Flexible Adaptive Hearing Aid Segmented Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Completely-in-canal hearing aids cause user discomfort due to poor fit and placement, leading to pain, rubbing, and a high risk of the device falling out and being lost during use.
Innovation Solution
A hearing aid design comprising two parts: a rigid internal component housing the electronic circuit and a flexible external component with adjustable flanges for a secure fit, ensuring leak-tightness and easy replacement, preventing unwanted movement and noise interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a completely-in-canal hearing aid is used to achieve good sound quality and aesthetic appearance, then the device is concealed inside the ear canal, but it causes user discomfort, pain, and rubbing due to poor fit
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid is divided into two separate parts: an inner rigid part containing the electronic circuit and an outer flexible part that contacts the ear canal. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the rigid part for functionality and the flexible part for comfort and fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer part of the hearing aid is made of flexible material that can adapt to the contours of the ear canal, providing a custom fit that eliminates discomfort, pain, and rubbing while maintaining the concealed aesthetic appearance of a completely-in-canal device.
2Illumination intensity
If a completely-in-canal hearing aid is placed to achieve good sound quality, then the device is concealed inside the ear canal, but it easily falls out and gets lost during use
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid is divided into an inner rigid part and an outer flexible part, allowing the outer part to be optimized for retention while the inner part maintains functionality. The segmented design enables the outer part to provide secure anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible outer part conforms to the ear canal's shape, creating a secure fit that prevents the device from falling out during use. The flexibility allows the device to adapt to movements without compromising retention.
3Illumination intensity
If a completely-in-canal hearing aid is used to achieve good sound quality, then the device is concealed inside the ear canal, but fitting and taking out the device is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid is divided into an inner rigid part and an outer flexible part, allowing the outer part to be optimized for comfort and fit while the inner part contains the electronic components. This segmentation simplifies the overall design for easier handling.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a flexible adaptive hearing aid characterized by comprising: a part made of rigid material (1) which will contain the electronic circuit of the hearing aid, and a part made of flexible adaptive material (2) which will have at least one annular flange (3) which will improve the fit between the assembly and the internal auditory canal of the user. The part made of flexible material will cover at least a portion (4) of the surface of the part of rigid material. It will additionally have a cover to assure assembly tightness.