Abutment attachment systems, mechanisms, devices, components and methods for bone conduction hearing aids

摘要

Various embodiments of systems, devices, components, and methods are disclosed for mechanically coupling a bone conduction hearing aid, or a spacer or other device for a bone conduction hearing aid, to an abutment of a bone screw affixed to a patient's skull. Some embodiments of abutment attachment mechanisms employ axially-directed forces to secure a hearing aid to an abutment of a bone screw, while others employ radially directed forces to secure a hearing aid to an abutment of a bone screw.

主权项

1. A hearing aid system, comprising:
a bone conduction hearing aid comprising an electromagnetic (“EM”) transducer, and a hearing aid abutment attachment mechanism operably coupled to the EM transducer, the abutment attachment mechanism being configured to be mechanically and acoustically coupled to a hearing aid abutment attached to or forming an external portion of a bone screw implanted in a patient's skull; wherein the abutment attachment mechanism is configured to fit onto or over the hearing aid abutment and apply compressive axially directed mechanical forces between tapered or curved outer shoulders of a shank of the abutment and at least one of: (i) an upper edge of the abutment, and (ii) a recess located in the abutment, such that the abutment attachment mechanism and corresponding hearing aid may be operably coupled and mechanically secured to the abutment, and further wherein at least one of a mechanical fastener, an adhesive, and an overmolding is employed to attach the hearing aid or a spacer to the abutment attachment mechanism.