Angled Connecting Part Stabilizes Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing aids face challenges in maintaining a stable position within the ear, particularly during chewing or talking, due to lateral migration of the in-the-ear part, often requiring an anchor that is cosmetically undesirable and visible.
Innovation Solution
A hearing aid design featuring a connecting part that extends from the side wall of the in-the-ear part at an angle of 20-70 degrees, allowing the second end to abut the outer ear, thereby stabilizing the in-the-ear part without the need for additional anchors, and incorporating an electrical cable or sound tube for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an anchor is used to secure the in-the-ear part, then the stability of the hearing aid is improved, but the cosmetic appearance deteriorates due to visibility and annoyance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional anchor component from the hearing aid system. Instead of using a separate anchor to secure the in-the-ear part, the connecting part itself is designed with an angled configuration that provides stabilization without requiring an additional visible anchor element in the concha area.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting part is designed to extend at an angle of 20-70 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the in-the-ear part, utilizing the angular/directional dimension to achieve both connection and stabilization functions. This angular configuration allows the connecting part to engage with the ear structure more effectively without requiring a traditional anchor.
2Device complexity
If the connecting part extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the in-the-ear part, then the device structure is simplified, but the stability during chewing or talking deteriorates due to lateral migration
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting part is designed with an asymmetric angular configuration relative to the longitudinal axis of the in-the-ear part. By extending at an angle of 20-70 degrees rather than parallel to the axis, the connecting part creates an asymmetric geometry that provides lateral support and prevents migration during jaw movement, while still maintaining a relatively simple single-piece structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the connecting part extends at an angle of 20-70 degrees from the longitudinal axis, then the stability and positioning are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The angled connecting part is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it connects the behind-the-ear part to the in-the-ear part, provides structural support, and acts as a stabilizing element that prevents lateral migration. This multi-functionality is achieved through the angular configuration that engages with the ear's natural anatomy, eliminating the need for separate stabilizing components.
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing aid (1) comprising a behind-the-ear part (2), an in-the-ear part (3) and a connecting part (4) connecting the behind-the-ear part and the in-the-ear part. The in-the-ear part comprises a first end (7) adapted to be aligned in the ear canal in a direction towards the ear drum when in use, and a second end (8) adapted to abutting a part of the ear outside the ear canal when in use. At least one side wall (15, 16) is arranged between said first end (7) and said second end (8). The direction from a centre of the first end to a centre of the second end defines an axis. The connecting part (4) is attached to the side wall and is extending from this side wall in an angle to the axis between 20-70 degrees. The invention also provides a receiver unit for a hearing aid and a method for fitting a hearing aid.