Open Fit Hearing Aid Reducing Occlusion and Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing aids, particularly Completely-In-the-Canal (CIC) and In-The-Canal (ITC) types, suffer from occlusion effects and acoustic feedback due to their design, which can lead to an unnatural sound experience and discomfort for users.
Innovation Solution
A hearing aid design featuring a smaller, non-conformal case with a flexible mounting member that creates a gap between the case and the ear canal, allowing natural sounds to bypass the microphone and reducing occlusion, while minimizing feedback through strategically placed apertures and adjustable inserts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional CIC or ITC hearing aid design is used, then the device fits within the ear canal, but occlusion effects occur and acoustic feedback is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid case is divided into multiple segments including a first portion and a second portion with different cross-sectional areas. This segmentation allows the device to create a gap between the case and ear canal walls, reducing occlusion effects while maintaining proper positioning through the flexible mounting member.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible mounting member is introduced as an intermediary element between the hearing aid case and the ear canal. This mounting member secures the device in place while allowing a gap to form, thereby mediating between the need for secure fitting and the need to reduce occlusion and feedback.
2Ease of operation
If the hearing aid case is made smaller to reduce occlusion, then comfort is improved, but the device may not fit securely in the ear canal
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting member is designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to adapt to the ear canal's shape and provide secure retention. The flexible material enables the mounting member to conform to anatomical variations while maintaining a reliable fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-sectional area of the case varies along its length, with the first portion having a different cross-sectional area than the second portion. This parameter change allows the device to maintain secure fitting in the larger concha cavity while creating a gap in the narrower ear canal portion to reduce occlusion.
3Ease of manufacture
If a non-conformal case design is used to allow mass production, then manufacturing ease is improved, but custom fitting requirements may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid case is designed with a universal non-conformal geometry that can be mass-produced without custom molding. The flexible mounting member compensates for anatomical variations, allowing a single case design to fit multiple ear canals effectively, thereby achieving both mass production and adequate fitting.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved hearing aid device adapted for use within the ear canal of the CIC (Completely In the ear) and of the partially exposed ITC (In The Canal) type. This aid consists of a system of integrated parts allowing an air gap to substantially surround the hearing aid shell and air passages which communicate with the inner ear minimizing occlusion sensations and providing the user with an enhanced natural hearing experience. A key aspect of this device is the provision of air passages in the mounting insert which securely positions the hearing aid shell in the wearer's canal. These passages are designed to stay open after insertion of the aid in the ear canal. In use, unamplified sound from the outside passes around the hearing aid shell, through the air passages in the mounting insert blending with the amplified sound emanating from the receiver. The area of air passages in the mounting insert can be tailored by the technician adapting to the hearing loss characteristics of the user. Surprisingly, acoustic feedback is mitigated in spite of the openness of this novel design.