Hearing device with magnetic induction coil field

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hearing device, comprising a magnetic induction coil and a magnetic induction control unit interconnected with the magnetic induction coil. The magnetic induction control unit and the magnetic induction coil are configured for wireless communication. The hearing device includes a behind-the-ear housing module, which includes: a signal processor for processing a received audio signal into a signal modified to compensate for a user's hearing impairment, a connection module configured to provide the modified signal to the user's ear, and a coupling module interconnecting the behind-the-ear housing module and the connection module. The magnetic induction control unit is disposed in the behind-the-ear housing module, and the magnetic induction coil is disposed in the coupling module.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to hearing devices and methods, in particular to hearing devices having wireless communication capabilities and thus hearing devices including antennas for communication.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a hearing device configured to communicate using magnetic induction and / or to communicate by using radio frequency. The hearing device can be used in a binaural hearing device system. The hearing device can be a hearing device for compensating for a user's hearing loss. During operation, the hearing device is worn in or at the user's ear, for example to mitigate the user's hearing loss. Background Art

[0003] Hearing devices are very small and delicate devices and include many electronic and metal components that are contained in a small enough housing or casing to be mounted in a person's ear canal or behind the outer ear. The combination of many electronic and metal components with the small size of the hearing device housing or casing places strict design limitations on the antennas (both MI antennas and RF antennas) for hearing devices having wireless communication capabilities.

[0004] In addition, the antennas in hearing devices in particular must be designed to be able to achieve satisfactory performance despite these limitations and other narrow design limitations imposed by the size of the hearing device and its proximity to the user's head.

[0005] Generally speaking, despite the continuous efforts to make hearing devices smaller and more cost-effective at the same time, the development of wireless technology has led to higher expectations for the communication capabilities of hearing devices. Further, in a binaural hearing device system, the requirements for the communication quality between hearing devices in the binaural hearing device system are getting higher and higher, and thus the requirements for the communication quality between hearing devices and other electronic devices (such as smart phones, accessory devices, etc.) are also getting higher and higher, and including requirements for low latency and low noise, which increases the requirements for effective antennas in hearing devices.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to provide an improved design of hearing devices for communicating with other hearing devices or electronic devices. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, one or more of the above and other objects are achieved by the disclosed hearing device.

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided a hearing device including a magnetic induction coil and a magnetic induction control unit interconnected with the magnetic induction coil. The magnetic induction control unit and the magnetic induction coil are configured for wireless communication. The hearing device further includes a behind-the-ear housing module. The behind-the-ear housing module may, for example, include a signal processor for processing received audio signals into signals modified to compensate for a user's hearing impairment. The hearing device further includes a connection module configured to provide the modified signals to the user's ear; a coupling module interconnecting the behind-the-ear housing module and the connection module. The magnetic induction control unit is disposed in the behind-the-ear housing module, and the magnetic induction coil is disposed in the coupling module.

[0009] Magnetic induction or near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) typically provides communication in a frequency range between 2 MHz and 30 MHz, including the transmission of voice, audio, and data. At these frequencies, electromagnetic radiation passes through the human head and body and propagates in the surroundings without significant losses in the tissue. A magnetic induction antenna operating at such frequencies may be vulnerable to noise originating from the electrical components of the hearing device. In some examples, noise in the microvolt range may be sufficient to affect the operation of the magnetic induction coil, and in some examples, the magnetic induction coil may have a background noise of less than 50 μV.

[0010] In some prior art examples, the magnetic induction coil has been shielded by a battery. However, as more and more hearing devices are equipped with rechargeable batteries, the present inventors have found that the location behind the battery does not provide sufficient shielding. However, it has been found that by providing the magnetic induction control unit and the signal processor in the behind-the-ear housing module, while providing the magnetic induction coil in the coupling module that interconnects the behind-the-ear housing module and the connection module, the noise level at the location of the magnetic induction coil can be sufficiently reduced.

[0011] In some embodiments, the coupling module interconnecting the behind-the-ear housing module and the connection module includes a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion, the first coupling portion being attached to the behind-the-ear housing module, and the second coupling portion being attached to the connection module; the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are configured to be detachably connected.

[0012] The advantage of having a detachable connection between the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion is that the connection module can be mounted on the user, replaced to obtain a proper fit, or disassembled, for example, for cleaning or replacement with limited effort, and interference with the behind-the-ear housing module, etc., is minimized.

[0013] In some embodiments, the magnetic induction coil is disposed in the first coupling portion. The advantage of disposing the magnetic induction coil in the first coupling portion is that the first coupling portion is not replaced when the connection portion is replaced. Therefore, the connection portion can be manufactured more inexpensively and is also user-friendly even when a magnetic induction coil is provided in the coupling module.

[0014] Hearing devices typically include a first transducer, such as a microphone, to generate one or more microphone output signals based on received audio signals. The one or more microphone output signals are provided to a signal processor for processing the one or more microphone output signals. A receiver or speaker is connected to the output of the signal processor, for example, to convert the output of the signal processor into a signal modified to compensate for the user's hearing impairment and to provide the modified signal to the speaker.

[0015] The signal processor may include elements such as an amplifier, a compressor, and / or a noise reduction system. The signal processor device may also have a filtering function, such as a compensation filter for optimizing the output signal.

[0016] In some embodiments, a magnetic induction control unit implements magnetic induction transmitting and receiving functions, such as magnetic induction transmitting and receiving control functions. The magnetic induction control unit is interconnected with a magnetic induction coil, for example, via a wire or via conductive traces on a support substrate (such as, for example, a PCB or the like, such as a flexible foil, such as a flexible PCB). A hearing device including the magnetic induction control unit and the magnetic induction coil is configured to communicate using magnetic induction (such as near-field magnetic induction). The magnetic induction coil may also be referred to as a magnetic induction antenna. The magnetic induction control unit may also be referred to as a wireless communication unit. The magnetic induction control unit may be configured to communicate using any protocol known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the magnetic induction coil and the magnetic induction control chip are configured for two-way communication. The magnetic induction control unit may be configured to control the power supply to the magnetic induction coil.

[0017] In some embodiments, the magnetic induction control unit is configured to apply any modulation scheme including amplitude modulation, phase modulation, and / or frequency modulation to a data signal to be transmitted by magnetic induction, such that the data is modulated onto the magnetic field emitted from the magnetic induction coil. The magnetic induction control unit may include circuitry such as a low noise amplifier (LNA), a mixer, and a filter. The magnetic induction control unit may also include peripheral digital blocks, such as a frequency divider, a codec block, a demodulator, etc.

[0018] In some embodiments, the magnetic induction coil is also configured to receive a magnetic field transmitted by another electronic device, for example, through the magnetic induction coil or antenna of another electronic device, and to provide the received data signal to the magnetic induction control unit. The magnetic induction control unit is configured to demodulate the received signal. In some embodiments, the magnetic induction control unit is configured as a transceiver. In some embodiments, the magnetic induction control unit is configured to receive and transmit data at a specific frequency.

[0019] The data transmitted may include data, audio, voice, settings, information, etc. The magnetic induction coil and the magnetic induction control unit may be configured to operate at a frequency below 100 MHz, such as below 30 MHz, such as below 15 MHz, during use. The magnetic induction antenna may be configured to operate in a frequency range between 1 MHz and 100 MHz, such as between 1 MHz and 15 MHz, such as between 1 MHz and 30 MHz, such as between 5 MHz and 30 MHz, such as between 5 MHz and 15 MHz, such as between 10 MHz and 11 MHz, such as between 10.2 MHz and 11 MHz. The frequency may also include a range from 2 MHz to 30 MHz, such as from 2 MHz to 10 MHz, such as from 2 MHz to 10 MHz, such as from 5 MHz to 10 MHz, such as from 5 MHz to 7 MHz.

[0020] However, it is contemplated that the hearing device as disclosed herein is not limited to operating in such frequency bands, and the hearing device may be configured to operate in any frequency band.

[0021] In some embodiments, the impedance of the magnetic induction coil is selected to optimize communication. The magnetic induction coil may have an impedance greater than a threshold inductance in some examples, such as an inductance greater than 2 μH, such as an inductance greater than 3 μH, such as an inductance greater than 3.5 μH, such as an inductance of about 3.9 μH or up to 5 μH. The inductance may be selected between 2 μH and 5 μH, such as between 3 μH and 4 μH.

[0022] In some embodiments, the magnetic induction coil has a longitudinal direction parallel to the inter-aural axis of the user of the hearing device. When the hearing device is disposed in the intended operating position at the user's ear, the longitudinal direction may be the axis of the coil winding along which the magnetic induction coil is disposed. In one or more embodiments, when the hearing device is worn in its operating position during use, the magnetic induction coil has a longitudinal extension in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the user's inter-aural axis or at 0 / 180 degrees + / - 35 degrees.

[0023] In some embodiments, a support substrate, such as a printed circuit board, is disposed in the coupling module, such as in the first part of the coupling module. In some embodiments, the magnetic induction coil is mounted on the substrate in the coupling module. Thus, the orientation of the magnetic induction coil can be arranged according to the above.

[0024] In some embodiments, the hearing device further includes an in-ear module configured to be positioned in the user's ear to receive the modified signal from the signal processor through the coupling module and the connection module and provide the modified signal to the user's ear. The in-ear module is attached to the connection module opposite to the coupling module.

[0025] In some embodiments, the in-ear module includes at least one electrical component, such as a transducer; the at least one electrical component has an electrical interconnection with an electrical component of any one or more of a signal processor, a battery, etc., such as a behind-the-ear housing module. The at least one electrical component may include a transducer. In some embodiments, the in-ear module includes an ear mold without electrical parts.

[0026] In some embodiments, the connection module is configured to provide a modified signal from the signal processor to the user's ear using an electrical interconnection. The connection module may include an electrical interconnection, such as a wire, a cable, etc. In some embodiments, the connection module is configured to provide the modified signal to the user's ear through a sound tube, such that the connection module includes the sound tube. In some embodiments, the connection module is configured as an ear hook, such that the connection module includes the ear hook. The ear hook may also be configured as a sound tube. In some embodiments, one or more microphones may be disposed in the user's ear, and the connection module may include one or more microphone signal lines that connect the one or more microphones disposed in the ear to a signal processor located at least in the behind-the-ear housing module.

[0027] In some embodiments, the electrical interconnection is provided from the in-ear module, such as from at least one electrical component of the in-ear module, such as from one or more transducers in the in-ear module, to the electrical component of the behind-the-ear housing module through the connection module and through the coupling module. The electrical components of the in-ear module may include one or more transducers.

[0028] In some embodiments, at least one electrical interconnection is provided between the behind-the-ear housing module and the in-ear module, for example, from an electrical component of any one or more of a signal processor, a battery, etc., such as the behind-the-ear housing module, to at least one electrical component, such as at least one transducer in the in-ear module. Thus, thereby, at least one electrical interconnection carrying an electrical signal reaches the connection module from the behind-the-ear housing module through the coupling module. However, such an electrical interconnection may cause electromagnetic noise along the electrical interconnection, for example, due to electromagnetic interference. Such electromagnetic noise may have drawbacks, especially when such an electrical interconnection is inherently disposed near a magnetic induction coil in the coupling module.

[0029] It should be noted that the size of the hearing device itself is small, such that the behind-the-ear housing module can be assembled behind the user's outer ear. Of course, the coupling device that couples the behind-the-ear housing module to the connection module is also small in size and is configured to be as unobtrusive as possible to ensure that the overall impression of the hearing device remains small in size and is not noticed by the user as much as possible. Therefore, the components in the coupling module will be disposed close to each other.

[0030] In some embodiments, the electrical interconnection may be insulated; however, typically, such insulation sufficient to effectively shield any electromagnetic noise will increase the diameter of the electrical interconnection beyond that required for use in a hearing device.

[0031] In some embodiments, a filter is disposed in the behind-the-ear housing module, and the filter is configured to filter signals transmitted through an electrical interconnection between an electrical component of the behind-the-ear housing module and at least one electrical component of the in-ear module. In some embodiments, the filter is configured to filter the modified signal for providing to at least one electrical component of the in-ear module.

[0032] The filter may be implemented as part of a signal processor, or the filter may be implemented as a separate circuit.

[0033] An advantage of providing a filter (such as a filtering element) configured to filter signals transmitted through an electrical interconnection between an electrical component of the behind-the-ear housing module and at least one electrical component of the in-ear module is that specific frequencies may be filtered out, for example, before the electrical signal passes through the coupling module.

[0034] In some embodiments, the filter is a low-pass filter; such as a low-pass filter having a cut-off frequency equal to or lower than 1 MHz, such as equal to or lower than 5 MHz, such as equal to or lower than 8 MHz. Typically, the electrical interconnection transmits transducer signals, such as microphone signals, such as speaker signals, such as audio signals, etc. Typically, such signals have frequencies lower than 8 MHz, such as lower than 5 MHz, such as lower than 1 MHz, such that the filter will allow such transducer signals to pass through, however, signals having frequencies higher than such frequencies will be reduced or filtered out, especially including harmonics of any transducer signal having a frequency higher than 1 MHz, such as higher than 5 MHz, such as higher than 8 MHz.

[0035] In some embodiments, the filter is a band-pass filter configured to filter a frequency range near the operating frequency of the magnetic induction coil. Thus, signals having frequencies lower than this range or higher than the operating range of the magnetic induction coil will not be reduced or eliminated by the band-pass filter; however, any signal having a frequency falling within the operating range of the magnetic induction coil will be reduced or eliminated by the filter. Thus, the electrical interconnection will not or will substantially not conduct signals having frequencies within the operating range of the magnetic induction coil.

[0036] In some embodiments, the electrical interconnection includes an H-bridge circuit disposed in the behind-the-ear housing module between the signal processor and the filter. The H-bridge circuit is configured to receive a signal processed to compensate for the user's hearing loss and generate a pulse-width modulated modified signal having a rise time and a fall time. In some embodiments, the H-bridge circuit is configured to amplify the modified signal before the modified signal is provided to the in-ear module through the coupling module and the connection module.

[0037] The modified signal of the pulse width modulation is provided to a filter. The filter is configured to increase the rise time and fall time of the pulse width modulation signal. In some embodiments, the modified signal of the pulse width modulation is the modified signal provided to the user's ear.

[0038] In some embodiments, the H-bridge circuit is provided as part of a signal processor; however, it is contemplated that the H-bridge circuit may also be implemented as a separate circuit.

[0039] The frequency of the modified signal of the pulse width modulation can be between 0 Hz and 20 kHz, such as between 100 Hz and 1 kHz, such as between 200 Hz and 500 Hz.

[0040] In some embodiments, the pulse width modulation signal of the H-bridge is configured to have a large pulse rise time and pulse fall time, and can be on the order of 1 ns. In some embodiments, such a short fall / rise time may be advantageous. However, in some embodiments, such a short fall / rise time may cause noise signals.

[0041] In some embodiments, the pulse width modulation signal is filtered by a filter. In some embodiments, the rise / fall time of the pulse width modulation signal is increased by 20% by the filter, for example increased by 50%. In some embodiments, the rise / fall time of the pulse width modulation signal is increased by an order of magnitude. For example, the pulse width modulation signal from the H-bridge may have a rise / fall time of approximately 1 ns, and the filter may increase the rise / fall time to, for example, 10 ns. In some embodiments, the RC factor of the filter is configured to obtain a smooth pulse width modulation signal, thereby obtaining the desired increase in the rise / fall time of the pulse width modulation signal. In some embodiments, the filter is configured to have an RC factor between 10 and 200.

[0042] The advantage of using a filter to increase the rise / fall time of the pulse width modulation signal is that the noise induced in the electrical interconnection can be reduced thereby. In some embodiments, by flattening the modified signal of the pulse width modulation, the harmonics otherwise generated by the modified signal of the pulse width modulation will be reduced. Otherwise, such harmonics may generate electromagnetic interference to the magnetic induction coil during operation. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the filter can replace any shielding required around the magnetic induction coil in the coupling module. Therefore, the size of the coupling module can be reduced.

[0043] In some embodiments, the hearing device includes a shielding element. In some embodiments, the shielding element has a ground connection, such as a ground potential. The ground connection can improve shielding and ensure, for example, reduction of any electromagnetic interference generated by the shielding.

[0044] In some embodiments, the shielding element provides shielding between the behind-the-ear housing module and the magnetic induction coil. In some embodiments, the shielding element provides shielding between the electronic components in the coupling module, including any electrical interconnections passing through the coupling module. In some embodiments, the shielding element provides shielding between the behind-the-ear housing module and the magnetic induction coil and between the electronic components in the coupling module, including any electrical interconnections passing through the coupling module and the magnetic induction coil.

[0045] The shielding element can be an electromagnetic shielding element that provides shielding for electromagnetic radiation. In some embodiments, the shielding element ensures that unwanted signals from the electronic components in the behind-the-ear housing module (such as signal processors, magnetic induction control units, power management units, etc.) and / or from the electronic components in the coupling module including any electrical interconnections through the coupling module, etc. are reduced, such as suppressed, such as at least partially suppressed, before reaching the magnetic induction coil.

[0046] In some embodiments, the shielding element is disposed in the coupling module. By providing shielding such as electromagnetic shielding between the behind-the-ear housing module and the magnetic induction coil, any influence from the electronic components in the behind-the-ear housing module can be reduced. Positioning the shielding element in the coupling module (such as in the first coupling portion) can be beneficial for reducing electromagnetic noise, such as electromagnetic interference also from components including wires that are disposed in the behind-the-ear housing module but are electrically close to the coupling module.

[0047] In some embodiments, the shielding element provides shielding, such as electromagnetic shielding, between the magnetic induction coil and additional electrical components disposed in the coupling module. The shielding element can shield the magnetic induction coil along one side, such as the side facing the behind-the-ear housing module, such as the side facing other electrical components disposed in the coupling module, etc.

[0048] The shielding element can be any shielding element commonly used for shielding electromagnetic radiation. Generally, the shielding includes a conductive material. In some embodiments, the shielding element includes a metal sheet, a perforated metal sheet, such as a mesh metal sheet, a metal screen, a metal foam, a metal foil, etc. In some embodiments, the shielding element is one of a metal sheet element, a metal screen, a metal foil, or a metal foam. In some embodiments, the shielding element includes a carrier material, such as a composite material, and a conductive material. In some embodiments, the conductive material is embedded in the carrier material, and in some embodiments, the conductive material is disposed on one side of the carrier material, for example, using printing, deposition, lamination, adhesion, coating, etc. In some embodiments, the carrier material carries a metal element. Generally, the conductive materials used include copper, nickel, iron, chromium, brass, aluminum, silver, stainless steel, metallized plastics, conductive carbon / graphite composites, etc., including any combination or alloy containing such materials.

[0049] In some embodiments, the shielding element is a cylindrical shielding element having a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the magnetic induction coil. In some embodiments, the shielding element is a solid shielding element, such as a solid cylindrical shielding element having at least one open end. In some embodiments, the shielding element is a shielding element having one or more openings, such as a cylindrical shielding element having one or more openings in addition to at least one open end. In some embodiments, the shielding element is a cylindrical shielding element having a slit in the longitudinal direction and at least one open end. Having a slit in the shielding element ensures that the current in the shielding can be reduced or substantially eliminated. Accordingly, any effect on the magnetic field of the magnetic induction coil will also be reduced.

[0050] It is contemplated that the shielding element may have different shapes and forms. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the shielding element is configured to provide optimal shielding of the magnetic induction coil in the longitudinal direction, while at least one end face of the magnetic induction coil is not shielded. In particular, in some embodiments, the magnetic induction coil is configured to communicate with a hearing device, for example, disposed on the other side of the user's head, and the end face of the magnetic induction coil facing the user's head is not shielded to obtain effective communication through the user's head.

[0051] In some embodiments, the hearing device includes a filter as described herein. In some embodiments, the hearing device includes a shielding element as described herein. In some embodiments, the hearing device includes both a filter and a shielding element as described herein.

[0052] In some embodiments, the hearing device includes an H-bridge and a shielding element and no filter. In some embodiments, the hearing device includes an H-bridge and a filter, and optionally also includes a shielding element.

[0053] The present invention relates to different aspects, including the hearing devices described above and below, as well as corresponding hearing devices, binaural hearing devices, systems, methods, devices, uses, and / or product apparatuses, each of which produces one or more of the benefits and advantages described in connection with the first-mentioned aspect, and each of which has one or more embodiments corresponding to those described in connection with the first-mentioned aspect and / or disclosed in the appended claims.

[0054] It should also be understood that the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not limiting. It should be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the articles "a", "an", and "the" are intended to mean that there is one or more of the elements, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may include several devices and the like. Further, the words "comprising", "having", "including", and similar expressions do not exclude other elements or steps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of its exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0056] Figure 1 An example of components in a hearing device is schematically shown.

[0057] Figure 2 An exemplary hearing device according to the present invention is schematically shown.

[0058] Figure 3a and Figure 3b An exemplary hearing device with a coupling module according to the present invention is shown in more detail.

[0059] Figure 4 A hearing device according to the present invention is illustrated diagrammatically.

[0060] Figures 5a to 5e A coupling module including a shielding element is schematically shown.

[0061] List of reference numerals

[0062] 1 Hearing device

[0063] 2 Transducer, i.e., microphone

[0064] 4 Signal processor

[0065] 6 Receiver or speaker

[0066] 8 Power supply

[0067] 10 Power management unit

[0068] 12 Electrical components of the behind-the-ear housing module

[0069] 14 Magnetic induction control unit

[0070] 16 Magnetic induction coil / antenna

[0071] 18 Longitudinal axis of the magnetic induction coil

[0072] 20 Behind-the-ear housing module

[0073] 22 Connection module

[0074] 24 Coupling module

[0075] 31 First coupling part

[0076] 32 First coupling part contact

[0077] 33 Second coupling part

[0078] 34 Second coupling part contact

[0079] 35 Ear canal opening

[0080] 36 In-ear module

[0081] 37 Electrical components of the in-ear module

[0082] 39, 39’ Interconnection lines

[0083] 41 Coil connection line

[0084] 42 Filter

[0085] 44 H-bridge circuit

[0086] 45 Modified signal

[0087] 50 Shielding element

[0088] 52 Ground

[0089] 53 First cylindrical end face

[0090] 54 Second cylindrical end face

[0091] 55 Electrical components provided in the coupling module

[0092] 56 Slit Detailed implementation manners

[0093] The present invention will become apparent from the following detailed implementation manners. The detailed implementation manners and specific examples disclose only the preferred embodiments of the present invention by way of illustration. Those skilled in the art can make changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention based on the guidance in the detailed implementation manners. The detailed implementation manners and specific examples disclose only the preferred embodiments of the present invention by way of illustration. Those skilled in the art can make changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention based on the guidance in the detailed implementation manners. Therefore, the present invention can be embodied in other forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. The disclosed embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0094] Various embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements. Therefore, the same elements will not be described in detail for each figure. It should also be noted that the drawings are only for facilitating the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or as a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, the illustrated embodiments do not necessarily have all the aspects or advantages shown. The aspects or advantages described in connection with a particular embodiment are not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiment, even if not so stated or not so explicitly described.

[0095] The same reference numerals are always used for the same or corresponding parts.

[0096] Figure 1 A block diagram of an embodiment of a hearing device 1 is shown. The hearing device 1 includes a first transducer, namely a microphone 2, for generating one or more microphone output signals based on received audio signals. The one or more microphone output signals are provided to a signal processor 4 for processing the one or more microphone output signals. A receiver or speaker 6 is connected to the output means of the signal processor 4 for converting the output of the signal processor into a signal modified to compensate for the user's hearing impairment and providing the modified signal to the speaker 6.

[0097] The hearing device signal processor 4 may include elements such as an amplifier, a compressor, and / or a noise reduction system. The hearing device may also have a filtering function, such as a compensation filter for optimizing the output signal.

[0098] The hearing device also includes a magnetic induction control unit 14 interconnected with a magnetic induction antenna 16 such as a magnetic induction coil. The magnetic induction control unit 14 is a wireless communication unit, and the magnetic induction control unit 14 and the magnetic induction coil 16 may be configured for wireless data communication using the transmission and reception of magnetic fields. The wireless communication unit may be implemented as the magnetic induction control unit 14. The hearing device 1 also includes a power supply 8, such as a battery or a rechargeable battery. In some examples, the hearing device also includes a power management unit 10 for controlling the power supplied from the battery 8 to any one or more of the signal processor 4, the receiver, one or more microphones 2, and the magnetic induction control unit 14. The magnetic induction coil 16 is configured for communication with another electronic device, and in some embodiments, is configured for communication with another hearing device, such as another hearing device typically located in the other ear in a binaural hearing device system.

[0099] In some embodiments, the power management unit is or at least includes a power management processor. In some embodiments, the magnetic induction control unit is or at least includes a magnetic induction control processor.

[0100] In Figure 2 shown is a first aspect of the present invention, in which the hearing device 1 includes a magnetic induction coil 16 and a magnetic induction control unit 14, and the magnetic induction control unit 14 is interconnected with the magnetic induction coil 16. The magnetic induction control unit 14 and the magnetic induction coil 16 are configured for wireless communication. The hearing device 1 includes a behind-the-ear housing module 20, and the behind-the-ear housing module 20 includes a signal processor 4 for processing received audio signals into signals modified to compensate for the user's hearing impairment. The hearing device 1 further includes: a connection module 22 configured for providing the modified signal to the user's ear, for example, providing it to the ear canal opening 35; a coupling module 24 interconnecting the behind-the-ear housing module 20 and the connection module 22.

[0101] The magnetic induction control unit 14 is disposed in the behind-the-ear housing module 20. The magnetic induction coil 16 is disposed in the coupling module 24. The magnetic induction coil 16 has a longitudinal axis 18. Generally, the magnetic induction coil 16 is located in the coupling module 24 such that when the hearing device is positioned at the intended operating position at the user's ear, the longitudinal axis 18 of the magnetic induction coil 16 has a direction along the inter-aural axis of the user. Thereby, for example, communication with a hearing device including a corresponding magnetic induction coil and located at the user's other ear is facilitated. In some embodiments, the coupling module 24 may include a carrier substrate, such as a PCB, to assist in positioning the magnetic induction coil 16 in the coupling module 24 at a desired position.

[0102] The electrical components 12 of the behind-the-ear housing module 22 may include a signal processor 4, a magnetic induction control unit 14, one or more microphones 2, etc.

[0103] Figure 3a and Figure 3b A hearing device including the coupling module 24 is shown in more detail. Figure 3a The coupling module 24 is shown to include a first coupling portion 31 and a second coupling portion 33. The first coupling portion 31 is attached to the behind-the-ear housing module 20, and the second coupling portion 33 is attached to the connecting module 22. The first coupling portion 31 and the second coupling portion 33 are configured to be detachably connected. The first coupling portion 31 includes a first electrical connector 32, and the second coupling portion 33 includes a second electrical connector 34. The first electrical connector 32 and the second electrical connector 34 are configured to be electrically connected when the first coupling portion 31 and the second coupling portion 33 are assembled. The first electrical connector 32 and the second electrical connector 34 are shown as a plug and socket implementation, but it is contemplated that such connection can be made in any manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0104] The first coupling portion 31 and the second coupling portion 33 may additionally include corresponding physical connection portions (not shown) in any known manner to ensure the detachable connection between the first coupling portion 31 and the second coupling portion 33.

[0105] In Figure 3a and Figure 3b it can be seen that the magnetic induction coil is disposed in the first coupling portion. As Figure 3a and Figure 3b shown, the hearing device 1 further includes an in-ear module 36. The in-ear module 36 is configured to receive the modified signal from the signal processor 4 through the coupling module 24 and the connecting module 22, and the in-ear module 36 is attached to the connecting module 22. It can be seen that one end of the connecting module 22 is attached to the coupling module 24, while the other end of the connecting module 22 is attached to the in-ear module 36. In some embodiments, the connecting module 22 is fixedly connected to the second coupling portion 33.

[0106] As Figure 3a and Figure 3b shown, the in-ear module 36 includes at least one electrical component 37, such as a transducer 37, and the at least one electrical component 37 has an electrical interconnection 39 with the electrical component 12 of the behind-the-ear housing module 22.

[0107] The electrical interconnection 39 is provided to the electrical component 12 of the behind-the-ear housing module 20 by connecting the module 22 and through the coupling module 24.

[0108] As shown in the figure, Figure 3a the coupling module 24 is shown, where the first coupling part 31 and the second coupling part 33 are separated. In Figure 3b it, the first coupling part 31 and the second coupling part 33 are assembled together, and there is an electrical connection 39 from at least one electrical component 37 in the in-ear module 36 through the connecting module 22 and the coupling module 24 via the first and second electrical connectors 32, 34 to the component 12 (such as the signal processor 4) of the behind-the-ear housing module.

[0109] Figure 4 An illustrative hearing device according to the present invention is shown. In Figure 4 it, the signal processor 4 and the magnetic induction control unit 14 are shown in the behind-the-ear housing module 20. Other components may be present in the behind-the-ear housing module 20, such as for example one or more microphones, a battery, a power management control unit, etc., but are not shown for clarity. The magnetic control unit 14 is connected to the magnetic induction coil 16 via a control line 41 connected to either end of the magnetic induction coil 16. The magnetic induction coil 16 is provided in the coupling module 24. A filter 42 is provided in the behind-the-ear housing module 20, and the filter 42 is configured to filter the signal transmitted from the signal processor, including the modified signal to be provided to at least one electrical component 37 of the in-ear module 36.

[0110] The filter 42 can be implemented in any manner known to those skilled in the art. The filter can be a low-pass filter; and the low-pass filter can have a cut-off frequency equal to or lower than 1 MHz, such as equal to or lower than 5 MHz, such as equal to or lower than 8 MHz. The filter 42 can be a band-pass filter, which is configured to filter the frequency range near the operating frequency of the magnetic induction coil 16.

[0111] The filter can be configured to have an RC factor between 10 and 200 to effectively smooth the pulse width modulation signal, for example, to increase the rise / fall time.

[0112] In Figure 4Illustrated schematically, the hearing device may additionally include an H-bridge circuit 44. The H-bridge circuit 44 is provided in the behind-the-ear housing module 20 between the signal processor 4 and the filter 42. As shown, the H-bridge circuit 44 is provided as part of the signal processor 4. However, it is contemplated that the H-bridge circuit may also be provided as a circuit separate from the signal processor. The H-bridge circuit 44 is configured to receive the processed and modified signal and generate a modified signal that is a pulse-width modulated modified signal having a rise time and a fall time. The pulse-width modulated modified signal is provided or transmitted via lines 45, 45' to the filter 42.

[0113] In some embodiments, the filter 42 is configured to increase the rise time and the fall time of the pulse-width modulated signal. Thus, the filter 42 can smooth the pulse-width modulated signal. Thus, the modified signal transmitted by the interconnecting lines 39, 39' is less likely to generate harmonics, such as harmonics of frequencies that may interfere with the operation of the magnetic induction coil 16. The modified signal transmitted by the interconnecting lines 39, 39' can be a filtered pulse-width modulated modified signal.

[0114] Figures 5a to 5e A coupling module is shown schematically. As Figures 5a to 5e shown, in some embodiments, the coupling module 24 further includes a shielding element 50. The shielding element 50 optionally has a ground connection 52, such as a ground potential 52. It is contemplated that the shielding element 50 can be any combination of any of the following proposed or additional shielding elements.

[0115] It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the filter 42 and the shielding element 50 are provided in the hearing device as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the hearing device may include the shielding element 50 without including the filter 42. In some embodiments, due to the shielding of the shielding element 50, the filter 42 may be unnecessary.

[0116] As Figure 5a shown, in some embodiments, the shielding element 50 provides electromagnetic shielding between the behind-the-ear housing module 20 and the magnetic induction coil 16 (such as between the electrical components 12 of the behind-the-ear housing module and the magnetic induction coil 16).

[0117] As Figure 5b shown, in some embodiments, the shielding element 50 has a ground connection 52, such as the ground potential 52 of the hearing device. In Figure 5b it, the ground 52 is shown for the shielding element 50, which provides electromagnetic shielding between the behind-the-ear housing module 20 and the magnetic induction coil 16, such as between the electrical components 12 of the behind-the-ear housing module and the magnetic induction coil 16. However, it is contemplated that any of the shielding elements disclosed herein may have a ground connection 52.

[0118] AsFigure 5c As shown, in some embodiments, the shielding element 50 provides shielding between the interconnecting lines 39, 39' that pass through the coupling module 24 and the magnetic induction coil 16. For example, as shown, the shielding element is disposed between the magnetic induction coil 16 and the interconnecting lines 39, 39'. The magnetic induction coil, the shielding element, and the interconnecting lines 39, 39' may be disposed in different planes; with the shielding element in the intermediate plane. It can be seen that any other electrical components 55 provided in the coupling element may also be positioned such that they are shielded by the shielding element 50, for example, on the same side of the shielding element 50 as any electrical interconnecting lines 39, 39'.

[0119] As Figure 5d shown, in some embodiments, the shielding element 50 is a cylindrical shielding element 50 whose longitudinal axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis 18 of the magnetic induction coil 16. The first cylindrical end face 53 and the second cylindrical end face 54 are open ends such that the end faces 53, 54 are not covered by the shielding element. The shielding element thus provides optimal electromagnetic shielding of the magnetic induction coil 16 in the longitudinal direction 18, while at least one end face of the magnetic induction coil is not shielded. In particular, in some embodiments, the magnetic induction coil 16 is configured to communicate with a hearing device, for example, disposed on the other side of the user's head, and the first cylindrical end face 53 of the cylindrical shielding element 50 disposed around the magnetic induction coil 16 facing the user's head is not shielded to obtain effective communication through the user's head.

[0120] As Figure 5e shown, in some embodiments, the shielding element 50 is a cylindrical shielding element 50 having a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 18 of the magnetic induction coil 16, and the shielding element 50 further has a slit 56 along the longitudinal axis.

[0121] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to the above preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will further recognize that modifications and variations can be made within the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, by studying the drawings, the description, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments when practicing the claimed invention.

Claims

1. A hearing device, comprising a magnetic induction coil, a magnetic induction control unit interconnected with the magnetic induction coil, the magnetic induction control unit and the magnetic induction coil being configured for wireless communication, a behind-the-ear housing module, the behind-the-ear housing module including a signal processor for processing received audio signals into signals modified to compensate for a user's hearing impairment, a connection module configured to provide the modified signal to the user's ear, and a coupling module interconnecting the behind-the-ear housing module and the connection module, wherein, the magnetic induction control unit is disposed in the behind-the-ear housing module, and the magnetic induction coil is disposed in the coupling module; wherein the coupling module includes a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion, the first coupling portion being attached to the behind-the-ear housing module, and the second coupling portion being attached to the connection module, the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion being configured to be detachably connected; wherein the magnetic induction coil is disposed in the first coupling portion.

2. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the hearing device further includes an in-ear module configured to receive the modified signal from the signal processor through the coupling module and the connection module, wherein the in-ear module is attached to the connection module.

3. The hearing device according to claim 2, wherein the in-ear module includes at least one electrical component having an electrical interconnection with an electrical component of the behind-the-ear housing module.

4. The hearing device according to claim 3, wherein the electrical interconnection is provided to the electrical component of the behind-the-ear housing module through the connection module and through the coupling module.

5. The hearing device according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein a filter is disposed in the behind-the-ear housing module, the filter being configured to filter the modified signal, the modified signal being configured to be provided to at least one electrical component of the behind-the-ear housing module.

6. The hearing device according to claim 5, wherein the electrical interconnection includes an H-bridge circuit disposed in the behind-the-ear housing module between the signal processor and the filter, the H-bridge circuit being configured to receive the modified signal and generate a pulse width modulated signal having a rise time and a fall time, wherein the filter is configured to increase the rise time and the fall time of the pulse width modulated signal.

7. The hearing device according to claim 5, wherein the filter is configured to have an RC factor between 10 and 200.

8. The hearing device according to claim 5, wherein the filter is a low-pass filter; the cut-off frequency of the low-pass filter is equal to or lower than 1 MHz.

9. The hearing device according to claim 5, wherein the filter is a low-pass filter; the cut-off frequency of the low-pass filter is equal to or lower than 5 MHz.

10. The hearing device according to claim 5, wherein the filter is a low-pass filter; the cut-off frequency of the low-pass filter is equal to or lower than 8 MHz.

11. The hearing device according to claim 5, wherein the filter is a band - pass filter configured to filter out a frequency range near the operating frequency of the magnetic induction coil.

12. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling module further includes a shielding element.

13. The hearing device according to claim 12, wherein the shielding element has a ground connection.

14. The hearing device according to claim 12, wherein the shielding element provides shielding between the behind - the - ear housing module and the magnetic induction coil.

15. The hearing device according to claim 12, wherein the shielding element provides shielding between the magnetic induction coil and other electrical components provided in the coupling module.

16. The hearing device according to claim 12, wherein the shielding element is a cylindrical shielding element whose longitudinal axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the magnetic induction coil.

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