Coupling apparatus for a bone anchored hearing device

Abstract

A coupling apparatus for a bone anchored hearing device for anchoring hearing aid devices or extra-oral prostheses in the form of ear and orbital prostheses in the skull bone. The apparatus comprises a screw-shaped anchoring fixture configured to be inserted into the skull bone and a skin-penetrating abutment coupled to the fixture by a screw connection. The fixture comprises a main body with an external screw thread and a flange having a substantially planar bottom surface. The flange is configured to stop the anchoring element from penetrating through the skull bone. The skin-penetrating abutment comprises a substantially conical outer surface. The upper end surface of the fixture is designed with an open cavity with a tapered inner contour forming a seat for the bottom part of the abutment. The bottom part of the abutment is configured to create a good connecting fit between the fixture and abutment.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 951,169, entitled “Coupling Apparatus for a Bone Anchored Hearing Device,” filed Jul. 20, 2007 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 951,163, entitled “Bone Anchor Fixture for a Medical Prosthesis,” filed Jul. 20, 2007. These applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to hearing devices and, more particularly, to a coupling apparatus for bone anchored hearing devices.[0004]2. Related Art[0005]For persons who cannot benefit from traditional, air conduction hearing aids there are other types of hearing aids on the market commonly referred to as bone anchored hearing aids. Bone anchored hearing aids mechanically transmit sound information to a person's inner ear via the skull bone by means of a vibrator. Such hearing aid devices are typically connected to a percutane...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In the event that the skin penetrating piece becomes damaged, it may be replaced without removing the anchoring fixture from the skull.

A well-known problem with many of these conventional percutaneous implants is the increased risk of infections and inflammation that results from bacterial colonization in the area surrounding the skin-implant interface.

Oftentimes, unwanted pockets and gaps are formed between the skin and the implant.

Another problem with these conventional percutaneous implants is the risk of micro-leakage and bacterial colonization from gaps formed between the two components.

Such gaps result from insufficient connection between bone attachment piece and the skin penetrating piece, imperfections in the contact surfaces of the two components, incorrect tightening torque, or a combination of the foregoing factors.

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