Abstract:
The present invention relates to a novel protective cover for over-the-ear or behind-the-ear hearing aid devices, wherein the protective cover is resistant to infiltration of moisture, corrosive elements, and/or dirt or debris. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the protective cover comprises a flexible material that offers a formed fit over the hearing aid device, and includes at least one slit within the flexible material such that the protective cover may be readily flipped up to allow access to portions of the over-the-ear or behind-the-ear hearing aid device upon which it is placed without significant effort by the user.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to Behind-the-Ear (“BTE”) or On-the-Ear (“OTE”) hearing aid devices. It will be appreciated that BTE/OTE hearing aid devices are placed in a manner such that the majority of the device sits on top of, or behind, the ear of the wearer. Such a placement is convenient for the wearer, and allows close proximity between the electronic portions of the BTE/OTE hearing aid device and the ear canal. However, such a placement exposes the electronic portions of a BTE/OTE hearing aid to moisture, dirt, sweat, and other elements that remain the main cause of damage or failure of all hearing devices. While improvements to digital processing, humidity resistant printed circuit flex boards and plastic fusion technology for sealing BTE/OTE hearing aid cases has improved resistance to these elements, BTE/OTE hearing aid devices are still susceptible to damage from the elements, including moisture intrusion. Such susceptible areas in new devices include the battery compartment/contacts, the ribbon cable programming slots and contacts, the programming socket, the push button memory switch, direct audio input (“DAI”) connections, and dual direction microphone ports. 
     In an attempt to prevent moisture infiltration into these susceptible areas, devices and covers to seal or protect the OTE/BTE hearing aid devices have been created. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,234 to Butler discloses a flexible cover that must be stretched, for example with an expansion tool, to allow a hearing aid to be slipped into it, and then requires that the flexible cover be unrolled to remove the hearing aid. It will be appreciated that such a cover does not allow ready access to many portions of the hearing aid device, and difficulty in removing and/or re-applying such a cover is likely to prevent a wearer from either accessing the portions of the hearing aid device under the cover, which may prevent routine maintenance and fine tuning from being performed by the wearer. Further, when such a cover does not allow ready accessibility to the hearing aid device, such a cover is likely not to be replaced once it is removed, thereby losing any advantages of its tight fitting nature to repel moisture. Other attempts to solve the problem include U.S. Publication No 2004/0196996 that disclose hard covers for behind-the-ear hearing aids that are removable and “attractive”, but which do not fully encapsulate the hearing aid to effectively protect against moisture infiltration. Likewise, U.S. Publication No 2008/0292124 discloses a rigid shield intended to preclude moisture from causing corrosion to the hearing aid by essentially acting as an umbrella that prevents rain or other falling debris from falling directly on an OTE/BTE hearing aid device. However, such a hard umbrella-like cover is obtrusive and still does not encapsulate the moisture prone areas of an OTE/BTE hearing aid device, thereby exposing those susceptible areas to moisture infiltration. As such, a protective cover that overcomes the shortcomings of the abovementioned art would be greatly appreciated. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to at least one embodiment, the present application relates to a hearing aid protection apparatus comprising a substantially hollow body comprising a water-resistant material, wherein the substantially hollow body has a first open end and a second substantially closed end, where the hollow body is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of a hearing aid device through the first open end; a transverse cut is made through the water-resistant material substantially bisecting the substantially hollow body, the transverse cut sized such that the substantially hollow body hinges between a front end and a rear end of the hollow body, thereby allowing the rear portion of the hollow body to be removably placed on a rear portion of the hearing aid device while the front end of the hollow body is maintained upon the hearing aid device. Optionally, the hearing aid protection apparatus utilizes a flexible or semi-flexible material for the water-resistant material. According to another optional embodiment, the hearing aid protection apparatus utilizes a water-resistant material such as vinyl, rubber, neoprene, silicone rubber, neoprene, latex, or viton. As a further optional embodiment, the hearing aid protection apparatus utilizes a water-resistant material comprising a thickness of approximately 0.010″ to approximately 0.040″. 
     Additionally, according to at least one optional embodiment, the hearing aid protection apparatus comprises at least one hole formed through the water-resistant material, the at least one hole formed such that the transverse cut originates or ends within the hole. In another optional embodiment, the hearing aid protection apparatus of claim  1 , further comprises a first hole and a second hole formed through the water-resistant material, the first hole formed in the substantially water-resistant material such that the transverse cut originates within the first hole, and the second hole formed in the substantially water-resistant material such that the transverse cut terminates within the second hole. In another optional embodiment, the first and second hole are sized and shaped to correspond to a microphone port on the hearing aid device. Additionally, the hearing aid protection apparatus of optionally comprises at least one raised area sized and shaped to receive a corresponding user control element from the hearing aid device when the substantially hollow body is placed over the hearing aid device. Further optionally, in the hearing aid protection apparatus the first open end is shaped at an angle to a substantially longitudinal axis running through the substantially hollow body such that the hearing aid device may be inserted through the first open end without the use of a tool. 
     Additionally, according to at least one additional optional embodiment, the hearing aid protection apparatus utilizes the transverse cut through the water-resistant material to produce an opening in the hollow body that allows the hearing aid device to be inserted through the opening into the hollow body without the use of a tool. According to at least one additional embodiment, the hearing aid protection apparatus of further includes the first open end shaped at an angle to a substantially longitudinal axis running through the substantially hollow body such that the hearing aid device may be inserted through the first open end without the use of a tool. According to at least one additional embodiment, the substantially closed end of the substantially hollow body substantially envelops the rear portion of the hearing aid device when the hearing aid protection apparatus is in a substantially closed position. According to at least one additional embodiment, the hearing aid protection apparatus is substantially impervious to water infiltration when the hearing aid protection apparatus is in the substantially closed position. 
     According to at least one embodiment, the present application relates to a hearing aid protection apparatus comprising a substantially hollow body comprising a water-resistant material having a thickness of approximately 0.010″ to approximately 0.040″; wherein the substantially hollow body has a first open end substantially sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of a hearing aid device, and a second substantially closed end operable to substantially envelop a rear portion of the hearing aid device; and the hollow body includes a transverse cut through the water-resistant material substantially bisecting the substantially hollow body, the transverse cut sized such that the remaining water-resistant material forms a hinge in the substantially hollow body whereby the substantially closed end of the substantially hollow body may be flipped up to expose the rear portion of the hearing aid device while the first open end of the substantially hollow body is maintained around the hearing aid device. 
     According to another optional embodiment, the hearing aid protection apparatus utilizes a water-resistant material such as vinyl, rubber, neoprene, silicone rubber, neoprene, latex, or viton. 
     Additionally, according to at least one optional embodiment, the hearing aid protection apparatus comprises at least one hole formed through the water-resistant material, the at least one hole formed such that the transverse cut originates or ends within the hole. In another optional embodiment, the hearing aid protection apparatus of claim  1 , further comprises a first hole and a second hole formed through the water-resistant material, the first hole formed in the substantially water-resistant material such that the transverse cut originates within the first hole, and the second hole formed in the substantially water-resistant material such that the transverse cut terminates within the second hole. In another optional embodiment, the first and second hole are sized and shaped to correspond to a microphone port on the hearing aid device. Additionally, the hearing aid protection apparatus of optionally comprises at least one raised area sized and shaped to receive a corresponding user control element from the hearing aid device when the substantially hollow body is placed over the hearing aid device. Further optionally, in the hearing aid protection apparatus the first open end is shaped at an angle to a substantially longitudinal axis running through the substantially hollow body such that the hearing aid device may be inserted through the first open end without the use of a tool. 
     Additionally, according to at least one additional optional embodiment, the hearing aid protection apparatus utilizes the transverse cut through the water-resistant material to produce an opening in the hollow body that allows the hearing aid device to be inserted through the opening into the hollow body without the use of a tool. According to at least one additional embodiment, the hearing aid protection apparatus of further includes the first open end shaped at an angle to a substantially longitudinal axis running through the substantially hollow body such that the hearing aid device may be inserted through the first open end without the use of a tool. According to at least one additional embodiment, the substantially closed end of the substantially hollow body substantially envelops the rear portion of the hearing aid device when the hearing aid protection apparatus is in a substantially closed position. According to at least one additional embodiment, the hearing aid protection apparatus is substantially impervious to water infiltration when the hearing aid protection apparatus is in the substantially closed position. According to at least one additional embodiment, the hearing aid protection apparatus further allows at least one operational feature on the hearing aid device to be accessible to a user when the substantially closed end of the substantially hollow body is flipped up to expose the rear portion of the hearing aid device. 
     According to at least one embodiment, the present application relates to a hearing aid protection apparatus comprising a substantially hollow body comprising a water-resistant material; the substantially hollow body having a first substantially closed end and a second substantially closed end, said hollow body sized and shaped to envelop a hearing aid device within the hollow body; and a transverse cut through the water-resistant material substantially bisecting the substantially hollow body, the transverse cut sized such that the substantially hollow body hinges between a front end and a rear end of the hollow body, thereby allowing the hearing aid device to be inserted into the hollow body such that a front portion of the hearing aid device is enveloped within the hollow body, and the rear end of the hollow body may be removably placed on a rear portion of the hearing aid device while the front end of the hollow body is maintained upon the hearing aid device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side plan view showing a typical BTE or OTE hearing aid. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear/side perspective view showing a typical BTE or OTE hearing aid. 
         FIG. 3  is a side plan view of a protective cover for BTE or OTE hearing aids according to one embodiment, with the cover flap being in the down or protective position. 
         FIG. 4  is a side plan view of a protective cover for BTE or OTE hearing aids according to one embodiment, with the cover flap being in the up, or accessible position 
         FIG. 5  is a side plan view of a protective cover for BTE or OTE hearing aids according to one embodiment, with the cover flap being in the down or protective position. 
         FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view is a side plan view of a protective cover for BTE or OTE hearing aids according to one embodiment, with the cover flap being in the up, or accessible position 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a protective cover for BTE or OTE hearing aids according to one embodiment, the protective cover having at least one directional opening for a microphone port. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a protective cover for BTE or OTE hearing aids according to one embodiment, the protective cover having at least one directional opening for a microphone port. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a protective cover for BTE or OTE hearing aids according to one embodiment, the protective cover having at least one slit in the rear portion of the protective cover to allow access to the hearing aid. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a protective cover for BTE or OTE hearing aids according to one embodiment, the protective cover having at least one slit in the rear portion of the protective cover to allow access to the hearing aid. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     Turning to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an illustrative example of a typical BTE or OTE hearing aid is provided for exemplary purposes only. As shown therein, a hearing aid device  10  comprises an ear hook  12  having a tip  15  wherein a sound tube (not shown) inserts into the ear hook  12  at one end and the sound tube inserts into the ear canal of a user at another end; a receiver outlet  13 , at least one front microphone port  14  operable to pick up ambient sounds for amplifying; a memory push button  16  operable to allow a user to select certain preset settings for the hearing aid device  10 , at least one optional rear microphone port  17 , a battery compartment  18 , and a programming slot  19  wherein a ribbon cable may be inserted for programming. It will be appreciated that other embodiments of a hearing aid device  10  exist, with additional features and components, and that the exemplary illustration herein does not limit the embodiments below, but is offered as an example only, and many different models and variants fall within the general description of a hearing aid device  10 . 
     In operation, a hearing aid device  10  comprises a front microphone port  14  and/or rear microphone port  17  for receiving ambient sounds for amplifying, and amplifier (not shown) that is internal to the hearing aid device, and receiver outlet  13 . Likewise, a hearing aid device  10  may include other optional controls such as a volume control and/or trim pots, telephone coils, or other features. In general, these components are incorporated in, or encapsulated by, a plastic housing which is worn on the upper rear part of a patient&#39;s ear. Once ambient sound is picked up by a front microphone port  14  or rear microphone port  17 , the sound is amplified and/or selectively amplified by the amplifier, and transmitted through the ear hook  12  to a sound tube to a custom ear mold or an open-fit or occluded ear bud into patient&#39;s ear canal. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , according to at least one embodiment, a protective glove or envelope  20  for a hearing aid device  10  comprises a flexible or semi-flexible material sized and shaped to substantially encapsulate a hearing aid device  10 . For example, protective glove or envelope  20  optionally comprises vinyl, rubber, neoprene, silicone or other rubbers, neoprene, latex, viton or other water-resistant, water-proof, or water-impermeable material. Further optionally, protective glove or envelope  20  optionally comprises a water resistant or water-proof material that is air permeable, such as a treated nylon cloth (such as rip stop nylon or other woven nylon) or a treated flexible cloth that may comprise a fiber such as elastane (a.k.a. SPANDEX®). Further, the thickness of the material utilized for protective glove or envelope  20  may optionally range from approximately 0.010″ to approximately 0.040″ based on the type of material used and its durability. Additionally, it should be noted that the material may be, but need not be of a highly elastic material, and may be considered a hollow tube or cocoon in form such that it allows insertion of a BTE/OTE hearing aid device  10  to be placed within its protective environment. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , according to at least one embodiment, protective glove or envelope  20  includes a transverse cut  25  through a portion of substantially tubular protective glove or envelope  20  such that the transverse cut  25  divides protective glove or envelope into a front portion  23  and a back portion  26 , wherein the transverse cut  25  allows the back portion  26  to be flipped upward and away from a corresponding back portion of a hearing aid device  10 .  FIG. 3  shows protective glove or envelope  20  encapsulating a hearing aid device  10 , and in a substantially closed position such that the back portion of hearing aid device  10  is covered by the back portion  26  of protective glove or envelope  20 . Conversely,  FIG. 4  shows protective glove or envelope  20  in a substantially open position such that the back portion of hearing aid device  10  is no longer encapsulated by back portion  26  of protective glove or envelope  20 , thereby allowing access to certain features of hearing aid device  10  that are not accessible when the protective glove or envelope  20  is in its substantially closed position. According to at least one aspect, protective glove or envelope  20  is able to be flipped up to expose the BTE/OTE hearing aid device  10  without the use of a tool or aid to expose at least a portion of the BTE/OTE hearing aid device  10  to access certain features and/or functions such as daily power up/down, battery replacement, DAI connections, etc. of the BTE/OTE hearing aid device  10 . 
     In at least one optional embodiment, protective glove or envelope  20  is shaped as a substantially tubular sleeve having a front portion  23  with an opening to receive a hearing aid device  10  and a back portion  26  that is enclosed to substantially envelop a back portion of hearing aid device  10 . According to at least one embodiment, the front portion  23  having an opening to receive a hearing aid device  10  comprises an angled opening  21  to aid in sliding the back portion of hearing aid device  10  through the opening of front portion  23  of protective glove or envelope  20 . Likewise, the angled opening  21  may be sized and shaped to ensure that any front microphone port  14  of hearing aid device  10  is not covered by protective glove or envelope  20 , thereby blocking entry of ambient sounds into hearing aid device  10 . 
     According to at least one additional optional embodiment, protective glove or envelope  20  further comprises one or more blisters  22  molded therein to facilitate activation of any buttons, such as a memory push button  16 , that may exist on hearing aid device  10 , thereby allowing memory push button to be depressed and activated through protective glove or envelope  20 , and allowing memory push button  16  to return to its upright position after being depressed. Furthermore, while hearing aid device  20  is sized and shaped to substantially encapsulate a hearing aid device  10 , such a fit can, but need not be, made to exceptionally close tolerances, as angled opening  21  allows hearing aid device  10  to be inserted without the use of tools to stretch protective glove or envelope  20  during initial installation. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , in at least one additional optional embodiment, protective glove or envelope  20  further comprises one or more holes  24  at the termination of transverse cut  25 , thereby reducing the likelihood that transverse cut will tear or rip all the way across the cross section of protective glove or envelope  20 . Furthermore, the one or more punched holes at the termination of transverse cut  25  provide a more free movement of the remaining material connecting front portion  23  and a back portion  26 , which can be helpful when protective glove or envelope  20  comprises a semi-flexible or thick material. In at least one optional embodiment, the one or more punched holes may be strategically placed such that the holes  24  coincide with the rear microphone ports  17  for the particular hearing aid device  10 , such that the transverse cut  25  originates and/or ends in the one or more holes  24  that coincide with rear microphone ports  17 . 
     According to at least one optional embodiment, the transverse cut  25  and one or more holes  24  are sized and located such that the back portion  26  of protective glove or envelope  20  covers key openings in the plastic shell of hearing aid device  10  when protective glove or envelope  20  is in its substantially closed position, thereby preventing moisture infiltration when protective glove or envelope  20  is in its substantially closed position. 
     In at least one optional embodiment, protective glove or envelope  20  is shaped substantially as a hollow cocoon, or is substantially shaped to resemble the hearing aid device  10  which it will cover. According to at least one embodiment, protective glove or envelope  20  includes a transverse cut  25  through a portion of substantially tubular protective glove or envelope  20  such that the transverse cut  25  divides protective glove or envelope into a front portion  23  and a back portion  26 , wherein the transverse cut  25  allows the back portion  26  to be flipped upward and away from a corresponding back portion of a hearing aid device  10 . It will be appreciated that hearing aid device  20  may be inserted into protective glove or envelope  20  through the opening formed by transverse cut  25  such that the front portion of hearing aid device  10  may be urged into front portion  23 , and then back portion  26  is hinged over the rear portion of hearing aid device  10 . While such an insertion may be utilized for other embodiments described herein, it will be appreciated that when no front opening is present, such as in the above-described cocoon-like embodiment, utilizing the opening formed by transverse cut  25  is preferred. In addition, even when such a front opening is present, the front opening may optionally be sized and shaped such that the back portion of hearing aid device will not fit through the front opening, such that insertion of hearing aid device  10  may be achieved by inserting the front of hearing aid device  10  into the opening formed by transverse cut  25  into front portion  23 , then hinging back portion  26  over the rear portion of hearing aid device  10 . 
     Further, according to at least one additional embodiment, protective glove or envelope  20  further comprises one or more directional covers  22  molded therein and having a hole therethrough to act as a directional shield to substantially cover one or more corresponding microphone ports on the top or front of hearing aid device  10  from rain or other water, with the direction of the hole acting as a directional microphone port, typically facing the front of hearing aid device  10 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , in at least one additional optional embodiment, protective glove or envelope  20  further comprises one or more directionally-formed openings  27  corresponding to microphone ports such as a rear microphone port  17 , thereby substantially protecting the microphone port from moisture invasion while allowing sound to the microphone port through the directionally formed openings  27 . It will be appreciated that most of the one or more directionally-formed openings  27  will be formed to face the front of hearing aid device  10 , as most find it preferable to direct hearing from the direction they are facing. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , in at least one additional optional embodiment, protective glove or envelope  20  optionally comprises a longitudinal slit  91  at the rear of hearing aid device  10  rather than a transverse slit. It will be appreciated that longitudinal slit  91  is optionally sized and located to allow access to the rear portion of hearing aid device  10 , or may be sized such that the rear portion of hearing aid device  10  is allowed to be pulled through the opening formed by longitudinal slit  10  when the edges are rolled back. 
     While specific embodiments have been disclosed herein, combinations of those embodiments, as well as certain variations thereof are included in the scope of this application.