Method of manufacturing an in-the-ear hearing aid, auxiliary tool for use in the method, and ear mould and hearing aid manufactured in accordance with the method

Abstract

In a method of manufacturing an in-the-ear hearing aid an auxiliary element (19) whose cross-section is larger than that of an auditory canal (7) is introduced into the auditory canal. As a result of this, the auditory canal (7) is expanded. Subsequently, a hollow vent tube (25) is inserted into the auditory canal, after which the auditory canal (7) is filled with a viscous material (29). After the viscous material has solidified the mould is removed from the auditory canal, the vent tube (25) ensuring that air is admitted to a space behind the mould. The mould thus formed has a cross-section larger than the cross-section of the auditory canal. Subsequently, a housing for the hearing aid is made, the mould being used as a template. Consequently, the hearing aid will fit tightly in the auditory canal, which improves the wearing convenience. The auxiliary element (19) used in this method has a cylindrical wall formed with a plurality of apertures to allow the passage of the viscous material to spaces between the auxiliary element and the wall of the auditory canal. The auxiliary element (19) further comprises a sleeve for guiding the vent hose (25).