RIE earplug for hearing device

Abstract

The present invention provides an earplug for a hearing device and a hearing device, the earplug comprising an earplug housing for insertion into an ear canal of a user and having a distal end and a proximal end with an earplug axis therebetween, the earplug housing having an outer surface connecting the distal end to the proximal end; comprising a receiver housing, the receiver being located within the earplug housing; and a first microphone configured to pick up ear canal sound, where the receiver includes a moving coil.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an earplug for a hearing device and a hearing device. Background Art

[0002] Earplugs are used in various situations, wherein audio signals are presented to a user via the earplugs. In addition, earplugs are used in communication systems for presenting audio signals to a user and / or receiving audio signals from a user.

[0003] In a two-part hearing device having an earplug and an external device, the earplug is connected to the external device via a cable comprising one or more wires and / or sound guiding channels.

[0004] Earplugs for hearing devices are often worn for several hours, so wearing comfort is important to hearing device users, especially as ear canal sizes vary from user to user. Summary of the invention

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for hearing devices / earplugs and methods with improved fit and sound clarity.

[0006] The present disclosure discloses an earplug for a hearing device, the earplug comprising an earplug shell for being inserted into an ear canal of a user and having a distal end and a proximal end with an earplug axis therebetween, the earplug shell having an outer surface connecting the distal end to the proximal end; a receiver comprising a receiver shell, the receiver being located within the earplug shell; and a first microphone, for example configured to pick up ear canal sound, wherein the receiver optionally comprises a dynamic coil.

[0007] Furthermore, a hearing device comprising a behind-the-ear part and an earplug as disclosed herein is provided.

[0008] An important advantage of the hearing device is that the hearing device can provide a desired and comfortable size for the user. Furthermore, the earplug / hearing device can improve active noise cancellation and / or active occlusion cancellation, for example due to improved low frequency performance.

[0009] As previously mentioned, the size reduction can improve the fit for users with small ear canals. Previous hearing device solutions that can actively occlude may not fit small ear canals, or may extend too far outward from the ear, making the user unwilling to wear it. In one or more variations of the disclosed hearing device, the hearing device can be more adaptable to users with small ear canals, thereby providing significant improvements for those users.

[0010] Furthermore, an important advantage of the earplug / hearing device is that it can operate for different sound qualities across the sound spectrum, whether the sound is received outside the ear (e.g., ambient sound) or inside the ear (e.g., music playback). Internal and external sounds may have their own specific technical problems and solutions, and an advantage of the hearing device is that it can switch between different types of sound. In one or more variations of the disclosed hearing device, the hearing device may provide an advantageous solution for both types of audio.

[0011] In one or more variations of the disclosed earplugs, the earplugs may provide improved sound quality across different audio pitch ranges.

[0012] Thus, one or more example earplugs and / or hearing devices of the present disclosure may enable improved size and / or improved sound clarity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art through the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 schematically showing an example earplug,

[0015] Figure 2 schematically showing an example earplug,

[0016] Figure 3 schematically showing an example earplug,

[0017] Figure 4 schematically shows an example earplug, and

[0018] Figure 5 An example earplug is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Various exemplary embodiments and details are described below with reference to the relevant drawings. It should be noted that the drawings may be drawn to scale or may not be drawn to scale, and elements of similar structure or function are represented by similar reference numerals throughout the drawings. It should also be noted that the drawings are intended only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention. In addition, the illustrated embodiments do not need to have all the aspects or advantages shown. The aspects or advantages described in conjunction with a particular embodiment are not necessarily limited to that embodiment, and may be implemented in any other embodiment, even if not shown as such, or not so explicitly described.

[0020] The present disclosure discloses a hearing device. The hearing device may be configured to be worn at the ear of a user and may be a hearable device or a hearing aid, wherein a processor is configured to compensate for the hearing loss of the user. The hearing device may be of a behind-the-ear (BTE) type, an in-the-ear (ITE) type, an in-the-ear (ITC) type, a receiver-in-the-ear (RIC) type, a receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) type, and / or a microphone and receiver-in-the-ear (MARIE) type.

[0021] Specifically, an earplug for a hearing device is disclosed. The earplug may be configured to be worn at least partially in an ear canal of a user and may be a hearable device or a hearing aid, wherein a processor is configured to compensate for a hearing loss of the user.

[0022] As discussed herein, the proximal end of an earplug or its components may be considered herein as the end closest to the user's tympanic membrane when the earplug is inserted into the user's ear. The distal end of an earplug or its components may be considered herein as the end farthest from the user's tympanic membrane when the earplug is inserted into the user's ear.

[0023] In one or more example earplugs for hearing devices, the earplug may be configured to be inserted, for example at least partially, into an ear canal of a user. The earplug may have a distal end and a proximal end, and may include an earplug axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end (e.g., along the length of the earplug). In other words, the earplug axis may be a longitudinal axis of the earplug.

[0024] In one or more exemplary earplugs, the earplug may include an earplug housing. The earplug housing may contain and / or house one or more components of the earplug, such as one or more of the receiver, microphone, and / or other electronic components and / or processing components and / or audio components and / or data components discussed herein.

[0025] The earplug comprises a receiver. The receiver may comprise a (receiver) diaphragm, also denoted membrane. The receiver may have a receiver housing, e.g. for accommodating the diaphragm, which divides the interior of the receiver housing into a front chamber and a rear chamber. The receiver and / or the receiver housing may be completely or partially within the earplug housing. The receiver may be electrically connected to one or more components in the hearing device (including in the earplug). The receiver may comprise a moving coil. The receiver may be a dynamic driver, also denoted moving coil receiver. The receiver may comprise a coil, e.g. attached to or fixed to the diaphragm of the receiver.

[0026] The earplug may include one or more microphones, such as a first microphone and / or a second microphone. For example, the earplug includes a first microphone configured to pick up ear canal sound. The first microphone may also be denoted as an ear canal microphone.

[0027] In one or more examples, the first microphone has a first membrane. The first membrane can be perpendicular to or parallel to the earplug axis. The first membrane orthogonal to the first membrane can form an angle of less than 30 degrees with the earplug axis. The first membrane orthogonal to the first membrane can form an angle in the range of 60 degrees to 90 degrees with the earplug axis.

[0028] In one or more examples, an earplug for a hearing device is provided, the earplug comprising an earplug shell for insertion into an ear canal of a user, the earplug shell having a distal end and a proximal end with an earplug axis therebetween, the earplug shell having an outer surface connecting the distal end to the proximal end; a receiver comprising a receiver shell, the receiver being located within the earplug shell; and a first microphone configured to pick up ear canal sound, wherein the receiver comprises a dynamic coil.

[0029] The earplug may include an electronic connector and / or one or more wires extending from the earplug housing, for example, to one or more other components or parts of the hearing device outside the ear canal, such as a behind-the-ear portion of the hearing device. In an alternative variation, the earplug may be wirelessly connected to one or more other components outside the ear canal.

[0030] The earplug housing may have a proximal end (e.g., a surface, a portion, a section, a component). The earplug housing may have a distal end (e.g., a surface, a portion, a section, a component). The earplug housing may have an outer surface (e.g., a surface, a portion, a section, a component). The outer surface of the earplug housing may connect the distal end to the proximal end. In one or more exemplary earplugs, the distal end and / or the proximal end and / or the connecting surface may be integrally formed. Alternatively, they may be separate components attached to each other, such as by mechanical or chemical attachment. The earplug housing may be metal and / or plastic. The earplug housing may be flexible. The earplug housing may be rigid. The earplug housing, such as the proximal end, may have a sound port. The sound port may be configured as a sound outlet, or a sound outlet for guiding sound to the user's eardrum. The sound port may be configured as a sound inlet, or a sound inlet for guiding sound from the ear canal to the earplug housing, such as a first microphone in the earplug housing. The earplug housing may include, for example, a spout at the proximal end. The sound port may be arranged in the spout.

[0031] The earbud housing, for example in or at the distal end, may include a microphone inlet configured to allow or direct sound from the surrounding environment to the second microphone.

[0032] The earplug housing, for example in or at the distal end, may include an aperture (eg hole, void, opening, gap) for receiving a wire connected to another component of the hearing device. The distal end may be free of an aperture.

[0033] In one or more exemplary earplugs, the outer surface may extend (or substantially extend) along the earplug axis (e.g., the longitudinal axis) of the earplug. In alternative earplugs, the outer surface may extend at an angle from the longitudinal axis of the earplug. In some earplugs, the outer surface may include multiple components extending toward and / or away from and / or along the longitudinal axis of the earplug. Thus, the outer surface may have a regular or irregular surface. The outer surface may extend around the entire periphery of the earplug shell. The outer surface may be any outer surface of the earplug shell outside the proximal and distal ends. The outer surface may include ridges and / or gaps and / or grooves and / or mating structures. For example, the outer surface may mate with one or more of the domes discussed herein. In one or more examples, the outer surface may have a quadrilateral cross-section, such as with rounded corners, at least along a portion of the longitudinal axis.

[0034] The earplug shell may have a tab and / or an extension and / or a cavity and / or a receiving surface and / or an attachment surface and / or a mating surface on the inner surface of the earplug shell (e.g., on the inner surface of the proximal and / or distal end and / or on the outer surface) for connecting the earplug shell to the earplug and / or other components of the hearing device. The earplug shell may have a tab and / or an extension and / or a cavity and / or a receiving surface and / or an attachment surface and / or a mating surface on the outer surface of the earplug shell (e.g., on the outer surface of the proximal and / or distal end and / or on the outer surface) for connecting the earplug shell to the earplug and / or other components of the hearing device. For example, the earplug shell may cooperate with one or more of the domes discussed herein. In addition, the earplug shell may include other components, such as a sound tube.

[0035] The earplug shell may have an electrical connection on an inner surface of the earplug shell (e.g., on an inner surface of the proximal end and / or the distal end and / or on an outer surface) for electrically connecting the earplug shell to the earplug and / or other components of the hearing device. The earplug shell may have an electrical connection on an outer surface of the earplug shell (e.g., on an outer surface of the proximal end and / or the distal end and / or on an outer surface) for electrically connecting the earplug shell to the earplug and / or other components of the hearing device.

[0036] The earplug housing may contain one or more computer components for operating the earplug. For example, a power storage component and / or one or more processors and / or one or more microchips and / or one or more digital signal processors and / or a circuit board and / or wiring may be partially or completely contained within the earplug housing.

[0037] In one or more exemplary earplugs, the earplug housing may have a circular (or approximately circular or substantially circular) cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In one or more exemplary earplugs, the earplug housing may have an elliptical (or approximately elliptical or substantially elliptical) cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In one or more exemplary earplugs, the earplug housing may have a rectangular (or approximately rectangular or substantially rectangular) cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. If a rectangular cross-section is used, the cross-section may include rounded corners or include sharp corners. The cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis may also have other (symmetrical or asymmetrical) polygonal shapes, and the specific cross-sectional shape of the earplug housing is not limiting. In addition, the shape and / or size of the cross-section may vary along the longitudinal length of the earplug, such as discussed below.

[0038] The earplugs may be receiver-in-ear (RIE) earplugs.

[0039] The length of the earplug housing may be less than 20 mm, such as less than 15 mm, such as in the range of 5-14 mm, such as 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm or 12 mm. The maximum extension of the earplug housing perpendicular to the earplug axis may be less than 10 mm, such as less than 8 mm or even less than 7 mm. In other words, the maximum width and / or height of the earplug housing may be less than 10 mm, such as less than 8 mm or even less than 7 mm.

[0040] The receiver and / or receiver housing may have or include a receiver outlet, such as in an end or wall of the receiver housing. The receiver may include a spout extending from the receiver housing. The receiver outlet may be arranged in the spout of the receiver, and fluid communication may be provided between the interior (e.g., front chamber) of the receiver housing and the exterior of the receiver housing. The spout may extend approximately proximally from the receiver and / or receiver housing. The spout may be retained in the earplug housing. The spout may extend proximally and exceed the earplug housing. The spout may have a circular or elliptical cross-section, but the specific shape of the spout is not restrictive.

[0041] The receiver and / or receiver housing may have or include a receiver vent, such as in an end or wall of the receiver housing. The receiver vent may provide fluid communication between the interior of the receiver housing (eg, the rear cavity) and the exterior of the receiver housing.

[0042] In one or more examples, the receiver housing has a first end and a second end with a receiver axis therebetween. The receiver axis and the earplug axis may form an angle, such as less than 10 degrees or in the range of 10 to 80 degrees, such as 15 to 45 degrees. The receiver axis may be the longitudinal axis of the receiver housing.

[0043] The length of the receiver (the distance between the first end and the second end of the receiver housing) may be in the range of 5 mm to 13 mm, for example in the range of 6 mm to 9 mm. The width of the receiver (the distance between the first side and the second side of the receiver housing) may be in the range of 2 mm to 5 mm, for example in the range of 3 mm to 4 mm. The height of the receiver (the distance parallel to the diaphragm) is less than 4 mm, for example in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm.

[0044] In one or more examples, the earbud includes a second microphone configured to pick up sound from the surrounding environment, such as sound outside the ear canal. The second microphone can be denoted as an ambient microphone. The second microphone can pick up sound via a microphone inlet in the earbud housing.

[0045] In one or more examples, the earbud housing includes a sound port at the proximal end, wherein the sound port is in fluid communication with a receiver outlet in the receiver housing. The sound port may be in fluid communication with the first microphone.

[0046] In one or more examples, the earbud housing includes a vent opening, wherein the vent opening is in fluid communication with a receiver vent in the receiver housing.

[0047] In one or more examples, the first microphone is arranged between the receiver and the proximal end of the earplug shell. In other words, the first microphone can be close to the receiver. Typically, the first microphone is arranged close to the sound port or within a short distance from it to be able to accurately pick up sound or audio from the ear canal. In one or more examples, the first microphone is arranged in the proximal portion of the earplug shell, for example, within 4 mm of the proximal end of the earplug shell.

[0048] In one or more examples, the earplug includes a seal between the receiver housing and the inner surface of the earplug housing, the seal being configured to seal the proximal acoustic chamber of the earplug relative to the distal acoustic chamber of the earplug. In other words, the earplug housing can be separated into a proximal acoustic chamber on the proximal side of the earplug and a distal acoustic chamber on the distal side of the earplug, for example, by the seal and the receiver. In one or more examples, the seal can include a venting mechanism.

[0049] In one or more examples, the earbud includes a wire extending from a distal end of the earbud housing, the earbud including a connector at the distal end of the wire for connecting the earbud to a behind-the-ear portion.

[0050] In one or more examples, the earplug includes a dome attached to an earplug housing (e.g., an orifice of the earplug housing). The dome is configured to support the earplug housing by contacting the inner surface of the ear canal when inserted into the ear canal. The dome may include a vent or be configured to seal the ear canal between the ear canal surface and the outer surface of the earplug housing.

[0051] In one or more example earbuds, the receiver housing can have an outer surface. The outer surface or at least a portion thereof can be adjacent to and in contact with an inner surface of the earbud housing. The receiver housing can have an outer surface that can be sized and / or configured to coincide with the inner surface of the earbud housing.

[0052] Discussed above are one or more example earbuds that include one or more microphones and a receiver that includes a dynamic coil.

[0053] In any of the exemplary earplugs discussed above, the earplug may include one or more domes (e.g., circular, oval, skirt, cone, retainer, assembler) extending radially away from the outer surface of the earplug shell. The one or more domes may partially or completely extend around the periphery of the earplug shell and / or a component extending from the earplug shell. The one or more domes may be integrally formed with the earplug shell and / or a component extending from the earplug shell. Alternatively, the one or more domes may be attached to the earplug shell and / or a component extending from the earplug shell. For example, they may be attached to the outer surface. Alternatively, they may be attached to the proximal end and / or the distal end. Alternatively, they may be attached to the outer surface and / or the distal end and / or the proximal end. The one or more domes may extend proximally and / or distally beyond the earplug shell and / or a component extending from the earplug shell.

[0054] One or more domes may be flexible. One or more domes may be rigid. One or more domes may be formed of plastic and / or silicone. One or more domes may be configured to press against the inner surface of the user's ear canal. One or more domes may conform to the user's ear canal. Thus, one or more domes may provide a fit and / or seal for the earplug in the user's ear canal. This may prevent unwanted movement of the earplug within the user's ear. The cross-sectional shape of the one or more domes may be generally circular and / or elliptical. In one or more exemplary earplugs, one or more domes may be formed as a cone, for example, open in the proximal direction. In one or more exemplary earplugs, one or more domes may be formed as a cone, for example, open in the distal direction.

[0055] In one or more exemplary earplugs, the earplug may include a first dome (e.g., a first skirt or a first cone). The first dome may be proximate to the first set of first vents. The first dome can help secure the earplug in the ear canal. The first dome may have an inner surface. The inner surface may extend circumferentially along the outer surface of the earplug housing. Thus, the first dome may be connected to the earplug housing. Alternatively, the first dome may be integrally formed with the earplug housing.

[0056] In one or more exemplary earplugs, the first dome has ventilation holes. The ventilation holes may pass through the first dome to provide fluid communication. For example, the ventilation holes may pass through the longitudinal thickness of the first dome. Thus, the ventilation holes can provide fluid communication between the proximal and distal sides of the first dome. In alternative variations, the first dome may have multiple ventilation holes, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ventilation holes. The multiple ventilation holes may be spaced around the first dome. The multiple ventilation holes may be asymmetrically spaced around the first dome. The multiple ventilation holes may be symmetrically spaced around the first dome. The advantage is that using a dome with one or more ventilation holes can provide a larger air volume than in the earplug shell. Therefore, the sound quality of the hearing device can be improved.

[0057] The ventilation holes may have the same size throughout the thickness of the first dome. Alternatively, the size of the ventilation holes may vary throughout the thickness of the first dome. Alternatively, the first dome may not have any ventilation holes. Specifically, the first dome may prevent fluid communication between the proximal and distal sides of the first dome between the outer surface of the earplug shell and the ear canal surface.

[0058] In one or more exemplary earplugs, the earplug may further include a second dome (e.g., a second skirt or a second cone). The second dome may be distal to the first dome. The second dome may help secure the earplug in the ear canal. The second dome may have an inner surface that extends circumferentially along the outer surface of the earplug housing. Thus, the second dome may be connected to the earplug housing. Alternatively, the second dome may be integrally formed with the earplug housing.

[0059] The second dome can prevent fluid communication across the longitudinal thickness of the second dome. Therefore, the second dome can not include ventilation holes or any other holes that provide fluid communication across the second dome. Specifically, the second dome can prevent fluid communication between the proximal and distal sides of the second dome between the outer surface of the earplug shell and the ear canal surface.

[0060] In one or more exemplary earplugs, the second dome may be away from the first group of first vents. In one or more exemplary earplugs, the second dome may be close to the second group of second vents. In one or more exemplary earplugs, the second dome may be longitudinally located between the first primary vent (or the first group of first vents) and the second primary vent (or the second group of second primary vent). Thus, the opening and closing of the ventilation mechanism can prevent fluid from flowing through or around the earplug to improve sound quality.

[0061] The second dome may have a larger dimension extending away from the earplug housing than the first dome. The second dome may have the same amount of extension away from the earplug housing as the first dome. The second dome may extend away from the earplug housing by a smaller dimension than the first dome. For example, if the second dome is located on the distal segment and the first dome is located on the proximal segment, and the diameter of the distal segment is larger than the diameter of the proximal segment, then the first dome needs to have a larger dimension than the second dome.

[0062] In one or more example earplugs, the first dome and the second dome are separate. In some variations, both the first dome and the second dome prevent fluid from flowing through the dome. In one or more example earplugs, the first dome and the second dome can be connected to form a combined dome. For example, the first dome and the second dome can be connected by a cylindrical portion.

[0063] In one or more example earplugs, the combined dome may include multiple dome portions, such as a first dome portion and a second dome portion. The combined dome may include other dome portions, such as a third, fourth, or fifth dome portion. The first dome portion may be proximal to the second dome portion. The first dome portion may overlap the second dome portion in a longitudinal direction. The first dome portion may not overlap the second dome portion in a longitudinal direction.

[0064] The hearing device may be configured for wireless communication with one or more devices, such as another hearing device (e.g. as part of a binaural hearing system) and / or with one or more accessory devices (e.g. a smartphone and / or a smartwatch). The hearing device may optionally include an antenna for converting one or more wireless input signals, such as a first wireless input signal and / or a second wireless input signal, into an antenna output signal. The wireless input signal may originate from an external source, such as a spouse microphone device, a wireless TV audio transmitter, and / or a distributed microphone array associated with a wireless transmitter. The wireless input signal may originate from another hearing device, such as as part of a binaural hearing system, and / or from one or more accessory devices.

[0065] The hearing device, such as an earplug or a behind-the-ear part, optionally comprises a radio transceiver coupled to the antenna for converting the antenna output signal into a transceiver input signal. Wireless signals from different external sources may be multiplexed in the radio transceiver as the transceiver input signal or provided as separate transceiver input signals at separate transceiver output terminals of the radio transceiver. The hearing device and / or the earplug may comprise a plurality of antennas and / or the antenna may be configured to operate in one or more antenna modes. The transceiver input signal optionally comprises a first transceiver input signal representing a first wireless signal from a first external source.

[0066] The hearing device, such as an earplug or a behind-the-ear part, optionally comprises a pre-processing unit. The pre-processing unit may be connected to the radio transceiver for pre-processing the transceiver input signal. The pre-processing unit may be connected to a first microphone for pre-processing the first microphone input signal. The pre-processing unit may be connected to a second microphone (if present) for pre-processing the second microphone input signal. The pre-processing unit may comprise one or more A / D converters for converting the analog microphone input signal into a digital pre-processed microphone input signal.

[0067] The hearing device, such as an earplug or a behind-the-ear part, comprises a processor for processing an input signal, such as a preprocessed transceiver input signal and / or a preprocessed microphone input signal. The processor provides an electrical output signal based on the input signal input to the processor. The input terminal of the processor is optionally connected to a corresponding output terminal of the preprocessing unit. For example, the transceiver input terminal of the processor can be connected to the transceiver output terminal of the preprocessing unit. One or more microphone input terminals of the processor can be connected to corresponding one or more microphone output terminals of the preprocessing unit.

[0068] Figure 1 A cross section of an earplug for a hearing device of an example is shown. The earplug 2 includes an earplug housing 4, which is configured to be inserted, for example, completely or at least partially, into the ear canal of a user. The earplug housing 4 has a distal end 6 and a proximal end 8, and includes an earplug axis X_E therebetween. The earplug housing 4 has an outer surface 10 connecting the distal end 6 to the proximal end 8 along the length of the earplug 2. The earplug housing 4 may contain and / or house one or more components of the earplug 2, such as a receiver 12, a first microphone 14 and / or one or more of other electronic components and / or processing components and / or audio components and / or data components.

[0069] The earplug 2 includes a receiver 12. The receiver 12 includes a (receiver) diaphragm 16 and a receiver housing 18 that accommodates the diaphragm 16, and the diaphragm 16 divides the interior of the receiver housing 18 into a front chamber 20 and a rear chamber 22. The receiver 12 is a dynamic coil receiver and includes a dynamic coil, which is a coil 24 attached to or fixed to the diaphragm 16.

[0070] The earplug 2 includes one or more microphones, including a first microphone 14, which is an ear canal microphone configured to pick up ear canal sound from the ear canal via a sound port 26 in the proximal end 8 of the receiver housing 4. The sound port 26 is configured as a sound outlet for the sound from the receiver to guide the sound to the user's eardrum. In addition, the sound port 26 is configured as a sound inlet for the sound to enter the earplug housing from the ear canal to reach the first microphone 14. The earplug housing 4 includes an orifice 36 at the proximal end 8, and the sound port 26 is arranged in the orifice 36. The orifice 36 is configured for attaching or arranging a dome on the orifice. The dome (not shown) can be a dome as described herein.

[0071] The first microphone 14 has a first membrane 28 with a first membrane normal MN_1. The first membrane 28 is perpendicular to or parallel to the earplug axis X_E, that is, the first membrane normal is parallel to the earplug axis. The first membrane can be arranged at a certain angle in the earplug housing 4.

[0072] The earplug 2 optionally comprises an electronic connector 30 and / or a wire 32 extending from the earplug housing 4, for example to a behind-the-ear portion of the hearing device. The wire 32 comprises a conductor 34 electrically connecting the components 12, 14 of the earplug to a BTE portion (not shown).

[0073] The earplug 2 is a receiver-in-ear (RIE) earplug and has a length of less than 20 mm, such as in the range of 5-15 mm, such as about 11 mm.

[0074] The receiver housing 18 includes a receiver outlet 38 in a first side wall 40 of the receiver housing and provides fluid communication between the front cavity 20 of the receiver housing 18 and the exterior of the receiver housing (e.g., the proximal acoustic chamber 42 of the earbud housing). The sound port 26 is in fluid communication with the receiver outlet 38 in the receiver housing 18 and in fluid communication with the first microphone 14.

[0075] The receiver housing 18 optionally includes a receiver vent 44 in the second side wall 46 of the receiver housing and provides fluid communication between the rear cavity 22 of the receiver housing 18 and the exterior of the receiver housing (e.g., the distal acoustic chamber 48 of the earbud housing). The earbud housing 4 includes a ventilation opening 54 for ventilating the distal acoustic chamber 48. The ventilation opening 54 is in fluid communication with the receiver vent 44 in the receiver housing 18. In other words, the ventilation opening 54 is configured for ventilating the rear cavity 22 of the receiver 12.

[0076] The receiver housing 18 has a first end 50 and a second end 52, with a receiver axis X_R therebetween. The receiver axis X_R and the earplug axis X_E form an angle in the range of 10 to 80 degrees, for example 15 to 45 degrees. The length of the receiver (the distance between the first and second ends of the receiver housing) is in the range of 5 to 13 mm, for example 6 to 9 mm.

[0077] The first microphone 14 is arranged between the receiver 12 and the proximal end 8 of the earplug housing. Thus, the first microphone 14 is proximal to the receiver 12.

[0078] The earplug 2 includes a seal 56 between the receiver housing and the inner surface of the earplug housing, which is configured to seal the proximal acoustic chamber 42 of the earplug with the distal acoustic chamber 48 of the earplug. In other words, the earplug housing 4 is separated into a proximal acoustic chamber proximal to the earplug and a distal acoustic chamber distal to the earplug by the seal 56 and the receiver 12.

[0079] Figure 2 An example earplug for a hearing device is shown. The earplug 2A may include the above Figure 1 All or part of the components or features discussed. The first microphone 14 is arranged within 4 mm of the proximal end 8 and has a first membrane 28 parallel to the earplug axis X_E. In other words, the first membrane 28 has a first membrane normal MN_1 perpendicular to the earplug axis X_E.

[0080] Figure 3 An example earplug for a hearing device is shown. The earplug 2B may include the above Figure 1 or Figure 2 The receiver is parallel to the earplug housing, and the receiver outlet 38 is arranged at the first end 50 of the receiver housing 18. The rear cavity 22 is ventilated directly through the receiver vent 44 and the vent opening 54, and the vent opening 44 is arranged on the outer surface 10.

[0081] The earplug 2B includes a second microphone 58, which is an ambient microphone configured to pick up sound from the surrounding environment (i.e., sound outside the ear canal) via a microphone inlet 60 in the earplug housing 4. The second microphone 58 has a second membrane 62 that is perpendicular to the earplug axis X_E or slightly angled thereto. It should be understood that the second microphone as shown in the earplug 2B can be implemented in one or both of the earplugs 2, 2A described above.

[0082] Figure 4 An example earplug for a hearing device is shown. The earplug 2C may include the above Figure 1 , Figure 2 and / or Figure 3All or part of the components or features discussed. The earplug 2C optionally includes a seal 56 for forming the proximal acoustic chamber 42 and the distal acoustic chamber.

[0083] Figure 5 An example earplug for a hearing device is shown. The earplug 2D may include the above Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and / or Figure 4 All or part of the components or features discussed. The earplug 2D and any of the earplugs 2, 2A, 2B, 2C may include a filter element (not shown) to protect the sound port 26 / earplug from debris and / or earwax.

[0084] The use of the terms "first", "second", "third" and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc. does not imply any particular order, but is used to identify individual elements. In addition, the use of the terms "first", "second", "third" and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc. does not indicate any order or importance, and the terms "first", "second", "third" and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc. are used to distinguish one element from other elements. It should be noted that the use of the words "first", "second", "third" and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc. here and elsewhere is for labeling purposes only and is not intended to indicate any particular spatial or temporal ordering.

[0085] Furthermore, the marking of a first element does not imply the presence of a second element, and vice versa.

[0086] It will be appreciated that the accompanying drawings include some modules or operations shown in solid lines and some modules or operations shown in dotted lines. The modules or operations included in the solid lines are the modules or operations included in the broadest example implementation. The modules or operations included in the dotted lines are example implementations, which may be included in the solid line example implementations, or are part of the solid line example implementations, or are further modules or operations that may be taken outside the modules or operations of the solid line example implementations. It will be appreciated that these operations are not necessarily performed in the order presented. In addition, it will be appreciated that not all operations need to be performed. The exemplary operations may be performed in any order and in any combination.

[0087] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed.

[0088] It should be noted that the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0089] It should be further noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, that exemplary embodiments may be implemented at least in part by both hardware and software, and that multiple "means", "units" or "means" may be represented by the same item of hardware.

[0090] As used herein, words indicating degree, such as the terms "approximately," "about," "roughly," and "substantially" as used herein, indicate a value, quantity, or characteristic that is close to a stated value, quantity, or characteristic that is still capable of performing a desired function or achieving a desired result. For example, the terms "approximately," "about," "roughly," and "substantially" may refer to an amount that is less than or equal to 10% of the stated amount, less than or equal to 5% of the stated amount, less than or equal to 1% of the stated amount, less than or equal to 0.1% of the stated amount, and less than or equal to 0.01% of the stated amount. If the stated amount is 0 (e.g., nothing, not having), the range cited above may be a specific range, and the difference is not within a specific % of the value. For example, a difference of less than or equal to 10 wt. / vol.% from the stated amount, a difference of less than or equal to 5 wt. / vol.% from the stated amount, a difference of less than or equal to 1 wt. / vol.% from the stated amount, a difference of less than or equal to 0.1 wt. / vol.% from the stated amount, and a difference of less than or equal to 0.01 wt. / vol.% from the stated amount.

[0091] Although features have been shown and described, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents.

[0092] [reference numerals list]

[0093] 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D earplugs

[0094] 4 Earbud housing

[0095] 6 Remote

[0096] 8 Proximal

[0097] 10 External surface

[0098] 12 Receiver

[0099] 14 First Microphone

[0100] 16 Receiver diaphragm

[0101] 18 Receiver housing

[0102] 20 Front cavity

[0103] 22 Back cavity

[0104] 24 Coil, moving coil

[0105] 26 Sound Ports

[0106] 28 First Film

[0107] 30 Connectors

[0108] 32 wires

[0109] 34 conductors

[0110] 36 holes

[0111] 38 Receiver outlet

[0112] 40 first side wall

[0113] 42 Proximal Acoustic Chamber

[0114] 44 Receiver Vents

[0115] 46 Second side wall

[0116] 48 Distal Acoustic Chamber

[0117] 50 First End

[0118] 52 Second End

[0119] 54 ventilation openings

[0120] 56 Sealing part

[0121] 58 Second Microphone

[0122] 60 microphone entrance

[0123] 62 Second Film

[0124] V The angle between the earbud axis and the receiver axis

[0125] X_E earplug axis

[0126] X_R Receiver axis

Claims

1. An earplug for a hearing device, the earplug comprising: an earplug housing for insertion into an ear canal of a user and having a distal end and a proximal end, the earplug axis being located between the distal end and the proximal end, the earplug housing having an outer surface connecting the distal end to the proximal end; a receiver comprising a receiver housing, the receiver being located within the earplug housing; as well as a first microphone configured to pick up ear canal sound, Wherein, the receiver includes a moving coil.

2. The earbud of claim 1, comprising a second microphone configured to pick up sound from the surrounding environment.

3. The earplug according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the earplug housing comprises a sound port at the proximal end, wherein: The sound port is in fluid communication with a receiver outlet in the receiver housing.

4. The earplug according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the earplug housing comprises a ventilation opening, wherein: The vent opening is in fluid communication with a receiver vent in the receiver housing.

5. The earplug according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first microphone has a first membrane that is perpendicular or parallel to the earplug axis.

6. The earplug according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The first microphone is disposed between the receiver and the proximal end of the earbud housing.

7. The earplug according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The receiver housing has a first end and a second end, a receiver axis is between the first end and the second end, and the receiver axis and the earplug axis form an angle in the range of 10 degrees to 80 degrees.

8. The earplug according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The earplug includes a seal between the receiver housing and an inner surface of the earplug housing, the seal being configured to seal a proximal acoustic chamber of the earplug relative to a distal acoustic chamber of the earplug.

9. The earplug according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a wire extending from the distal end of the earplug housing, the earplug comprising a connector at the distal end of the wire for connecting the earplug to a behind-the-ear portion.

10. The earplug according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The earplug includes a dome attached to an aperture of the earplug housing.

11. A hearing device comprising a behind-the-ear part and an earplug according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images