Hearing Device Earpiece Segmentation for Occlusion Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing aids face challenges in providing sufficient gain while minimizing occlusion effects, particularly for users with mild hearing impairments, as current designs often compromise between sound quality and comfort due to intrusive insertion methods and inefficient speaker connections.
Innovation Solution
A behind-the-ear hearing device with an earpiece featuring a canal element that provides a tight fit, a speaker with a circumferential ridge section for secure engagement, and an O-ring for a tight seal, along with a vent for sound pressure equalization and an expendable wax filter to maintain sound quality and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the earpiece is inserted deep into the bony region of the ear canal to avoid occlusion effects, then occlusion effects are reduced and high gain is maintained, but the insertion becomes intrusive and uncomfortable for users
Solution Approach 1:
The earpiece is divided into two functional segments: a soft flexible portion for comfortable insertion into the outer ear canal region, and a rigid distal portion that extends to the bony region to deliver sound while minimizing occlusion. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the earpiece have different mechanical properties: the proximal portion is soft and flexible for comfort, while the distal portion is rigid for effective sound transmission. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between comfort and functional effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a vent is added to the earpiece to reduce occlusion effects, then open ear configuration is achieved, but the allowable gain at which acoustical feedback occurs is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vent is strategically positioned in the flexible portion of the earpiece rather than in the rigid distal portion. This local placement allows the vent to reduce occlusion effects while the rigid distal portion maintains the structural integrity needed for high gain operation without excessive acoustical feedback.
3Ease of operation
If the connector is made sufficiently rigid to allow insertion and removal of the CIC part, then the connector can be used to insert and remove the CIC part from the ear canal, but the system becomes more complex and intrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible earpiece and the rigid distal portion are merged into a single integrated structure. This eliminates the need for a separate rigid connector, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to insert and remove the earpiece through the flexible portion's flexibility.
4Reliability
If the speaker element is securely mounted in the earpiece, then sound transmission is effective, but the connection mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker element is integrated directly into the rigid distal portion of the earpiece, eliminating the need for separate mounting mechanisms. This merging of the speaker with the earpiece structure provides secure sound transmission while minimizing connection mechanism complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables an open configuration that reduces occlusion effects, allowing for greater gain and improved user comfort by ensuring a secure fit and effective sound transmission, while allowing for easy maintenance and replacement of wax filters.
Implementation Method 1
The speaker element comprises an O-ring adapted for providing a tight fit between the speaker element and the canal element
Implementation Method 2
The earpiece may comprise a vent extending axially through the canal element. The vent, advantageously, allows sound pressure equalisation between ambient surroundings and the residual space between the tympanic membrane and the canal element
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
This invention relates to a hearing device and earpiece therefore. The hearing device comprises a BTE unit for converting and processing sound to an electrical signal and a tubular element communicating the electrical signal to an earpiece. The earpiece comprises a canal element providing a tight fit of the earpiece in an ear canal, and a speaker element rotate-ably mounted in the canal element.