Patent ID: 7524278
Filing Date: 2009-04-28
Classification: H04R

Abstract:
1. A hearing aid device comprising: a transducer assembly having a proximal and distal end and a longitudinal axis coupling the proximal and distal end of the transducer assembly; a sheath disposed over the transducer assembly and coaxial therewith, the sheath having a proximal end and a distal end; a housing disposed over the proximal end of the transducer assembly, wherein the proximal end of the sheath is hermetically sealed to the housing and the distal end of the sheath is hermetically sealed about the distal end of the transducer assembly; wherein the sheath is made from a biocompatible material; wherein the biocompatible material is a biocompatible metal; wherein the biocompatible metal is selected from the group consisting of gold, titanium, stainless steel, platinum-iridium, plastic and platinum; wherein the transducer assembly includes a piezoelectric transducer; and wherein the sheath is provided with a plurality of bellows on its outer surface located adjacent to its proximal end to allow the piezoelectric transducer to flex in a direction substantially perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.