EP1590988A4 - Hearing aid system - Google Patents

Abstract

An exemplary hearing aid system includes a receiver configured so as to create an insertion loss over the audible range of hearing below about three decibels as compared to the unaided ear. An exemplary hearing aid system also includes one or more of: a micro-receiver positioned in an open-ear configuration within the ear canal of a user; an intermediate connecting portion extending between a sound processing unit and a receiver, wherein the intermediate connecting portion includes a stiffening wire provided on at least a portion of the intermediate connecting portion and/or within or on at least a portion of the receiver, a retaining wire extending from one of the stiffening wire and the receiver, the retaining wire configured to position within a portion of the concha of the ear; an electrical conducting component comprising two wires within distinct channels or otherwise isolated from one another within the intermediate connecting portion; and a speaker, at least partially enclosed within a casing having first and second end portions, the first end portion communicating with the connection, the speaker communicating with a port provided at the second end portion of the casing, wherein the casing is sealed to fluids and wherein the port is sealed to fluids by a membrane or mesh material. The described hearing aid reduces the insertion and occlusion effects relative to comparison devices.

Description

HEARING AID SYSTEM

BACKGROUND A wide variety of hearing aid units are known in the art. Insertion of hearing aid receivers in the ear produces an insertion loss, which reflects a distortion or elimination of the patient's natural or original concha and ear canal resonant characteristics. The presently described hearing aid is configured to eliminate or significantly reduce such insertion losses. In some hearing aids, the receiver is also positioned within the ear canal in such a way that it creates an occlusion effect. In most cases, whether the hearing aid is fitted in the ear, as with a custom made instrument, or is placed behind the ear, an occlusion problem exists.

This is often related to a patient's rejection of the amplification due to the patient's discomfort with the patient's own voice. That is, the occlusion effect is associated with the sensation or feeling that the patient's head is "at the bottom of the barrel," with the patient's own voice becoming intolerably loud.

Placing an earmold or a shell of a custom made hearing aid within the ear canal can produce a low frequency amplification of the patient's voice of between about 20 and 30 decibels. This can relate to a perceived loudness increase in the patient's own voice of about four times the actual loudness of the patient's voice. Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for an ear canal receiver that avoids the insertion loss and occlusion effect problems described above.

One aspect of the present disclosure also relates to an improved system for treating tinnitus.

SUMMARY

The above-discussed and other drawbacks and deficiencies of the prior art are overcome or alleviated by the presently described hearing aid system, including a receiver configured so as to create an insertion loss over the audible range of hearing below about three decibels as compared to the unaided ear. In another embodiment, a micro-receiver positioned in an open-ear configuration within the ear canal of a user, and a sound processing unit provided remote from the micro-receiver. The described hearing aid advantageously reduces the insertion and occlusion effects. In one exemplary embodiment, the receiver has a maximum lateral dimension

0. Such dimension describes the maximum overall dimension or diameter (though it is not to be implied that the cross section of the receiver must be circular or oval) of the receiver. In one exemplary embodiment, the receiver has a dimension 0 that is less than half the maximum lateral dimension or diameter of the user's ear canal, hi another embodiment, the receiver has a dimension 0 that is less than twenty percent of the maximum lateral dimension or diameter of the user's ear canal, i another embodiment, the receiver has a dimension 0 that is less than ten percent of the maximum lateral dimension or diameter of the user's ear canal, i another embodiment, the receiver has a dimension 0 that is less than five percent of the maximum lateral dimension or diameter of the user's ear canal. hi another exemplary embodiment, the hearing aid comprises a sound processing unit, a receiver, and an intermediate connecting portion between the sound processing unit and the receiver, wherein the intermediate connecting portion comprises an electrical conducting component and a stiffening wire, provided on at least a portion of the intermediate connecting portion. In another exemplary embodiment, the stiffening wire comprises a stainless steel wire. In another exemplary embodiment, the stiffening wire comprises a metal or alloy of metals having memory such that the wire may deflect and return to an original orientation. Such may be stainless steel, among others. Such may also be a shape memory alloy. In another exemplary embodiment, the stiffening wire is provided within or on a portion of the intermediate connecting portion and extends within or on at least a portion of the receiver. In such embodiment, the receiver is positioned on the intermediate connecting portion with greater stability and resiliency. Also where a stiffening element is used, the intermediate connecting portion and receiver may be custom manufactured or custom molded to optimize positiomng of the receiver within the ear canal and/or to optimize positioning of the intermediate connecting portion. In another embodiment, a retaining wire extends from one of the stiffening wire and the receiver. The retaining wire is configured to position within a portion of the concha of the ear. hi such embodiment, the retaining wire maybe configured to prevent excessive insertion of the hearing aid receiver into the ear canal. Also, the retaining wire may be configured to cause the hearing aid receiver to be suspended within a portion of the ear canal, such that no portion of the receiver touches the sides of the ear canal.

In another embodiment, the electrical conducting component comprises two wires within distinct channels or otherwise isolated from one another within the intermediate connecting portion. In another embodiment, a stiffening element is provided within or on the intermediate connecting portion within a distinct chaimel or otherwise isolated from the wires. hi another embodiment, the receiver comprises a speaker, at least partially enclosed within a casing having first and second end portions, the first end portion commm icating with the intermediate connecting portion, the spealcer communicating with a port provided at the second end portion of the casing, hi another embodiment, the casing is sealed to fluids at the first end portion and along a length of the casing extending from the first end portion to the port provided at the second end portion. The port may also be sealed to fluids by a membrane or mesh material. The above-discussed and other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring now to the exemplary drawings wherein like elements are numbered alike in the several FIGURES:

FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary receiver, intermediate connecting portion and sound processing component connector for a hearing aid system; FIGURE 2 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary receiver and intermediate connecting portion; FIGURE 3 is an expanded plan view of an exemplary receiver, intermediate connecting portion and sound processing component connector for a hearing aid system;

FIGURE 4 is a plan view of an exemplary assembled hearing aid system including a retaining wire;

FIGURE 5 is a cutaway view of a user's ear with the hearing aid system installed;

FIGURE 6 is a plan view of an exemplary sound processing unit; and

FIGURE 7 is a plan view of another exemplary sound processing unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGURE 1, an exemplary receiver and connection portion is illustrated generally at 10 for the presently described hearing aid system. In one exemplary embodiment, the hearing aid system is configured as a completely open canal (COC) system. With reference to FIGURE 1, the illustrated exemplary receiver portion, shown generally at 12, includes a spealcer 14 that is at least partially surrounded by a casing 16. The receiver portion 12 is attached to a connection portion, shown generally at 18, which includes an intermediate connecting portion 20 and a sound processing component connector 22. The sound processing unit connector 22 includes an electrical interface 24 configured to mate with a corresponding electrical interface (not illustrated) on the sound processing unit. The iUusfrated electrical interface 24 is a three-pin female interface, surrounded by a connector shell 26. While shell 26 is illustrated as a two part shell joined by lock pin 28, it should be recognized that shell 26 may take any convenient configuration, or the interface 24 may simply comprise the electrical interface 24 such that the shell 26 is of minimal profile or is eliminated. Optionally, a microphone 27 may be provided in the shell 26. The microphone 27 may be connected to the sound-processing unit through an additional electrical connection (not shown) or through the electrical interface 24. Referring now to FIGURE 2, the exemplary receiver 12 and intermediate connecting portion 20 are illustrated in greater detail. The speaker 14 is illustrated as being at least partially enclosed within the casing 16. The illustrated exemplary intermediate connecting portion 20 comprises an electrical conducting component 30 and a stiffening wire 32, provided along at least a portion of the intermediate connecting portion 20. In another exemplary embodiment, the stiffening wire 32 comprises a stainless steel wire. In another exemplary embodiment, the stiffening wire 32 comprises a metal or alloy of metals having memory such that the wire may deflect and return to an original orientation. For example, the stiffening wire 32 may be a shape memory alloy.

Referring again to FIGURE 2, the illustrated exemplary stiffening wire 32 is provided within or on a portion of the intermediate connecting portion 20 and extends within or on at least a portion of the receiver 12. The stiffening wire 32 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment extends through a channel 34 in the intermediate connecting portion 20, into a proximal portion 36 of the receiver 12 and alongside the spealcer 14. In such embodiment, and indeed whenever the stiffening wire is used in or on any portion of the receiver 12 and the intermediate connecting portion 20, the receiver 12 maybe positioned relative to the intermediate connecting portion 20 with greater stability and resiliency. Also where a stiffening wire 32 is used, the intermediate connecting portion 20 and receiver 12 may be custom manufactured or custom molded to optimize positioning of the receiver 12 within the ear canal and/or to optimize positioning of the intermediate connecting portion 20.

Referring again to FIGURE 2, the illustrated electrical conducting component 30 is provided within a channel 38 within the intermediate connecting portion 20. The electrical conducting component 30 extends from the speaker 14 through the intermediate connecting component 20 to the electrical interface 24 to provide electrical connection between the sound processing unit and the spealcer 14.

With reference to FIGURE 3, in an exemplary embodiment, the electrical conducting component 30 comprises two wires 40, 42 provided within channel 38. While this embodiment illustrates both wires 40, 42 provided within the same chaimel 38, it is to be recognized that alternative configurations are contemplated. For example, both wires 40, 42 may share the same channel as the stiffening wire 32.

Also, each wire 40, 42 may be provided within distinct channels or may be otherwise isolated from one another within the connection.

Referring again to FIGURE 2, the illustrated exemplary receiver casing has first (proximal) 36 and second (distal) 44 end portions, the first end portion communicating with the intermediate connecting portion 20, the speaker 14 communicating with a port 46 provided at the second end portion 44 of the casing 16. As described by the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the casing is provided around the speaker from the intermediate connecting portion 20 to the port 46. Where non- permeable materials are used for the casing 16, the casing 16 is sealed to fluids at the first end portion 36 and along a length of the casinglό extending from the first end portion 36 to the port 46 provided at the second end portion 44. As illustrated, the port 46 may itself be sealed to fluids by a membrane or mesh material 48. The materials used for the casing may be formed in any number of manners, including as a two shell assembly, as an overmold, or as a shrinkwrap. Any material may be used. In one exemplary embodiment, the material is a polypropylene. In another embodiment, the material is a nylon or polyethylene. The port may also be provided with a permanent or removable cerumen collection device.

Referring again to FIGURE 2, the receiver has a maximum lateral dimension 0. Such dimension describes the maximum overall dimension or diameter (though it is not to be implied that the cross section of the receiver must be circular or oval) of the receiver 16. In one exemplary embodiment, the receiver has a dimension 0 that is less than half the maximum lateral dimension or diameter of the user's ear canal. In another embodiment, the receiver has a dimension 0 that is less than twenty percent of the maximum lateral dimension or diameter of the user's ear canal, i another embodiment, the receiver has a dimension 0 that is less than ten percent of the maximum lateral dimension or diameter of the user s ear canal. In another embodiment, the receiver has a dimension 0 that is less than five percent of the maximum lateral dimension or diameter of the user's ear canal.

Referring now to FIGURE 4, a second exemplary hearing aid system is illustrated generally at 50. The receiver 16, intermediate connecting portion 20 and sound processing unit 52 are illustrated in assembled form. Sound processing component connector 22 is illustrated as joined with the sound processing unit 52. As illustrated, an exemplary retaining wire 54 extends from the receiver 16. As illustrated by FIGURE 5, the retaining wire 54 is configured to position within a portion of the concha 56 of the ear, shown generally at 58. hi such embodiment, the retaining wire 54 may be configured to define an exemplary maximum insertion of the hearing aid receiver 16 into the ear canal 60. For example, the configuration of the retaining wire 54, receiver 16 and intermediate connecting portion 20 may be such that the receiver extends into the ear canal, but not into the bony regions 62 of the ear canal 60. Also, as illustrated in FIGURE 5, the retaining wire 54 may be configured to cause the hearing aid receiver 16 to be suspended within a portion of the ear canal 60, such that no portion of the receiver touches the sides of the ear canal 60. While the retaining wire 54 is illustrated as extending from the receiver 16, it should be recognized that the retaining wire 54 may also or alternatively extend from the intermediate connecting portion 20.

Referring now to FIGURE 6, an exemplary sound processing unit (SPU) is illustrated generally at 52. The illustrated SPU 52 generally includes: a housing 64; an SPU electrical interface 66, which is illustrated as a male three-pin electrical connection, connected to an amplifier and sound processing component 68; a microphone 70 connected to the amplifier and sound processing component 68; a battery component 72 providing power to the amplifier and sound processing component 68; a switch component 74, illustrated with a push button 76 for providing a user interface with the amplifier and sound processing component 68 and/or the battery component 72; and a programming connector 78 configured to permit external programming and reprogramming of the SPU and/or to permit expansion of the hearing aid device with additional internal components. A programming correction switch 79 may be provided to permit a physician or user to control programming or reprogramming of the amplifier and sound processing component 68. Additionally, an input port (not shown) may be provided proximate thereto (or indeed, anywhere on the device) to effect programming or reprogramming of the device from an external source. Memory storage may be provided within the amplifier and sound processing component 68 and/or anywhere within the device to permit such programming and reprogramming of the SPU and/or to permit a user to select various programs via the user interface.

FIGURE 7 illustrates a second exemplary SPU configuration, wherein the amplifier and sound processing component 68 is provided as a circuit board interconnecting each of the battery component 72, the switch component 74, the microphone 70 and the SPU electrical interface 66.

In another exemplary embodiment, the behind the ear unit may comprise, or may additionally include, a noise generator, which may be used to generate one or more sounds. The sounds may be generated in specific frequency ranges useful to treat tinnitus. The noise generator passes such signals to the receiver for treatment. The following table summarizes statistical analysis of data collected in the comparison of four hearing devices (G = General Hearing Instruments, O = Oticon, S = Sebotek and V = Vivatone). The tested Vivatone Device was configured in accordance with the above described embodiment(s) including the micro-receiver and the retaining wire. The Vivatone Device also was positioned within the cartilaginous region of the ear in such a manner that the receiver did not contact the walls of the ear canal.

The tested General Hearing Instruments was a canal-open-ear Auriscoe ™ hearing aid. The tested Oticon Device was a low profile, Open Ear Acoustics ™ configuration. The tested Sebotek Device was the PAC (Post Auricular Canal) hearing aid also described by U.S. Patent No. 5,606,621 to Reiter, the entire contents of which are specifically incorporated herein by reference.

Thirty subjects participated in the evaluation. There were 120 runs, 4 for each participant. The data analyzed are the values of the Probe Real Ear Insertion Response Curve, which consisted of differences between the Probe Real Ear Unaided Response Curve and the Probe Real Ear Aided Response Curve and the corresponding values repeated while the subject vocalized the letter "EE". The two differences may be called the Insertion Effect and the Occlusion Effect. Values were given at 79 frequencies (200 Hz to 8000 Hz at increments of 100 Hz).

Analysis of variance models were run for each frequency. Comparisons were adjusted for Subject variability, Order of Test, and Previous Device. The experimental error ranged over approximately 5-11 Db for the Insertion Effect and over approximately 3-8 Db for the Occlusion Effect.

Comparison results are given in the following tables. Results are given for each frequency. T-values greater than 2.444 in absolute value are included in Table 1. T-values less than 2.444 values are not to be construed as statistically insignificant simply because thay are omitted from Table 1. Negative values indicate that the Insertion Effect or Occlusion Effect was greater for the Comparison Device compared to the Vivatone Device. Positive values indicate that the Insertion Effect or Occlusion Effect was greater for the Vivatone Device compared to the Comparison Device.

The following table summarizes the comparisons at each frequency. Table values are positive or negative decibel differences. As may be seen from the tables, the Vivatone Device exhibits lower Insertion Effect across the range of frequencies as compared with the comparison devices. Indeed, it has been found that the Vivatone Device exhibits less than three decibels of insertion loss across the audible spectrum. Also, with exception of the Oticon Device in the 500Hz to 1300Hz range, the Vivatone device exhibits lower Occlusion Effect across the range of frequencies as compared with the comparison devices.

TABLE 1. SUMMARY OF COMPARISONS

TABLE 2. RESULTS AT 200Hz

200 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error Lvalue XI -3.228805324 2.8128462 -1.147878383 (General vs. Vivatone) X2 -3.973763109 2.6132138 -1.520642189 (Oticon vs. Vivatone) X3 -28.990360956 2.6890912 -10.780728129 (Sebotek vs. Vivatone)

Occlusion Effect Value Std.Error t. alue XI -1.76124202 2.3527289 -0.74859539 X2 3.03270998 2.1857518 1.38749056 X3 -8.48537631 2.2492174 -3.77259056

TABLE 3. RESULTS AT 300Hz

300 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t. value XI -3.259075564 2.9386512 -1.109037917 X2 -3.984400433 2.7300902 -1.459439139

X3 -30.557774712 2.8093612 -10.877125620

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t. value

XI -1.34258739 2.4706214 -0.54342093 X2 3.70308746 2.2952773 1.61335081 X3 -7.91842555 2.3619231 -3.35253321

TABLE 4. RESULTS AT 400Hz

400 Hz

Insertion Effect Value Std.Error t.value XI -3.18071721 2.9913629 -1.06330036 X2 -3.714402042.7790608 -1.33656738 X3 -31.137842962.8597538 -10.88829507

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t. value XI -0.97685416 2.5694950 -0.3801736 X2 4.68242198 2.3871337 1.9615248

X3 -7.36959617 2.4564466 -3.00010500 Hz

TABLE 5. RESULTS AT 500Hz

500Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value

XI -3.06639030 3.0294176 -1.01220456 X2 -3.35011711 2.8144148 -1.19034237 X3 -31.31511356 2.8961342 -10.81272859

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -0.42304814 2.5993905 -0.16274897 X2 6.57442272 2.4149074 2.72243260 X3 -7.76226106 2.4850268 -3.12361260 TABLE 6. RESULTS AT 600Hz

600 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -2.8099533318 3.1302318 -0.897682188 X2 -2.9480594700 2.9080740 -1.013749811

X3 -31.7421838724 2.9925130 -10.607200022

Occlusion Effect \

Value Std.Error t.value

XI 1.04164510 2.4705285 0.4216284 X2 9.21450274 2.2951910 4.0146998 X3 -7.89446530 2.3618343 -3.3425145

TABLE 7. RESULTS AT 700Hz

700 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -2.588272854 3.2245678 -0.80267279 X2 -2.847366146 2.9957148 -0.95047970 X3 -32.604172820 3.0826986 -10.57650368 Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI 1.889389684 2.2700032 0.83232909 X2 11.110529893 2.1088973 5.26840739

X3 -8.402816196 2.1701313 -3.87203123

TABLE 8. RESULTS AT 800Hz

800 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value

XI -2.515782392 3.3207934 -0.757584738 X2 -3.398601005 3.0851111 -1.101613808 X3 -33.491112358 3.1746906 -10.549409992

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI 1.82698457 2.2246681 0.8212392 X2 11.63631424 2.0667796 5.6301669 X3 -8.77668112 2.1267908 -4.1267252

TABLE 9. RESULTS AT 900Hz

900 Hz Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -2.38554234 3.3949516 -0.70267345 X2 -4.09229805 3.1540062 -1.29749208

X3 -34.11309345 3.2455861 -10.51061120

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value

XI 1.92054270 2.1612333 0.88863274 X2 10.62901086 2.0078470 5.29373549 X3 -8.81972030 2.0661469 -4.26868009

TABLE 10. RESULTS AT 1000Hz

1000 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -2.275590447 3.3148820 -0.686477055 X2 -4.883197416 3.0796193 -1.585649707 X3 -34.827767987 3.1690393 -10.990008326

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI 1.90850033 2.0273877 0.94135935

X2 8.71736528 1.8835006 4.62827855 X3 -9.08163181 1.9381900-4.68562518

TABLE 11. RESULTS AT 1100Hz

1100 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value

XI -2.156384500 3.2283746 -0.66794743 X2 -6.075641257 2.9992514 -2.02571923 X3 -34.777147774 3.0863378 -11.26809495

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI 0.652209894 1.9516141 0.33418998 X2 6.892687975 1.8131048 3.80159378 X3 -9.956084782 1.8657502 -5.33623669

TABLE 12. RESULTS AT 1200Hz

1200 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -1.585101698 3.1910179 -0.496738573

X2 -6.880732089 2.9645460 -2.321006989 X3 -34.561124381 3.0506248 -11.329195525

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value

XI 0.1712529167 1.9293266 0.088763052 X2 6.3227648043 1.7923991 3.527543026 X3 -10.3896722765 1.8444433 -5.632958487

TABLE 13. RESULTS AT 1300Hz

1300 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -1.1981154661 3.1078549 -0.385512034 X2 -7.5105809960 2.8872852 -2.601260486 X3 -35.3762012491 2.9711206 -11.906686397

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI 1.2358134856 1.8298857 0.675350090

X2 5.3236175161 1.7000157 3.131510866 X3 -11.0905638474 1.7493774 -6.339720527

TABLE 14. RESULTS AT 1400Hz 1400 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value

XI -1.643093468 3.2026055 -0.51304897 X2 -9.006829511 2.9753112 -3.02718902 X3 -36.606739445 3.0617025 -11.95633446

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI 1.218719994 1.7929210 0.67973995 X2 3.569212245 1.6656744 2.14280315 X3 -13.277066609 1.7140390 -7.74607050

TABLE 15. RESULTS AT 1500Hz

1500 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -2.004330563 3.3559284 -0.597250692

X2 -10.520911903 3.1177525 -3.374517947 X3 -37.149067713 3.2082798 -11.579123521

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI 1.565644363 1.9150221 0.81755941 X2 3.037305910 1.7791098 1.70720543 X3 -14.661208291 1.8307681 -8.00822785

TABLE 16. RESULTS AT 1600Hz

1600 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -1.951098286 3.2915707 -0.59275600 X2 -11.474827775 3.0579624 -3.75244240 X3 -37.443659502 3.1467536 -11.89913947

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI 2.19998543 2.0883350 1.05346387

X2 2.69222085 1.9401223 1.38765520 X3 -15.01898313 1.9964558 -7.52282265

TABLE 17. RESULTS AT 1700Hz

1700 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -2.09200068 3.1519854 -0.66370887 X2 -12.372756202.9282837 -4.22525864 X3 -37.596667543.0133095 -12.47686870

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI 2.296444502 2.1572750 1.06451169 X2 2.044449766 2.0041696 1.02009817 X3 -15.035410954 2.0623628 -7.29038120

TABLE 18. RESULTS AT 1800Hz

1800 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -2.7841781655 3.0546323 -0.911460998

X2 -13.4911317442 2.8378399 -4.754014423 X3 -37.7204275127 2.9202396 -12.916894941

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI 1.299973079 2.2825012 0.56953884 X2 0.228669495 2.1205082 0.10783712 X3 -16.763530564 2.1820794 -7.68236495 TABLE 19. RESULTS AT 1900Hz

1900 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -3.92267763 2.9833070 -1.31487560 X2 -14.86697694 2.7715767 -5.36408636 X3 -38.18257655 2.8520524 -13.38775431

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -0.445001551 2.4921416 -0.17856191

X2 -2.149696858 2.3152701 -0.92848642 X3 -18.984168789 2.3824964 -7.96818358

TABLE 20. RESULTS AT 2000Hz

2000 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -5.07137477 2.8884821 -1.755723078 X2 -16.19593588 2.6834817 -6.035418726 X3 -38.47923896 2.7613994 -13.934687726

Occlusion Effect Value Std.Error t.value XI -1.85628537 2.4314096 -0.76346057 X2 -4.57822019 2.2588484 -2.02679391 X3 -20.60848494 2.3244365 -8.86601350

TABLE 21. RESULTS AT 2100Hz

2100 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -6.05449479 2.8084770 -2.15579289

X2 -17.24123089 2.6091547 -6.60797572 X3 -38.52172601 2.6849143 -14.34746975

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -2.98680095 2.4258921 -1.2312176 X2 -6.98416480 2.2537225 -3.0989462 X3 -22.09045009 2.3191617 -9.5251876

TABLE 22. RESULTS AT 2200Hz

2200 Hz

Insertion Effect Value Std.Error t.value XI -6.880641275 2.7399735 -2.51120723 X2 -18.094100656 2.5455130 -7.10823348 X3 -38.294583408 2.6194246 -14.61946370

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -4.04732286 2.3505212 -1.72188312

X2 -9.35005881 2.1837008 -4.28174902 X3 -23.23487105 2.2471069 -10.33990481

TABLE 23. RESULTS AT 2300Hz

2300 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -7.702143365 2.7076991 -2.84453441 X2 -18.774332728 2.5155292 -7.46337303 X3 -38.024411656 2.5885702 -14.68934905

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -5.220130253 2.2482925 -2.32181990

X2 -11.708355563 2.0887274 -5.60549718 X3 -24.646487441 2.1493758 -11.46681163

TABLE 24. RESULTS AT 2400Hz

2400 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value

XI -8.486673413 2.6869395 -3.15849066 X2 -19.349755107 2.4962429 -7.75155131 X3 -37.572817183 2.5687240 -14.62703571

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -6.906049894 2.1583519 -3.199686766 X2 -14.081049900 2.0051700 -7.022372074 X3 -26.086046643 2.0633922 -12.642311144

TABLE 25. RESULTS AT 2500Hz

2500 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -9.210748358 2.6528782 -3.471983194

X2 -19.817120519 2.4645989 -8.040708038 X3 -36.833570981 2.5361612 -14.523355801

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value

XI -7.8887912841 2.1296325 -3.704296963 X2 -15.5096824184 1.9784889 -7.839155515 X3 -26.7269510910 2.0359364 -13.127596011

TABLE 26. RESULTS AT 2600Hz

2600 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -9.66555736 2.6025828 -3.71383279 X2 -20.13716999 2.4178731 -8.32846424 X3 -35.82550481 2.4880786 -14.39886359

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -8.039373e+000 2.0445271 -3.9321428795

X2 -1.552271e+001 1.8994236 -8.1723244632 X3 -2.594425e+001 1.9545753 -13.2736008791

TABLE 27. RESULTS AT 2700Hz 2700 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value

XI -9.8422402627 2.4996242 -3.937488045 X2 -20.2943035971 2.3222216 -8.739175965 X3 -34.4411171164 2.3896498 -14.412621118

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -7.613859887 1.9209320 -3.963627961 X2 -14.957610998 1.7846003 -8.381490995 X3 -24.625003741 1.8364180 -13.409258493

TABLE 28. RESULTS AT 2800Hz

2800 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -9.86365196 2.3996114 -4.1105206

X2 -20.27641387 2.2293069 -9.0953891 X3 -33.03347336 2.2940372 -14.3997113

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -7.50588772 1.8590431 -4.0375006 X2 -14.65670749 1.7271037 -8.4862926 X3 -23.70698104 1.7772520 -13.3391220

TABLE 29. RESULTS AT 2900Hz

2900 Hz

Ins ertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -9.86079168 2.2699771 -4.34400497 X2 -20.15133560 2.1088730 -9.55549987 X3 -31.52307174 2.1701063 -14.52604933

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -7.543366871 1.8062716 -4.17620855

X2 -14.359771755 1.6780775 -8.55727583 X3 -23.256473650 1.7268022 -13.46794292

TABLE 30. RESULTS AT 3000Hz

3000 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -9.78564774472.1508276 -4.549712685 X2 -20.0236465366 1.9981798 -10.020943400 X3 -30.2576796218 2.0561990-14.715345668

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -7.47719814 1.74153648 -4.29344904 X2 -14.06177565 1.61793672 -8.69117777 X3 -22.09160667 1.66491522 -13.26890791

TABLE 31. RESULTS AT 3100Hz

3100 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -9.664299909 2.0441730 -4.727730813

X2 -19.902779737 1.8990947 -10.480140962 X3 -28.927085690 1.9542369 -14.802241273

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -7.058142664 1.68138544 -4.197813587 X2 -13.560497213 1.56205470 -8.681192285 X3 -20.712909615 1.60741060 -12.885885895 TABLE 32. RESULTS AT 3200Hz

3200 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -9.510894160 1.9521516 -4.87200583 X2 -19.806347612 1.8136042 -10.92098708 X3 -27.726410309 1.8662641 -14.85663835

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -7.163145949 1.64523049 -4.353885967

X2 -13.488540806 1.52846573 -8.824889289 X3 -19.070659369 1.57284634 -12.124934858

TABLE 33. RESULTS AT 3300Hz

3300 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -9.2786068378 1.8838049 -4.925460512 X2 -19.6593344393 1.7501081 -11.233211221 X3 -26.5719530600 1.8009244 -14.754619026

Occlusion Effect Value Std.Error t.value XI -7.31237040 1.66005982 -4.40488366 X2 -13.45522787 1.54224259 -8.72445614 X3 -17.74897246 1.58702323 -11.18381389

TABLE 34. RESULTS AT 3400Hz

3400 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -9.066209111 1.8323300 -4.94791271

X2 -19.556815995 1.7022865 -11.48855723 X3 -25.574072634 1.7517142 -14.59945508

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -7.23388315 1.70948608 -4.2316128 X2 -13.07226920 1.58816098 -8.2310731 X3 -16.72753874 1.63427491 -10.2354498

TABLE 35. RESULTS AT 3500Hz

3500 Hz

Insertion Effect Value Std.Error t.value XI -8.91013789 1.7886133 -4.98158981 X2 -19.45460034 1.6616724 -11.70784323 X3 -24.81692370 1.7099208 -14.51349273

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -7.3687376481 1.76527541 -4.174270831

X2 -12.8957066864 1.63999085 -7.863279640 X3 -15.7692838620 1.68760971 -9.344153291

TABLE 36. RESULTS AT 3600Hz

3600 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -8.691367288 1.7763295 -4.89288013 X2 -19.342423503 1.6502604 -11.72083106 X3 -24.157524195 1.6981775 -14.22555931

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -6.962227987 1.76558948 -3.94328809 X2 -12.008873432 1.64028264 -7.32122206

X3 -14.662004950 1.68790997 -8.68648519 TABLE 37. RESULTS AT 3700Hz

3700 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -8.583079332 1.76270385 -4.86926908

X2 -19.313847560 1.63760180 -11.79398287 X3 -23.737175524 1.68515129 -14.08607978

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -6.5337475500 1.74265157 -3.749313783 X2 -11.3626632173 1.61897267 -7.018440431 X3 -13.5120469265 1.66598124 -8.110563666

TABLE 38. RESULTS AT 3800Hz

3800 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -8.441467426 1.75635543 -4.80624097 X2 -19.336107428 1.63170394 -11.85025478

X3 -23.463879959 1.67908218 -13.97422961 Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -6.278133968 1.68496687 -3.72596880 X2 -10.754862789 1.56538194 -6.87044005 X3 -12.412324737 1.61083445 -7.70552474

TABLE 39. RESULTS AT 3900Hz

3900 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -8.270799727 1.76899901 -4.67541231 X2 -19.372231987 1.64345018 -11.78753833 X3 -23.226956475 1.69116949 -13.73425708

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -6.04925683 1.66204356 -3.6396500 X2 -9.99092084 1.54408554 -6.4704452

X3 -11.55100361 1.58891969 -7.2697215

TABLE 40. RESULTS AT 4000Hz

4000 Hz Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -8.086843450 1.72954953 -4.67569348 X2 -19.275861670 1.60680050 -11.99642501 X3 -23.027648032 1.65345564 -13.92698265

Occlusion Effect i

Value Std.Error t.value XI -5.468606286 1.53347467 -3.56615364 X2 -9.213260489 1.42464140 -6.46707337 X3 -10.842963904 1.46600737 -7.39625472

TABLE 41. RESULTS AT 4100Hz

4100 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -7.881860321 1.70361988 -4.62653695 X2 -19.265070702 1.58271112 -12.17219647

X3 -22.687028158 1.62866680 -13.92981556

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value

XI -5.234017037 1.44847923 -3.613456733 X2 -8.367227067 1.34567823 -6.217851237 X3 -10.113523797 1.38475142 -7.303494094

TABLE 42. RESULTS AT 4200Hz

4200 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -7.650776971 1.67932983 -4.55585129 X2 -19.207194367 1.56014498 -12.31115996 X3 -22.260182017 1.60544543 -13.86542428

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -5.1074935588 1.37868912 -3.704601341 X2 -7.5586894898 1.28084124 -5.901347685

X3 -9.5194610061 1.31803181 -7.222481964

TABLE 43. RESULTS AT 4300Hz

4300 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value

XI -7.390373789 1.65707945 -4.45987897 X2 -19.1821035861.53947374 -12.46016937 X3 -21.7670826311.58417398 -13.74033587

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -4.8960648158 1.30757620 -3.744382017 X2 -6.7790754700 1.21477533 -5.580517913 X3 -8.7460200811 1.25004761 -6.996549598

TABLE 44. RESULTS AT 4400Hz

4400 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -7.146230694 1.63780680 -4.36329284 X2 -19.243600045 1.52156891 -12.64720903

X3 -21.178776976 1.56574926 -13.52628895

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value

XI -4.87065603 1.25303258 -3.88709449 X2 -6.06657954 1.16410275 -5.21137805 X3 -8.16174608 1.19790370 -6.81335742 TABLE 45. RESULTS AT 4500Hz

4500 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -6.847453349 1.63031020 -4.20009231 X2 -19.340813305 1.51460436 -12.76954819 X3 -20.581624580 1.55858249 -13.20534829

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -4.952060307 1.20193410 -4.12007640

X2 -5.516111259 1.11663082 -4.93995971 X3 -7.888428986 1.14905337 -6.86515456

TABLE 46. RESULTS AT 4600Hz

4600 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -6.536781665 1.63166742 -4.00619732 X2 -19.370563786 1.51586525 -12.77855257 X3 -19.946411210 1.55987999 -12.78714471

Occlusion Effect Value Std.Error t.value XI -4.583931130 1.20319291 -3.80980565 X2 -4.866591929 1.11780029 -4.35372220 X3 -7.363325177 1.15025680 -6.40146201

TABLE 47. RESULTS AT 4700Hz

4700 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -6.247439739 1.64057349 -3.80808282

X2 -19.485709545 1.52413924 -12.78473056 X3 -19.320813101 1.56839423 -12.31884990

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -4.277111412 1.20635740 -3.54547616 X2 -4.319781388 1.12074019 -3.85440034 X3 -6.818258071 1.15328207 -5.91204726

TABLE 48. RESULTS AT 4800Hz

4800 Hz

Insertion Effect Value Std.Error t.value XI -5.9496237669 1.65009622 -3.605622326 X2 -19.3341460166 1.53298612 -12.612081555 X3 -18.6504311493 1.57749799 -11.822792342

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -3.63533451 1.19702245 -3.03698108

X2 -3.68529686 1.11206776 -3.31391396 X3 -6.10429061 1.14435781 -5.33424995

TABLE 49. RESULTS AT 4900Hz

4900 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -5.69900795 1.67201132 -3.40847449 X2 -19.09922740 1.55334588 -12.29554066 X3 -18.04055946 1.59844891 -11.28629094

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -3.007209843 1.15216066 -2.61006121 X2 -3.037454396 1.07038989 -2.83770842

X3 -5.416608544 1.10146978 -4.91761883 TABLE 50. RESULTS AT 5000Hz

5000 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -5.42096921 1.69550964 -3.19725060

X2 -18.70751384 1.57517648 -11.87645583 X3 -17.36767314 1.62091338 -10.71474474

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -2.649642968 1.11875070 -2.36839447 X2 -2.583699149 1.03935109 -2.48587718 X3 -4.726811994 1.06952974 -4.41952366

TABLE 51. RESULTS AT 5100Hz

5100 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -5.12838471 1.72005712 -2.98152000 X2 -18.18322864 1.59798178 -11.37887104

X3 -16.68033428 1.64438087 -10.14383871 Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -2.350640296 1.06203444 -2.21333717 X2 -2.222199512 0.98666007 -2.25224428 X3 -4.297318170 1.01530879 -4.23252337

TABLE 52. RESULTS AT 5200Hz

5200 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -4.846893396 1.73104035 -2.79998868 X2 -17.483734536 1.60818552 -10.87171496 X3 -15.991399029 1.65488088 -9.66317230

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -1.863905114 1.02038103 -1.82667559 X2 -1.588450835 0.94796287 -1.67564667

X3 -3.737920520 0.97548797 -3.83184685

TABLE 53. RESULTS AT 5300Hz

5300 Hz Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -4.635811384 1.74762530 -2.65263463 X2 -16.806580187 1.62359340 -10.35147110 X3 -15.434734844 1.67073615 -9.23828390

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -1.55178690 0.94658159 -1.6393588 X2 -1.11156094 0.87940111 -1.2639977 X3 -3.32312975 0.90493544 -3.6722285

TABLE 54. RESULTS AT 5400Hz

5400 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -4.296048437 1.76786473 -2.430077577 X2 -16.007405575 1.64239640 -9.746371538

X3 -14.827069029 1.69008511 -8.772971794

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value

XI -1.357632686 0.92688227 -1.46473044 X2 -1.085022430 0.86109989 -1.26004247 X3 -3.141020167 0.88610283 -3.54475809

TABLE 55. RESULTS AT 5500Hz

5500 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -4.040537444 1.7891974 -2.258296111 X2 -15.177478550 1.6622150 -9.130875559 X3 -14.401720605 1.7104792 -8.419699405

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -1.172678260 0.90954444 -1.28930287

X2 -1.124977061 0.84499255 -1.33134554 X3 -3.053792404 0.86952779 -3.51201241

TABLE 56. RESULTS AT 5600Hz

5600 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -3.842925160 1.8254446-2.10519960 X2 -14.418027712 1.6958897 -8.50174849 X3 -14.202779253 1.7451316-8.13851454

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -0.949080983 0.92183414 -1.02955721 X2 -0.951847054 0.85641002 -1.11143848

X3 -2.755459070 0.88127679 -3.12666701

TABLE 57. RESULTS AT 5700Hz

5700 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value

XI -3.696893582 1.8553649 -1.99254262 X2 -13.570943809 1.7236865 -7.87320879 X3 -14.186977436 1.7737356 -7.99836104

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -0.981408120 0.94246447 -1.04132108 X2 -1.137744866 0.87557619 -1.29942417 X3 -2.818453141 0.90099947 -3.12814075 TABLE 58. RESULTS AT 5800Hz

5800 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -3.485335327 1.9118784 -1.82299003 X2 -12.900093591 1.7761892 -7.26279241

X3 -14.302358724 1.8277627 -7.82506305

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value

XI -1.43215721 0.99833534 -1.4345452 X2 -1.30174219 0.92748180 -1.4035232 X3 -3.03832890 0.95441221 -3.1834556

TABLE 59. RESULTS AT 5900Hz

5900 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -3.470882999 1.9551480 -1.77525331 X2 -12.237829059 1.8163879 -6.73745358 X3 -14.656469432 1.8691286 -7.84133809 Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -1.570601603 1.01546928 -1.54667564 X2 -1.143278073 0.94339973 -1.21187026

X3 -3.089089793 0.97079233 -3.18202946

TABLE 60. RESULTS AT 6000Hz

6000 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value

XI -3.505504506 1.9935030 -1.75846459 X2 -11.643669192 1.8520208 -6.28700782 X3 -15.008307749 1.9057962 -7.87508551

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -1.4782767934 1.03060693 -1.43437498 X2 -0.9518932129 0.95746303 -0.99418273 X3 -2.8687898427 0.98526398 -2.91169667

TABLE 61. RESULTS AT 6100Hz

6100 Hz Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -3.527926580 2.0085812 -1.75642715 X2 -11.026150510 1.8660288 -5.90888537

X3 -15.238089915 1.9202110 -7.93563327

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value

XI -1.581128817 1.06615246 -1.48302319 X2 -0.690258914 0.99048583 -0.69688924 X3 -2.842076531 1.01924563 -2.78841179

TABLE 62. RESULTS AT 6200Hz

6200 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -3.541042894 2.0249469 -1.748709011 X2 -10.499983894 1.8812330 -5.581437152 X3 -15.602866439 1.9358566 -8.059928816

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -1.560048975 1.10174868 -1.41597535

X2 -0.553851718 1.02355573 -0.54110558 X3 -2.6154690691.05327575 -2.48317600

TABLE 63. RESULTS AT 6300Hz

6300 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value

XI -3.64729645 2.0274164 -1.79898731 X2 -9.92894474 1.8835273 -5.27146316 X3 -15.85389666 1.9382175 -8.17962727

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -1.38042349 1.09173705 -1.26442854 X2 -0.37261352 1.01425464 -0.36737669 X3 -2.33816761 1.04370459 -2.24025804

TABLE 64. RESULTS AT 6400Hz

6400 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -3.72431243 2.0226028 -1.84134638

X2 -9.47118863 1.8790553 -5.04039902 X3 -16.11724147 1.9336157 -8.33528692

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value

XI -1.391813985 1.05689378 -1.31689107 X2 -0.267321456 0.98188426 -0.27225353 X3 -2.187831043 1.01039430 -2.16532401

TABLE 65. RESULTS AT 6500Hz

6500 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -3.713274489 2.0281956 -1.83082665 X2 -9.044965698 1.8842511 -4.80029737 X3 -16.426047721 1.9389623 -8.47156616

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -1.731417523 1.01416531 -1.707234029

X2 -0.548784418 0.94218829 -0.582457266 X3 -2.528227998 0.96954572 -2.607641843

TABLE 66. RESULTS AT 6600Hz 6600 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value

XI -3.766690641 2.0267967 -1.85844519 X2 -8.678056381 1.8829516 -4.60875176 X3 -16.764044366 1.9376251 -8.65185156

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -1.98956391 0.95040501 -2.09338533 X2 -1.10722139 0.88295317 -1.25399786 . X3 -2.75192688 0.90859065 -3.02878627

TABLE 67. RESULTS AT 6700Hz

6700 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -4.014308937 2.0434736 -1.96445358

X2 -8.397504120 1.8984448 -4.42335962 X3 -17.021841498 1.9535682 -8.71320587

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -2.407488315 0.94010973 -2.5608588 X2 -1.341366154 0.87338857 -1.5358183 X3 -2.928638691 0.89874832 -3.2585749

TABLE 68. RESULTS AT 6800Hz

6800 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -4.354917941 2.0694860 -2.10434760 X2 -8.141998692 1.9226111 -4.23486507 X3 -17.378004698 1.9784362 -8.78370757

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -2.500115515 0.98440958 -2.5397107

X2 -1.447595547 0.91454438 -1.5828598 X3 -2.996861320 0.94109914 -3.1844268

TABLE 69. RESULTS AT 6900Hz

6900 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -4.7481856802.1060634-2.25453122 X2 -7.861928357 1.9565925 -4.01817352 X3 -17.572263041 2.0134043 -8.72763772

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -2.943078973 1.02579595 -2.8690686 X2 -1.751442140 0.95299349 -1.8378322 X3 -3.203777402 0.98066466 -3.2669449

TABLE 70. RESULTS AT 7000Hz

7000 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -5.36964885 2.1060878 -2.54958453

X2 -7.62145160 1.9566152 -3.89522250 X3 -17.63774396 2.0134276 -8.76005873

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -3.0958671835 1.09618801 -2.824211866 X2 -1.6347488389 1.01838971 -1.605229143 X3 -3.0436625264 1.04795973 -2.904369750 TABLE 71. RESULTS AT 7100Hz

7100 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -5.979052985 2.1484033 -2.78302176 X2 -7.409193538 1.9959275 -3.71215570 X3 -17.930145965 2.0538813 -8.72988412

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -2.93400085 1.12940070 -2.59783871

X2 -1.35279652 1.04924523 -1.28930442 X3 -2.84600351 1.07971117 -2.63589335

TABLE 72. RESULTS AT 7200Hz

7200 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -6.53523989 2.1790642 -2.9991039 X2 -7.29180932 2.0244124 -3.6019388 X3 -18.20102578 2.0831933 -8.7370797

Occlusion Effect Value Std.Error t.value XI -2.854334671 1.13785077 -2.50853165 X2 -1.261150721 1.05709559 -1.19303375 X3 -2.983604193 1.08778948 -2.74281399

TABLE 73. RESULTS AT 7300Hz

7300 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -6.75636148 2.2050562 -3.06403143

X2 -7.08463282 2.0485597 -3.45834830 X3 -18.28648048 2.1080417 -8.67462921

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -2.82929369 1.10910247 -2.55097593 X2 -1.27314769 1.03038760 -1.23560075 X3 -3.10192981 1.06030599 -2.92550437

TABLE 74. RESULTS AT 7400Hz

7400 Hz

Insertion Effect Value Std.Error t.value XI -6.83076637 2.2407210 -3.04846800 X2 -6.91081533 2.0816933 -3.31980476 X3 -18.37488422 2.1421375 -8.57782685

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -2.49001160 1.07112286 -2.3246741

X2 -1.25209393 0.99510347 -1.2582550 X3 -2.88266037 1.02399735 -2.8151053

TABLE 75. RESULTS AT 7500Hz

7500 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -6.665475332 2.2928263 -2.90709996 X2 -6.678922730 2.1301006 -3.13549639 X3 -18.482033551 2.1919503 -8.43177578

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -2.14003047 1.05586865 -2.0267961 X2 -1.06587090 0.98093188 -1.0865901

X3 -2.78648541 1.00941427 -2.7604973 TABLE 76. RESULTS AT 7600Hz

7600 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -6.453321221 2.3169883 -2.785219570

X2 -6.517903336 2.1525478 -3.027994735 X3 -18.428207086 2.2150493 -8.319547271

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -1.81049894 1.05228996 -1.7205324 X2 -0.71468545 0.97760718 -0.7310558 X3 -2.58402589 1.00599303 -2.5686320

TABLE 77. RESULTS AT 7700Hz

7700 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -6.176510870 2.3478779 -2.63067809 X2 -6.290253935 2.1812450 -2.88379060

X3 -18.283821601 2.2445798 -8.14576596 Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -1.48510082 1.07347198 -1.3834556 X2 -0.55147183 0.99728587 -0.5529727 X3 -2.27496805 1.02624312 -2.2167925

TABLE 78. RESULTS AT 7800Hz

7800 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -6.06108309 2.3716242 -2.55566757 X2 -6.19084626 2.2033061 -2.80979857 X3 -18.21570774 2.2672814 -8.03416280

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -1.413226227 1.09382747 -1.29200104 X2 -0.491633275 1.01619670 -0.48379736

X3 -2.147169312 1.04570304 -2.05332607

TABLE 79. RESULTS AT 7900Hz

7900 Hz Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -6.01019067 2.3741523 -2.53151017 X2 -6.17081726 2.2056547 -2.79772587 X3 -18.20382232 2.2696982 -8.02037121

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -1.116427464 1.12532100 -0.99209689 X2 -0.075233199 1.04545509 -0.07196215 X3 -2.042620033 1.07581097 -1.89867931

TABLE 80. RESULTS AT 8000Hz

8000 Hz

Insertion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value XI -5.994943790 2.3595836 -2.540678681 X2 -6.231208076 2.1921200 -2.842548786

X3 -18.251784219 2.2557705 -8.091152906

Occlusion Effect

Value Std.Error t.value

XI -0.919289912 1.11313021 -0.82586018 X2 0.150751742 1.03412949 0.14577647 X3 -1.869693540 1.06415653 -1.75697229

While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustration and not limitation. What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A hearing aid, comprising:

a receiver positioned within the ear canal of a user, the receiver generating no more than about three decibels of insertion loss over audible frequencies.

2. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein the receiver generates no more than about two decibels of insertion loss over audible frequencies.

3. The hearing aid according to claim 2, wherein the receiver generates no more than about one decibel of insertion loss over audible frequencies.

4. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein the receiver generates no more than about three decibels of insertion loss over audible frequencies between about 2200 Hertz and about 5300 Hertz.

5. The hearing aid according to claim 4, wherein the receiver generates no more than about three decibels of insertion loss over audible frequencies between about 3000 Hertz and about 5000 Hertz.

6. The hearing aid according to claim 5, wherein the receiver generates no more than about three decibels of insertion loss over audible frequencies between about 3500 Hertz and about 4500 Hertz.

7. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein the receiver is positioned within the cartilaginous region of the ear canal of the user.

8. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein the receiver has a maximum lateral dimension that is less than half the maximum lateral dimension of a user's ear canal.

9. The hearing aid according to claim 8, wherein the receiver has a maximum lateral dimension that is less than thirty percent of the maximum lateral dimension of a user's ear canal.

10. The hearing aid according to claim 9, wherein the receiver has a maximum lateral dimension that is less than twenty percent of the maximum lateral dimension of .a user's ear canal.

11. The hearing aid according to claim 10, wherein the receiver has a maximum lateral dimension that is less than ten percent of the maximum lateral dimension of a user' s ear canal.

12. The hearing aid according to claim 11, wherein the receiver has a maximum lateral dimension that is less than five percent of the maximum lateral dimension of a user's ear canal.

13. The hearing aid according to claim 1, further comprising a sound processing unit; and an intermediate connecting portion between the sound processing unit and the receiver, wherein the intermediate connecting portion comprises an electrical conducting component and a stiffening wire, provided on at least a portion of the intermediate connecting portion.

14. The hearing aid according to claim 13, wherein the stiffening wire comprises a metal or alloy of metals.

15. The hearing aid according to claim 14, wherein the metal or alloy of metals has memory such that the wire may deflect and return to an original orientation.

16. The hearing aid according to claim 13, wherein the electrical conducting portion is provided at least partially within a first channel, and wherein the stiffening wire is provided external to the first channel.

17. The hearing aid according to claim 16, wherein the stiffening wire is provided within a second channel.

18. The hearing aid according to claim 13, wherein the stiffening wire extends within or on at least a portion of the receiver.

19. The hearing aid according to claim 1, further comprising a sound processing unit; and an intermediate connecting portion, wherein a retaining wire extends from at least one of the intermediate connecting portion and the receiver, and fiirther wherein the retaining wire is configured to engage at least a portion of the concha of a user's ear.

20. The hearing aid according to claim 19, wherein the intermediate portion comprises a stiffening element, and wherein the retaining wire extends from a portion of the stiffening element.

21. The hearing aid according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the retaining wire is configured such that the hearing aid has a maximum insertion depth into an ear canal.

22. The hearing aid according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the retaining wire is configured such that the hearing aid does not substantially contact any portion of an ear canal when inserted within the ear canal.

23. The hearing aid according to claim 1, further comprising a sound processing unit; and an intermediate connecting portion including at least two electrical conducting components provided within the intermediate connecting portion.

24. The hearing aid according to claim 23, wherein the at least two electrical conducting components are provided within at least two channels at least partially isolated from one another.

25. The hearing aid according to claim 24, wherein a stiffening wire is provided within an at least partially separate channel of the intermediate connecting portion.

26. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein the receiver comprises a spealcer, at least partially enclosed within a casing having first and second end portions, the first end portion communicating with an intermediate connecting portion, the spealcer communicating with a port provided at the second end portion of the casing.

27. The hearing aid according to claim 26, wherein the port is at least partially sealed to fluids by a membrane or mesh material.

28. The hearing aid according to claim 27, wherein the casing is sealed to fluids at the first end portion and along a length of the casing extending from the first end portion to the port.

29. The hearing aid according to claim 26, wherein the port includes a removable cerumen collector.

30. A hearing aid, comprising:

a receiver, configured to be positioned within the cartilaginous region of a user's ear canal, the receiver dimensioned so as to minimize insertion loss upon positioning of the receiver within the cartilaginous region.

31. The hearing aid according to claim 30, wherein the receiver generates no more than about three decibels of insertion loss over audible frequencies between about 2200 Hertz and about 5300 Hertz.

32. The hearing aid according to claim 30, wherein the receiver has a maximum lateral dimension that is less than twenty percent of the maximum lateral dimension of a user's ear canal.

33. The hearing aid according to claim 30, further comprising a sound processing unit; and an intermediate connecting portion, wherein a retaining wire extends from at least one of the intermediate connecting portion and the receiver, and further wherein the retaining wire is configured to engage at least a portion of the concha of a user's ear.

34. The hearing aid according to claim 30, further comprising a sound processing unit; and an mtermediate connecting portion between the sound processing unit and the receiver, wherein the intermediate connecting portion comprises an electrical conducting component and a stiffening wire, provided on at least a portion of the intermediate connecting portion.

35. The hearing aid according to claim 30, further comprising a sound processing unit; and an intermediate connecting portion including at least two electrical conducting components provided within the intermediate connecting portion, wherein the at least two electrical conducting components are provided within at least two channels at least partially isolated from one another.

36. A hearing aid, comprising:

a receiver, configured to be positioned within a user's ear canal, the receiver having a maximum lateral dimension that is less than thirty percent of the maximum lateral dimension of a user's ear canal.

37. The hearing aid according to claim 36, wherein the receiver has a maximum lateral dimension that is less than twenty percent of the maximum lateral dimension of a user's ear canal.

38. The hearing aid according to claim 36, wherein the receiver has a maximum lateral dimension that is less than ten percent of the maximum lateral dimension of a user's ear canal.

39. A hearing aid, comprising:

a receiver; a sound processing unit; and an intermediate connecting portion, wherein a retaining wire extends from at least one of the intermediate connecting portion and the receiver, and further wherein the retaining wire is configured to engage at least a portion of the concha of a user's ear.

40. A hearing aid, comprising:

a receiver; a sound processing unit; and an intermediate connecting portion, wherein the intermediate connecting portion comprises an electrical conducting component and a stiffening wire, provided on at least a portion of the intermediate connecting portion.

41. A hearing aid, comprising:

a receiver; a sound processing unit; and an intennediate connecting portion, including at least two electrical conducting components provided within the intermediate connecting portion, wherein the at least two electrical conducting components are provided within at least two channels at least partially isolated from one another.