Patent ID: 6728383
Filing Date: 2004-04-27
Classification: H04R

Abstract:
A method of compensating for hearing loss of a user, comprising the steps of:a) shaping a soft, substantially solid polymeric body to closely conform to the ear canal of the user; b) providing a mounting member including a medial surface; c) joining the medial surface of the mounting member to the soft polymeric body; d) wherein in steps â€œaâ€  through â€œcâ€  the soft, solid polymeric body and mounting member form a hearing aid device that contains a plurality of hearing aid components and which encapsulates at least one of the hearing aid components, the soft, solid polymeric body defining an interface that is of sufficient thickness to closely conform to both the ear canal and at least one of the hearing aid components; e) placing the hearing aid device in the user's ear canal, with the soft polymeric body being positioned medially in the user's ear canal; and f) wherein in step â€œaâ€  the soft, solid polymeric body is formed outside of the patient's ear canal.