CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This PCT application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/009,272, filed April 13, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is directed to contact hearing aids and, more particularly, to cables for inductively coupled hearing aids.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0003] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of embodiments of the present inventive concepts will be apparent from the more particular description of preferred embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same or like elements. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the preferred embodiments.

[0004] Figure l is a cutaway view of an ear canal showing an inductively coupled contact hearing system according to the present invention wherein at least a portion of the contact hearing system is positioned in the ear canal.

[0005] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an inductively coupled contact hearing system according to the present invention.

[0006] Figure 3 is a cutaway view of an ear canal showing an optically coupled contact hearing system according to the present invention wherein at least a portion of the contact hearing system is positioned in the ear canal.

[0007] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an inductively coupled contact hearing system according to the present invention.

[0008] Figure 5 illustrates a processor and ear tip according to the present invention.

[0009] Figure 6 is a side perspective view of a transmit coil for use in an ear tip according to the present invention.

[0010] Figure 7 is a side cutaway view of the distal end of an ear canal and of a contact hearing device according to the present invention wherein the contact hearing device is positioned in the ear canal. [0011] Figure 8 is a top view of an inductively coupled contact hearing device according to the present invention.

[0012] Figure 9 is a top view of an optically coupled contact hearing device according to the present invention.

[0013] Figure 10 is a side cutaway view of the distal end of an ear canal and of a contact hearing device according to the present invention wherein the contact hearing device is positioned in the ear canal.

[0014] Figure 11 is a top view of an inductively coupled contact hearing device according to the present invention.

[0015] Figure 12 is a top view of an optically coupled contact hearing device according to the present invention.

[0016] Figure 13 is a top view of an inductively coupled contact hearing device according to the present invention.

[0017] Figure 14 is a top view of an optically coupled contact hearing device according to the present invention.

[0018] Figure 15 is a side cutaway view of the distal end of an ear canal and of an inductively coupled contact hearing device according to the present invention wherein the contact hearing device is positioned in the ear canal.

[0019] Figure 16 is a top view of an inductively coupled contact hearing device according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 17 is a schematic view of an inductively coupled contact hearing device according to the present invention including a shaped magnet.

[0021] Figure 18 is a schematic view of a shaped magnet for an inductively coupled contact hearing device according to the present invention.

[0022] Figures 19 - 26 illustrate embodiments of the present invention wherein a temporary placement fixture is employed to position the magnet with respect to the contact hearing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0023] Figure l is a cutaway view of an ear canal showing an inductively coupled contact hearing system 110 for use in systems and methods according to the present invention, wherein at least a portion of the contact hearing system 110 is positioned in the ear canal. In embodiments of the invention, inductively coupled contact hearing system 110 may be referred to as a smart lens system or smart lens. In embodiments of the invention, inductively coupled contact hearing system 110 may comprise a contact hearing system using electromagnetic waves to transmit information and/or power from inductive ear tip 120 to inductively coupled contact hearing device 112. In embodiments of the invention, inductively coupled contact hearing device 112 may be referred to as: a contact hearing device; an inductively coupled contact hearing device; a unibody floating contact hearing device; or unibody floating magnet contact hearing device. In embodiments of the invention, inductively coupled contact hearing system 110 may comprise a contact hearing system using inductive coupling to transmit information and/or power from inductive ear tip 120 to inductively coupled contact hearing device 112. In Figure 1, inductively coupled contact hearing system 110 includes audio processor 132, which audio processor may include at least one external microphone 310. Audio processor 132 may be connected to inductive ear tip 120 by cable 260, which may be adapted to transmit signals from audio processor 132 to inductive ear tip 120. Inductive ear tip 120 may further include canal microphone 312 and at least one acoustic vent 338. Inductive ear tip 120 may be an ear tip which radiates electromagnetic waves 142 in response to signals from audio processor 132. Electromagnetic signals radiated by inductive ear tip 120 may be received by inductively coupled contact hearing device 112, which may comprise receive coil 130, drive wires 218, umbo platform 220, magnet 100, cantilever support 210, and drive coil 102.

[0024] In embodiments of the invention, magnet 100 may be a strong permanent magnet. In embodiments of the invention, magnet 100 may be a rare earth magnet, such as, for example, a samarium-cobalt (SmCo) magnet.

[0025] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an inductively coupled contact hearing system 110 for use in methods and apparatus according to the present invention. In embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of inductively coupled contact hearing system 110 is positioned in the ear canal of a user. In Figure 2, ambient sound 340 may be received by external microphone 310 of audio processor 132, which then processes the received sound by passing it through processing circuitry, which may include analog to digital converter 320 and digital signal processor 330. The output of audio processor 132 may be transmitted to inductive ear tip 120 by cable 260. Signals transmitted to inductive ear tip 120 may then be transmitted to inductively coupled contact hearing device 112 by, for example, causing transmit coil 290 to radiate electromagnetic waves 142. In embodiments of the invention, inductively coupled contact hearing device 112 may include receive coil 130, drive coil 102, magnet 100, and umbo platform 220. Information contained in electromagnetic waves 142 received by receive coil 130 may be transmitted through drive coil 102 to magnet 100, moving umbo platform 220. In embodiments of the invention, the signal transmitted to inductive ear tip 120 may be a signal representative of audio signal receive by external microphone 310 which may then be transmitted to inductively coupled contact hearing device 112. In embodiments of the invention, transmit coil 290 may be wound around an acoustic vent 338 in inductive ear tip 120. In embodiments of the invention, acoustic vent 338 may be formed as a passage through a ferrite material or a ferromagnetic material. As used herein ferrite material may refer to any ferromagnetic material. In embodiments of the invention, transmit coil 290 may be wound around ferrite material positioned in inductive ear tip 120. In embodiments of the invention, contact hearing system 110 may include one or more external communication and control devices such as, for example, a cell phone (not shown).

[0026] Figure 3 is a cutaway view of an ear canal showing an optically coupled contact hearing system 111 for use in systems and methods according to the present invention, wherein at least a portion of the optically coupled contact hearing system 111 is positioned in the ear canal. In embodiments of the invention, optically coupled contact hearing system 111 may be referred to as a smart lens system or smart lens. In embodiments of the invention, optically coupled contact hearing system 111 may comprise a contact hearing system using light waves to transmit information and/or power from optical ear tip 121 to optically coupled contact hearing device 113. In embodiments of the invention, optically coupled contact hearing device 113 may be referred to as: a contact hearing device; an optically coupled contact hearing device; a unibody floating contact hearing device; or unibody floating magnet contact hearing device. In embodiments of the invention, optically coupled contact hearing system 111 may comprise a contact hearing system using optical coupling to transmit information and/or power from optical ear tip 121 to inductively coupled contact hearing device 113. In Figure 3, contact hearing system 111 includes audio processor 132, which audio processor may include at least one external microphone 310. Audio processor 132 may be connected to optical ear tip 121 by cable 260, which may be adapted to transmit signals from audio processor 132 to optical ear tip 121. Optical ear tip 121 may further include canal microphone 312 and at least one acoustic vent 338. Optical ear tip 120 may be an ear tip which radiates light 144 in response to signals from audio processor 132. Light signals 144 radiated by optical ear tip 121 may be received by optically coupled contact hearing device 112, which may comprise photodetector 131, drive wires 218, umbo platform 220, magnet 100, cantilever support 210, and drive coil 102. Optical light tip 121 is adapted to radiate light pulses 144 to optically coupled contact hearing device 112 which is positioned on a user’s tympanic membrane TM in a manner which allows it to drive the user’s umbo UM directly.

[0027] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an optically coupled contact hearing system 111 for use in methods and apparatus according to the present invention. In embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of optically coupled contact hearing system 111 is positioned in the ear canal of a user. In Figure 4, ambient sound 340 may be received by external microphone 310 of audio processor 132, which then processes the received sound by passing it through processing circuitry, which may include analog to digital converter 320 and digital signal processor 330. The output of audio processor 132 may be transmitted to a laser 292 by cable 260. Signals transmitted to laser 292 may then be transmitted to optically coupled contact hearing device 113 by, for example, causing laser 292 to radiate light 144. In embodiments of the invention, optically coupled contact hearing device 113 may include photodetector 131, drive coil 102, umbo platform 220, and magnet 100. Information contained in light 144 received by photodetector 131 may be transmitted to drive coil 102, which drives magnet 100, thereby moving umbo platform 220. In embodiments of the invention, the signal transmitted to optical ear tip 121 may be a signal representative of audio signals received by external microphone 310 which may then be transmitted to optically coupled contact hearing device 113. In embodiments of the invention, contact hearing system 111 may include one or more external communication and control devices such as, for example, a cell phone (not pictured).

[0028] Figure 5 illustrates an audio processor 132 and inductive ear tip 120 according to the present invention. Inductive ear tip 120 may, in some embodiments of the invention, be referred to as a mag tip or magnetic tip. In embodiments of the invention, inductive ear tip 120 may be replaced with alternative ear tips, such as, for example, an optical ear tip 121. In the embodiment of Figure 5, audio processor 132 may include external microphones 310 and volume/control switch 314. In embodiments of the invention, inductive ear tip 120 may include a transmit coil 290 which may include ferrite core 318. In embodiments of the invention, an optical ear tip 121 may include laser 292. In embodiments of the invention, inductive ear tip 120 may include an acoustic vent which may pass through transmit coil 290 and/or through ferrite core 318.

[0029] Figure 6 is a side perspective view of a transmit coil 290 for use in an inductively coupled ear tip 120 according to the present invention. In the embodiment of Figure 6, transmit coil 290 includes coil winding 316 which is wound around ferrite core 318. In embodiments of the invention, transmit coil 290 may further include acoustic vent 338. In embodiments of the invention, transmit coil 290 may further include transmit electronics 342. In embodiments of the invention, transmit coil 290 may be connected to audio processor 132 by cable 260.

[0030] Figure 7 is a side cutaway view of the distal end of an ear canal and of a contact hearing device according to the present invention wherein the contact hearing device is positioned in the ear canal. In embodiments of the invention, the contact hearing device illustrated in Figure 7 may be, for example, an inductively coupled contact hearing device

112 or an optically coupled contact hearing device 113. In the embodiment of Figure 7, contact hearing device 112 / 113 may include drive coil 102 positioned on a portion of the distal end of cantilever support 210. In embodiments of the invention, drive coil 102 may include magnet opening 212. In the embodiment of Figure 7, contact hearing device 112 /

113 further includes sulcus platform 118, which may also be referred to as a support platform or a perimeter platform. Contact hearing device 112 may further include umbo platform 220 and magnet 100, which may be positioned on umbo platform 220. Umbo platform 220 may be positioned on tympanic membrane TM below magnet opening 212, for example, over the umbo region of the TM. Umbo platform 220 may be held in place, by for example, a fluid (e.g., mineral oil) positioned between the surface of the tympanic membrane and the surface of umbo platform 220. Umbo platform 220 may be held in place by, for example, hydrostatic forces.

[0031] Figure 8 is a top view of an inductively coupled contact hearing device 112 according to the present invention. In Figure 8, contact hearing device 112 may include sulcus platform 118 which is adapted and shaped to fit into the ear canal of a user, including the sulcus region of the user. Sulcus platform 118 is adapted to hold inductively coupled contact hearing device 112 in place over the tympanic membrane of a user. Inductively coupled contact hearing device 112 may further include cantilever support 210 which may be attached at a proximal end to sulcus platform 118. Receive coil 130 may be positioned on cantilever support 210 at, for example, the proximal end of cantilever support 210. Drive coil 102 may be connected to receive coil 130 by drive wires 218. Drive coil 102 may be positioned on cantilever support 210 at, for example, a distal end of cantilever support 210. Drive coil 102 may surround magnet opening 212, which may, when inductively coupled contact hearing device 112 is positioned in the ear canal of a user be positioned over umbo platform 220 with magnet 100 positioned substantially in the center of magnet opening 212. In embodiments of the invention, magnet opening 212 may comprise a central region of drive coil 102, an opening in the distal end of cantilever support 210 or a combination of both. In embodiments of the invention, energy received by receive coil 130 may be transmitted to drive coil 102 and used to move magnet 100, thus moving the tympanic membrane of the user.

[0032] Figure 9 is a top view of an optically coupled contact hearing device 113 according to the present invention. In Figure 9, optically coupled contact hearing device 113 may include sulcus platform 118 which is adapted and shaped to fit into the ear canal of a user, including the sulcus region of the user. Sulcus platform 118 is adapted to hold optically coupled contact hearing device 113 in place over the tympanic membrane of a user. Optically coupled contact hearing device 113 may further include cantilever support 210 which may be attached at a proximal end to sulcus platform 118. Photodetector 131 may be positioned on cantilever support 210 at, for example, the proximal end of cantilever support 210. Drive coil 102 may be positioned on cantilever support 210 at, for example, a distal end of cantilever support 210. Drive coil 102 may be connected to photodetector 131 by drive wires 218.

Drive coil 102 may surround magnet opening 212, which may, when optically coupled contact hearing device 113 is positioned in the ear canal of a user, be positioned over umbo platform 220 with magnet 100 positioned substantially in the center of magnet opening 212. In embodiments of the invention, magnet opening 212 may comprise a central region of drive coil 102, an opening in the distal end of cantilever support 210 or a combination of both. In embodiments of the invention, energy received by photodetector 131 may be transmitted to drive coil 102 and used to move magnet 100, thus moving the tympanic membrane of the user.

[0033] Figure 10 is a side cutaway view of the distal end of an ear canal and of a contact hearing device according to the present invention wherein the contact hearing device is positioned in the ear canal of a user. In Figure 10, drive coil 102 is held in place by support arms 114, which extend from sulcus platform 118. In embodiments of the invention, the contact hearing device illustrated in Figure 10 may be, for example, an inductively coupled contact hearing device 112 or an optically coupled contact hearing device 113. Figure 11 is a top view of an inductively coupled contact hearing device 112 wherein drive coil 102 is supported by support arms 114 which extend from sulcus platform 118. In Figure 11, receive coil 130 may be attached to or supported on a portion of sulcus platform 118. Figure 12 is a top view of an optically coupled contact hearing device 113 wherein photodetector 131 may be attached to or supported on a portion of sulcus platform 118.

[0034] Figure 13 is a top view of an inductively coupled hearing device 112 according to the present invention. Figure 14 is a top view of an optically coupled contact hearing device 113 according to the present invention. In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, drive coil 102 may be attached to or supported on a portion of sulcus platform 118.

[0035] Figure 15 is a side cutaway view of the distal end of an ear canal and of an inductively coupled contact hearing device 112 according to the present invention wherein the contact hearing device is positioned in the ear canal. Figure 16 is a top view of an inductively coupled contact hearing device 112 according to the present invention. In Figures 15 and 16, receive coil 130 may be positioned adjacent to drive coil 102. In embodiments of the invention, receive coil 130 may be positioned over drive coil 102, wherein the coils are connected electrically and separated physically by printed circuit board 222. In embodiments of the invention, energy received by receive coil 130 may be transmitted to drive coil 102 where it may be used to generate a magnetic field which moves magnet 100, thus moving the tympanic membrane of the user. Inductively coupled contact hearing device 112 may include energy storage devices (not shown) such as batteries or capacitors which may be used, in conjunction with control circuitry (not shown) to store energy received by receive coil 130 and release that energy to drive coil 102 as required to drive magnet 100 and vibrate the user’s tympanic membrane.

[0036] Figure 17 is a schematic view of an inductively coupled contact hearing device 112 according to the present invention including a shaped magnet 100. Figure 18 is a schematic view of a shaped magnet 100 for an inductively coupled contact hearing device 112 according to the present invention. In Figures 17 and 18, embodiments of the invention may include a receive coil 130 connected to a demodulation circuit 346 which is connected to 102 and wherein magnet 100 takes the form of a shaped magnet, which may be, for example in the shape of a concave washer. In this embodiment, magnet 100 may have a central pole 348, which may be, for example, a north pole and an outer pole 350, which may be, for example, a south pole. In this embodiment of the invention flux entering one of the poles, for example central pole 348 will be transmitted through magnet 100 to exit through the other pole, for example outer pole 350. In this manner, the flux may be concentrated in the direction of drive coil 102, increasing the force with which current in drive coil 102 creates on magnet 100. Additionally, the use of a flux concentrator 344 will further concentrate the flux from the drive coil in the direction of the central pole 348, increasing the force.

[0037] The invention is directed to a contact hearing system as illustrated in the attached Figures 19 - 26. In this system a lens comprising a magnet 100, a drive coil 102, an umbo platform 220, a mounting platform 118 and drive wires 218 is positioned on the tympanic membrane of a user. When drive coil 102 is excited by signals transmitted through drive wires 218 it generates a magnetic field which interacts with magnet 100, which is mounted on umbo platform 220 to vibrate the tympanic membrane of the user. In embodiments of the invention drive coil 102 may be connected to a receive coil 130 which receives magnetic signals transmitted from a coil positioned in a lateral portion of the ear canal. In embodiments of the invention drive coil 102 may be connected to a photodetector 131 which receives light signals transmitted from a laser positioned in a lateral portion of the ear canal. Drive coil 102 may be mounted directly on mounting platform 118, on support arms 114 extending from mounting platform 118 or on cantilever spring 210 (which is connected to mounting platform 118). The invention may further include magnetic opening 212. In embodiments of the invention magnet 100 may comprise a Rare Earth Magnet such as a Samarium Cobalt (SmCo) magnet.

[0038] To aid in placement a temporary fixture e can be added to the assembly consisting of dissolvable support 120 (which may be paper) to hold the umbo platform 220 in the correct orientation relative to the anatomy until and during placement. The dissolvable support 120 may then be dissolved with water, alcohol or other solvent, allowing the umbo platform 220 to operate freely.

[0039] In embodiments of the invention a contact hearing device includes a support platform adapted to fit in the ear canal of a user, the support platform comprising an outer perimeter adapted to conform to the shape of the user’s ear canal and an inner open region adapted to be positioned over a least a portion of the user’s tympanic membrane. Further embodiments of the invention include a drive coil connected to the support platform, where in the drive coil includes an outer coil and an inner opening. Further embodiments of the invention include magnet adapted to be positioned on the tympanic membrane. In further embodiments of the invention the magnet is supported by an umbo platform. In further embodiments of the invention the drive coil is positioned such that the inner opening of the drive coil is over the magnet when the contact hearing device is positioned in the user’s ear canal. In further embodiments of the invention the magnet is positioned over the umbo of the user. In further embodiments of the invention the device further comprises an energy source mechanically connected to the support platform and electrically connected to the drive coil. In further embodiments of the invention the energy source is a receive coil. In further embodiments of the invention the energy source is a photodetector. In further embodiments of the invention the drive coil is connected to the support platform by a cantilever support. In further embodiments of the invention the drive coil is connected to the support platform by one or more support arms. In further embodiments of the invention the receive coil and the drive coil are mounted on top of each other, the receive coil comprising a coil assembly and an inner opening, wherein the inner opening of the receive coil and the inner opening of the drive coil are aligned. In further embodiments of the invention the magnet is in the form of a shaped magnet. In further embodiments of the invention the shaped magnet is a bent washer shape. In further embodiments of the invention contact hearing device includes a temporary placement fixture. In further embodiments of the invention the temporary placement fixture is positioned to hold the magnet in the correct orientation relative to the support platform. In further embodiments of the invention the temporary placement fixture comprises a material that dissolves in the presence of fluids. In further embodiments of the invention the temporary placement fixture comprises paper.

[0040] While the preferred embodiments of the devices and methods have been described in reference to the environment in which they were developed, they are merely illustrative of the principles of the present inventive concepts. Modification or combinations of the above- described assemblies, other embodiments, configurations, and methods for carrying out the invention, and variations of aspects of the invention that are obvious to those of skill in the art are intended to be within the scope of the claims. In addition, where this application has listed the steps of a method or procedure in a specific order, it may be possible, or even expedient in certain circumstances, to change the order in which some steps are performed, and it is intended that the particular steps of the method or procedure claim set forth herebelow not be construed as being order-specific unless such order specificity is expressly stated in the claim.

DEFINITIONS

[0041] Audio Processor - A system for receiving and processing audio signals. Audio processors may include one or more microphones adapted to receive audio which reaches the user’s ear. The audio processor may include one or more components for processing the received sound. The audio processor may include digital signal processing electronics and software which are adapted to process the received sound. Processing of the received sound may include amplification of the received sound. The output of the audio processor may be a signal suitable for driving a laser located in an ear tip. The output of the audio processor may be a signal suitable for driving an antenna located in an ear tip. The output of the audio processor may be a signal suitable for driving an inductive coil located in an ear tip. Audio processors may also be referred to as behind the ear units or BTEs.

[0042] Contact Hearing System - A system including a contact hearing device, an ear tip and an audio processor. Contact hearing systems may also include an external communication device. An example of such system is an Earlens hearing-aid that transmits audio signal by laser to a contact hearing device which is located on or adjacent to the ear drum. The contact hearing system may also be referred to as a smart lens.

[0043] Contact Hearing Device - A tiny actuator connected to a customized ring-shaped support platform that floats on the ear canal around the eardrum, where the actuator directly vibrates the eardrum causing energy to be transmitted through the middle and inner ears to stimulate the brain and produce the perception of sound. The contact hearing device may comprise a photodetector, a microactuator connected to the photodetector and a support structure supporting the photodetector and microactuator. The contact hearing device may comprise an antenna, a microactuator connected to the antenna and a support structure supporting the antenna and microactuator. The contact hearing device may comprise a coil, a microactuator connected to the coil and a support structure supporting the coil and microactuator. The contact hearing device may also be referred to as a Tympanic Contact Actuator (TCA), a Tympanic Lens, a Tympanic Membrane Transducer (TMT), a smart lens. [0044] Ear Tip - A structure designed to be placed into and reside in the ear canal of a user, where the structure is adapted to receive signals from an audio processor and transmit signals to the user’s tympanic membrane or to a device positioned on or near the user’s tympanic membrane (such as, for example, a contact hearing device). In one embodiment of the invention, the signals may be transmitted by light, using, for example, a laser positioned in the light tip. In one embodiment of the invention, the signals may be transmitted using radio frequency, using, for example, an antenna connected to the Ear Tip. In one embodiment of the invention, the signal may be transmitted using inductive coupling, using, for example, a coil connected to the ear tip. The ear tip may also be referred to as a light tip, magnetic tip or mag tip.

[0045] Light Driven Hearing Aid System - A contact hearing system wherein signals are transmitted from an ear tip to a contact hearing device using light. In a light driven hearing system, light (e.g., laser light) may be used to transmit information, power or both information and power to a contact hearing device.

[0046] RF Driven Hearing Aid System - A contact hearing system wherein signals are transmitted from an ear tip to a contact hearing device using radio frequency electromagnetic radiation. In an RF driven hearing system, electromagnetic radiation may be used to transmit information, power or both information and power from the ear tip to the contact hearing device.

[0047] Inductively Driven Hearing Aid System - A contact hearing system wherein signals are transmitted from an ear tip to a contact hearing device using inductive coupling. In an inductively driven hearing system, magnetic waves may be used to transmit information, power or both information and power from the ear tip to the contact hearing device.

[0048] Light Tip - An ear tip adapted for use in a light driven hearing aid system. A light tip may include a laser.

[0049] Mag Tip - An ear tip adapted for use in an inductively driven hearing aid system.

The mag tip may include an inductive transmit coil.

REFERENCE NUMBERS