Sonova has been granted a patent for a customized in-ear hearing device featuring a light source and photodetector. This device functions as a physiological sensor, emitting and detecting light through specialized windows in its housing, tailored to fit the user’s ear canal. GlobalData’s report on Sonova gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Sonova, was a key innovation area identified from patents. Sonova's grant share as of July 2024 was 53%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Customized in-ear hearing device with physiological sensing capabilities
The granted patent US12063478B2 describes a hearing device designed with a housing shell that is customized to fit the shape of a user's ear canal. Key features of the device include a light emission window and a light detection window, both integrated into the customized portion of the housing shell. The device is equipped with a light source, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), which emits light through the emission window, and a photodetector that detects light through the detection window. The internal circuitry connects these components, allowing for controlled operation of the device. Notably, the light emission and detection windows are strategically positioned at least 1 mm from the edge of the housing shell, ensuring effective functionality while maintaining comfort for the user.
Additional claims detail various configurations and enhancements of the hearing device. These include the use of a printed circuit board (PCB) for mounting the light source and photodetector, the incorporation of a waveguide for optical coupling, and the option for the housing shell material to be transparent to specific light wavelengths. The design also allows for the light source and photodetector to be connected via freely movable wires, enhancing flexibility. Furthermore, the light emission and detection windows can be located at a sealing zone of the housing shell, which is in contact with the ear canal during use. Overall, the patent outlines a sophisticated hearing device that integrates advanced optical technology within a user-centric design.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
