | Advanced Bionics Corporation | Hearing aid design |
US20030097178A1 (en) | 2001-10-04 | 2003-05-22 | Joseph Roberson | Length-adjustable ossicular prosthesis |
WO2003030772A2 (en) | 2001-10-05 | 2003-04-17 | Advanced Bionics Corporation | A microphone module for use with a hearing aid or cochlear implant system |
US7245732B2 (en) | 2001-10-17 | 2007-07-17 | Oticon A/S | Hearing aid |
US20030081803A1 (en) | 2001-10-31 | 2003-05-01 | Petilli Eugene M. | Low power, low noise, 3-level, H-bridge output coding for hearing aid applications |
US6736771B2 (en) | 2002-01-02 | 2004-05-18 | Advanced Bionics Corporation | Wideband low-noise implantable microphone assembly |
DE10201068A1 (en) | 2002-01-14 | 2003-07-31 | Siemens Audiologische Technik | Selection of communication connections for hearing aids |
GB0201574D0 (en) | 2002-01-24 | 2002-03-13 | Univ Dundee | Hearing aid |
US7630507B2 (en) | 2002-01-28 | 2009-12-08 | Gn Resound A/S | Binaural compression system |
US20030142841A1 (en) | 2002-01-30 | 2003-07-31 | Sensimetrics Corporation | Optical signal transmission between a hearing protector muff and an ear-plug receiver |
US20050018859A1 (en) | 2002-03-27 | 2005-01-27 | Buchholz Jeffrey C. | Optically driven audio system |
US6872439B2 (en) | 2002-05-13 | 2005-03-29 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Adhesive microstructure and method of forming same |
US6829363B2 (en) | 2002-05-16 | 2004-12-07 | Starkey Laboratories, Inc. | Hearing aid with time-varying performance |
US7179238B2 (en) | 2002-05-21 | 2007-02-20 | Medtronic Xomed, Inc. | Apparatus and methods for directly displacing the partition between the middle ear and inner ear at an infrasonic frequency |
FR2841429B1 (en) * | 2002-06-21 | 2005-11-11 | Mxm | HEARING AID DEVICE FOR THE REHABILITATION OF PATIENTS WITH PARTIAL NEUROSENSORY DEATHS |
US6931231B1 (en) | 2002-07-12 | 2005-08-16 | Griffin Technology, Inc. | Infrared generator from audio signal source |
JP3548805B2 (en) | 2002-07-24 | 2004-07-28 | 東北大学長 | Hearing aid system and hearing aid method |
US6837857B2 (en) | 2002-07-29 | 2005-01-04 | Phonak Ag | Method for the recording of acoustic parameters for the customization of hearing aids |
US7444877B2 (en) | 2002-08-20 | 2008-11-04 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Optical waveguide vibration sensor for use in hearing aid |
US7076076B2 (en) | 2002-09-10 | 2006-07-11 | Vivatone Hearing Systems, Llc | Hearing aid system |
US8284970B2 (en) | 2002-09-16 | 2012-10-09 | Starkey Laboratories Inc. | Switching structures for hearing aid |
DE60325078D1 (en) | 2002-10-04 | 2009-01-15 | Henkel Corp | FOR HARDENING TEMPERATURES, WET-BASED WATER-BASED FORESTRUCTURES FOR COMPOSITE MATERIALS |
US7349741B2 (en) | 2002-10-11 | 2008-03-25 | Advanced Bionics, Llc | Cochlear implant sound processor with permanently integrated replenishable power source |
US6920340B2 (en) | 2002-10-29 | 2005-07-19 | Raphael Laderman | System and method for reducing exposure to electromagnetic radiation |
US6975402B2 (en) | 2002-11-19 | 2005-12-13 | Sandia National Laboratories | Tunable light source for use in photoacoustic spectrometers |
US7203334B2 (en) | 2002-11-22 | 2007-04-10 | Knowles Electronics, Llc. | Apparatus for creating acoustic energy in a balanced receiver assembly and manufacturing method thereof |
JP4338388B2 (en) | 2002-12-10 | 2009-10-07 | 日本ビクター株式会社 | Visible light communication device |
JP4020774B2 (en) | 2002-12-12 | 2007-12-12 | リオン株式会社 | hearing aid |
US6994550B2 (en) | 2002-12-23 | 2006-02-07 | Nano-Write Corporation | Vapor deposited titanium and titanium-nitride layers for dental devices |
EP1435757A1 (en) | 2002-12-30 | 2004-07-07 | Andrzej Zarowski | Device implantable in a bony wall of the inner ear |
US7273447B2 (en) | 2004-04-09 | 2007-09-25 | Otologics, Llc | Implantable hearing aid transducer retention apparatus |
US20040166495A1 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2004-08-26 | Greinwald John H. | Microarray-based diagnosis of pediatric hearing impairment-construction of a deafness gene chip |
US20060256989A1 (en) | 2003-03-17 | 2006-11-16 | Olsen Henrik B | Hearing prosthesis comprising rechargeable battery information |
CA2463206C (en) | 2003-04-03 | 2009-08-04 | Gennum Corporation | Hearing instrument vent |
US7945064B2 (en) | 2003-04-09 | 2011-05-17 | Board Of Trustees Of The University Of Illinois | Intrabody communication with ultrasound |
US7430299B2 (en) | 2003-04-10 | 2008-09-30 | Sound Design Technologies, Ltd. | System and method for transmitting audio via a serial data port in a hearing instrument |
US20040208325A1 (en) | 2003-04-15 | 2004-10-21 | Cheung Kwok Wai | Method and apparatus for wireless audio delivery |
US20050038498A1 (en) | 2003-04-17 | 2005-02-17 | Nanosys, Inc. | Medical device applications of nanostructured surfaces |
DE10320863B3 (en) | 2003-05-09 | 2004-11-11 | Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh | Attaching a hearing aid or earmold in the ear |
US7024010B2 (en) | 2003-05-19 | 2006-04-04 | Adaptive Technologies, Inc. | Electronic earplug for monitoring and reducing wideband noise at the tympanic membrane |
US20040234089A1 (en) | 2003-05-20 | 2004-11-25 | Neat Ideas N.V. | Hearing aid |
US20040236416A1 (en) | 2003-05-20 | 2004-11-25 | Robert Falotico | Increased biocompatibility of implantable medical devices |
US7809150B2 (en) | 2003-05-27 | 2010-10-05 | Starkey Laboratories, Inc. | Method and apparatus to reduce entrainment-related artifacts for hearing assistance systems |
USD512979S1 (en) | 2003-07-07 | 2005-12-20 | Symphonix Limited | Public address system |
US7442164B2 (en) | 2003-07-23 | 2008-10-28 | Med-El Elektro-Medizinische Gerate Gesellschaft M.B.H. | Totally implantable hearing prosthesis |
AU2003904207A0 (en) | 2003-08-11 | 2003-08-21 | Vast Audio Pty Ltd | Enhancement of sound externalization and separation for hearing-impaired listeners: a spatial hearing-aid |
AU2004301961B2 (en) | 2003-08-11 | 2011-03-03 | Vast Audio Pty Ltd | Sound enhancement for hearing-impaired listeners |
CN1839661B (en) | 2003-09-19 | 2012-11-14 | 唯听助听器公司 | A method for controlling the directionality of the sound receiving characteristic of a hearing aid and a signal processing apparatus for a hearing aid with a controllable directional characteristic |
US6912289B2 (en) | 2003-10-09 | 2005-06-28 | Unitron Hearing Ltd. | Hearing aid and processes for adaptively processing signals therein |
US20050088435A1 (en) | 2003-10-23 | 2005-04-28 | Z. Jason Geng | Novel 3D ear camera for making custom-fit hearing devices for hearing aids instruments and cell phones |
KR20050039446A (en) | 2003-10-25 | 2005-04-29 | 대한민국(경북대학교 총장) | Manufacturing method of elastic membrane of transducer for middle ear implant and a elastic membrane thereby |
US20050101830A1 (en) | 2003-11-07 | 2005-05-12 | Easter James R. | Implantable hearing aid transducer interface |
US7164775B2 (en) | 2003-12-01 | 2007-01-16 | Meyer John A | In the ear hearing aid utilizing annular ring acoustic seals |
CA2565533A1 (en) | 2003-12-24 | 2006-07-06 | Cochlear Americas | Transformable speech processor module for a hearing prosthesis |
US7043037B2 (en) | 2004-01-16 | 2006-05-09 | George Jay Lichtblau | Hearing aid having acoustical feedback protection |
US20070135870A1 (en) | 2004-02-04 | 2007-06-14 | Hearingmed Laser Technologies, Llc | Method for treating hearing loss |
US7162323B2 (en) | 2004-04-05 | 2007-01-09 | Hearing Aid Express, Inc. | Decentralized method for manufacturing hearing aid devices |
US20050226446A1 (en) | 2004-04-08 | 2005-10-13 | Unitron Hearing Ltd. | Intelligent hearing aid |
WO2005107320A1 (en) | 2004-04-22 | 2005-11-10 | Petroff Michael L | Hearing aid with electro-acoustic cancellation process |
US7225028B2 (en) | 2004-05-28 | 2007-05-29 | Advanced Bionics Corporation | Dual cochlear/vestibular stimulator with control signals derived from motion and speech signals |
US7778434B2 (en) | 2004-05-28 | 2010-08-17 | General Hearing Instrument, Inc. | Self forming in-the-ear hearing aid with conical stent |
US20050271870A1 (en) | 2004-06-07 | 2005-12-08 | Jackson Warren B | Hierarchically-dimensioned-microfiber-based dry adhesive materials |
US20050288739A1 (en) | 2004-06-24 | 2005-12-29 | Ethicon, Inc. | Medical implant having closed loop transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) power transfer regulation circuitry |
US7867160B2 (en) | 2004-10-12 | 2011-01-11 | Earlens Corporation | Systems and methods for photo-mechanical hearing transduction |
US8295523B2 (en) * | 2007-10-04 | 2012-10-23 | SoundBeam LLC | Energy delivery and microphone placement methods for improved comfort in an open canal hearing aid |
US7421087B2 (en) | 2004-07-28 | 2008-09-02 | Earlens Corporation | Transducer for electromagnetic hearing devices |
US7955249B2 (en) | 2005-10-31 | 2011-06-07 | Earlens Corporation | Output transducers for hearing systems |
KR100606031B1 (en) | 2004-08-23 | 2006-07-28 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Optical Communication System Capable of Analog Telephony Service |
US20060058573A1 (en) | 2004-09-16 | 2006-03-16 | Neisz Johann J | Method and apparatus for vibrational damping of implantable hearing aid components |
US7570775B2 (en) | 2004-09-16 | 2009-08-04 | Sony Corporation | Microelectromechanical speaker |
DE102004047257A1 (en) | 2004-09-29 | 2006-04-06 | Universität Konstanz | Phosphorus-containing heptazine derivatives, process for their preparation and their use |
US7548675B2 (en) | 2004-09-29 | 2009-06-16 | Finisar Corporation | Optical cables for consumer electronics |
US8116489B2 (en) | 2004-10-01 | 2012-02-14 | Hearworks Pty Ltd | Accoustically transparent occlusion reduction system and method |
US7243182B2 (en) | 2004-10-04 | 2007-07-10 | Cisco Technology, Inc. | Configurable high-speed serial links between components of a network device |
KR100610192B1 (en) | 2004-10-27 | 2006-08-09 | 경북대학교 산학협력단 | piezoelectric oscillator |
US7883535B2 (en) | 2004-11-09 | 2011-02-08 | Institut National D'optique | Device and method for transmitting multiple optically-encoded stimulation signals to multiple cell locations |
WO2007013891A2 (en) | 2004-11-12 | 2007-02-01 | Northwestern University | Apparatus and methods for optical stimulation of the auditory nerve |
US8602964B2 (en) | 2004-11-30 | 2013-12-10 | Cochlear Limited | Implantable actuator for hearing aid applications |
KR100594152B1 (en) | 2004-12-28 | 2006-06-28 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Earphone jack deleting power-noise and the method |
US20070250119A1 (en) | 2005-01-11 | 2007-10-25 | Wicab, Inc. | Systems and methods for altering brain and body functions and for treating conditions and diseases of the same |
GB0500616D0 (en) | 2005-01-13 | 2005-02-23 | Univ Dundee | Hearing implant |
GB0500605D0 (en) | 2005-01-13 | 2005-02-16 | Univ Dundee | Photodetector assembly |
US7715572B2 (en) | 2005-02-04 | 2010-05-11 | Solomito Jr Joe A | Custom-fit hearing device kit and method of use |
US8550977B2 (en) | 2005-02-16 | 2013-10-08 | Cochlear Limited | Integrated implantable hearing device, microphone and power unit |
DE102005013833B3 (en) | 2005-03-24 | 2006-06-14 | Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh | Hearing aid device with microphone has several optical microphones wherein a diaphragm is scanned in each optical microphone with a suitable optics |
KR100624445B1 (en) | 2005-04-06 | 2006-09-20 | 이송자 | Earphone for light/music therapy |
US7479198B2 (en) | 2005-04-07 | 2009-01-20 | Timothy D'Annunzio | Methods for forming nanofiber adhesive structures |
CN101277736B (en) | 2005-04-29 | 2016-07-06 | 耳蜗有限公司 | focused stimulation in medical stimulation device |
US7893934B2 (en) | 2005-05-26 | 2011-02-22 | The Board Of Regents Of The University Of Oklahoma | Three-dimensional finite element modeling of human ear for sound transmission |
US7822215B2 (en) | 2005-07-07 | 2010-10-26 | Face International Corp | Bone-conduction hearing-aid transducer having improved frequency response |
DE102005034646B3 (en) | 2005-07-25 | 2007-02-01 | Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh | Hearing apparatus and method for reducing feedback |
US20070036377A1 (en) | 2005-08-03 | 2007-02-15 | Alfred Stirnemann | Method of obtaining a characteristic, and hearing instrument |
WO2007023164A1 (en) | 2005-08-22 | 2007-03-01 | 3Win N.V. | A combined set comprising a vibrator actuator and an implantable device |
US7979244B2 (en) | 2005-09-13 | 2011-07-12 | Siemens Corporation | Method and apparatus for aperture detection of 3D hearing aid shells |
DE102005049507B4 (en) | 2005-09-19 | 2007-10-25 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. | Device for generating a combination signal and corresponding method and computer program for carrying out the method |
JP2007096436A (en) | 2005-09-27 | 2007-04-12 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Speaker |
US20070076913A1 (en) | 2005-10-03 | 2007-04-05 | Shanz Ii, Llc | Hearing aid apparatus and method |
US7753838B2 (en) | 2005-10-06 | 2010-07-13 | Otologics, Llc | Implantable transducer with transverse force application |
US20080077200A1 (en) | 2006-09-21 | 2008-03-27 | Aculight Corporation | Apparatus and method for stimulation of nerves and automated control of surgical instruments |
US7388543B2 (en) | 2005-11-15 | 2008-06-17 | Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab | Multi-frequency band antenna device for radio communication terminal having wide high-band bandwidth |
US7599362B2 (en) | 2005-11-28 | 2009-10-06 | Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab | Method and device for communication channel selection |
US20070127766A1 (en) | 2005-12-01 | 2007-06-07 | Christopher Combest | Multi-channel speaker utilizing dual-voice coils |
US7983435B2 (en) * | 2006-01-04 | 2011-07-19 | Moses Ron L | Implantable hearing aid |
US8014871B2 (en) | 2006-01-09 | 2011-09-06 | Cochlear Limited | Implantable interferometer microphone |
US20070206825A1 (en) | 2006-01-20 | 2007-09-06 | Zounds, Inc. | Noise reduction circuit for hearing aid |
US8295505B2 (en) | 2006-01-30 | 2012-10-23 | Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab | Earphone with controllable leakage of surrounding sound and device therefor |
US8246532B2 (en) | 2006-02-14 | 2012-08-21 | Vibrant Med-El Hearing Technology Gmbh | Bone conductive devices for improving hearing |
US7664281B2 (en) | 2006-03-04 | 2010-02-16 | Starkey Laboratories, Inc. | Method and apparatus for measurement of gain margin of a hearing assistance device |
US8553899B2 (en) | 2006-03-13 | 2013-10-08 | Starkey Laboratories, Inc. | Output phase modulation entrainment containment for digital filters |
US8116473B2 (en) | 2006-03-13 | 2012-02-14 | Starkey Laboratories, Inc. | Output phase modulation entrainment containment for digital filters |
US8879500B2 (en) | 2006-03-21 | 2014-11-04 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Handover procedures in a wireless communications system |
US7650194B2 (en) | 2006-03-22 | 2010-01-19 | Fritsch Michael H | Intracochlear nanotechnology and perfusion hearing aid device |
US7315211B1 (en) | 2006-03-28 | 2008-01-01 | Rf Micro Devices, Inc. | Sliding bias controller for use with radio frequency power amplifiers |
US7359067B2 (en) | 2006-04-07 | 2008-04-15 | Symphony Acoustics, Inc. | Optical displacement sensor comprising a wavelength-tunable optical source |
AR060698A1 (en) | 2006-04-26 | 2008-07-10 | Qualcomm Inc | INTERPULSE WORK CYCLE |
US8684922B2 (en) | 2006-05-12 | 2014-04-01 | Bao Tran | Health monitoring system |
DE102006024411B4 (en) | 2006-05-24 | 2010-03-25 | Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh | Method for generating a sound signal or for transmitting energy in an ear canal and corresponding hearing device |
DE102006026721B4 (en) | 2006-06-08 | 2008-09-11 | Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh | Device for testing a hearing aid |
CN101484102B (en) * | 2006-07-17 | 2011-02-23 | Med-El电气医疗器械有限公司 | Remote sensing and actuation of fluid of inner ear |
AR062036A1 (en) | 2006-07-24 | 2008-08-10 | Med El Elektromed Geraete Gmbh | MOBILE COIL ACTUATOR FOR MIDDLE EAR IMPLANTS |
US20100222639A1 (en) * | 2006-07-27 | 2010-09-02 | Cochlear Limited | Hearing device having a non-occluding in the canal vibrating component |
US7826632B2 (en) | 2006-08-03 | 2010-11-02 | Phonak Ag | Method of adjusting a hearing instrument |
US9525930B2 (en) | 2006-08-31 | 2016-12-20 | Red Tail Hawk Corporation | Magnetic field antenna |
US20080054509A1 (en) | 2006-08-31 | 2008-03-06 | Brunswick Corporation | Visually inspectable mold release agent |
US8160696B2 (en) | 2008-10-03 | 2012-04-17 | Lockheed Martin Corporation | Nerve stimulator and method using simultaneous electrical and optical signals |
DE102006046700A1 (en) | 2006-10-02 | 2008-04-10 | Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh | Behind-the-ear hearing aid with external optical microphone |
DK2080408T3 (en) | 2006-10-23 | 2012-11-19 | Starkey Lab Inc | AVOIDING CUTTING WITH AN AUTO-REGRESSIVE FILTER |
US20080123866A1 (en) | 2006-11-29 | 2008-05-29 | Rule Elizabeth L | Hearing instrument with acoustic blocker, in-the-ear microphone and speaker |
DE102006057424A1 (en) | 2006-12-06 | 2008-06-12 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Method and arrangement for warning the driver |
US8157730B2 (en) | 2006-12-19 | 2012-04-17 | Valencell, Inc. | Physiological and environmental monitoring systems and methods |
US8652040B2 (en) | 2006-12-19 | 2014-02-18 | Valencell, Inc. | Telemetric apparatus for health and environmental monitoring |
US8320982B2 (en) | 2006-12-27 | 2012-11-27 | Valencell, Inc. | Multi-wavelength optical devices and methods of using same |
CN101563940A (en) | 2007-01-03 | 2009-10-21 | 唯听助听器公司 | Component for a hearing aid and a method of making a component for a hearing aid |
US8425488B2 (en) * | 2007-04-19 | 2013-04-23 | Acclarent, Inc. | System and method for the simultaneous bilateral treatment of target tissues within the ears using a guide block structure |
US20080298600A1 (en) | 2007-04-19 | 2008-12-04 | Michael Poe | Automated real speech hearing instrument adjustment system |
DE102007031872B4 (en) | 2007-07-09 | 2009-11-19 | Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh | hearing Aid |
CA2691105A1 (en) | 2007-07-10 | 2009-01-15 | Widex A/S | Method for identifying a receiver in a hearing aid |
KR100859979B1 (en) | 2007-07-20 | 2008-09-25 | 경북대학교 산학협력단 | Implantable middle ear hearing device with tube type vibration transducer |
KR20100037151A (en) | 2007-07-23 | 2010-04-08 | 아시우스 테크놀로지스, 엘엘씨 | Diaphonic acoustic transduction coupler and ear bud |
US8391534B2 (en) | 2008-07-23 | 2013-03-05 | Asius Technologies, Llc | Inflatable ear device |
US7885359B2 (en) | 2007-08-15 | 2011-02-08 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Sampling demodulator for amplitude shift keying (ASK) radio receiver |
US8471823B2 (en) | 2007-08-16 | 2013-06-25 | Sony Corporation | Systems and methods for providing a user interface |
DE102007041539B4 (en) | 2007-08-31 | 2009-07-30 | Heinz Kurz Gmbh Medizintechnik | Length variable auditory ossicle prosthesis |
WO2009049320A1 (en) | 2007-10-12 | 2009-04-16 | Earlens Corporation | Multifunction system and method for integrated hearing and communiction with noise cancellation and feedback management |
US8251903B2 (en) | 2007-10-25 | 2012-08-28 | Valencell, Inc. | Noninvasive physiological analysis using excitation-sensor modules and related devices and methods |
CA2704121A1 (en) | 2007-10-30 | 2009-05-07 | 3Win N.V. | Body-worn wireless transducer module |
US7773200B2 (en) | 2007-11-06 | 2010-08-10 | Starkey Laboratories, Inc. | Method and apparatus for a single point scanner |
US8579434B2 (en) | 2007-11-07 | 2013-11-12 | University Of Washington Through Its Center For Commercialization | Free-standing two-sided device fabrication |
AU2008323718B2 (en) | 2007-11-09 | 2011-09-22 | Med-El Elektromedizinische Geraete Gmbh | Pulsatile cochlear implant stimulation strategy |
KR100931209B1 (en) | 2007-11-20 | 2009-12-10 | 경북대학교 산학협력단 | Easy-to-install garden-driven vibration transducer and implantable hearing aid using it |
EP2066140B1 (en) | 2007-11-28 | 2016-01-27 | Oticon Medical A/S | Method for fitting a bone anchored hearing aid to a user and bone anchored bone conduction hearing aid system. |
EP2072030A1 (en) | 2007-12-20 | 2009-06-24 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Dental impression material containing rheological modifiers |
KR20090076484A (en) | 2008-01-09 | 2009-07-13 | 경북대학교 산학협력단 | Trans-tympanic membrane vibration member and implantable hearing aids using the member |
US9445183B2 (en) * | 2008-02-27 | 2016-09-13 | Linda D. Dahl | Sound system with ear device with improved fit and sound |
EP2266123B1 (en) | 2008-03-17 | 2018-10-10 | Powermat Technologies Ltd. | Inductive transmission system |
US8401213B2 (en) | 2008-03-31 | 2013-03-19 | Cochlear Limited | Snap-lock coupling system for a prosthetic device |
KR100933864B1 (en) | 2008-03-31 | 2009-12-24 | 삼성에스디아이 주식회사 | Battery pack |
EP2276420B1 (en) | 2008-04-04 | 2021-10-06 | Journey1, Inc. | Device to treat an eye having an epithelium with a defect |
EP2296580A2 (en) | 2008-04-04 | 2011-03-23 | Forsight Labs, Llc | Corneal onlay devices and methods |
KR100977525B1 (en) | 2008-04-11 | 2010-08-23 | 주식회사 뉴로바이오시스 | A cochlea implant system in ITE in the ear type using infrared communication |
AU2008354673B2 (en) | 2008-04-11 | 2014-07-24 | Sinphar Tian-Li Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (Hangzhou) | Pharmaceutical composition and Poria extract useful for enhancing absorption of nutrients |
JP2010004513A (en) | 2008-05-19 | 2010-01-07 | Yamaha Corp | Ear phone |
WO2009152442A1 (en) | 2008-06-14 | 2009-12-17 | Michael Petroff | Hearing aid with anti-occlusion effect techniques and ultra-low frequency response |
US8396239B2 (en) | 2008-06-17 | 2013-03-12 | Earlens Corporation | Optical electro-mechanical hearing devices with combined power and signal architectures |
EP2301262B1 (en) | 2008-06-17 | 2017-09-27 | Earlens Corporation | Optical electro-mechanical hearing devices with combined power and signal architectures |
WO2009155358A1 (en) | 2008-06-17 | 2009-12-23 | Earlens Corporation | Optical electro-mechanical hearing devices with separate power and signal components |
US8737655B2 (en) | 2008-06-20 | 2014-05-27 | Starkey Laboratories, Inc. | System for measuring maximum stable gain in hearing assistance devices |
US8457618B2 (en) | 2008-06-20 | 2013-06-04 | Motorola Mobility Llc | Preventing random access based on outdated system information in a wireless communication system |
US8774435B2 (en) | 2008-07-23 | 2014-07-08 | Asius Technologies, Llc | Audio device, system and method |
US7898905B2 (en) * | 2008-07-28 | 2011-03-01 | General Electric Company | Reconfigurable array with locally determined switch configuration |
US8233651B1 (en) | 2008-09-02 | 2012-07-31 | Advanced Bionics, Llc | Dual microphone EAS system that prevents feedback |
JP2010068299A (en) | 2008-09-11 | 2010-03-25 | Yamaha Corp | Earphone |
DK2342905T3 (en) | 2008-09-22 | 2019-04-08 | Earlens Corp | BALANCED Luminaire Fittings and Methods of Hearing |
US20160087687A1 (en) | 2008-09-27 | 2016-03-24 | Witricity Corporation | Communication in a wireless power transmission system |
US8554350B2 (en) | 2008-10-15 | 2013-10-08 | Personics Holdings Inc. | Device and method to reduce ear wax clogging of acoustic ports, hearing aid sealing system, and feedback reduction system |
AU2009324613B2 (en) | 2008-12-10 | 2014-03-13 | Med-El Elektromedizinische Geraete Gmbh | Skull vibrational unit |
US8506473B2 (en) | 2008-12-16 | 2013-08-13 | SoundBeam LLC | Hearing-aid transducer having an engineered surface |
EP2368374A2 (en) | 2008-12-19 | 2011-09-28 | Phonak AG | Method of manufacturing hearing devices |
EP2374193A1 (en) | 2009-01-06 | 2011-10-12 | Access Business Group International LLC | Communication across an inductive link with a dynamic load |
EP2389771B1 (en) | 2009-01-21 | 2017-05-10 | Advanced Bionics AG | Partially implantable hearing aid |
US8545383B2 (en) | 2009-01-30 | 2013-10-01 | Medizinische Hochschule Hannover | Light activated hearing aid device |
DE102009007233B4 (en) | 2009-02-03 | 2012-07-26 | Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. | Hearing device with noise compensation and design method |
US9750462B2 (en) | 2009-02-25 | 2017-09-05 | Valencell, Inc. | Monitoring apparatus and methods for measuring physiological and/or environmental conditions |
WO2010098912A2 (en) | 2009-02-25 | 2010-09-02 | Valencell, Inc. | Light-guiding devices and monitoring devices incorporating same |
US8788002B2 (en) | 2009-02-25 | 2014-07-22 | Valencell, Inc. | Light-guiding devices and monitoring devices incorporating same |
US8477973B2 (en) | 2009-04-01 | 2013-07-02 | Starkey Laboratories, Inc. | Hearing assistance system with own voice detection |
US8437486B2 (en) | 2009-04-14 | 2013-05-07 | Dan Wiggins | Calibrated hearing aid tuning appliance |
US8206181B2 (en) | 2009-04-29 | 2012-06-26 | Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab | Connector arrangement |
DK2438768T3 (en) | 2009-06-05 | 2016-06-06 | Earlens Corp | Optically coupled acoustically mellemøreimplantatindretning |
US9544700B2 (en) | 2009-06-15 | 2017-01-10 | Earlens Corporation | Optically coupled active ossicular replacement prosthesis |
CN102802520B (en) | 2009-06-17 | 2015-04-01 | 3形状股份有限公司 | Focus Scanning Apparatus |
US8401214B2 (en) | 2009-06-18 | 2013-03-19 | Earlens Corporation | Eardrum implantable devices for hearing systems and methods |
AU2010263045A1 (en) | 2009-06-18 | 2012-02-09 | Earlens Corporation | Optically coupled cochlear implant systems and methods |
WO2011005500A2 (en) | 2009-06-22 | 2011-01-13 | SoundBeam LLC | Round window coupled hearing systems and methods |
CN102598715B (en) | 2009-06-22 | 2015-08-05 | 伊尔莱茵斯公司 | optical coupling bone conduction device, system and method |
WO2010151647A2 (en) | 2009-06-24 | 2010-12-29 | SoundBeam LLC | Optically coupled cochlear actuator systems and methods |
WO2010151636A2 (en) | 2009-06-24 | 2010-12-29 | SoundBeam LLC | Optical cochlear stimulation devices and methods |
EP2445587A4 (en) | 2009-06-24 | 2012-12-19 | SoundBeam LLC | Transdermal photonic energy transmission devices and methods |
US8855347B2 (en) | 2009-06-30 | 2014-10-07 | Phonak Ag | Hearing device with a vent extension and method for manufacturing such a hearing device |
DE102009034826B4 (en) | 2009-07-27 | 2011-04-28 | Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. | Hearing device and method |
JP4926215B2 (en) | 2009-07-31 | 2012-05-09 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Active vibration noise control device |
US8340335B1 (en) | 2009-08-18 | 2012-12-25 | iHear Medical, Inc. | Hearing device with semipermanent canal receiver module |
US20110069852A1 (en) | 2009-09-23 | 2011-03-24 | Georg-Erwin Arndt | Hearing Aid |
CA2776125A1 (en) | 2009-10-01 | 2011-04-07 | Ototronix, Llc | Improved middle ear implant and method |
US8174234B2 (en) | 2009-10-08 | 2012-05-08 | Etymotic Research, Inc. | Magnetically coupled battery charging system |
US8515109B2 (en) | 2009-11-19 | 2013-08-20 | Gn Resound A/S | Hearing aid with beamforming capability |
US9802043B2 (en) | 2009-12-01 | 2017-10-31 | Med-El Elektromedizinische Geraete Gmbh | Inductive signal and energy transfer through the external auditory canal |
EP2629551B1 (en) | 2009-12-29 | 2014-11-19 | GN Resound A/S | Binaural hearing aid |
US8755548B2 (en) | 2010-01-25 | 2014-06-17 | Jiangsu Betterlife Medical Co., Ltd | Ear mould and hearing aid with open in-ear receiving device |
US8526651B2 (en) | 2010-01-25 | 2013-09-03 | Sonion Nederland Bv | Receiver module for inflating a membrane in an ear device |
US8818509B2 (en) | 2010-02-11 | 2014-08-26 | Biotronik Se & Co. Kg | Implantable element and electronic implant |
DE102010009453A1 (en) | 2010-02-26 | 2011-09-01 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. | Sound transducer for insertion in an ear |
KR20110103295A (en) | 2010-03-12 | 2011-09-20 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Method for wireless charging using conmmunication network |
US8494199B2 (en) | 2010-04-08 | 2013-07-23 | Gn Resound A/S | Stability improvements in hearing aids |
US8942398B2 (en) | 2010-04-13 | 2015-01-27 | Starkey Laboratories, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for early audio feedback cancellation for hearing assistance devices |
US20110271965A1 (en) | 2010-05-10 | 2011-11-10 | Red Tail Hawk Corporation | Multi-Material Hearing Protection Custom Earplug |
DE102010043413A1 (en) | 2010-11-04 | 2012-05-10 | Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. | Method and hearing aid for detecting wetness |
WO2012088187A2 (en) | 2010-12-20 | 2012-06-28 | SoundBeam LLC | Anatomically customized ear canal hearing apparatus |
DK2661909T3 (en) | 2011-01-07 | 2019-01-14 | Widex As | HEARING SYSTEM WITH A DUAL MODE WIRELESS RADIO |
US8888701B2 (en) | 2011-01-27 | 2014-11-18 | Valencell, Inc. | Apparatus and methods for monitoring physiological data during environmental interference |
DK2681930T3 (en) | 2011-02-28 | 2015-04-27 | Widex As | Hearing-aid and a method to operate a output stage |
US9698129B2 (en) | 2011-03-18 | 2017-07-04 | Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. | Stacked integrated component devices with energization |
WO2012149970A1 (en) | 2011-05-04 | 2012-11-08 | Phonak Ag | Adjustable vent of an open fitted ear mould of a hearing aid |
US8696054B2 (en) | 2011-05-24 | 2014-04-15 | L & P Property Management Company | Enhanced compatibility for a linkage mechanism |
US8885860B2 (en) | 2011-06-02 | 2014-11-11 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Direct drive micro hearing device |
WO2013016007A2 (en) | 2011-07-25 | 2013-01-31 | Valencell, Inc. | Apparatus and methods for estimating time-state physiological parameters |
US8737669B2 (en) | 2011-07-28 | 2014-05-27 | Bose Corporation | Earpiece passive noise attenuating |
EP2739207B1 (en) | 2011-08-02 | 2017-07-19 | Valencell, Inc. | Systems and methods for variable filter adjustment by heart rate metric feedback |
US8600096B2 (en) | 2011-08-02 | 2013-12-03 | Bose Corporation | Surface treatment for ear tips |
US8724832B2 (en) | 2011-08-30 | 2014-05-13 | Qualcomm Mems Technologies, Inc. | Piezoelectric microphone fabricated on glass |
EP2755546A4 (en) | 2011-09-15 | 2015-08-12 | Yoseph Yaacobi | Systems and methods for treating ear disorders |
US8824695B2 (en) | 2011-10-03 | 2014-09-02 | Bose Corporation | Instability detection and avoidance in a feedback system |
DK2579252T3 (en) | 2011-10-08 | 2020-06-02 | Gn Hearing As | Improvements in hearing aid stability and speech audibility |
WO2013075255A1 (en) | 2011-11-22 | 2013-05-30 | Phonak Ag | A method of processing a signal in a hearing instrument, and hearing instrument |
US8761423B2 (en) | 2011-11-23 | 2014-06-24 | Insound Medical, Inc. | Canal hearing devices and batteries for use with same |
US8811636B2 (en) | 2011-11-29 | 2014-08-19 | Qualcomm Mems Technologies, Inc. | Microspeaker with piezoelectric, metal and dielectric membrane |
EP2793358A4 (en) | 2011-12-14 | 2015-06-10 | Panasonic Ip Man Co Ltd | Contactless connector device and system |
US9211069B2 (en) | 2012-02-17 | 2015-12-15 | Honeywell International Inc. | Personal protective equipment with integrated physiological monitoring |
US9426588B2 (en) | 2012-03-16 | 2016-08-23 | Sonova Ag | Antenna for hearing device, ear tip and hearing device provided with such an antenna |
JP6325526B2 (en) | 2012-04-30 | 2018-05-16 | メルス オーディオ アンパーツゼルスカブ | Class D audio amplifier with adjustable loop filter characteristics |
US20130303835A1 (en) | 2012-05-10 | 2013-11-14 | Otokinetics Inc. | Microactuator |
US9020173B2 (en) | 2012-05-17 | 2015-04-28 | Starkey Laboratories, Inc. | Method and apparatus for harvesting energy in a hearing assistance device |
EP2677770B1 (en) | 2012-06-21 | 2015-07-29 | Oticon A/s | Hearing aid comprising a feedback alarm |
US10143592B2 (en) | 2012-09-04 | 2018-12-04 | Staton Techiya, Llc | Occlusion device capable of occluding an ear canal |
EP2713196A1 (en) | 2012-09-27 | 2014-04-02 | poLight AS | Deformable lens having piezoelectric actuators arranged with an interdigitated electrode configuration |
US20140099992A1 (en) | 2012-10-09 | 2014-04-10 | Qualcomm Mems Technologies, Inc. | Ear position and gesture detection with mobile device |
US9185504B2 (en) | 2012-11-30 | 2015-11-10 | iHear Medical, Inc. | Dynamic pressure vent for canal hearing devices |
US8923543B2 (en) | 2012-12-19 | 2014-12-30 | Starkey Laboratories, Inc. | Hearing assistance device vent valve |
US9812774B2 (en) | 2013-03-05 | 2017-11-07 | Amosense Co., Ltd. | Composite sheet for shielding magnetic field and electromagnetic wave, and antenna module comprising same |
US9532150B2 (en) * | 2013-03-05 | 2016-12-27 | Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation | Eardrum supported nanomembrane transducer |
US20140288356A1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-25 | Jurgen Van Vlem | Assessing auditory prosthesis actuator performance |
KR20150011235A (en) | 2013-07-22 | 2015-01-30 | 삼성디스플레이 주식회사 | Organic light emitting display apparatus and method of manufacturing thereof |
DK3089482T3 (en) | 2013-08-14 | 2018-03-19 | Oticon Medical As | HOLDER FOR A VIBRATION TRANSMITTER AND A VIBRATION TRANSMISSION SYSTEM USING IT |
US10757516B2 (en) | 2013-10-29 | 2020-08-25 | Cochlear Limited | Electromagnetic transducer with specific interface geometries |
KR102179043B1 (en) | 2013-11-06 | 2020-11-16 | 삼성전자 주식회사 | Apparatus and method for detecting abnormality of a hearing aid |
JP6060915B2 (en) | 2014-02-06 | 2017-01-18 | ソニー株式会社 | Earpiece and electroacoustic transducer |
US9544675B2 (en) | 2014-02-21 | 2017-01-10 | Earlens Corporation | Contact hearing system with wearable communication apparatus |
WO2015131065A1 (en) | 2014-02-28 | 2015-09-03 | Valencell, Inc. | Method and apparatus for generating assessments using physical activity and biometric parameters |
US10034103B2 (en) | 2014-03-18 | 2018-07-24 | Earlens Corporation | High fidelity and reduced feedback contact hearing apparatus and methods |
US9524092B2 (en) | 2014-05-30 | 2016-12-20 | Snaptrack, Inc. | Display mode selection according to a user profile or a hierarchy of criteria |
US10505640B2 (en) | 2014-06-05 | 2019-12-10 | Etymotic Research, Inc. | Sliding bias method and system for reducing idling current while maintaining maximum undistorted output capability in a single-ended pulse modulated driver |
EP3169396B1 (en) | 2014-07-14 | 2021-04-21 | Earlens Corporation | Sliding bias and peak limiting for optical hearing devices |
US20160029898A1 (en) | 2014-07-30 | 2016-02-04 | Valencell, Inc. | Physiological Monitoring Devices and Methods Using Optical Sensors |
EP2986029A1 (en) | 2014-08-14 | 2016-02-17 | Oticon A/s | Method and system for modeling a custom fit earmold |
DE102014111904A1 (en) | 2014-08-20 | 2016-02-25 | Epcos Ag | Tunable HF filter with parallel resonators |
EP3198890B1 (en) | 2014-09-23 | 2018-11-07 | Sonova AG | An impression-taking pad, a method of impression-taking, an impression, a method of manufacturing a custom ear canal shell |
US9948112B2 (en) | 2014-09-26 | 2018-04-17 | Integrated Device Technology, Inc. | Apparatuses and related methods for detecting coil alignment with a wireless power receiver |
US9794653B2 (en) | 2014-09-27 | 2017-10-17 | Valencell, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for improving signal quality in wearable biometric monitoring devices |
US9808623B2 (en) | 2014-10-07 | 2017-11-07 | Oticon Medical A/S | Hearing system |
US9924276B2 (en) | 2014-11-26 | 2018-03-20 | Earlens Corporation | Adjustable venting for hearing instruments |
JP6464280B2 (en) | 2015-03-13 | 2019-02-06 | シバントス ピーティーイー リミテッド | Binaural hearing aid system |
EP3086574A3 (en) | 2015-04-20 | 2017-03-15 | Oticon A/s | Hearing aid device and hearing aid device system |
US10418016B2 (en) | 2015-05-29 | 2019-09-17 | Staton Techiya, Llc | Methods and devices for attenuating sound in a conduit or chamber |
WO2017045700A1 (en) | 2015-09-15 | 2017-03-23 | Advanced Bionics Ag | Implantable vibration diaphragm |
WO2017059240A1 (en) | 2015-10-02 | 2017-04-06 | Earlens Corporation | Drug delivery customized ear canal apparatus |
US10492010B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2019-11-26 | Earlens Corporations | Damping in contact hearing systems |
US10306381B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2019-05-28 | Earlens Corporation | Charging protocol for rechargable hearing systems |
US11350226B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2022-05-31 | Earlens Corporation | Charging protocol for rechargeable hearing systems |
CN112738700A (en) | 2016-09-09 | 2021-04-30 | 伊尔兰斯公司 | Smart mirror system and method |
WO2018081121A1 (en) | 2016-10-28 | 2018-05-03 | Earlens Corporation | Interactive hearing aid error detection |
WO2018093733A1 (en) | 2016-11-15 | 2018-05-24 | Earlens Corporation | Improved impression procedure |
EP3682652A4 (en) | 2017-09-13 | 2021-06-16 | Earlens Corporation | Contact hearing protection device |
US20190166438A1 (en) | 2017-11-30 | 2019-05-30 | Earlens Corporation | Ear tip designs |
WO2019173470A1 (en) | 2018-03-07 | 2019-09-12 | Earlens Corporation | Contact hearing device and retention structure materials |
WO2019199683A1 (en) | 2018-04-09 | 2019-10-17 | Earlens Corporation | Integrated sliding bias and output limiter |
WO2019199680A1 (en) | 2018-04-09 | 2019-10-17 | Earlens Corporation | Dynamic filter |
WO2020028083A1 (en) | 2018-07-31 | 2020-02-06 | Earlens Corporation | Modulation in a contact hearing system |
WO2020176086A1 (en) | 2019-02-27 | 2020-09-03 | Earlens Corporation | Improved tympanic lens for hearing device with reduced fluid ingress |
WO2021003087A1 (en) | 2019-07-03 | 2021-01-07 | Earlens Corporation | Piezoelectric transducer for tympanic membrane |
-
2016
- 2016-09-30 WO PCT/US2016/054757 patent/WO2017059240A1/en active Application Filing
- 2016-09-30 DK DK16852706.7T patent/DK3355801T3/en active
- 2016-09-30 WO PCT/US2016/054714 patent/WO2017059218A1/en active Application Filing
- 2016-09-30 US US15/282,809 patent/US20170095202A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2016-09-30 EP EP16852706.7A patent/EP3355801B1/en active Active
- 2016-09-30 US US15/282,570 patent/US10292601B2/en active Active
- 2016-09-30 EP EP21164575.9A patent/EP3888564A1/en active Pending
-
2019
- 2019-04-02 US US16/373,464 patent/US11058305B2/en active Active
-
2021
- 2021-03-03 US US17/190,830 patent/US20210186343A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2021-06-07 US US17/341,189 patent/US11660007B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2014254A (en) | 1935-01-26 | 1935-09-10 | Cooper Tea Packet Company | Fastener and combination thereof with strings and tags of tea-bags or the like |
US8197461B1 (en) * | 1998-12-04 | 2012-06-12 | Durect Corporation | Controlled release system for delivering therapeutic agents into the inner ear |
US20100202645A1 (en) * | 2005-05-03 | 2010-08-12 | Earlens Corporation | Hearing system having improved high frequency response |
US20130343584A1 (en) * | 2012-06-20 | 2013-12-26 | Broadcom Corporation | Hearing assist device with external operational support |
US20140379874A1 (en) * | 2012-12-03 | 2014-12-25 | Mylan, Inc. | Medication delivery system and method |
Cited By (44)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11483665B2 (en) | 2007-10-12 | 2022-10-25 | Earlens Corporation | Multifunction system and method for integrated hearing and communication with noise cancellation and feedback management |
US10516950B2 (en) | 2007-10-12 | 2019-12-24 | Earlens Corporation | Multifunction system and method for integrated hearing and communication with noise cancellation and feedback management |
US10863286B2 (en) | 2007-10-12 | 2020-12-08 | Earlens Corporation | Multifunction system and method for integrated hearing and communication with noise cancellation and feedback management |
US11310605B2 (en) | 2008-06-17 | 2022-04-19 | Earlens Corporation | Optical electro-mechanical hearing devices with separate power and signal components |
US10516949B2 (en) | 2008-06-17 | 2019-12-24 | Earlens Corporation | Optical electro-mechanical hearing devices with separate power and signal components |
US10516946B2 (en) | 2008-09-22 | 2019-12-24 | Earlens Corporation | Devices and methods for hearing |
US10237663B2 (en) | 2008-09-22 | 2019-03-19 | Earlens Corporation | Devices and methods for hearing |
US10743110B2 (en) | 2008-09-22 | 2020-08-11 | Earlens Corporation | Devices and methods for hearing |
US11057714B2 (en) | 2008-09-22 | 2021-07-06 | Earlens Corporation | Devices and methods for hearing |
US10511913B2 (en) | 2008-09-22 | 2019-12-17 | Earlens Corporation | Devices and methods for hearing |
US11153697B2 (en) | 2010-12-20 | 2021-10-19 | Earlens Corporation | Anatomically customized ear canal hearing apparatus |
US11743663B2 (en) | 2010-12-20 | 2023-08-29 | Earlens Corporation | Anatomically customized ear canal hearing apparatus |
US10609492B2 (en) | 2010-12-20 | 2020-03-31 | Earlens Corporation | Anatomically customized ear canal hearing apparatus |
US10284964B2 (en) | 2010-12-20 | 2019-05-07 | Earlens Corporation | Anatomically customized ear canal hearing apparatus |
US11317224B2 (en) | 2014-03-18 | 2022-04-26 | Earlens Corporation | High fidelity and reduced feedback contact hearing apparatus and methods |
US11800303B2 (en) | 2014-07-14 | 2023-10-24 | Earlens Corporation | Sliding bias and peak limiting for optical hearing devices |
US10531206B2 (en) | 2014-07-14 | 2020-01-07 | Earlens Corporation | Sliding bias and peak limiting for optical hearing devices |
US11259129B2 (en) | 2014-07-14 | 2022-02-22 | Earlens Corporation | Sliding bias and peak limiting for optical hearing devices |
US11252516B2 (en) | 2014-11-26 | 2022-02-15 | Earlens Corporation | Adjustable venting for hearing instruments |
US10516951B2 (en) | 2014-11-26 | 2019-12-24 | Earlens Corporation | Adjustable venting for hearing instruments |
US11058305B2 (en) | 2015-10-02 | 2021-07-13 | Earlens Corporation | Wearable customized ear canal apparatus |
US10292601B2 (en) | 2015-10-02 | 2019-05-21 | Earlens Corporation | Wearable customized ear canal apparatus |
US11337012B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2022-05-17 | Earlens Corporation | Battery coating for rechargable hearing systems |
US10492010B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2019-11-26 | Earlens Corporations | Damping in contact hearing systems |
US10178483B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2019-01-08 | Earlens Corporation | Light based hearing systems, apparatus, and methods |
US10306381B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2019-05-28 | Earlens Corporation | Charging protocol for rechargable hearing systems |
US11070927B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2021-07-20 | Earlens Corporation | Damping in contact hearing systems |
US10779094B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2020-09-15 | Earlens Corporation | Damping in contact hearing systems |
US11350226B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2022-05-31 | Earlens Corporation | Charging protocol for rechargeable hearing systems |
US11516602B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2022-11-29 | Earlens Corporation | Damping in contact hearing systems |
US11102594B2 (en) | 2016-09-09 | 2021-08-24 | Earlens Corporation | Contact hearing systems, apparatus and methods |
US11540065B2 (en) | 2016-09-09 | 2022-12-27 | Earlens Corporation | Contact hearing systems, apparatus and methods |
US11166114B2 (en) | 2016-11-15 | 2021-11-02 | Earlens Corporation | Impression procedure |
US11671774B2 (en) | 2016-11-15 | 2023-06-06 | Earlens Corporation | Impression procedure |
US11516603B2 (en) | 2018-03-07 | 2022-11-29 | Earlens Corporation | Contact hearing device and retention structure materials |
US11564044B2 (en) | 2018-04-09 | 2023-01-24 | Earlens Corporation | Dynamic filter |
US11212626B2 (en) | 2018-04-09 | 2021-12-28 | Earlens Corporation | Dynamic filter |
US11375321B2 (en) | 2018-07-31 | 2022-06-28 | Earlens Corporation | Eartip venting in a contact hearing system |
US11343617B2 (en) | 2018-07-31 | 2022-05-24 | Earlens Corporation | Modulation in a contact hearing system |
US11606649B2 (en) | 2018-07-31 | 2023-03-14 | Earlens Corporation | Inductive coupling coil structure in a contact hearing system |
US11665487B2 (en) | 2018-07-31 | 2023-05-30 | Earlens Corporation | Quality factor in a contact hearing system |
US11706573B2 (en) | 2018-07-31 | 2023-07-18 | Earlens Corporation | Nearfield inductive coupling in a contact hearing system |
US11711657B2 (en) | 2018-07-31 | 2023-07-25 | Earlens Corporation | Demodulation in a contact hearing system |
GB2585364A (en) * | 2019-06-14 | 2021-01-13 | Roy Gompertz Nicholas | Method for a device to be worn within or near the ear, to monitor health, physiology and status of the ear and the wearer, and to provide authentication |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3888564A1 (en) | 2021-10-06 |
US20210307623A1 (en) | 2021-10-07 |
WO2017059218A1 (en) | 2017-04-06 |
US11660007B2 (en) | 2023-05-30 |
EP3355801A4 (en) | 2019-05-22 |
US20210186343A1 (en) | 2021-06-24 |
US10292601B2 (en) | 2019-05-21 |
US20190269336A1 (en) | 2019-09-05 |
EP3355801A1 (en) | 2018-08-08 |
DK3355801T3 (en) | 2021-06-21 |
EP3355801B1 (en) | 2021-05-19 |
US20170095167A1 (en) | 2017-04-06 |
US11058305B2 (en) | 2021-07-13 |
US20170095202A1 (en) | 2017-04-06 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11660007B2 (en) | Wearable customized ear canal apparatus | |
US20200086133A1 (en) | Validation, compliance, and/or intervention with ear device | |
US10548500B2 (en) | Apparatus for measuring bioelectrical signals | |
CN105814956B (en) | The method and apparatus positioned between multiple devices via the position coordinates of wireless protocols | |
EP3220815B1 (en) | Apparatus for measuring bioelectrical signals | |
KR102438234B1 (en) | Biological signal sensing patch and Biological signal monitoring apparatus | |
US20220361787A1 (en) | Ear-worn device based measurement of reaction or reflex speed | |
CN116234492A (en) | Modular ear sensing system | |
US20230029042A1 (en) | Wearable system for the ear | |
EP4154270A1 (en) | Gateway device facilitating collection and management of data from a body area network to a study coordinating system | |
US11265643B2 (en) | Hearing device including a sensor and hearing system including same | |
US20210145351A1 (en) | Minimal Material Ear Sensor System | |
KR102171566B1 (en) | Method, apparatus and computer program for measuring biological signals | |
US20220157434A1 (en) | Ear-wearable device systems and methods for monitoring emotional state | |
US20220304580A1 (en) | Ear-worn devices for communication with medical devices | |
EP4146056A1 (en) | Multi-body earpiece | |
US20220386959A1 (en) | Infection risk detection using ear-wearable sensor devices | |
US20240122500A1 (en) | Ear-wearable devices for gait and impact tracking of knee and hip replacements | |
US20220301685A1 (en) | Ear-wearable device and system for monitoring of and/or providing therapy to individuals with hypoxic or anoxic neurological injury | |
US20240000315A1 (en) | Passive safety monitoring with ear-wearable devices | |
US20230277116A1 (en) | Hypoxic or anoxic neurological injury detection with ear-wearable devices and system | |
WO2023023063A1 (en) | Ear-wearable devices and systems with orthostatic intolerance condition screening features |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application |
Ref document number: 16852706 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2016852706 Country of ref document: EP |