FR2808677A1 - EAR PLUG WITH CONTROLLED EFFECT - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an earplug (1) with a controlled effect making it possible to ensure effective protection of the hearing system, characterized in that it is formed of a head (2) for penetrating the ear canal which integrates into its middle part a through channel (5) which opens onto an air or fluid regulation pocket (6) assisted by non-return valves (7, 8), filtration means (13) and an opening d 'evacuation (12).

Description

-1 -

  Ear plug with controlled effect.

  The present invention relates to an earplug with control effect, the manufacturing process and principle of which provide effective protection of the hearing system of a human being while providing real comfort, a preventive aspect and in certain

case a therapeutic value.

  3 The primary application has its origin in the regulation of pressures in the inner ear in order to prevent the formation of so-called barotromatic pressures which cause severe pain and generate more or less significant and deep lesions. The experience acquired clearly demonstrates that the morphology and the anatomical structure of the auditory system is very sensitive to large variations in pressure in the inner ear and that the organs and the various cells which compose it can be affected to the point of no longer play their respective roles and undergo degeneration. This can result in a loss of progressive hearing, additional or peripheral alterations. The medical aspect informs us that most tissues and cells

  do not have the characteristics of being renewable and are lost once and for all.

  Therefore, it seems fundamental to regulate the internal pressure of the ear thanks to

  a device in the form of an ear plug with controlled effect according to the invention.

  We could add that the significant pressures exerted on the auditory canal or> X barotraumatic pressures are often found in the means of transport that are planes, aircraft, boats, trains, automobiles .... But also

  individually for example in the practice of mountaineering, diving .. ..

  The secondary affectation will find its application in the common name that represents motion sickness following a difference in pressure in the inner ear5 and the correlation of the organs that make up the auditory system. The result of such a phenomenon are headaches, nausea, vomiting and fainting. -2 In another version according to the invention of the additional systems combined with the plug

  ears will have various applications for elderly people suffering from balance disorders due to ear problems favored by sclerosis or necrosis of said auditory system.

  The improved earplug system will find use in O.R.L. and in particular in the treatment of affections of the hearing system (by

  example: different ear infections, dermatoses, serum capture ...). In other variants such as a drain, the aspiration of flaking and particles foreign to the human body, the ejection-aspiration of a sanitizing solution or medicated AOD.

  The prior art shows that there are many devices for suppressing

  temporary disturbances or indispositions, benign lesions of the auditory system.

  Existing devices or systems nevertheless have multiple drawbacks.

  They come in various forms. They can take the form of a helmet linked to a box containing an electric pump to create the air vacuum necessary to produce the desired effect. Transporting and setting up such a system is not easy. In addition, we remain dependent on the electrical supply provided by batteries. The risk of failure of an electrical and / or electronic component remains acquired. Replacing the batteries which ensure the proper functioning of the entire dud) system carries a fairly high cost. To ensure good hygiene the ear tips of the helmet require frequent cleaning and disinfection and having to

  carry cleaning and disinfection products with your hand.

  There is also a disposable earplug whose design allows to limit barotraumatic otitis. However, the technique does not allow the creation of an air vacuum with it. a progressive relugation depending on the type of people and the morphology of the ear canal which is fitted with such a device, namely an adult or a child. In addition we

  finds no security to release the air vacuum when it is strong and thus causes the opposite effect to that expected.

  -3- The present invention aims to provide a device or earplug for

  remove the above mentioned drawbacks and make substantial improvements in preserving the entire hearing aid. In addition, the invention as such combines comfort, safety and provides the therapeutic effects in the fields of application which are its own.

  According to the other functions specific to the invention, it makes it possible to be used for any

  anytime and anywhere depending on its environment.

  Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent during

  of the following description given with reference to the drawings annexed by way of illustration, but in no way limitative, in which:

  Figure 1 shows, a partial sectional view, a first embodiment of a

  available according to the invention. 2 shows, a partial sectional view, a second embodiment for the application of a drug substance or solution.

  -A Figure 1 shows in a first embodiment a plug ear control effect according to the invention, which is formed by an anatomical body 1 in material

  plastic using a natural or synthetic monomer or polymer (for example an elastomer, silicone, PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, latex, etc.).

  The shape of the end 2 of the earplug constitutes the head for penetration into the ZJ auditory canal. The design of the head 2 is slightly conical and more or less tapered, which includes over its entire length a given number of flexible or ciconvoisin lips or lugs 3 in order to control optimal sealing. The dome 4 of the end is preferably rounded to not cause any injury. The head of the end 2 integrates in its median part a through channel 5 whose opening varies approximately 25 as a function of the suction-ejection of air or fluid to be conveyed with respect to the desired effect. The internal terminal opening of channel 5 leads to a

  interior chamber or pocket for regulating air or fluid. To check and guarantee the proper functioning of the regulation 6, check valves 7,8 are placed.

-4-

  The non-return valves are fitted with a ball system or a semi-diaphragm.

  elastic permeable 9 intended to communicate with the internal and external ends of the ear plug with control effect. The structure of the non-return valves 7,8 is semi rigid 10,11, to accuse the pressures exerted by the fingers and not to undergo any deformations which could limit and no longer guarantee its proper functioning of non-return caplet. In order to evacuate the air or the fluid accumulated in the interior chamber which forms the regulator, the ear plug is added to the other end of an evacuation opening 12 whose diameter is proportional to the mass or quantity air to be expelled or fluid to be evacuated. For differentiated and circumstantial applications a filter 13 can be incorporated. The characteristics of the filter 13 will be determined according to the element to be filtered (for example air loaded with undesirable particles). The

  materials that make up the filter will be natural or synthetic fibers or a bi-

  matter. The mode of application of functionality and operation results from

  J 5 characteristics according to the invention described below.

  The establishment of the control effect plug 1 in the ear canal must be done by the head of the plug 2 so that the flexible lips 3 come to marry the internal surface of the canal to create a perfect seal between the internal part of the ear and

the ambient atmosphere.

   9 Once the earplug is inserted in the ear canal, it is essential to create a vacuum in the hearing system, thanks to a suction

  regulated made possible by the device according to the invention.

  The suction-evacuation of the air which is in the auditory canal after the correct fitting of the plug is done when the flexible walls 14 of the plug are compressed. The 3 pressure exerted on the accumulation and regulation 6 allows the ball or the semi-permeable internal membrane of the non-return valve 7 to be completely closed. The air which is present in the regulation chamber 6 will exert a

  pressure on the ball or diaphragm of the non-return valve 8 which causes it to open thus allowing the accumulated air to escape.

  -5- The flexible walls return to their initial position as soon as the pressure is released on said flexible walls 14, which causes the suction of residual air into the ear via the through opening 5 which opens the non-return valve 7 and closes the non-return valve 8. Compressing the flexible walls 14 as many times as necessary on the regulation and accumulation chamber 6 makes it possible to obtain the expected vacuum in the auditory system whatever the subject's morphology and age. The

  air vacuum thus created in the auditory system makes it possible to control (for example: motion sickness, barotraumatic otitis ...).

  According to another embodiment, the ear plug allows the delivery of a drug A substance or of a treatment and / or an enema by the ejection of a solution.

intended for this purpose.

  The earplug with controlled opening 21 consists of a reservoir 22 which may contain a treatment or washing solution 23, of a flexible anatomical end piece 24 closed by a self-breaking plug 25. A median through opening promotes diffusion J5 of the substance. A filter 26 can be inserted between the nozzle 24 and the reservoir 22. The control effect plug is preferably manufactured by modern techniques

  that are the injection of mono-material or bi-material, thermoforming.

  Depending on the application and the therapeutic aspects, the earplugs will be sterilized

  - and included in an uncontaminated packaging.

  The present description of the invention is not limited to the various applications

described. -6-

Claims (8)

  1. Ear plug with controlled effect, the manufacturing process and principle of which ensure effective protection of the hearing system, characterized in that   the earplug (1) is formed by a head (2) penetrating into the ear canal, which integrates in its middle part a through channel (5) which opens onto a pocket for regulating air or fluid ( 6) assisted by non-return valves (7,8) of the filtration means (13) and of a discharge opening (12).   2. Ear plug with controlled effect according to claim 1 characterized in that the head (2) is slightly conical and tapered.   3. ear plug with controlled effect according to claim 1 characterized in that the dome (4) of the head (2) is rounded.   4. ear plug with controlled effect according to claim 1 characterized in that the head (2) has over its entire length of the flexible lips and surrounding (3).   5. ear plug with controlled effect according to claim 1 characterized in that the regulation chamber (6) is formed by flexible walls (14).   6. ear plug with controlled effect according to claim 1 characterized in that the structure of the non-return valves (10,11) is semi-rigid and is provided with a system   ball or elastic semi-permeable membrane (9).   7. ear plug with controlled effect according to claim 1 characterized in that the regulating pocket (6) and the non-return valves (7,8) make it possible to create the vacuum air in the hearing system.   8. earplug with controlled effect according to claim 1 characterized in that the   earplug (1) is made of plastic.