Patent ID: 7580537
Filing Date: 2009-08-25
Classification: H04R

Abstract:
1. A seal for retaining a hearing device within a portion of the ear canal, the seal comprising: a curved shell having a wall and an opening at an apex portion of the shell, the shell wall defining a cavity for retention of a hearing device component, at least a portion of the shell comprising a resilient material having sound attenuating properties; wherein the shell wall is configured to distribute compressive forces applied to a shell perimeter such that when the shell is positioned in the ear canal, the shell wall dynamically conforms to changes in the shape of the ear canal to maintain an acoustical seal between an exterior surface of the shell and the walls of the ear canal, wherein the shell wall is configured such that a spring pressure exerted by the shell on the walls of the ear canal does not exceed the capillary venous return pressure of the vasculature of the epithelial layer of the ear canal.