Sonova Ag

Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg

Julia Lonsky

Konstantin Silberzahn

Erdal Karamuk

Christoph Weder

Carlo Perotto

Anuja Shirole

The disclosure relates to an earpiece configured to be at least partially inserted into an ear and comprising a core comprising a material that during insertion of the earpiece into the ear is deformable above a transition temperature and non-deformable below the transition temperature. The disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing the earpiece. The disclosure further relates to a method of customizing the earpiece.

Earpiece and manufacturing method and customization method of the earpiece

The disclosure relates to a device for preparing an earpiece for its customization, the device including an energy release unit comprising a receiving chamber for receiving the earpiece and configured to release energy into the receiving chamber. The disclosure further relates to a system for customizing an earpiece comprising the earpiece and the preparing device.

Preparation device and system for in-situ customization of an earpiece

Shape memory polymers allow the fabrication of objects that have a permanent (first) shape, and which can be programmed to adopt a temporary (second) shape, and are able to largely recover their original (first) shape by applying an appropriate stimulus. Materials that permit the fabrication of objects and devices that can (i) be provided in their permanent shape, (ii) be heated to a switching temperature above physiological temperature, at which the material becomes shapeable, (iii) be inserted into the body or placed in contact with the body and be deformed or shaped'to assume a desired temporary shape, (iv) be fixed in the desired temporary shape by keeping the material/device/object at body temperature (about 37&#xb0; C.) for a convenient period of time, (v) largely retain this temporary shape if removed from the body, and (vi) return largely to their original shape when heated again above the switching temperature. A process for making such materials and disclosed products based on such materials are disclosed.

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Zürich, Switzerland

Julia Lonsky