A micro-machined loudspeaker for the hearing impaired

This paper reports the design, fabrication and testing of the world's first micro-machined electromagnetic loudspeaker for use within a hearing aid system. A micro-machined loudspeaker would help realise a fully integrated hearing aid. One of the benefits of a small micro-machined device would be the ability to position the loudspeaker at a small distance from the eardrum, reducing the volume into which the device works and thus rendering greater efficiency.