Modular Canal Hearing Device with Disposable Battery Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional canal hearing devices face challenges such as poor fit, high cost, frequent repairs, and the acoustic occlusion effect due to their placement primarily in the cartilaginous region, which is prone to contamination and damage, and they are difficult to insert and maintain, especially in small and contoured ear canals.
Innovation Solution
A modular canal hearing device with a main module in the cartilaginous region and a disposable battery module with an acoustically transparent debris filter, connected to a seal tip in the bony region via flexible tubing, allowing for easy maintenance and reduced occlusion, using a universal design that fits various ear canal shapes without custom manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the hearing device is placed in the cartilaginous region for easy access and manipulation, then ease of operation is improved, but the device is prone to contamination from earwax and debris and suffers from acoustic occlusion effect
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device is divided into two separate modules: a reusable main module containing electronic components and a disposable battery module with a debris filter. This segmentation allows the filter to protect sensitive components from contamination while maintaining ease of access to the cartilaginous region for device manipulation and battery replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
An acoustically transparent debris filter is introduced as an intermediary component between the external environment and the microphone/speaker. This filter blocks earwax and debris while allowing sound waves to pass through, thereby protecting components from contamination without compromising acoustic performance or requiring placement in the more accessible cartilaginous region.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the hearing device is placed in the bony region to reduce acoustic occlusion effect, then sound quality is improved, but the device becomes difficult to insert and access
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into a main module and a separate disposable battery module, the design allows the main module to be positioned deeper in the bony region for optimal acoustic performance while the battery module remains accessible for easy replacement. The flexible tubing connection accommodates the anatomical contours of the ear canal, facilitating insertion despite the deep placement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom-made devices are used to achieve good fit, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device employs a universal main module design that can be fitted into various ear canal shapes and sizes without requiring custom manufacturing for each user. The disposable battery module is designed to accommodate anatomical variations, providing a good fit across different users while maintaining standardized, cost-effective manufacturing processes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the device is made compact to fit in small ear canals, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a compact main module and a separate disposable battery module connected by flexible tubing. This segmentation allows the main module to be miniaturized to fit small ear canals while the battery module can be optimally sized for power requirements. The flexible connection accommodates spatial constraints without compromising component functionality or increasing overall device 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 modular design provides reliable, cost-effective, and inconspicuous sound delivery close to the eardrum, minimizing occlusion and contamination risks, while allowing for easy maintenance and fitting across a range of ear canal dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
The battery module also comprises an acoustically transparent debris filter to prevent water ingress and debris from reaching and contaminating the main module, particularly the microphone within
Data Source
AI summary
A modular canal hearing aid assembly having a main module positioned in the ear canal and a disposable battery module laterally positioned in the ear canal. The main module incorporates the durable components of a hearing device including the receiver, microphone and electronics. The disposable battery module comprises consumable elements including battery and incoming sound port. The disposable battery module provides a unitary structure that is easier to handle, remove from the main module, and replace when any of the consumable elements is depleted or degraded. The canal hearing device assembly is generic in shape and provided with assorted seal tips for “instant fitting” without resorting to custom manufacturing.