Ear prosthesis

Abstract

To provide an ear prosthesis excellent in wearability while satisfying both requests of esthetic aspect and hearing ability acquisition.　An ear prosthesis 1 to be used by a patient with microtia includes: a joint surface 11a to be joined to the head of the patient; and a holding part 12 capable of holding a cartilage-conduction hearing aid. The holding part 12 includes a recess formed on the joint surface 11a and capable of holding a vibrator 21 of the cartilage-conduction hearing aid. The depth of the recess is smaller than the thickness of the vibrator 21.

Description

Ear prosthesis

[0001] The present invention relates to an ear prosthesis.

[0002] There is a congenital disease called microtia (also referred to as microtia disease) in which the shape of the ear is incomplete. Microtia is often accompanied by hearing impairment caused by stenosis or closure of the ear canal, and hearing improvement via ear plasty is not easy, so hearing aids are sometimes used to obtain hearing ability (Patent Document 1). On the other hand, artificial auricles (ear prostheses) are sometimes attached for cosmetic and aesthetic purposes, or for wearing masks or glasses (Patent Document 2).

[0003] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 53-71434, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-272178

[0004] Since hearing aids and ear prostheses share the same attachment position on the temporal region, it is not easy to wear both at the same time. In addition, it is common for both hearing aids and ear prostheses to be attached to the skin around the ear with an adhesive or the like, but attachment relying solely on the adhesive force of the adhesive or the like has limitations in terms of wearing stability and durability.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an ear prosthesis excellent in wearability while simultaneously satisfying both requirements of aesthetic appearance and hearing acquisition.

[0006] The ear prosthesis of the present invention is an ear prosthesis for use by a person affected by microtia, comprising: a bonding surface to be bonded to the affected person's head; and a holding portion capable of holding a bone conduction hearing aid, wherein the holding portion includes a concave portion formed on the bonding surface and capable of holding a vibrator of the bone conduction hearing aid, and a depth of the concave portion is shallower than a thickness of the vibrator.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ear prosthesis excellent in wearability while simultaneously satisfying both requirements of aesthetic appearance and hearing acquisition.

[0008] Diagram illustrating the structure of an artificial ear according to an embodiment of the present invention. Diagram illustrating the structure of an artificial ear according to an embodiment of the present invention. Diagram illustrating the structure of the connection part to the holding part in an artificial ear according to an embodiment of the present invention. Diagram illustrating a modified example of a holding device connected to an artificial ear according to an embodiment of the present invention. Diagram illustrating the structure of a hearing aid held by an artificial ear according to an embodiment of the present invention. Diagram illustrating the structure of an artificial ear according to an embodiment of the present invention. Diagram illustrating the structure of an artificial ear according to an embodiment of the present invention. Diagram illustrating the structure of an artificial ear according to an embodiment of the present invention. Diagram illustrating the structure of an artificial ear according to an embodiment of the present invention. End view as seen from arrow H in Figure 9. Diagram illustrating the structure of an artificial ear according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the configurations and combinations thereof in the embodiments are examples only, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications are possible as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the embodiments, but is limited only by the claims.

[0010] <Embodiment> Figure 1(a) is a schematic rear view showing the overall configuration of an artificial ear according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, this embodiment) when it is integrated with a hearing aid and a holder, and the side that becomes the back side when it is attached to the user's head. Figure 1(b) is a schematic side view (left side view) of the integrated configuration of the artificial ear and hearing aid according to this embodiment, viewed from direction A in Figure 1(a). Figure 1(c) is a schematic side view (right side view) of the integrated configuration of the artificial ear and hearing aid according to this embodiment, viewed from direction B (opposite direction to direction A) in Figure 1(a).

[0011] The artificial ear 1 according to this embodiment is a prosthetic device primarily used by people suffering from microtia, and is an artificial auricle that has an external shape that mimics a normal ear and is attached to the head of the affected person to cover (conceal) the deformed ear. The artificial ear 1 according to this embodiment is capable of integrally holding a hearing aid 2, and is configured to allow integral attachment of a retainer 3 to enhance the stability of the artificial ear 1 on the head.

[0012] Here, the prosthetic ear 1 according to this embodiment is an example of a prosthetic ear for the left ear, that is, a prosthetic ear for a person whose right ear is normal but whose left ear is a deformed ear due to microtia. In the case of a prosthetic ear for the right ear, the configuration can be symmetrical to the prosthetic ear 1 according to this embodiment, and in the case of microtia in both ears, a symmetrical pair of prosthetic ears can be connected by a retainer 3.

[0013] In this embodiment, the prosthetic ear 1 is a resin product formed by injecting silicone resin into a mold manufactured with a 3D printer. The shape of the auricle in the prosthetic ear 1 is designed appropriately according to the user's symptoms, such as a shape that mimics a healthy person's ear or a shape that is a left-right inversion of the normal opposite ear. Here, the auricle in the prosthetic ear 1 mimics the part of the ear that is visible from the outside, and includes the tragus, helix, and earlobe, but does not have an ear canal (no through-hole is provided).

[0014] As shown in Figures 1(a) to 1(c), the artificial ear 1 according to this embodiment comprises an artificial ear portion 10 which is a shaped part that mimics the shape of a human auricle, a joint portion 11 which is tightly joined to the side of the user's head (around the deformed ear), a holding portion 12 which holds the hearing aid 2, and a connecting portion 13 to which the holder 3 is connected. The joint portion 11 is a part that is continuously and integrally formed at the base of the auricle of the artificial ear portion 10, and has a joint surface 11a on the side opposite to the side to which the artificial ear portion 10 is connected that can be tightly joined to the side of the user's head. The holding portion 12 is configured as a recess (groove) provided in the joint surface 11a.

[0015] The inventors of this application have been diligently researching the technology for manufacturing an artificial ear 1 equipped with a retaining portion 12 (recess) on the bonding surface 11a (Takashi Nishiyama, "Clinical Treatment of Microtia Using an Artificial Ear and a Cartilage Conduction Hearing Aid in Combination," [online], April 1, 2022, Keio University Hospital, [Retrieved March 25, 2025], Internet <URL: https: / / kompas.hosp.keio.ac.jp / sp / contents / medical_info / presentation / 202204.html>). The present invention further develops the inventors' previous research. Specifically, the form and formation method of the bonding surface 11a around the retaining portion 12, as described below, are included in the features of the present invention as a new research result of the inventors of this application.

[0016] The hearing aid 2 has a configuration in which a main body 20 and a transducer 21 are connected by a wire 22, and the transducer 21 is held in the holding part 12 so as to be surrounded by the joining surface 11a. The holder 3 is a wire-like metal member having a roughly inverted U-shaped arch, with one end 31 fixed to the connecting part 13 of the artificial ear 1 and the other end 32 being a free end. The connecting part 13 is provided on the back side of the base of the auricle in the artificial ear part 10.

[0017] Figure 2(a) is a schematic left side view of the head 4 of a person suffering from microtia (hereinafter referred to as the user), whose left ear is a malformed ear 41. Figure 2(b) is a schematic left side view of the user's head 4 with the artificial ear 1 according to this embodiment attached together with the hearing aid 2 and the retainer 3. Figure 2(c) is a schematic rear view of the user's head 4, taken from the direction of arrow C in Figure 2(b).

[0018] As shown in Figures 2(a) to 2(c), the artificial ear 1 according to this embodiment is attached (sticked) to the side of the user's head 4 such that the contact surface 11a of the joint 11 is in close contact with the area around the deformed ear 41 on the user's head 4. The joint 11 and the holding part 12 of the artificial ear 1 are configured to press the transducer 21 of the hearing aid 2 against a predetermined contact position on the user's head 4 (a position corresponding to the cartilage around the deformed ear 41) with a predetermined pressing force. The joint 11 corresponds to the outer shape around the deformed ear 41, and the contact surface 11a is configured to form a fixed state with respect to the head 4 in order to apply the aforementioned pressing force to the transducer 21. The mechanism of generation of this pressing force and formation of the fixed state will be described later.

[0019] The bonding surface 11a is a part that is not exposed when the artificial ear 1 is worn. The holding part 12 is a recess (groove) provided in the bonding surface 11a and is configured to hold the transducer 21 and a part of the wire 22 of the hearing aid 2. The main body 20 of the hearing aid 2 is equipped with a microphone for picking up ambient sounds and is provided to be exposed to the outside of the artificial ear 10 in order to ensure sound collection ability.

[0020] As shown in Figures 2(a) to 2(c), the retainer 3 is configured to hold the artificial ear 1 in a position pressed against the side of the head. The other end 32 of the retainer 3 abuts against the side of the head opposite to the side to which the artificial ear 1 is attached, specifically around the back of the auricle of the normal ear 42 opposite to the deformed ear 41, and is configured to elastically sandwich the head 4 between the artificial ear 1 (joint surface 11a) and the retainer 3. The retainer 3 is attached to the head 4 so that the space between one end (end 31) and the other end (end 32) is widened, and a spring force (biasing force) F is generated by the deformation at that time. This spring force F presses the joint 11 against the side of the head 4, increasing the adhesion of the joint 11 to the head 4, and improving the stability and durability of the attachment of the artificial ear 1 to the head 4.

[0021] Figure 3(a) is a schematic rear view of the artificial ear 1 according to this embodiment, showing the holder 3 connected to the connecting portion 13. Figure 3(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along arrow D in Figure 3(a), showing the connecting portion 13.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2(b), 2(c), and 3(a), one end 31 of the retainer 3 is connected to a connecting portion 13 provided at the base of the auricle of the artificial ear 10, so that the spring force F generated in the retainer 3 is transmitted to the joint 11 with little loss and stably. The position where the connecting portion 13 is provided is on the back side (posterior side) of the auricle of the artificial ear 10. Since the connection between the retainer 3 and the artificial ear 1 is in a position that is difficult for others to see when facing them from the front, this configuration is also preferable to the psychology of people with microtia who do not want others to know that they have microtia.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3(b), the connecting portion 13 is embedded in and integrated with the artificial ear portion 10. The connecting portion 13 is configured to fasten and fix one end 31 of the holder 3 with a screw 13a. Specifically, the connecting portion 13 is provided with an insertion hole 13b into which the end 31 of the holder 3 is inserted, and a screw hole 13c that opens to connect the insertion hole 13b to the outside of the connecting portion 13, into which the screw 13a is screwed. By adjusting the amount the screw 13a is screwed into the screw hole 13c, the end 31 of the holder 3 can be tightened and loosened. Note that in Figure 3(b), the screw threads on the screw 13a and screw hole 13c are not shown.

[0024] The connecting portion 13 is configured to allow interchangeable (selective attachment) different types of retainers 3 as described above. That is, as long as the retainer 3 has an end that can be inserted into the insertion hole 13b of the connecting portion 13, the part excluding the end can take on various forms. In this embodiment, the retainer 3 is made of a wire-like metal member, but its form, material, etc. are not limited to any particular type as long as it can apply a spring force to the artificial ear 1 to enhance its close contact with the artificial ear 1.

[0025] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating modified versions of the retainer 3. Specifically, Figure 4(a) is a schematic left side view of the user's head 4, in which the artificial ear 1 according to this embodiment is attached together with the hearing aid 2 and the retainer 3a according to the modified version. Figure 4(b) is a schematic rear view of the user's head 4, taken from the direction of arrow E in Figure 4(a).

[0026] The holder 3 shown in Figure 2 is a top headband type holder configured in an arch shape so that the portion between one end 31 and the other end 32 passes over the top of the head. In contrast, the modified holder 3a shown in Figure 4 is a back headband type holder configured in an arch shape so that the arch portion 33a between one end 31a and the other end 32a passes over the back of the head (the back of the head 4).

[0027] In the modified retainer 3a, the ends 31a and 32a are bent in a roughly L-shape relative to the arch portion 33a, thereby locally increasing the strength of the retainer 3a at the ends 31a and 32a. In particular, by increasing the strength at one end 31a, which connects to the artificial ear 1, the spring force applied to the artificial ear 1 is stabilized, and it is expected that the stability of the artificial ear 1 when worn will be further enhanced. Furthermore, because the arch portion 33a is positioned on the back of the head, the overall position of the retainer 3a is such that it is difficult for others to see it from the front. In other words, this is a favorable configuration for people with microtia who do not want others to know that they have microtia.

[0028] The configuration in which the holder 3 is detachably fixed by the connecting portion 13 described above is merely one example of a means of fixing the holder 3, and is not limited to the above configuration. Furthermore, the holder 3 may not be detachably attached to the artificial ear 1, but rather integrated with the artificial ear 1.

[0029] Figure 3(c) is a schematic diagram showing another example of a connecting part. The connecting part 13x shown in Figure 3(c) is a ball joint structure connecting part. The retainer connected to the connecting part 13x is a back headband type retainer with an arch portion that passes over the back of the head, similar to the retainer 3a of the modified example, and a ball portion 31b is provided at its tip. The connecting part 13x is provided with a recess 13d into which the ball portion 31b can be fitted. The recess 13d has an opening 13e which is the entrance, and is formed to be slightly narrower than the diameter of the ball portion 31b. The area inside the opening 13e is composed of a curved surface corresponding to the spherical outer shape of the ball portion 31b. The ball portion 31b fitted into the recess 13d is prevented from falling out of the recess 13d by the opening 13e which is narrower than its diameter, thereby maintaining the connection between the artificial ear 1 and the retainer 3. As the ball portion 31b rotates within the recess 13d, the artificial ear 1 can be tilted arbitrarily within a predetermined range of degrees of freedom relative to the holder 3, for example, to accommodate differences in the tilt of the skin 40 around the ear on the head 4 for each user. Here, Figure 3(c) illustrates a connecting portion 13x in which the recess 13d opens laterally to fit a holder 3a in which the end portion 31a extends linearly rather than being an L-shaped bent end. As shown in Figure 3(d), a connecting portion 13y in which the recess 13d opens upward may also be used to fit a holder 3a equipped with an L-shaped bent end portion 31a.

[0030] A notch 13f is provided in the opening 13e of the recess 13d. The notch 13f is provided to allow deformation of the connecting portion 13x, which allows the ball portion 31b to be fitted into the recess 13d. That is, when fitting the ball portion 31b into the recess 13d or when pulling the ball portion 31b out of the recess 13d, the connecting portion 13x deforms so that the width of the notch 13f widens, making the opening 13e wide enough for the ball portion 31b to pass through. This allows the ball portion 31b and the recess 13d to be easily attached to and detached. The notches 13f are provided in pairs, arranged to sandwich the ball portion 31b (one notch 13f is shown in Figure 3(c), and the other notch 13f is located on the opposite side of the ball portion 31b in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 3(c)). The size of the ball portion 31b, the size of the opening 13e, the shape and size of the notch portion 13f, and the number of notches provided are designed as appropriate and are not limited to the form shown here. Also, although a configuration in which the connecting part of the ball joint structure is used to connect a back headband type holder is shown here, it may also be used to connect a top headband type holder as shown in Figure 2.

[0031] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a hearing aid 2 that can hold the artificial ear 1 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the hearing aid 2 is a cartilage conduction hearing aid. As shown in Figure 5, the hearing aid 2 comprises a main body 20, a transducer 21, and a wire 22 connecting the main body 20 and the transducer 21. The main body 20 contains a microphone, amplifier, battery, etc. The transducer 21 vibrates due to power supplied from the main body 20. Sound is transmitted to the user by the vibration of the transducer 21 being transmitted to the cartilage.

[0032] Cartilage conduction hearing aids are similar to bone conduction hearing aids, but they are said to have been developed not as hearing aids for healthy individuals, but as hearing aids for microtia. They work by placing a transducer in contact with the cartilage around the ear, and transmitting the transducer's vibrations to the cartilage through the skin, allowing the user to perceive sound. In a normal ear, the auricle itself is made of cartilage, but in ears with microtia, the cartilage portion that is present in a normal ear may be missing. If there is even a small amount of cartilage in the auricle, the transducer can be placed in that area. However, the cartilage around the ear also extends into the ear canal, so if there is no cartilage in the auricle, the transducer should be placed in the cartilage inside the ear canal. In other words, if the ear canal is open in a microtia ear, or if the ear canal has been opened surgically, the transducer is inserted into the ear canal. On the other hand, if the ear canal is open but not large enough to insert the transducer, or if it is better not to insert the transducer considering the effects of ear discharge, the transducer is not inserted into the ear canal, but rather placed in the cartilage of the auricle as described above. Furthermore, it is necessary to hold the vibrating transducer in place so that it remains firmly in contact with the cartilage. The most common method for attaching cartilage conduction hearing aids is to adhere both the transducer and the main body to the skin using adhesive or similar means.

[0033] In this embodiment, the transducer 21 of the hearing aid 2, which is a cartilage conduction hearing aid, is attached (positioned and held) to the head 4 by sandwiching it between the artificial ear 1 and the side of the head 4. The transducer 21 is held by the holding part 12 so as to be exposed from the joint surface 11a of the artificial ear 1, and the joint surface 11a of the joint part 11 is attached to the side of the user's head 4, so that the transducer 21 is also held in contact with the side of the head 4. The adhesive force of the artificial ear 1 itself against the head 4 and the spring force F of the holder 3 superimpose, so that the transducer 21 is pressed against a predetermined position on the side of the head 4 and held by the holding part 12 so that this contact state is maintained.

[0034] As described above, the main body 20 of the hearing aid 2 is positioned outside the artificial ear 1 to ensure the sound collection capability of the microphone. When the artificial ear 1 is not in use (not being worn), the main body 20 is held by the artificial ear 1 through the transducer 21 and a portion of the wire 22. When the artificial ear 1 is in use, the main body 20 is held in place by being sandwiched between the artificial ear 1 and the head 4, so that it is supported in a floating state or without being specifically positioned relative to the artificial ear 1. In the general method of wearing cartilage conduction hearing aids, the main body 20 also needs to be adhered to the skin 40. In contrast, with the holding method of the artificial ear 1 according to this embodiment, the transducer 21 side of the hearing aid 2 is sandwiched between the artificial ear 1 and the head 4, so that the main body 20 can be stably supported without the need to adhere to the skin 40. In other words, with the artificial ear 1 of this embodiment, adhesion of the main body 20 to the skin 40 is unnecessary when wearing the hearing aid 2. In this embodiment, adhesive may be used to attach the transducer 21 of the hearing aid 2. Even in this case, the amount of adhesive required for attachment can be reduced compared to a general attachment method that requires adhesive to attach the main body 20.

[0035] Figure 6(a) is a schematic left side view of the artificial ear 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 6(b) is a schematic right side view of the artificial ear 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 6(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the artificial ear 1 according to this embodiment, showing the state in which the hearing aid 2 (vibrator 21) is held (attached) to the holding part 12. Figure 6(d) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the artificial ear 1 according to this embodiment, showing the state in which the vibrator 21 is held to the holding part and attached to the side of the user's head 4. Figure 6(e) is a schematic diagram corresponding to the view of arrow G in Figure 6(a), showing how the artificial ear 1 looks when attached to the skin 40 (the wire 22 of the hearing aid 2 is shown in cross-section). Figure 7(a) is a right side view (front view when the joining surface 11a is the front) showing a more specific configuration of the artificial ear 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 7(b) is a perspective view showing a more specific configuration of the artificial ear 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 7(c) is a left side view (rear view when the joint surface 11a is facing forward) showing a more specific configuration of the artificial ear 1 according to this embodiment, and shows the state in which the hearing aid 2 is attached (held by the holding part 12). Figure 7(d) is a right side view (front view when the joint surface 11a is facing forward) showing a more specific configuration of the artificial ear 1 according to this embodiment, and shows the state in which the hearing aid 2 is attached (held by the holding part 12).

[0036] As shown in Figures 6(b), 7(a), and 7(b), the holding portion 12 has a first holding portion 121 that mainly holds the transducer 21 of the hearing aid 2, and a second holding portion 122 that mainly holds a part of the wire 22 of the hearing aid 2. The second holding portion 122 holds at least the area of ​​the wire 22 that is covered by the joint portion 11. The first holding portion 121 is a recess provided approximately in the center of the joint surface 11a (surrounded by the joint surface 11a). The second holding portion 122 is a groove-shaped recess extending from the first holding portion 121 toward the outer end of the joint surface 11a. One end of the second holding portion 122 is terminated by connecting to the first holding portion 121 (opened at the first holding portion 121), and the other end is terminated such that the groove shape gradually disappears as the thickness of the joint portion 11 decreases toward the outer end. In other words, the other end of the second retaining portion 122 has a recessed shape that does not reach the outer end of the joint surface 11a when the artificial ear 1 is not attached to the head 4 (when not attached). In contrast, as shown in Figure 6(e), when the artificial ear 1 is attached to the head 4 (when attached), a part of the joint surface 11a deforms into a recessed shape that roughly follows the outer shape of the wire 22, and the second retaining portion 122 connects to the outer end of the joint surface 11a and terminates (the region on the outer surface of the joint portion 11 that is continuous with (adjacent to) the outer end of the joint surface 11a is opened).

[0037] The form of the retaining portion 12 (first retaining portion 121, second retaining portion 122) is not limited to the form described above, and can take various forms depending on the form of the joint portion 11 (joint surface 11a) (i.e., the form of the area around the user's ear), the form of the hearing aid 2 (vibrator 21), and the wearing position. In the artificial ear 1 of this embodiment, the concave shape of the second retaining portion 122 is interrupted when not being worn, but for example, the second retaining portion 122 may not have a concave shape when not being worn. That is, in this form, the second retaining portion 122 does not have a concave shape when not being worn, but has a flat shape along the joint surface 11a, and only the recess of the first retaining portion 121 is formed on the joint surface 11a. In this case, as shown in Figure 6(e), when the artificial ear 1 is attached to the head 4, the second retaining portion 122 changes from a flat shape to a concave shape. In other words, in this form of artificial ear 1, the second retaining portion 122 does not exist when not being worn, and is formed when it is worn. On the other hand, depending on the shape of the bonding surface 11a, the concave shape of the second retaining portion 122 may reach the outer edge of the bonding surface 11a even when not being worn.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second retaining portion 122 extends upward from the first retaining portion 121, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, when the hearing aid 2 is worn upside down, that is, when the hearing aid 2 is worn so that the main body portion 20 is hidden behind the ear by passing the wire 22 below the artificial ear 1, the second retaining portion 122 will extend downward from the first retaining portion 121. Also, the direction in which the second retaining portion 122 extends corresponds to the direction in which the wire 22 extends, so depending on the shape of the hearing aid 2 and the wearing position, it may be in a straight line or in a curved direction to match the curved wire 22.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bottom surfaces of the recesses of the first retaining portion 121 and the second retaining portion 122 are configured to be flush. However, in cases where the vibrator 21 is inserted into the ear canal to transmit vibrations to the cartilage inside the ear canal, depending on the degree of insertion, a configuration in which the height of the bottom surface of the first retaining portion 121 is higher than the height of the bottom surface of the second retaining portion 122 may also be adopted. In this case, the part of the artificial ear 1 that mainly supports the hearing aid 2 when not being worn may be the second retaining portion 122 rather than the first retaining portion 121. Conversely, for example, if there is a large difference in height between the vibrator 21 and the wire 22 in the thickness direction, a configuration in which the height of the bottom surface of the second retaining portion 122 is higher than the height of the bottom surface of the first retaining portion 121 may also be adopted.

[0040] Furthermore, while the planar shape of the first retaining portion 121 in this embodiment of the artificial ear 1 is substantially rectangular, corresponding to the planar shape of the transducer 21, if the planar shape of the transducer 21 is other than rectangular, the planar shape of the first retaining portion 121 can also be a shape other than rectangular to match that shape. Also, the planar shape of the first retaining portion 121 may be such that a gap (slit) is provided relative to the outer shape of the planar shape of the transducer 21, as shown in Figure 1(c), or it may be such that it substantially matches the planar shape of the transducer 21 (fitting with as little gap as possible), as shown in Figure 7(d).

[0041] Referring to Figures 6(c) and 6(d), the mechanism of generating pressing force on the vibrator 21 by the joint portion 11 and the holding portion 12 of the artificial ear 1, and the formation of the fixed state of the joint surface 11a on the skin 40 of the head 4 will be explained.

[0042] As shown in Figure 6(c), the holding portion 12 is configured such that, at least the depth of the first holding portion 121 (the amount of recess from the joint surface 11a) is shallower (less) than the thickness of the vibrator 21 when not attached. The outer circumference of the first holding portion 121 is surrounded by the joint surface 11a of the joint portion 11. The joint surface 11a is configured such that, at least in the area near the periphery of the vibrator 21 when not attached, it is lower than the height of the vibrator 21. That is, when the vibrator 21 held by the first holding portion 121 is not attached, it protrudes above the joint surface 11a at least in the area near the periphery of the first holding portion 121 (see Figure 1(a)). This makes it possible to reliably make contact between the vibrator 21 and the skin 40 when attaching the artificial ear 1 to the head 4. For example, if the height of the joining surface 11a is the same as the height of the vibrator 21 (the joining surface 11a and the upper surface of the vibrator 21 are flush), or if the height of the former is higher than the height of the latter, there is a concern that the vibrator 21 cannot be brought into contact with the skin 40, or that the necessary pressing force cannot be obtained. With the above configuration of the first holding part 121 of this embodiment, the vibrator 21 can not only be brought into contact with the skin 40, but can also be brought into a state of sufficient pressing.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 8(a) to 10(f), the vibrator 21 of the hearing aid 2 can take various forms. FIG. 8(a) is a perspective view showing a more specific configuration of the artificial ear 1 according to the present embodiment, wherein the right side in the figure shows the artificial ear 1 in a state where the hearing aid 2 is not attached, and the left side in the figure shows the artificial ear 1 in a state where the hearing aid 2 is attached, respectively. FIG. 8(b) is a perspective view showing a more specific configuration of the artificial ear 1 according to the present embodiment, wherein the left side in the figure shows the artificial ear 1 in a state where the hearing aid 2 is attached. Note that the vibrator 21x of the hearing aid 2 shown in FIG. 8(b) has a slightly different shape from the vibrator 21 of the hearing aid 2 shown in FIG. 8(a) (specifically, edges are smoother than those of the vibrator 21 shown in FIG. 8(a)). FIG. 9 is a right side view (a front view when the joint surface 11a is taken as the front) showing a more specific configuration of the artificial ear 1 according to the present embodiment, showing a state where the hearing aid 2 is attached (held by the holding portion 12). FIGS. 10(a) to 10(f) are end views taken along arrow H in FIG. 9, which are partial end views of the peripheral portion of the vibrator showing a state where vibrators 21a to 21f having different forms are held by the first holding portion 121.

[0044] In the cross-section of the holding state of the vibrator 21 in the first holding portion 121 provided on the joint surface 11a shown in FIGS. 10(a) to 10(f), there may be cases where the left and right corners of the upper surface portion (the portion protruding from the joint surface 11a) of the vibrator 21a appear angular like the vibrator 21a, cases where rounded surfaces are formed at the left and right corners like the vibrator 21b, and also cases where a slit is formed between the vibrator and the first holding portion 121 because the rounded surfaces (the radius of curvature of the rounded portion) at the left and right corners are larger than those of the vibrator 21b like the vibrator 21c. Furthermore, due to differences in the size of the vibrator 21, such as the vibrator 21d relative to the vibrator 21a, the vibrator 21e relative to the vibrator 21b, and the vibrator 21f relative to the vibrator 21c, a height difference may occur in the degree of protrusion from the joint surface 11a.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6(d), the shape of the bonding surface 11a is formed so that when the bonding surface 11a is pressed against the skin 40 to remove the air between it and the skin 40, a tight seal is formed, allowing it to adhere to and be fixed to the skin 40. In other words, it is based on the same principle as a suction cup. Alternatively, the bonding surface 11a may be made of an adhesive layer that can be repeatedly adhered to and peeled off the skin 40, and the bonding surface 11a may be fixed to the skin 40 by the adhesive force of the bonding surface 11a. The adhesive layer may be made of, for example, a silicone adhesive. In this case as well, it is preferable to further enhance the fixing force to the skin 40 by obtaining an additional negative pressure effect (suction cup effect) by pressing the bonding surface 11a against the skin 40 to push out the air between it and the skin 40. As shown in Figure 6(c), when not worn, the depth of the holding portion 12 is shallower than the thickness of the vibrator 21, and as shown in Figure 6(d), when worn, the area around the holding portion 12 on the bonding surface 11a adheres tightly to fill the gap with the skin 40, so that the vibrator 21 is pressed against the skin 40.

[0046] The shape of the joint surface 11a of the joint 11 will be determined according to the condition of the ear of the person suffering from microtia (the morphology of the malformed ear 41), and may be a nearly flat surface or an uneven surface. The morphology of the malformed ear 41 varies depending on the symptoms, and the shape of the joint 11 is custom-made for each user. In addition, the artificial ear 1 may be remade as the user grows (changes in head growth). Furthermore, not all areas of the joint 11 that face the skin 40 have to be the joint surface 11a. In other words, as long as a sufficient tight seal of the artificial ear 1 to the skin 40 can be formed, the entire area of ​​the joint 11 that faces the skin 40 does not have to be in close contact with the skin 40 when worn. That is, the area of ​​the joint 11 that faces the skin 40 may be configured such that there is a mixture of areas that are the joint surface 11a and areas that do not make close contact with the skin 40 (for example, areas with gaps).

[0047] The above-mentioned bonding surface 11a having the fixing function can be formed by correcting the shape data of the bonding surface 11a corresponding to the peripheral shape of the malformed ear 41 of the head 4 when acquiring 3D data of the artificial ear 1. First, 3D data serving as a base is acquired in a state where the hearing aid 2 is attached to the malformed ear 41 of the user's head 4. Next, the base data is corrected such that the holding portion 12 (the first holding portion 121 and the second holding portion 122) and the uneven shape around the holding portion are added to the shape of the bonding surface 11a of the base. Specifically, the region around the holding portion 12 on the bonding surface 11a is retracted from the position of the skin 40 facing the region, that is, before the fixed state is formed, an uneven shape is imparted to the holding portion 12 and the bonding surface 11a such that a gap is formed between the bonding surface 11a and the skin 40. The artificial ear 1 is manufactured using the 3D data thus obtained as final 3D data.

[0048] The joint portion 11 may be formed to gradually decrease in thickness toward the outer peripheral end so that transparency gradually increases, and may be configured such that a gradation is imparted to the apparent color between the artificial ear 1 and the skin 40. The shape of the joint portion 11 also conforms to the ear condition of a microtia patient (the shape of the malformed ear 41).

[0049] According to the artificial ear 1 of the present embodiment, the two requirements of wearing an artificial ear (aesthetic requirement) and wearing a hearing aid (hearing acquisition) can be satisfied at the same time, and improvement in the stability and sustainability of wearing the artificial ear and the hearing aid, that is, improvement in the wearability of the artificial ear can be achieved. In general wearing of artificial ears and hearing aids, only the adhesive force provided by adhesives, double-sided tape, or the like is relied on. In contrast, the artificial ear 1 of the present embodiment can achieve the above effects through the improvement of wearability provided by the characteristic shapes of the bonding surface 11a and the first holding portion 121, and the application of a spring force by the holder 3.

[0050] Specifically, in the artificial ear 1 of this embodiment, the first holding portion 121 is a recess having a substantially rectangular planar shape corresponding to the planar shape of the vibrator 21, and the second holding portion 122 is configured as a recess narrower than the width of the first holding portion 121, corresponding to the width of the wire 22. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the vibrating vibrator 21 from changing direction (rotating) or shifting from the predetermined mounting position within the first holding portion 121. In other words, it becomes possible to stably hold the vibrating vibrator 21. Furthermore, because the vibrator 21 is stably held, the bonding state (fixed state) of the bonding surface 11a around the first holding portion 121 to the skin 40 is also stabilized. In addition, the bonding surface 11a of the artificial ear 1 exerts a fixing force and bonds to the skin of the user's head, and the spring force of the holder 3 is applied to the artificial ear 1, thereby improving the fit (tightness) of the artificial ear 1 to the head. Furthermore, because the depth of the first retaining portion 121, which is a recess (groove), is shallower than the thickness of the transducer 21, the contact surface 11a of the artificial ear 1 is fixed to the head, which inevitably causes the first retaining portion 121 to press the transducer 21 against the head. In addition, the spring force of the retainer 3 acting on the artificial ear 1 also acts on the transducer 21 via the first retaining portion 121, adding a force that presses the transducer 21 against the head. These superimposed pressing forces applied to the transducer 21 improve the fit (tightness) of the transducer 21 to the head. In other words, according to the artificial ear 1 of this embodiment, the wearing stability of the artificial ear is improved, as well as the hearing aid can be properly worn and held securely.

[0051] According to the artificial ear 1 of this embodiment, sufficient wearing stability can be obtained without using adhesive, but wearing stability can be further enhanced by using adhesive. For example, it is possible to use the artificial ear without adhesive in daily life, but to use adhesive when playing sports.

[0052] <Modification> A modified example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 11(a) to 15(c).

[0053] Figures 11(a) and 11(b) are explanatory diagrams of the structure of the artificial ear 1b according to Modification 1. Figure 11(a) is similar to Figure 1(c) and is a schematic side view (right side view) of the integrated structure of the artificial ear 1b and hearing aid according to Modification 1. Figure 11(b) is an end view taken along the X arrow in Figure 11(a) and is a schematic cross-sectional view of the artificial ear 1b according to Modification 1, showing the state in which the hearing aid 2 (vibrator 21) is held (attached) to the holding part 12. Figure 12(a) is a right side view (front view when the joint surface 11a is the front) showing a more specific structure of the artificial ear 1b according to Modification 1. Figure 12(b) is a perspective view showing a more specific structure of the artificial ear 1b according to Modification 1, with the right side of the figure showing the artificial ear 1b without the hearing aid 2 attached and the left side showing the artificial ear 1b with the hearing aid 2 attached. Figure 12(c) is a perspective view showing a more specific configuration of the artificial ear 1b according to Modification 1, with the left side of the figure showing the artificial ear 1b with the hearing aid 2 attached. Note that the transducer 21x of the hearing aid 2 shown in Figure 12(c) has a slightly different shape from the transducer 21 of the hearing aid 2 shown in Figure 12(b) (specifically, the edges are smoother than those of the transducer 21 shown in Figure 12(b)). Here, in the artificial ear 1b according to Modification 1, components that are common with the artificial ear 1 according to the above-described embodiment are given the same reference numerals as in the artificial ear 1 according to the embodiment, and further explanation of such components is omitted.

[0054] The modified artificial ear 1b includes a retaining portion 14 as part of the holding portion 12, which is configured to more stabilize the holding state of the vibrator 21 with respect to the first holding portion 121. The retaining portion 14 is made of a plate-shaped or sheet-shaped member made of the same resin material as the artificial ear portion 10, and is integrally fixed to the joint surface 11a by welding or the like so as to form a pocket-shaped housing space 14a for the vibrator 21 that opens upward between it and the first holding portion 121. In this modified example, the vibrator 21 is inserted into the housing space 14a through an opening 14b that opens upward to the housing space 14a, and is attached to the first holding portion 121. The vibrator 21, inserted into the housing space 14a and attached to the first holding portion 121, is held with respect to the first holding portion 121 in such a manner that a part of it is sandwiched between the first holding portion 121 and the retaining portion 14. This prevents the vibrator 21 from falling off the first retaining part 121, shifting in its mounting position, or changing its mounting posture when the artificial ear 1b is not attached to the user's head 4. In other words, the retaining part 14 is a restricting part that restricts the vibrator 21 from separating from the first retaining part 121.

[0055] The retaining portion 14 is connected to the joint surface 11a in a portion of the peripheral region adjacent to the first holding portion 121 on the joint surface 11a. The opening 14b is defined by the region in the peripheral region to which the retaining portion 14 is not connected and the edge of the retaining portion 14. In this modified example, the opening 14b is provided such that, when the artificial ear 1b is attached to the user's head 4 in an upright position, the route for inserting and removing the vibrator 21 into and out of the housing space 14a is located above the housing space 14a. That is, the vibrator 21 is inserted into the housing space 14a from above towards below through the opening 14b and removed from below towards above.

[0056] In this modified example, the opening 14b is provided such that the upper part of the housing space 14a is open and the upper part of the transducer 21, including the connection part with the wire 22, is exposed, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the housing space 14a may be opened diagonally upward, and the opening 14b may be formed so that the area including the area around the connection part with the wire 22 at the top of the transducer 21 and a part of either the left or right side of the transducer 21 connected thereto is exposed. In such a configuration, the transducer 21 is inserted into and removed from the housing space 14a in a diagonal direction with respect to the vertical direction.

[0057] Furthermore, the size of the housing space 14a (the size of the gap between the first holding portion 121 and the pressing portion 14) may be smaller than the size of the vibrator 21, for example, within a range where the insertion of the vibrator 21 is not hindered. That is, the vibrator 21 may be inserted into the desired mounting position by widening the gap between the first holding portion 121 and the pressing portion 14. As a result, the vibrator 21 is pressed (biased) by the pressing portion 14 toward the concave bottom surface of the first holding portion 121, and is held with high adhesion and positioning accuracy relative to the first holding portion 121.

[0058] The size of the housing space 14a (the size of the gap between the first holding part 121 and the pressing part 14) may be larger than the transducer 21, to the extent that detachment, displacement, and changes in posture of the transducer 21 from the first holding part 121 are suppressed. In this case, the transducer 21 is held in a manner that allows for some play in the pocket-shaped housing space 14a, and the transducer 21 can be smoothly attached to and detached from the first holding part 121. It is preferable to configure the device so that when the artificial ear 1b is attached to the user's head 4, the joint surface 11a is in close contact with the surface of the head 4, and at least a portion of the gap between the housing space 14a and the transducer 21 is compressed, thereby stabilizing the attachment state of the transducer 21.

[0059] The form of the retaining portion 14 shown in this modified example is merely one example. The configuration of the retaining portion 14 is not limited to the above-described configuration, as long as it prevents the vibrator 21 from falling off or the mounting position of the vibrator 21 on the first holding portion 121 from shifting or changing its mounting posture, at least immediately before attachment. In other words, the retaining portion 14 can adopt various configurations depending on the balance between the ease of attaching and detaching the vibrator 21 to the artificial ear 1b (attachment) and the stability of the attached state of the vibrator 21 on the first holding portion 121 (retention).

[0060] For example, in this modified example, the size of the housing space 14a is configured such that a range larger than half the size of the transducer 21, more specifically, a range of two-thirds or more, fits within the housing space 14a. From the viewpoint of stable retention, it is preferable that the depth of the pocket-shaped housing space 14a be such that at least half the size of the transducer 21 fits within it, but as long as retention is ensured, it may be configured to fit less than half the size of the transducer 21. Conversely, it is also possible to configure the housing space 14a so that most of the area of ​​the transducer 21, excluding the upper end where the connection part to the wire 22 is provided, fits within it.

[0061] Furthermore, the size of the opening 14b may be configured to be narrower than the width of the housing space 14a. That is, the width (volume) of the housing space 14a is made larger than the size (volume) of the part of the transducer 21 that is inserted into the housing space 14a, while the size of the opening 14b (opening width) is made smaller than the size (cross-sectional size) of the transducer 21. When the transducer 21 is not inserted, the opening 14b is smaller than the size (cross-sectional area) of the transducer 21, and when the transducer 21 is inserted, it expands and deforms to a size corresponding to the size of the transducer 21. In this case, the size of the opening 14b before deformation may be set appropriately within a range that does not hinder the insertion and removal of the transducer 21 from the housing space 14a. That is, the size of the opening 14b should be large enough to allow the transducer 21 to be inserted and removed from the housing space 14a, regardless of whether or not the opening 14b is deformed.

[0062] Furthermore, in this modified example, most of the vibrator 21 is pressed against the user's head via the pressing portion 14. The thickness of the material constituting the pressing portion 14 is not particularly limited, but may be set appropriately within a range that does not hinder the transmission of vibrations from the vibrator 21. The thickness may be uniform or varied. In addition, it is preferable that the material constituting the pressing portion 14 be the same material as the silicone-based adhesive layer constituting the bonding surface 11a, but it may also be made of a different material from the bonding surface 11a.

[0063] Furthermore, in this modified example, the pressing portion 14 is integrated with the joint portion 11 (joint surface 11a) of the artificial ear 1b by welding, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the pressing portion 14 may be integrated with the joint portion 11 by bonding it to the joint surface 11a using an adhesive member. The adhesive member may be, for example, an adhesive or double-sided adhesive tape that is interposed between the pressing portion 14 and the joint surface 11a to bond them together, or a single-sided adhesive tape that adheres to both so as to sandwich the edge of the pressing portion 14 between the joint surface 11a.

[0064] Furthermore, the artificial ear 1b according to this modified example is provided with a notch 11b on the outer edge of the region of the bonding surface 11a that overlaps with the wire 22 of the hearing aid 2 (the region where the wire 22 is sandwiched between the head 4). The notch 11b is formed so as to shorten the area of ​​the wire 22 that is sandwiched between the skin 40 of the user's head 4 and the bonding surface 11a. By providing the notch 11b, when the bonding surface 11a is bonded to the skin 40 of the user's head 4, the area of ​​the bonding surface 11a that follows the outer shape of the wire 22, that is, the area of ​​the bonding surface 11a that lifts up from the skin 40 due to the wire 22 being sandwiched, can be reduced. This improves the adhesion of the bonding surface 11a to the head 4 and the wearing stability of the artificial ear 1b.

[0065] The notch 11b may be formed in the manufacturing of the artificial ear 1b by actually cutting off a part of the joint 11, or it may be formed by molding the joint 11 in advance with a shape that includes the notch 11b.

[0066] Furthermore, in this modified example, the vibrator 21 attached to the artificial ear 1b is configured such that only the upper side, including the connection to the wire 22, is exposed from the retaining portion 14, but the configuration is not limited to this. As long as the stable holding of the vibrator 21 is ensured, for example, the retaining portion 14 does not need to completely cover the lower side of the vibrator 21 attached to the artificial ear 1b, and may have an opening that is too small for the vibrator 21 to pass through. That is, as in the artificial ear 1c according to Modified Example 2 shown in Figures 11(c) and 11(d), a part of the vibrator 21 may be exposed on the lower side.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 13(a) to 13(c), the retaining portion 14 may be integrated with the artificial ear 1b such that its outer surface (the surface that joins to the side of the user's head) is continuously and smoothly connected to the joining surface 11a, forming a surface that is integral with the joining surface 11a.

[0068] Figure 13(a) is a right side view (front view when the joining surface 11a is the front) showing a more specific configuration of the artificial ear 1b according to Modification 1, in which the pressing portion 14 is provided to smoothly connect to the joining surface 11a. Figure 13(b) is a perspective view showing a more specific configuration of the artificial ear 1b according to Modification 1, in which the pressing portion 14 is provided to smoothly connect to the joining surface 11a, with the right side of the figure showing the artificial ear 1b without the hearing aid 2 attached, and the left side showing the artificial ear 1b with the hearing aid 2 attached. Figure 13(c) is a perspective view showing a more specific configuration of the artificial ear 1b according to Modification 1, in which the pressing portion 14 is provided to smoothly connect to the joining surface 11a, with the left side showing the artificial ear 1b with the hearing aid 2 attached. Note that the transducer 21x of the hearing aid 2 shown in Figure 13(c) has a slightly different shape from the transducer 21 of the hearing aid 2 shown in Figure 13(b) (specifically, its edges are smoother than those of the transducer 21 shown in Figure 13(b)).

[0069] The joint surface 11a can take various forms depending on the shape of the user's head side (around the deformed ear), and it may be preferable for the pressing portion 14 and the joint surface 11a to form a continuous surface. As a method for integrally forming the pressing portion 14 and the joint surface 11a, the pressing portion 14 may be integrally molded with the artificial ear 1b if it has a shape without undercuts. Even if the artificial ear 1b as a whole has an undercut shape, for example, the artificial ear 1b may be divided into multiple blocks, and the multiple blocks, which are molded separately, may be integrated by adhesive or the like.

[0070] In the configuration examples shown in Figures 13(a) to 13(c), the notch portion 11b is not provided, but it is also possible to provide the notch portion 11b.

[0071] Figures 11(c) and 11(d) are explanatory diagrams of the structure of the artificial ear 1c according to Modification 2. Figure 11(c) is similar to Figure 1(c) and is a schematic side view (right side view) of the integrated structure of the artificial ear 1c and hearing aid according to Modification 2. Figure 11(d) is an end view taken along the Y arrow in Figure 11(c) and is a schematic cross-sectional view of the artificial ear 1c according to Modification 2, showing the state in which the hearing aid 2 (vibrator 21) is held (attached) to the holding part 12. Figure 14(a) is a right side view (front view when the joint surface 11a is the front) showing a more specific structure of the artificial ear 1c according to Modification 2. Figure 14(b) is a perspective view showing a more specific structure of the artificial ear 1c according to Modification 2, where the right side of the figure shows the artificial ear 1c without the hearing aid 2 attached, and the left side of the figure shows the artificial ear 1c with the hearing aid 2 attached. Figure 14(c) is a perspective view showing a more specific configuration of the artificial ear 1c according to Modification 2, with the left side of the figure showing the artificial ear 1c with the hearing aid 2 attached. Note that the transducer 21x of the hearing aid 2 shown in Figure 14(c) has a slightly different shape from the transducer 21 of the hearing aid 2 shown in Figure 14(b) (specifically, the edges are smoother than those of the transducer 21 shown in Figure 14(b)). Here, in the artificial ear 1c according to Modification 2, components common to the artificial ear 1 according to the above-described embodiment and the artificial ear 1b according to Modification 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the artificial ear 1 according to the embodiment and the artificial ear 1b according to Modification 1, and further explanation of such components is omitted.

[0072] The artificial ear 1c according to Modification 2 includes a pressing portion 15 as part of the holding portion 12, which is configured to more stabilize the holding state of the vibrator 21 with respect to the first holding portion 121. Unlike the pressing portion 14 of Modification 1 which forms a pocket-shaped housing space, the pressing portion 15 is a band-shaped pressing portion. The pressing portion 15 is integrally fixed to the joint surface 11a by welding or the like so that a housing space 15a for the vibrator 21, which opens vertically, is formed between it and the first holding portion 121. The vibrator 21 is inserted into the housing space 15a through an opening 15b that opens upward to the housing space 15a and is attached to the first holding portion 121. The vibrator 21, inserted into the housing space 15a and attached to the first holding portion 121, is held with respect to the first holding portion 121 in such a manner that the central part of the vibrator 21 in the insertion direction (height direction) of the vibrator 21 with respect to the housing space 15a is sandwiched between the first holding portion 121 and the pressing portion 15. In other words, the retaining portion 15 is a restricting portion that restricts the vibrator 21 from moving away from the first holding portion 121, etc.

[0073] The configuration of the pressing portion 14 and pressing portion 15 is not limited to the configuration described above. For example, the pressing portion 14 may be made of a mesh-like sheet material. Alternatively, a configuration in which multiple single strip-shaped pressing portions 15 are arranged side by side may be used.

[0074] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 15(a) to 15(c), the retaining portion 15 may be integrated with the artificial ear 1c such that its outer surface (the surface that joins to the side of the user's head) is continuously and smoothly connected to the joining surface 11a, forming a surface that is integral with the joining surface 11a.

[0075] Figure 15(a) is a right side view (front view when the joining surface 11a is the front) showing a more specific configuration of the artificial ear 1c according to Modification 2, in which the pressing portion 15 is provided to smoothly connect to the joining surface 11a. Figure 15(b) is a perspective view showing a more specific configuration of the artificial ear 1c according to Modification 2, in which the pressing portion 15 is provided to smoothly connect to the joining surface 11a, with the right side of the figure showing the artificial ear 1c without the hearing aid 2 attached, and the left side showing the artificial ear 1c with the hearing aid 2 attached. Figure 15(c) is a perspective view showing a more specific configuration of the artificial ear 1c according to Modification 2, in which the pressing portion 15 is provided to smoothly connect to the joining surface 11a, with the left side showing the artificial ear 1c with the hearing aid 2 attached. Note that the transducer 21x of the hearing aid 2 shown in Figure 15(c) has a slightly different shape from the transducer 21 of the hearing aid 2 shown in Figure 15(b) (specifically, its edges are smoother than those of the transducer 21 shown in Figure 15(b)).

[0076] Similar to the pressing portion 14 in Modification 1, the pressing portion 15 in Modification 2 may also be molded so that its outer surface is smoothly continuous with the joining surface 11a by integrally molding the pressing portion 15 with the artificial ear 1c, provided that it has a shape without undercuts. Similarly, even if the artificial ear 1c as a whole has an undercut shape, for example, the artificial ear 1c may be divided into multiple blocks, and the multiple blocks, each molded separately, may be integrated by adhesive or the like.

[0077] In the configuration examples shown in Figures 15(a) to 15(c), the notch portion 11b is not provided, but it is also possible to provide the notch portion 11b.

[0078] The various configurations of the embodiments described above, as well as the configurations of each modified example, can be combined with each other.

[0079] 1... Artificial ear, 10... Artificial ear portion, 11... Joint, 12... Holding portion, 13... Connecting portion, 2... Hearing aid, 3... Retainer

Claims

1. A prosthetic ear for use by a person suffering from microtia, comprising: a bonding surface that is bonded to the head of the person suffering from microtia; and a holding portion capable of holding a cartilage conduction hearing aid, wherein the holding portion includes a recess formed in the bonding surface capable of holding the transducer of the cartilage conduction hearing aid, and the depth of the recess is shallower than the thickness of the transducer.

2. The artificial ear according to claim 1, characterized in that the recess is formed so as to be surrounded by the joining surface.

3. The artificial ear according to claim 1, further comprising: a joint having the aforementioned joining surface; a retainer having one end to which the joint is attached and the other end elastically sandwiching the head of the affected person between the joining surface and the joint surface.

4. The artificial ear according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining portion further includes a restricting portion that restricts the vibrator from moving away from the recess.

5. The artificial ear according to claim 1, characterized in that the bonding surface has a region that sandwiches the wire of the cartilage conduction hearing aid connected to the transducer between itself and the head of the affected person, and has a notch at the outer edge of the region.

Images