US4817609A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for treating hearing deficiencies
Assignee: GN Hearing Care Corp
•
Filing: 1987-09-11
•
Granted: 1989-04-04
•
Expires: 2007-09-11
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus are described for treating hearing impairment in a human. The external auditory canal is substantially enlarged surgically in region proximate the ear drum. An electronic hearing aid is placed in this region. The hearing aid has a external housing molded to conform with the shape of the surgically enlarged region.
Inventors
- 👤 Rodney C. Perkins
- 👤 Jason L. Carlson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 05:15
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04R; H04R25/00; H04R25/60; H04R25/65; H04R25/652; H04R25/658; H04R2225/00; H04R2225/77; H04R2460/00; H04R2460/17; H04R25/609
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
46 words
A method for treating hearing impairment in a human, comprising, surgically substantially enlarging the external auditory canal in a region proximate the ear drum, and placing in said region an electronic hearing aid having an external housing molded to conform with the shape of said region.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
46 words
A method for treating hearing impairment in a human, comprising, surgically substantially enlarging the external auditory canal in a region proximate the ear drum, and placing in said region an electronic hearing aid having an external housing molded to conform with the shape of said region.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein a shoulder is surgically formed adjacent the ear drum to provide a stop for locating said hearing aid in said region.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said hearing aid is adapted for insertion and removal by the human wearer.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3527901A
Cited
US3764748A
Cited
US4584437A
Cited
US4680799A
Cited
US4657106A
Cited
US4735759A
Cited
US4592359A
Cited
US4606329A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-04-03 | 1992-10-03 | 1993-04-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-04-03 | 1996-10-03 | 1997-04-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-04-03 | 2000-10-03 | 2001-04-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |