WO1988003740A1

WO1988003740A1 - Method and apparatus for reducing acoustical distortion

Info

Publication number: WO1988003740A1
Application number: PCT/US1987/002957
Authority: WO
Inventors: Garyl L. Ward
Original assignee: Epic Corporation
Priority date: 1986-11-13
Filing date: 1987-11-06
Publication date: 1988-05-19
Also published as: US4811402A; AU1087288A; CA1307579C

Abstract

A method and apparatus for reducing distortion of an acoustical waveform produced by an acoustical output assembly or transducer, which could be an in-the-ear hearing aid. The transducer (11-14) is located within a composite which interacts with interfering waveforms. The composite comprises a plurality of microspheres (4) located within a polymeric matrix (2, 10). The microspheres can be selected from a group consisting of ceramic, glass, mineral and phenolic resins. The microspheres also have a mean diameter in the range of 5 to 5000 microns and can comprise 5 to 75 volume percent of the total composite. The polymeric matrix is selected from a group consisting of silicones, polyvinyls, acrylics, polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters and polyurethanes. The composite surrounding the acoustical output assembly can be shaped in the form of the transducer or output assembly and can be formed by injection molding or a slurry mixture.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING ACOUSTICAL DISTORTION

Field Of The Invention

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for reducing acoustical distortion of the output of an electro-acoustical transducer.

Background

All electro-acoustic transducers provide some degree of undesired change in acoustical waveform, i.e. distortion. Distortion is commonly divided into three types, i.e. frequency distortion, amplitude distortion (harmonic distortion) and phase distortion. Harmonic and phase distortion are particularly troublesome when the output acoustical transducer is located in a con¬ fined space or cavity, for example, in a hearing aid, sound head set or telephone receiver. Often the cavity has a "tuned" frequency and the materials in the cavity have resonant frequencies which, when coupled with the waveform from the transducer, result in peaks or spikes in the waveform corresponding to harmonic frequencies of the waveform, i.e. harmonic distortion. Addi¬ tionally, phase shifts in the waveform can occur which produce distortion and also result in harmonic distor- tion where the resonant peaks persist for a period of time after the desired pulse. These effects can be heard by the listener as an annoying ringing.

With amplified hearing devices, such as hearing aids, the input signal is amplified so that the wearer of the aid receives an amplified signal which should correspond to the waveform of the input signal. However, noise and other extraneous signals are also amplified which create a problem of clarity and make it difficult for the wearer of the aid to "focus" on the desired sound. It has recently been found that much of the difficulty associated with focusing is due to the presence of harmonic distortion in the amplified sig¬ nal. Minimizing harmonic and phase distortions provide much greater clarity in the amplified sound and allow the listener using the amplification device to more readily focus on the desired sounds.

Feedback to the input transducer can also be a problem with devices such as hearing aids in which the input transducer is located in close proximity to the output transducer. The amplification of such feedback or resonance waves can result in "ringing" which can be unpleasant to the wearer of the hearing aid. Addi¬ tionally, in the real world, the amount of usable gain available with a hearing aid varies depending upon the complexity of the signal being amplified. H. C. Schweitzer, Hearing Instruments, Volume 37, Nos. 1 and 2, 1986. Consequently, distortion can result in a lower output of the hearing aid and, therefore, a lower usable gain available for amplification.

To date, efforts to remedy the problems associated with lack of clarity and distortion in amplified sig¬ nals have primarily focused on modifications in the electronic components and in physical placement of such components. The effect that materials of construction might have were considered in the past but were not found to be significant. It has been reported that: "Ear mold material was once considered a factor in the acoustic performance [of] ear molds. Except for the way in which the material might influence the tightness of the seal in the ear canal, it appears insignificant acoustically." S.F. Lybarger, "Earmolds", Handbook of Clinical Audiology, J. Katz, Editor, 1972, The Williams and Wilkin Company. Materials such as sintered pel¬ lets, mesh screens, lamb's wool and cotton have been used as acoustic obstructions (filters) in the earmold and earphone tubing or earhook to increase acoustic resistance to modify response peaks. Hearing Aid

Assessment and Use in Audiologic Habilitation, William R. Hodgson, Editor, 3rd Ed. p. 85 and p. 93 (1986). These obstructions, however, can cut down gain and out- put and can add distortion at higher acoustic pres¬ sures.

Although great advances have been made in provid¬ ing electronic components which reduce distortion and improve clarity, lack of clarity in the output of acoustical transducers and difficuties associated with focusing on sounds continue to be problems. Con¬ sequently, there is a need for methods and apparatus for minimizing the distortions which can occur when acoustic waveforms are generated particularly in a con- fined space.

It has now been found that the above-described problems associated with harmonic distortion and feed¬ back can be minimized by the use of a plurality of microspheres located in relation to the output transducer to interact with interfering waveforms. When the microspheres are used, a significant decrease in the total harmonic distortion is achieved par¬ ticularly when the transducer or its output waveforms are in a confined space, such as an ear canal. Addi- tionally, when the microspheres are used in the shell or housing to contain the input and output transducers, amplifier and associated electronics, significant reductions in total harmonic distortion and feedback are observed. Both solid and hollow microspheres are well known as fillers in the plastics industry. They are commonly used as extenders and the hollow microspheres find ap¬ plication where it is desirable to reduce the weight of the polymeric product and improve stiffness and buoyancy. However, the reduction in distortion of acoustic waveforms is totally unexpected in view of the reported acoustical properties of cellular polymers. As set forth in the Encyclopedia of Polymer Technology: "The acoustical properties of polymers are altered 'considerably by their fabrication into a cellular structure. Sound transmis¬ sion is altered to only a minor extent since it depends predominantly upon the density of the barrier (in this case, the polymer phase). Cellular polymers are, therefore, very poor materials to use by themselves in order to produce sound transmission. They are quite effective in absorbing sound waves of certain frequencies (24). Materials with open cells on the surface are particularly effective in this respect." Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology, Herman F. Mark, Editor, 1970. As set forth in Volume 12, page 716, of the same series, "open-celled foams provide good sound deadening whereas hard, closed-cell foams have only slight absorption"; and on page 706, "since widespread friction of the air in the foam is impor¬ tant, closed-celled foamed polymers are in general not suitable for air-borne sound absorption." Accordingly, there is no suggestion in the known art of the advan¬ tages of the instant invention.

Summary Of The Invention

In one embodiment, the instant invention comprises a method for reducing acoustical distortion of an acoustical waveform produced by an electro-acoustical transducer. The method comprises providing a plurality of microspheres adjacent to the transducer to interact with interfering waveforms. In another embodiment, the instant invention com¬ prises a method for reducing acoustical distortion of an acoustical waveform produced by an acoustical trans¬ ducer. The method involves placing the transducer within a composite which comprises a polymeric matrix and microspheres.

In another aspect, the instant invention comprises a method for reducing distortion in an in-the-ear hear¬ ing aid having an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer. The method involves encasing the transducers and amplifier in a shell which comprises a polymeric matrix containing microspheres.

In a further embodiment, the instant invention in¬ volves an acoustical output assembly having a housing which contains a) a means for producing an acoustical waveform, and b) a plurality of restrained micro- spheres.

In a still further embodiment, the instant inven¬ tion involves an in-the-ear hearing aid which comprises a microphone to convert acoustical waveforms to electrical waveforms. The microphone is connected to an amplifier to amplify the electrical waveforms and supply the amplified waveforms to a receiver electri¬ cally connected to the amplifier. The amplified electrical waveforms are converted to acoustical sig¬ nals by the receiver. The microphone, amplifier, and receiver are located within a shell which is composed of a polymeric matrix containing microspheres.

Description Of The Drawings

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic repre¬ sentation of an acoustical output transducer with a microsphere composite proximately located to said transducer. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic repre¬ sentation of an in-the-ear hearing aid having a shell comprised of a matrix/microsphere composite.

Detailed Description Of The Invention

The terms "acoustical output means", "output transducer" and "receiver" are used interchangeably herein to refer to devices for converting electrical waveforms to acoustical waveforms. The terms "input transducer" and "microphone" are used herein to refer to devices for converting acousti¬ cal waveforms to electrical waveforms.

It has been found that acoustical distortion par¬ ticularly due to harmonic distortion can be decreased by placing microspheres so that they interact with potentially interfering waveforms. Significant im¬ provements in clarity of sound produced with, for ex¬ ample, an in-the-ear hearing aid can be obtained. The decrease in total harmonic distortion obtained provides a greater useful gain in the devices. Also, the "focus" of the listener to the desired sound is greatly improved. While not wishing to be bound by the theory, it is believed that the microspheres act to "break up" standing waves and prevent build up of transient nodes. The microspheres useful in the instant invention are materials which are commonly used as fillers in the plastic industry. The microspheres can be solid or hollow and can be made of a variety of materials, e.g. siliceous, ceramic, glass, polymeric and minerals such as silica and alumina. Depending upon whether the microspheres are hollow or solid and the material of construction, the diameter of the microspheres can range from about 5 up to about 5000 microns. Solid glass microspheres can be manufactured from a variety of glass types, for example A-glass. The silicate- based microspheres have compositions which can be modified with organic compounds. These are commonly supplied as hollow microspheres. The polymeric materials can be formed from thermoplastic as well as thermoset resins. Commonly, phenolic thermoset resins are used to prepare these materials. Ceramic micro- spheres are commonly alumino-silicate ceramics although other ceramic compositions can be used. It is also contemplated that objects with shapes other than spherical, e.g. rectangular, cubic, etc., as well as objects with sizes greater than 5000 microns, can be used to reduce harmonic distortion and increase the clarity of sound. For ease of fabrication and commer¬ cial availability, the smaller size spheres are preferred.

In the instant invention, it is preferred that hollow microspheres be used. Preferably the micro¬ spheres have a diameter of about 5 to about 1000 mic¬ rons. More preferably, the diameter of the micro- spheres is between about 10 and about 200 microns. Normally the microspheres are produced with a distribu¬ tion of sizes. When the microspheres are used in an in-the-ear hearing aid, it has been found that good results can be obtained with microspheres having a mean diameter between about 50 and about 100 microns and particularly about 70 microns. It is also preferred that hollow glass microspheres be used.

In the practice of the instant invention, the microspheres are placed so as to interact with inter- fering acoustical waveforms. It has been found that a reduction in distortion can be obtained when the micro¬ spheres are used to coat the inside surface of a hous¬ ing containing an acoustical output transducer. The most effective location for the microspheres can be readily determined with minimal experimentation by a skilled person. Normally, it is preferred that the microspheres be placed proximately to the output transducer, and most preferably that the microspheres substantially surround the output transducer. For a given amount of microspheres, the effect is normally maximized if the output transducer is substantially surrounded by the microspheres, i.e. that the micro¬ spheres be placed in proximity to at least four of the six sides of a rectangular transducer. Of course, it is contemplated that a pathway for the acoustical out¬ put is provided from the transducer. The microspheres can be used in the form of a coating of a housing, shell or transducer case as described hereinabove or can be included as a component in the housing or shell as in a telephone receiver housing or a hearing aid shell.

For convenience, it is preferred that the micro¬ spheres be contained in a polymeric matrix. The com¬ position of the polymeric matrix is selected based on the end use according to the physical properties of the polymeric material and its formability. Also, the physical properties of the final composite comprising the matrix and the microspheres must be considered in view of the end use. For example, for uses such as in a telephone receiver, the polymeric material should be rigid and tough to provide the necessary structural in¬ tegrity. In uses where the material will be in in¬ timate contact with the human body, for example, an in- the-ear hearing aid, factors such as allergic response to the polymeric material or monomers and additives contained therein must be taken into account. For uses requiring a rigid, tough matrix, resins such acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamides, polyamide- imides, polyesters, polyurethanes, etc., can be used. These materials can be cross-linked or contain other fillers and additives in addition to the microspheres.

Commonly for uses such as ear molds, more flexible materials can be used which can include silicones, polyvinyls, both hard and soft acrylics such as poly(methyl methacrylate) and the like.

The loading of the microspheres in the polymeric matrix depends upon the end use of the resulting com¬ posite material. Other things being equal, the extent to which disruptive signals are damped increases as the level of microspheres increases. Normally, the amount of microspheres in the polymeric matrix ranges from about 5 to about 75 volume percent of the resulting _. composite. However, as the loading level of icro- spheres in the polymeric matrix increases, there can be a detrimental effect on certain physical properties of the matrix, e.g. a decrease in tensile strength. Con¬ sequently, the physical properties which are required for the composite determine the upper level of micro- spheres which can be incorporated into the matrix. Ad¬ ditionally, at the lower levels of microsphere loading a decrease in the effect of the microspheres on the distortion can be observed. Therefore, sufficient levels of microspheres must be incorporated in order to obtain the desired results depending upon the amount of composite material which can be used. Therefore, if the polymer matrix/microsphere composite is used in combination with or as an insert in other materials which do not contain microspheres, it is ordinarily desirable to use higher loadings of microspheres to ob¬ tain the desired result. In ordinary operation in an in-the-ear hearing aid, it is preferred that the micro¬ spheres comprise between about 10 and about 50 volume percent and most preferably about 10 to about 45 volume percent of the polymer matrix/microsphere composite. Normally when incorporating microspheres into a polymeric matrix, a coupling agent is used to assure effective bonding between the polymeric matrix and the microsphere. Ordinarily with siliceous microspheres, a silane coupling agent can be used to treat the micro¬ spheres prior to incorporation into the polymeric matrix. Any such coupling agent normally used for this purpose can be used in the instant invention. However, in the event the material is to be in contact with human tissue, the pharmacological effects of the material must be considered.

As is well known by those skilled in the art, other additives can be incorporated into the polymeric matrix. For example, other fillers to affect or modify the physical properties of the matrix material can be incorporated. Additionally, additives such as an- tioxidants, stabilizers, lubricants, mold release agents, etc., can be used as appropriate.

The matrix/microsphere composite can be formed into the desired shape by any method known in the art for such forming. For example, as appropriate, the composite can be injection molded, cast into a mold form, or milled. Selection of the appropriate molding process depends upon the polymeric matrix being used and the end use of the product. For example, if ABS is used as the housing for a telephone receiver, it is ex¬ pected that the composite would be injection molded into the proper form. However, in the event that the final article is an in-the-ear hearing aid, it is ex- pected that a mold of the actual ear canal would be prepared and the polymeric material, for example polymethylmethacrylate, would be cast into the ap¬ propriate shape using the female mold of the ear canal. The electronics, including the output transducer, would then be attached to the composite material. In a preferred embodiment of the instant inven¬ tion, the matrix/microsphere composite substantially surrounds the output transducer. By "substantially" is meant that the composite surrounds at least four sides of the transducer; however, a pathway is provided through which the acoustic waveforms produced by the transducer can travel. The location of the composite material in this relationship to the transducer acts to dampen distorting vibrations which occur as the result of the transducer continuing to vibrate after activa¬ tion as well as harmonic waveforms which are generated by resonance in the surrounding space and other materials in the space. These vibrations can result in out-of-phase secondary signals which produce harmonic distortion and/or feedback to the input transducer. Preferably, the composite material is formed into a housing for the output transducer and, more preferably, serves as a housing or shell to encase the output transducer and associated electronics, including the amplifier and input transducer.

With an in-the-ear hearing aid it is preferred that the composite material be used as the material of construction for the shell of the hearing aid. However, it is contemplated that the use of the com- posite material can be limited to its location around the output transducer with other material serving as the shell of the hearing aid unit. It is also con¬ templated that, as described hereinabove, the composite can be used as a coating on the surface of the housing or shell. For a behind-the-ear hearing aid, the com¬ posite material can be used as the housing for the electronics and/or it can be located in the conduits which conduct the amplified signal to the ear canal, and/or it can be used in an ear mold which fits in the ear canal. Referring now to Fig. 1, a schematic repre¬ sentation of a transducer 1 is depicted with a com¬ posite material 2 composed of a polymeric matrix 3 con¬ taining microspheres 4 dispersed throughout the matrix located proximately to the transducer. When the transducer is activated by an electrical signal passing through connector 5, acoustical waveforms are gen¬ erated. Secondary signals produced as the result of the transducer 1 continuing to vibrate after activation are reduced by the composite 2. As depicted by dotted line 6, it is preferred that the composite substan¬ tially surround the transducer.

An in-the-ear hearing aid is schematically depicted in Fig. 2. The shell 10 is shown inserted in the ear canal. Within the shell 10 is contained an in¬ put transducer 11, an amplifier 12 and an output transducer 13. The transducers and amplifier are in electrical communication with one another. Optionally, the amplifier can be connected to a control means' 14 which can serve to adjust the gain or output of the amplifier. Other electronic circuits and/or components can be incorporated as appropriate, but these are not represented. The output transducer 13 generates an acoustical signal into tube 15. These signals travel into the ear cavity 17 and impact on the ear drum 18. Commonly in such in-the-ear devices, a vent tube 19 can be provided to allow for equalization of pressure and minimize discomfort to the wearer. As depicted in Fig. 2, the polymeric matrix/microsphere composite is used to form the shell or housing of the hearing aid and serves to encase the electronic components, however, it is contemplated that the composite material can be used to simply surround the perimeter of the output transducer with another material used to form the remaining ^"portion of the shell or housing. It is preferred that the shell or housing be prepared from the polymeric matrix/microsphere composite. This serves to minimize harmonic distortion as the result of vibrations transmitted through the material. Also, it minimizes feedback which occurs as the result of trans¬ mission of acoustic signals from the ear cavity 17 through the vent tube 19 and to the input transducer 11 as well as leaking between the shell and the ear canal. It has been found by spectral analysis that an electronic device (input and output transducers and amplifier) encased in poly(methyl methacrylate) without microspheres shows a phase shift accompanied by a time lag. This is thought to result from the combination of the applied signal adding with noise background in standing wave areas throughout the spectrum. In con¬ trast, the use of microspheres in the poly(methyl methacrylate) matrix with the same electronic device was found to provide a signal which, while showing some small degree of phase shift, was approximate to the original signal. This effect reduces ringing and un¬ wanted spikes thereby adding appreciably to the clarity of the amplified sound.

The polymeric matrix/microsphere composite can be prepared by methods well known to those skilled in the art. For example, when the matrix material is poly(methyl methacrylate), the shell can be prepared by slush molding by first preparing an impression of the cavity. A female cavity is then prepared to mirror the impression. Commonly, the acrylic used for slush mold- ing the shell is a two-part catalyst cured system. The base material is fast polymerizing polymer commercially available in powder form and commonly used in the den¬ tal industry. The powder which contains the micro¬ spheres is mixed with methyl methacrylate monomer. The resulting slurry is poured into the mold and allowed to cure. This can be repeated to build up layers of the acrylic polymer to the desired final thickness. Un- reacted monomer can be removed by heating the resinous body in hot water. The following examples are intended by way of il¬ lustration and not by way of limitation.

EXPERIMENTAL For the following tests, four instruments were as- se bled on open face plates. Two of the instruments had B-l response curves, 40dB ANSI gain and 109dB MPO using Knowles electronics 1739 receivers as the output transducers. The other two instruments were assembled to have the same B-l response curves with 40dB ANSI gain and 117dB MPO using Knowles electronics 1912 receivers as the output transducers. Knowles electronics 1842 input transducers were used for all four instruments. The amplifiers were standard LTI 505 chips. Four shells were made for the right ear, two prepared from poly(methyl methacrylate) without micro¬ spheres and two from poly(methyl methacrylate) contain¬ ing 35 volume percent hollow microspheres. The micro¬ spheres were bubble type B 23/500 from 3M Company which are reported to have chemical properties similar to a soda-lime-borosilicate glass. The microspheres are reported to have a crush strength of at least 500 pounds per square inch (34 Bars). The diameters of the microspheres range from about 10 to about 140 microns with an average diameter of about 70 microns. The microspheres (35 volume percent) were mixed by tumbling for 5 minutes at room temperature with the methyl methacrylate polymer (65 volume percent). The poly(methyl methacrylate) used was Audacryl RTC polymer grade 650 Z 2064 from Esschem Company having a reported molecular weight of about 400,000 to 500,000. Two parts by volume of the polymer-microspheres mixture were mixed with one part by volume methyl methacrylate monomer. The resulting mixture was stirred in a con- tainer for 30 seconds. The container with the mixture was then placed in a vessel for 2 minutes under 0.5 at¬ mospheres pressure. The mixture was again stirred for 30 seconds and then poured into a mold cavity. The mixture was slushed and cured at room temperature until a matrix wall thickness of about 2.5 to 3.5 millimeters was obtained. The remaining mixture was poured from the mold cavity. The solid matrix was removed from the mold cavity and placed in a pressure vessel containing water at 180°F and allowed to cure under 20^' pounds per square inch gauge pressure for 30 minutes. No addi¬ tional heat was added to the vessel so that the con¬ tents of the vessel cooled during the cure time. The matrix was then placed in boiling water for 20 minutes to complete the cure. Each of the resulting shells was finished by grinding and buffing to be as identical as possible.

Testing was done on the Frey electronics "phonix" 5500Z electro-acoustic test set. Battery voltage was calibrated at 1.35VDC with the test box being leveled and calibrated to standards once every hour of use. Tubing length and coupler/aid positioning were dupli¬ cated to as close to identical positions as could be maintained. Each face plate was loaded to the shell, checked and run in the chamber. Volume controls were locked in "full-on" position. Electronics were changed after each test run to the next shell for a total cross check shell to shell, electronics to electronics. The tests were run according to ANSI S 3.22-1982 except as indicated in the following Tables. The results of tests comparing material with microspheres to material without microspheres are given in Tables I through XII.

Table I

With Microspheres Without Microspheres

Total Total

Aid Harmonic Aid Freq. Aid Harmonic Aid Freq.

Gain Dist. In In Gain Dist. In In db % dB KHZ dB % dB KHZ

4.5 70 0.100 8.0 70 0.100

15.5 70 0.125 12.0 70 0.125

17.5 70 0.160 14.5 70 0.160

22.5 70 0.200 19.5 70 0.200

26.0 70 0.250 22.5 70 0.250

30.5 70 0.315 24.5 70 0.315

34.5 70 0.400 26.5 70 0.400

38.0 10 70 0.500 27.5 8 70 0.500

40.5 13 70 0.630 29.5 19 70 0.630

41.0 70 0.710 30.0 70 0.710

41.5 7 70 0.800 30.0 12 70 0.800

43.0 13 70 1.000 32.0 23 70 1.000

44.5 8 70 1.250 34.5 18 70 1.250

46.0 70 1.500 35.5 70 1.500

46.5 19 70 1.600 36.0 22 70 1.600

39.0 70 2.000 38.5 70 2.000

39.0 70 2.500 38.5 70 2.500

37.0 70 3.150 36.0 70 3.150

35.0 70 4.000 34.5 70 4.000

35.0 70 5.000 33.5 70 5.000

21.0 70 6.300 21.0 70 6.300

19.0 70 8.000 10.5 70 8.000

3.0 70 9.999 3.0 70 9.999

Table II

With Microspheres Without Microspheres

Total Total

Aid Harmonic Aid Freq. Aid Harmonic Aid Freq.

Gain Dist. In In Gain Dist. In In dB % dB KHZ db % dB KHZ

7.5 70 0.100 8.0 70 0.100

11.5 70 0.125 12.5 70 0.125

13.5 70 0.160 16.0 70 0.160

19.0 70 0.200 21.0 70 0.200

21.0 70 0.250 22.0 70 0.250

23.5 70 0.315 25.5 70 0.315

25.0 70 0.400 27.0 70 0.400

26.5 11 70 0.500 28.5 17 70 0.500

27.5 16 70 0.630 30.0 35 70 0.630

28.5 70 0.710 30.5 70 0.710

28.5 12 70 0.800 31.0 28 70 0.800

30.5 25 70 1.000 33.0 44 70 1.000

32.5 21 70 1.250 34.5 30 70 1.250

34.0 70 1.500 35.5 70 1.500

34.5 19 70 1.600 36.0 24 70 1.600

36.5 70 2.000 39.0 70 2.000

38.5 70 2.500 39.0 70 2.500

35.0 70 3.150 36.0 70 3.150

32.5 70 4.000 34.5 70 4.000

31.5 70 5.000 34.5 70 5.000

23.5 70 6.300 21.0 70 6.300

10.5 70 8.000 10.0 70 8.000

6.0 70 9.999 -1.0 70 9.999

Table III

Withi Microspheres Without Microspheres

Total Total

Aid Harmonic Aid Freq. Aid Harmonic Aid Freq.

Gain Dist. In In Gain Dist. In In dB % dB KHZ db % dB KHZ

4.5 75 0.100 11.0 75 0.100

5.0 75 0.125 12.0 75 0.125

4.5 75 0.160 15.0 75 0.160

9.5 75 0.200 16.0 75 0.200

12.5 75 0.250 18.0 75 0.250

19.0 75 0.315 22.0 75 0.315

24.5 75 0.400 23.5 75 0.400

28.0 1 75 0.500 25.5 11 75 0.500

28.5 2 75 0.630 26.0 17 75 0.630

28.5 75 0.710 26.5 75 0.710

28.0 4 75 0.800 27.0 19 75 0.800

29.5 10 75 1.000 29.5 35 75 1.000

31.5 7 75 1.250 32.0 23 75 1.250

34.5 75 1.500 35.0 75 1.500 ^~3 ^p 22 75 1.600 35.5 31 75 1.600

38.5 75 2.000 38.5 75 2.000

37.0 75 2.500 37.5 75 2.500

35.5 75 3.150 36.0 75 3.150

32.0 75 4.000 32.0 75 4.000

35.0 75 5.000 33.0 75 5.000

13.0 75 6.300 15.0 75 6.300

7.5 75 8.000 .5 75 8.000

8.5 75 9.999 4.5 75 9.999

Table IV

1 With Microsspheres Without Microspheres

Total Total

Aid Harmonic Aid Freq. Aid Harmonic Aid Freq

Gain Dist. In In Gain Dist. In In db % dB KHZ dB % dB KHZ

14.5 75 0.100 9.0 75 0.100

16.5 75 0.125 13.0 75 0.125

19.0 75 0.160 15.5 75 0.160

24.0 75 0.200 19.0 75 0.200

27.0 75 0.250 21.5 75 0.250

30.5 75 0.315 23.5 75 0.315

34.0 75 0.400 25.0 75 0.400

36.5 41 75 0.500 26.5 37 75 0.500

39.0 41 75 0.630 27.5 45 75 0.630

39.5 75 0.710 28.0 75 0.710

40.0 40 75 0.800 28.5 49 75 0.800

41.5 46 75 1.000 30.5 55 75 1.000

42.0 38 75 1.250 31.5 44 75 1.250

42.5 75 1.500 31.5 75 1.500

42.5 35 75 1.600 32.0 35 75 1.600

44.0 75 2.000 34.0 75 2.000

44.0 75 2.500 34.5 75 2.500

42.5 75 3.150 32.0 75 3.150

40.0 75 4.000 30.0 75 4.000

40.5 75 5.000 30.0 75 5.000

27.0 75 6.300 17.0 75 6.300

7.0 75 8.000 7.5 75 8.000

3.0 75 9.999 3.5 75 9.999

Table V •

With Microspheres 1 Without Microspheres

Total Total

Aid Harmonic Aid Freq. Aid Harmonic Aid Freq.

Gain Dist. In In Gain Dist. In In dB % dB KHZ db % dB KHZ

8.5 75 0.100 8.5 75 0.100

12.5 75 0.125 13.5 75 0.125

15.0 75 0.160 17.0 75 0.160

18.5 75 0.200 20.0 75 0.200

20.0 75 0.250 21.0 75 0.250

22.0 75 0.315 24.5 75 0.315

24.0 75 0.400 25.5 75 0.400

25.0 38 75 0.500 26.5 41 75 0.500

26.5 42 75 0.630 27.5 51 75 0.630

27.0 75 0.710 28.5 75 0.710

27.5 48 75 0.800 29.0 56 75 0.800

29.0 58 75 1.000 31.0 64 75 1.000

30.5 55 75 1.250 31.5 52 75 1.250

30.5 75 1.500 31.5 75 1.500

30.5 35 75 1.600 32.0 35 75 1.600

32.5 75 2.000 34.0 75 2.000

34.0 75 2.500 34.0 75 2.500

30.5 75 3.150 31.0 75 3.150

28.0 75 4.000 29.5 75 4.000

27.0 75 5.000 29.5 75 5.000

19.5 75 6.300 16.0 75 6.300

8.0 75 8.000 7.0 75 8.000

6.0 75 9.999 -2.0 75 9.999

Table VI

With Microspheres Without Microspheres

Total Total

Aid Harmonic Aid Freq. Aid Harmonic Aid Freq.

Gain Dist. In In Gain Dist. In In dB % dB KHZ db % dB KHZ

12.5 75 0.100 15.0 75 0.100

14.5 75 0.125 17.5 75 0.125

16.0 75 0.160 18.5 75 0.160

18.0 75 0.200 21.0 75 0.200

18.5 75 0.250 22.5 75 0.250

21.5 75 0.315 24.0 75 0.315

22.5 75 0.400 25.0 75 0.400

24.0 6 75 0.500 26.0 18 75 0.500

25.0 16 75 0.630 27.0 34 75 0.630

25.5 75 0.710 27.0 75 0.710

26.0 13 75 0.800 27.5 23 75 0.800

27.5 19 75 1.000 30.0 40 75 1.000

30.5 16 75 1.250 32.0 30 75 1.250

33.0 75 1.500 34.0 75 1.500

34.0 27 75 1.600 34.5 31 75 1.600

36.5 75 2.000 37.0 75 2.000

37.5 75 2.500 37.5 75 2.500

35.5 75 3.150 35.5 75 3.150

31.0 75 4.000 31.0 75 4.000

33.0 75 5.000 32.0 75 5.000

17.5 75 6.300 18.5 75 6.300

-2.5 75 8.000 -3.5 75 8.000

-10.0 75 9.999 -7.5 75 9.999

Table VII

With Microspheres Without Microsph^eres

Total Total

Aid Harmonic Aid Freq. Aid Harmonic Aid Freq.

Gain Dist. In In Gain Dist. In In dB % dB KHZ db % dB KHZ

12.5 80 0.100 14.5 80 0.100

14.5 80 0.125 16.5 80 0.125

16.0 80 0.160 17.5 80 0.160

17.0 80 0.200 19.0 80 0.200

18.0 80 0.250 20.5 80 0.250

20.5 80 0.315 21.5 80 0.315

21.5 80 0.400 22.5 80 0.400

22.5 34 80 0.500 24.0 40 80 0.500

23.5 48 80 0.630 25.0 51 80 0.630

24.5 80 0.710 25.5 80 0.710

25.0 56 80 0.800 26.0 58 80 0.800

27.5 68 80 1.000 29.0 68 80 1.000

29.0 52 80 1.250 30.0 57 80 1.250

29.5 80 1.500 30.0 80 1.500

30.0 43 80 1.600 30.5 44 80 1.600

32.0 80 2.000 32.5 80 2.000

33.0 80 2.500 33.0 80 2.500

31.0 80 3.150 31.0 80 3.150

26.0 80 4.000 26.0 80 4.000

28.0 80 5.000 27.5 80 5.000

14.0 80 6.300 15.0 80 6.300

-2.5 80 8.000 -4.0 80 8.000

-11.0 80 9.999 -8.5 80 9.999

Table VIII

With Microspheres Without Microspheres

Total Total

Aid Harmonic Aid Freq. Aid Harmonic Aid Freq.

Gain Dist. In In Gain Dist. In In dB % dB KHZ db % dB KHZ

4.0 80 0.100 11.0 80 0.100

4.5 80 0.125 12.0 80 0.125

4.5 80 0.160 15.5 80 0.160

10.0 80 0.200 16.0 80 0.200

13.0 80 0.250 18.0 80 0.250

19.0 80 0.315 21.0 80 0.315

23.5 80 0.400 22.0 80 0.400

26.5 21 80 0.500 23.5 37 80 0.500

27.5 35 80 0.630 25.0 49 80 0.630

27.5 80 0.710 25.5 80 0.710

27.5 41 80 0.800 26.5 60 80 0.800

30.0 63 80 1.000 30.0 74 80 1.000

30.5 43 80 1.250 30.5 57 80 1.250

31.0 80 1.500 31.0 80 1.500

32.0 36 80 1.600 31.5 41 80 1.600

34.0 80 2.000 34.0 80 2.000

34.0 80 2.500 34.0 80 2.500

31.5 80 3.150 31.5 80 3.150

27.0 80 4.000 27.0 80 4.000

30.5 80 5.000 30.0 80 5.000

10.5 80 6.300 11.5 80 6.300

-8.5 80 8.000 - .5 80 8.000

-10.5 80 9.999 -4.5 80 9.999

Table IX

Aid Freq. Total Harmonic Distortion %

In In With Without dB KHZ Microspheres Microspheres

75 500 13 14

75 630 12 15

75 800 12 16

75 1000 15 62

75 1250 27 24

75 1600 14 87 Table X

Aid Freq. Total Harmonic Distortion %

In In With Without dB KHZ Microspheres Microspheres

80 500 14 11

80 630 16 18

80 800 11 20

80 1000 14 69

80 1250 21 55

80 1600 27 92

Table XI

Aid Freq. Total Harmonic Distortion %

In In With Without dB KHZ Microspheres Microspheres

85 500 38 16

85 630 11 20

85 800 17 34

85 1000 16 74

85 1250 16 67

85 1600 63 91

Table XII

Aid Freq. Total Harmonic Distortion %

In In With Without dB KHZ Microspheres Microspheres

90 500 48 23

90 630 10 23

90 800 19 46

90 1000 20 67

90 1250 18 65

90 1600 55 84

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and adaptations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

What Is Claimed Is:

1. A method for reducing distortion of an acous¬ tical waveform produced by an acoustical transducer located within a polymeric matrix said method compris¬ ing locating a plurality of microspheres in contact with said matrix to interact with interfering wave¬ forms.

2. The method of Claim 1 wherein said micro¬ spheres are located in a coating on the interior sur¬ face of a housing which contains said transducer.

3. The method of Claim 1 wherein said micro- spheres are substantially dispersed in a composite.

4. The method of Claim 1 wherein said micro¬ spheres are located in a conduit which conveys said waveform from said transducer.

5. The method of Claim 3 wherein said composite comprises a polymeric resin matrix with said micro¬ spheres comprising from about 5 to about 75 volume per¬ cent of the total volume of said composite.

6. The method of Claim 1 wherein said micro¬ spheres have a mean diameter between about 5 to about 5000 microns.

7. The method of Claim 1 wherein said micro¬ spheres have a mean diameter between about 20 to about 200 microns.

8. The method of Claim 1 wherein said micro¬ spheres comprise a material selected from the group consisting of ceramic, glass, mineral and phenolic resins.

9. The method of Claim 6 wherein said micro¬ spheres are hollow glass beads.

10. The method of Claim 6 wherein said micro¬ spheres are solid glass beads.

11. The method of Claim 3 wherein said composite substantially surrounds said transducer.

12. The method of Claim 5 wherein said micro- spheres comprise between about 10 and about 50 volume percent of said composite.

13. The method of Claim 12 wherein said micro¬ spheres have a mean diameter between about 5 microns and about 5000 microns.

14. The method of Claim 12 wherein said micro¬ spheres are hollow glass beads with a mean diameter be¬ tween about 10 and about 200 microns.

15. The method of Claim 5 wherein said polymeric matrix is selected from the group consisting of sili- cones, polyvinyls, acrylics, polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters and polyurethanes.

16. The method of Claim 15 wherein said polymeric matrix is a silicone or poly(methyl methacrylate).

17. An acoustical output assembly comprising a housing containing: a) a means for producing an acoustical waveform; and b) a plurality of restrained microspheres.

18. The assembly of Claim 17 wherein said micro¬ spheres are located within a composite material which comprises a polymeric matrix.

19. The assembly of Claim 18 wherein said com¬ posite material is coated on the inside surface of said housing.

20. The assembly of Claim 18 wherein said com¬ posite material substantially surrounds said means for producing an acoustical waveform.

21. The assembly of Claim 18 wherein said housing comprises said composite.

22. The assembly of Claim 18 wherein said micro¬ spheres comprise between about 5 and about 75 volume percent of said composite.

23. The assembly of Claim 17 wherein said micro¬ spheres have a mean diameter between about 5 microns and about 5000 microns.

24. The assembly of Claim 22 wherein said micro¬ spheres comprise a material selected from the group consisting of ceramic, glass, mineral and phenolic resins.

25. The assembly of Claim 17 wherein said as¬ sembly is an in-the-ear hearing aid; said housing com¬ prises a composite material which comprises a polymeric matrix and between about 5 and about 75 volume percent of substantially dispersed microspheres; and said means for producing an acoustical waveform is an electro- acoustical output transducer said transducer being in electrical connection with an amplifier suitable for amplifying electrical signals received from an electro- acoustical input transducer.

26. An in-the-ear hearing aid comprising a shell containing: a) a conversion means for converting a first acoustical waveform to an electrical waveform; b) an amplifier in electrical connection with said conversion means to amplify said electrical wave¬ form; and c) a means in electrical connection with said amplifier for receiving said amplified electrical waveform and producing a second acoustical waveform, said shell comprised of a sufficient amount of micro¬ spheres to interact with acoustical waveforms which in¬ terfere with said second acoustical waveform and to reduce harmonic distortion in said second acoustical waveform.

27. The hearing aid of Claim 26 wherein said shell consists essentially of a polymeric matrix con¬ taining between about 10 and about 50 volume percent of said microspheres.

28. The hearing aid of Claim 26 wherein said microspheres are hollow glass beads having a mean dia¬ meter between about 10 and about 1000 microns.

29. The hearing aid of Claim 26 wherein said microspheres are solid glass beads having a mean diameter between about 10 and about 1000 microns.

30. A behind- he-ear hearing aid comprising: i) a housing containing: a) a microphone means for converting a first acoustical waveform to an electrical waveform; b) an amplifier in electrical connection with said microphone means to amplify said electrical waveform; and c) a receiver means in electrical connec¬ tion with said amplifier to convert an amplified electrical waveform to a second acoustical waveform, and ii) a conduit attached to said housing to conduct said second acoustical waveform from said receiver means to an ear canal, the improvement comprising providing a plurality of restrained microspheres in proximity to said conduit to interact with interfering acoustical waveforms and reduce distortion of said second waveform.

31. An article for containing an acoustical out¬ put assembly said article formed by: a) preparing a composite comprising a polymeric matrix and microspheres, said microspheres being present in an amount sufficient to reduce harmonic dis¬ tortion of acoustical output from said assembly; and b) forming said composite into the shape of said article.

32. The article of Claim 31 wherein said forming is accomplished by injection molding said composite.

33. The article of Claim 31 wherein said micro- spheres are present in an amount of about 10 to about 50 volume percent of said composite.

34. The article of Claim 31 wherein said forming comprises: a) preparing an impression of a cavity into which said article is to fit and then forming a mold which mirrors said impression; b) forming a slurry mixture comprising micro¬ spheres, polymer, catalyst and monomer; c) introducing said slurry mixture into said mold to form a layer of said composite in said mold; d) repeating steps b) and c) until the desired final thickness of said composite is obtained; and e) removing substantially all the monomer remaining in said composite.

35. The article of Claim 31 wherein said com¬ posite comprises poly(methyl methacrylate) and glass microspheres.

36. The article of Claim 31 formed into a shell for insertion into a human ear.