Direct tympanic membrane excitation via vibrationally conductive assembly
Patent 6137889 Issued on October 24, 2000. Estimated Expiration Date: 
May 27, 2018. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
May 27, 2018. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 3594514 3764748 3870832 3882285 Implantable electromagnetic middle-ear bone-conduction hearing aid device Direct contact hearing aid apparatus Magnetic attachment device for insertion and removal of hearing aid Implantable electromagnetic middle-ear bone-conduction hearing aid device Magnetic ossicular replacement prosthesis Magnet for installation in the middle ear InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 085486 filed on 05/27/1998US Classes:381/328, Ear insert181/130, Auditory canal insert181/134, Eardrum381/326, Non-air-conducted sound delivery600/25, SURGICALLY IMPLANTED VIBRATORY HEARING AID607/55Promoting auditory functionExaminersPrimary: Kuntz, CurtisAssistant: Ni, Suhan International ClassH04R 025/00AbstractA device to be worn in the ear of a subject provides a direct vibrational drive to the tympanic membrane through a vibrationally conductive assembly which couples vibrations from a vibratory transducer positioned within the ear canal proximal to the tympanic membrane. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is a hearing aid positioned inconspicuously deep within the ear canal. The vibrationally conductive assembly is removably attached to the umbo area of the tympanic membrane. The vibrationally conductive assembly is designed to conduct vibrations in the audible frequency range while absorbing static forces caused by device placement and ear canal movement attributable to jaw movements of the wearer, including speaking, eating, drinking, chewing, yawning, and so forth. The unique coupling characteristics of the vibrationally conductive assembly allow for a highly efficient transfer of vibrations in the audible frequency range to the tympanic membrane without exerting damaging forces on the tympanic membrane. The energy efficiency and non-occlusive design features of a hearing aid embodiment of the invention allow for long term use within the ear canal.Other References
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