| abstract |
An acoustically sealed earmold and a receiver adapter insertable into the ear of an individual with impaired hearing and used in conjunction with an external receiver to evaluate hearing. A unique method of coupling the receiver adapter to the earmold is also disclosed. The adapter is inserted into the molded portion of the earmold and provides a straight passageway for transmission of sound energy from the receiver to the occluded space of the external canal of the ear. The device substantially reduces the problem of acoustic feedback in high gain hearing aid fittings and provides more accurate transmission of acoustic signals to allow improved hearing evaluation. This invention enables an audiologist to fit the earmold and conduct hearing aid evaluations in a single office visit. |