Semi-permanent Hearing Aid Segmentation for Wax Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-permanent hearing aids inserted deeply into the ear canal face issues with ear wax occlusion and limited battery life due to the confined space, leading to reduced functionality and short economic lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A semi-permanent hearing device is designed with detachable parts, allowing the battery to be replaced while the sound processing unit and microphone remain reusable, and incorporating a wax filter arrangement to prevent ear wax from reaching the microphone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hearing aid is designed as a complete disposable unit, then ear wax occlusion problems are solved, but the cost increases and battery capacity is limited by the small size
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid is divided into two separable parts: a disposable first part containing the microphone and battery, and a reusable second part containing the sound processing unit and receiver. This segmentation allows the expensive functional components to be reused while only the contaminated or depleted parts are discarded, resolving the contradiction between reliability and waste.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the battery size is increased to extend life time, then energy storage capacity improves, but the device size exceeds the confined space in the deep ear canal
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is placed in a separate disposable first part that can be independently replaced. This allows using an optimally sized battery for maximum life time without constraining the overall device size, as the battery compartment can be designed separately from the reusable sound processing unit in the confined ear canal space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sophisticated sound processing units are used, then functionality and performance improve, but the cost increases making disposable design economically unfeasible
Solution Approach 1:
The sophisticated sound processing unit is placed in the reusable second part, allowing it to be manufactured with high complexity and performance. The disposable first part contains only simple components (microphone, battery), making the disposable portion inexpensive. This resolves the contradiction by separating high-value reusable components from low-cost disposable components.
4Shape
If the hearing aid is placed deeply in the ear canal for inconspicuous wear, then cosmetic appearance improves, but the risk of ear wax occlusion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microphone, which is most susceptible to ear wax occlusion, is extracted and placed in the disposable first part that can be easily removed and replaced. The reusable second part containing the sound processing unit can be designed with protective features against ear wax, while the sensitive microphone is isolated in the replaceable portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A semi-permanent hearing device is adapted to be inserted completely into the ear canal of a user. The semi-permanent hearing device comprises a first part and a second part each of which comprises at least one of the following electrical components: a microphone, a sound processing unit, a receiver and a battery. The first part and the second part are detachably connected to each other. In an alternative aspect of the invention, a hearing device comprises a microphone and a wax filter arrangement arranged to cover at least one audio canal through which sound propagates from a position outside the hearing aid and into the microphone. The wax filter arrangement comprises a wax filter and the wax filter arrangement is adapted to allow different parts of the wax filter to cover the at least one audio canal at different points in time.