Patent ID: 6546108
Filing Date: 2003-04-08
Classification: H04R

Abstract:
A miniature canal hearing device comprising:a housing, an integrated battery assembly adapted to be removable from said housing, a receptacle cavity in said housing having a doorless opening for partially receiving said battery assembly through said opening, said battery assembly comprising: a) an insertable segment for insertion into said receptacle cavity, and b) a protruding segment that remains outside of said receptacle cavity when said battery assembly is seated within said receptacle cavity, said insertable segment consisting of a portion of a battery having battery terminals exposed for electrically and mechanically connecting to electrical contacts within said receptacle cavity when said battery assembly is seated for retention therein, said protruding segment comprising at least one-third of the battery size, with a thin covering on the surface of the protruding segment, and being directly exposed to the ear environment outside the hearing device when said battery assembly is seated within said receptacle cavity and said hearing device is worn in the ear canal, whereby to provide a grippable portion to enable ready removal and replacement of a depleted battery through said doorless opening , and to conserve space within said housing for enhanced miniaturization to enable deep insertion of the hearing device into the ear canal.