Acoustic port cover, device and protective housing including the acoustic port cover

Abstract

An acoustic port cover for attachment to an electronic device is provided herein. An electronic device includes a housing having at least one acoustic port extending through the housing. The acoustic port cover according to an embodiment provided herein is configured to be detachably coupled to the housing to cover the at least one acoustic port and to serve as a barrier against the accumulation of foreign matter / contaminants at a protective film associated with the at least one acoustic port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an acoustic port cover for an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] In recent decades, medical devices have provided a wide range of therapeutic benefits to recipients. Medical devices can include internal or implantable components / devices, external or wearable components / devices, or combinations thereof (e.g., devices having external components that communicate with implantable components). Medical devices, such as traditional hearing aids, partially or fully implantable hearing prostheses (e.g., bone conduction devices, mechanical stimulators, cochlear implants, etc.), pacemakers, defibrillators, functional electrical stimulation devices, and other medical devices have successfully performed life-saving and / or lifestyle-improving functions and / or recipient monitoring for many years.

[0003] Over the years, the types of medical devices and the range of functions performed thereby have been increasing. For example, many medical devices (sometimes referred to as "implantable medical devices") now typically include one or more instruments, devices, sensors, processors, controllers, or other functional mechanical or electronic components that are permanently or temporarily implanted within a recipient. These functional devices are generally used to diagnose, prevent, monitor, treat, or manage a disease / injury or its symptoms, or to study, replace, or modify an anatomical structure or physiological process. Many of these functional devices utilize power and / or data received from an external device that is part of, or operates in conjunction with, the implantable component. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, a device is provided. The device includes: a housing; at least one acoustic port that extends through the housing; a microphone positioned within the housing and including a sound inlet acoustically coupled to the at least one acoustic port; at least one acoustic port cover configured to be detachably coupled to the housing to protect the at least one acoustic port from direct exposure to contaminants; and at least one acoustic channel that extends between the at least one acoustic port cover and the housing, the housing being configured to acoustically couple the at least one acoustic port to an external environment of the housing.

[0005] In another aspect, an acoustic port cover is provided. The acoustic port cover includes: an outer surface; an inner surface configured to be detachably coupled to a housing of an electronic device so as to completely cover at least one acoustic port that extends through the housing of the electronic device; and one or more channels that extend along the inner surface in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the at least one acoustic port from the at least one acoustic port to the outer surface of the acoustic port cover.

[0006] In another aspect, a device is provided. The device includes: a housing including one or more first engagement features; at least one acoustic port extending through the housing about a first elongate axis; a microphone positioned within the housing and including a sound inlet acoustically coupled to the at least one acoustic port; at least one acoustic port cover including one or more second engagement features configured to mate mechanically with the one or more first engagement features of the housing; at least one acoustic channel extending between the at least one acoustic port cover and the housing, the housing configured to acoustically couple the at least one acoustic port to an external environment of the housing, wherein the at least one acoustic channel is disposed generally transverse to the at least first elongate axis of the at least one acoustic port; and a protective film positioned between the at least one acoustic port and the at least one acoustic channel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic view showing a cochlear implant including an acoustic port cover according to certain embodiments provided herein.

[0009] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a portion of an auditory prosthesis component configured to be coupled to an acoustic port cover according to certain embodiments provided herein.

[0010] Figure 2B is a first perspective view showing an acoustic port cover of an auditory prosthesis component attached to Figure 2A according to certain embodiments provided herein.

[0011] Figure 2C is a second perspective view showing an acoustic port cover of an auditory prosthesis component attached to Figure 2A according to certain embodiments provided herein. Figure 2B is a second perspective view of the acoustic port cover of the auditory prosthesis component attached to

[0012] Figure 2D is a perspective view showing the inner surface of an acoustic port cover and associated components of Figure 2B and Figure 2C according to certain embodiments provided herein.

[0013] Figure 2E is a partial exploded view of the acoustic port cover and associated components shown in Figure 2D according to certain embodiments provided herein.

[0014] Figure 2F is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an acoustic port cover attached to an auditory prosthesis component Figure 2A and Figure 2B and Figure 2C in accordance with certain embodiments provided herein.

[0015] Figure 2G is an exploded view showing additional details of certain elements of Figure 2F in accordance with certain embodiments provided herein.

[0016] Figure 2H is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an acoustic port cover attached to an auditory prosthesis component Figure 2A and Figure 2B and Figure 2C in accordance with certain embodiments provided herein.

[0017] Figure 2I is an exploded view showing additional details of certain elements of Figure 2H in accordance with certain embodiments provided herein.

[0018] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing additional details of an acoustic port cover and a housing of an electronic device in accordance with certain embodiments provided herein.

[0019] Figure 4 is a side view of an acoustic port cover attached to a housing of an electronic device in accordance with certain embodiments provided herein.

[0020] Figure 5 is a side view of another acoustic port cover attached to a housing of an electronic device in accordance with certain embodiments provided herein.

[0021] Figure 6A is a perspective view of an electronic device to which an acoustic port cover can be attached in accordance with certain embodiments provided herein.

[0022] Figure 6B is a side view of an acoustic port cover configured to be attached to an electronic device Figure 6A in accordance with certain embodiments provided herein.

[0023] Figure 6C is a perspective view of an acoustic port cover attached to an electronic device Figure 6A and Figure 6B in accordance with certain embodiments provided herein.

[0024] Figure 7A is a perspective view of an electronic device to which an acoustic port cover can be attached in accordance with certain embodiments provided herein.

[0025] Figure 7Bis a side view of an acoustic port cover configured to be attached to an electronic device according to certain embodiments provided herein Figure 7A of the electronic device.

[0026] Figure 7C is a perspective view of an acoustic port cover of an electronic device attached to Figure 7A the electronic device according to certain embodiments provided herein Figure 7B of the acoustic port cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] An acoustic port cover (acoustic port protector) is provided herein for attachment to an electronic device. An electronic device includes a housing having at least one acoustic port extending therethrough. The acoustic port cover according to the embodiments provided herein is configured to be removably coupled to the housing to cover the at least one acoustic port and to serve as a barrier against accumulation of foreign matter / contaminants at a protective film associated with the at least one acoustic port.

[0028] For ease of description only, the acoustic port cover provided herein is described primarily with reference to one exemplary electronic device / apparatus (i.e., a medical device in the form of a cochlear implant). However, it should be understood that the acoustic port cover provided herein may also be used with a variety of other devices including one or more acoustic ports positioned within a housing. For example, the acoustic port cover provided herein may be used with: a computer (e.g., a desktop computer, a thin client, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, etc.), a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone) or other consumer electronic device, other medical devices, such as other auditory prostheses, including acoustic hearing aids, bone conduction devices, middle ear auditory prostheses, direct acoustic stimulators, auditory brain stimulators, etc., and / or any other device having one or more acoustic ports.

[0029] Figure 1 is a simplified schematic view of an exemplary cochlear implant 100 including an acoustic port cover (acoustic port protector) 150 according to certain embodiments provided herein. In Figure 1 the cochlear implant 100 is shown as being partially implanted in a recipient's head 101.

[0030] The cochlear implant 100 includes an external component 102 and an internal / implantable component 104. The external component 102 is configured to be attached directly or indirectly to the recipient's body and generally includes an external coil 106 and generally includes a magnet ( Figure 1 not shown in Figure 1(not shown). In this example, one or more sound input devices may include, for example, multiple microphones configured to capture / receive acoustic sound signals, one or more auxiliary input devices configured to receive (e.g., audio inputs such as direct audio input (DAI), data ports such as universal serial bus (USB) ports, cable ports, etc.), and wireless transmitters / receivers (transceivers) each located in, on, or near the sound processing unit 112. The one or more auxiliary input devices and wireless transceivers are configured to receive electrical signals including sound data. Thus, the received sound signals may include acoustic signals, electrical signals including sound data, etc. It should also be understood that the sound processing unit 112 may also include or alternatively include other types of input devices, such as a pick-up coil.

[0031] The sound processing unit 112 includes a housing 140 that includes one or more acoustic ports / openings ([ Figure 1 (not shown). As further described below, in the examples provided herein, the acoustic ports in the housing 140 are protected by at least one acoustic port cover 150 that is removably coupled to the housing 140. That is, the sound processing unit 112 and the acoustic port cover 150 are configured to mechanically couple / fit with each other such that the acoustic port cover 150 remains on the housing without the application of an external force. As further described below, when coupled to the housing 140, the acoustic port cover 150 shields / covers the acoustic ports in the housing from direct exposure to foreign substances / contaminants (e.g., water, sweat, dirt, dust, etc.), but still allows / enables sound signals to enter the housing via the acoustic ports.

[0032] Although Figure 1 (not shown), the sound processing unit 112 may also include a plurality of other functional components. For example, the sound processing unit may include, for example, at least one power source (e.g., a battery), a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, and a processing module. The processing module may be formed by any one or combination of the following: one or more processors (e.g., one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more uC cores, etc.) arranged to perform, for example, sound processing and sound encoding operations, firmware, software, etc. The processing module may be implemented on a printed circuit board (PCB) or some other arrangement.

[0033] In Figure 1In the example, the external component 102 includes a behind-the-ear (BTE) sound processing unit 112 and a separate coil 106. The behind-the-ear sound processing unit is configured to be attached to the recipient's ear and worn near the recipient's ear. However, it should be understood that embodiments of the present invention may be implemented using systems including other arrangements, such as an over-the-ear (OTE) sound processing unit (i.e., a component having a generally cylindrical shape and configured to magnetically couple to a recipient's head including an integrated coil), a mini or micro BTE unit, an in-the-ear canal unit configured to be located in the recipient's ear canal, a body-worn sound processing unit, and the like.

[0034] Return Figure 1 In an example embodiment, the implantable component 104 includes an implant body (main module) 114, a lead region 116, and an intracochlear stimulation assembly 118, all of which are configured to be implanted beneath the recipient's skin / tissue (tissue) 105. The implant body 114 generally includes an airtight sealed housing 115 in which an RF interface circuit system ( Figure 1 (not shown in ) and a stimulator unit ( Figure 1 (also not shown in ) are disposed. The implant body 114 further includes an internal / implantable coil 122, which is generally outside the housing 115 but is connected to the RF interface circuit system via an airtight feedthrough ( Figure 1 (not shown in ).

[0035] The stimulation assembly 118 is configured to be at least partially implanted in the recipient's cochlea 137. The stimulation assembly 118 includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced intracochlear electrical stimulation contacts (electrodes) 126, which together form a contact or electrode array 128 for delivering electrical stimulation (current) to the recipient's cochlea. The stimulation assembly 118 extends through an opening (e.g., cochleostomy, round window, etc.) in the recipient's cochlea and has a proximal end connected to the stimulator unit via the lead region 116 and an airtight feedthrough ( Figure 1 (not shown in ). The lead region 116 includes a plurality of conductors (wires) that electrically couple the electrodes 126 to the stimulator unit.

[0036] As noted, cochlear implant 100 includes an external coil 106 and an implantable coil 122. Coils 106 and 122 are typically wire antenna coils each including multiple turns of electrically insulated single-strand or multi-strand platinum or gold wire. Generally, a magnet is fixed relative to each of external coil 106 and implantable coil 122. The magnet fixed relative to external coil 106 and implantable coil 122 aids in the operational alignment of the external coil with the implantable coil. This operational alignment of coils 106 and 122 enables external component 102 to transmit data and possibly power to implantable component 104 via a tightly coupled wireless link formed between external coil 106 and implantable coil 122. In some examples, the tightly coupled wireless link is a radio frequency (RF) link. However, various other types of energy transfer such as infrared (IR), electromagnetic, capacitive, and inductive transmission can be used to transfer power and / or data from the external component to the implantable component, and thus, Figure 1 only one example arrangement is shown.

[0037] In operation, the processing module of sound processing unit 112 is configured to convert sound / audio signals received / captured at one or more of the input elements / devices into stimulation control signals for stimulating the recipient's first ear (i.e., the processing module is configured to perform sound processing on the input audio signals received at sound processing unit 112). In Figure 1 an embodiment, the stimulation control signals are provided to an RF transceiver that transcutaneously transmits (e.g., in an encoded manner) the stimulation control signals to implantable component 104 via external coil 106 and implantable coil 122. That is, the stimulation control signals are received at the RF interface circuitry via implantable coil 122 and provided to the stimulator unit. The stimulator unit is configured to utilize the stimulation control signals to generate electrical stimulation signals (e.g., current signals) for delivery to the recipient's cochlea via one or more stimulation contacts 126. In this way, cochlear implant 100 electrically stimulates the recipient's auditory nerve cells to cause the recipient to perceive one or more components of the input audio signal, bypassing the missing or defective hair cells that normally convert acoustic vibrations into neural activity.

[0038] As noted, in Figure 1In the arrangement, the sound processing unit 112 is an external component that is worn by the recipient of the cochlear implant 100 during operation. Since the sound processing unit 112 includes a sound input device such as a microphone and since the sound processing unit 112 is configured to process the received sound signals, the sound processing unit 112 must be worn (and operational) in order for the recipient to hear sounds. However, an auditory prosthesis recipient may encounter wet, humid, dusty, or other environments in which foreign substances / contaminants (such as water, sweat, moisture, dirt, dust, chemicals, etc.) have the potential to damage the sound input device, sound processing elements, power source, etc. within the housing 140 of the sound processing unit 112. Traditionally, in such situations, the recipient has had to remove the sound processing unit 112 before entering a potentially damaging environment (such as before swimming), or, in less extreme cases, rely on the rigid housing 140 to protect the electronic components from the entry of water, dust, or other contaminants. Neither of these options is satisfactory and there is a potential for safety issues. Specifically, as noted, the removal of the sound processing unit 112 eliminates the recipient's ability to hear warnings, instructions, etc. Additionally, the housing (such as housing 140) is not manufactured to prevent the overall entry of fluids, dust, and other contaminants. If the electronic components within the sound processing unit 112 short circuit or are otherwise damaged, this will pose a potential hazard to the recipient.

[0039] The design of a waterproof (swimable) sound processing unit is particularly challenging because there are many competing mechanical design considerations. Additionally, in a conventional arrangement, it is difficult to establish a microphone subassembly for the sound processing unit such that the microphone is protected from the entry of water (or other contaminants) while maintaining an acceptable audio quality. One way to address this problem is to use a protective (anti-contamination) membrane at the acoustic port. In operation, such a protective membrane is positioned within or above the acoustic port and is configured to allow acoustic signals to enter the acoustic port. However, such a protective membrane is also configured to prevent water, dust, or other contaminants that may impair the internal workings of the device from passing through the protective membrane.

[0040] A protective film positioned in or above an acoustic port can be directly exposed to the external environment, which means that the protective film is directly exposed to (i.e., can directly contact) various contaminants such as hair, skin fat, oily residues, dust, dirt, etc. Thus, the protective film directly exposed to (in direct contact with) contaminants is prone to accumulating (building up) those contaminants on the outer surface of the protective film. This accumulation is problematic because it can affect the acoustic properties of the protective film and the sound input device (such as a microphone) that utilizes the associated acoustic port sealed by the protective film. That is, as noted, the protective film is configured to allow acoustic sound signals to pass through and enter the acoustic port. The accumulation of contaminants on the outer surface of the protective film may block, attenuate, or otherwise impede the ability of the acoustic sound signals to pass through the protective film, which in turn can negatively affect the operation of the sound input device (such as a microphone) that utilizes the associated acoustic port (e.g., a lower acoustic signal amplitude reaching the microphone may result in a lower captured sound quality).

[0041] The techniques provided herein can address many of these practical considerations, which allows the acoustic port to be sealed using a protective film while minimizing (e.g., reducing or eliminating) the accumulation of contaminants on the outer surface of the protective film. Specifically, an acoustic port cover is provided herein, sometimes referred to herein as an acoustic port protector, which is configured to be detachably coupled to the electronic device housing in a manner that protects the protective film of the acoustic port from being directly exposed to the external environment (i.e., provides a barrier between the protective film and the external environment). By shielding the protective film from the external environment, the acoustic port cover provided herein limits the amount of contaminants that can reach the protective film and thus limits the accumulation of contaminants on the outer surface of the protective film.

[0042] For example, Figure 1 shows an acoustic port cover 150 that is attached to a housing 140 and covers at least one acoustic port extending through the housing 140. When covering the at least one acoustic port, the acoustic port cover 150 also hides / shields the protective film ( Figure 1 not shown in ) that is used to seal the acoustic port against the entry of contaminants. By covering the acoustic port and the protective film, the acoustic port cover 150 limits the amount of contaminants that can reach the protective film and thus limits the accumulation of contaminants on the outer surface of the protective film.

[0043] As further described below, an acoustic port cover provided herein (such as acoustic port cover 150) may define one or more acoustic channels that acoustically couple at least one acoustic port to the external environment of an electronic device (such as sound processing unit 112). The one or more acoustic channels enable an acoustic sound signal to reach the acoustic port covered by the acoustic port cover, but also have an arrangement (such as length, cross-sectional shape, opening shape, etc.) that restricts or limits contaminants that can pass through the one or more acoustic channels and accumulate on the protective film).

[0044] Reference is made below to Figures 2A to 2I provide additional details of an exemplary acoustic port cover in accordance with the embodiments provided herein. Specifically, Figure 2A is a perspective view of a housing 240 of an auditory prosthesis component 212 (such as a sound processing unit, hearing aid, etc.) to which an acoustic port cover may be attached. As Figure 2A shown, the housing 240 includes a first (front) acoustic port 242(1) and a second (rear) acoustic port 242(2) referred to as the first acoustic port and the second acoustic port. The first acoustic port 242(1) and the second acoustic port 242(2) extend from the interior of the housing 240 to the outer surface 244 of the housing 240 (i.e., the acoustic ports extend through the housing).

[0045] As further described below, the auditory prosthesis component 212 includes a first input device and a second input device disposed in the housing 140, such as a first microphone and a second microphone. The first input device is positioned within the housing 240 to be acoustically coupled to the first acoustic port 242(1). Similarly, the second acoustic port 242(2) is positioned within the housing 240 to be acoustically coupled to the second acoustic port 242(2).

[0046] As noted above, the acoustic ports disposed on the outer surface of the housing are vulnerable to the entry of contaminants such as water, dirt, etc. Thus, a protective film may be positioned in or above the acoustic ports to prevent such contaminants from entering the housing via the acoustic ports. However, in such a position, the protective film is directly exposed to the external environment and is thus susceptible to problematic accumulation (build-up) of those contaminants at the outer surface of the protective film. Accordingly, an acoustic port cover is provided herein that is configured to be removably coupled to the housing of the device, such as the housing 240 of the auditory prosthesis component 212, to protect the acoustic ports and thus protect the protective film from contaminant accumulation. According to the embodiments provided herein, to facilitate attachment of the acoustic port cover, the outer surface 244 of the housing 240 includes one or more engagement features 246 that are configured to mechanically couple / mate / interlock with one or more corresponding engagement features of the acoustic port cover. Additional details of the mechanical engagement between the one or more engagement features of the housing and the one or more engagement features of the acoustic port cover are provided.

[0047] To facilitate a full understanding of the present invention, Figure 2A features of the housing 240 separated from any acoustic port cover are shown. However, Figure 2B and Figure 2C are a first perspective view and a second perspective view, respectively, of an acoustic port cover 250 according to the embodiments provided herein, the acoustic port cover being shown attached to the outer surface 244 of the housing 240. Specifically, Figure 2B shows a first (e.g., right) side view of the acoustic port cover 250 and the housing 240, while Figure 2C shows a second (e.g., left) side view of the acoustic port cover 250 and the housing 240.

[0048] As Figure 2B and Figure 2C show, when attached to the outer surface 244, the acoustic port cover 250 covers the first acoustic port 242(1) and the second acoustic port 242(2). That is, the acoustic port cover 255 is configured to protect the acoustic ports 242(1) and 242(2) and thus protect the protective film positioned in or on the acoustic ports 242(1) and 242(2) from being directly exposed to contaminants such as dust, dirt, water, sweat, etc. (e.g., limiting or restricting the amount and / or type of contaminants that can directly contact the outer surface of the protective film).

[0049] Figure 2BTwo acoustic channels are shown, namely acoustic channels 252(A) and 254(A). Acoustic channel 252(A) extends from the external environment outside the housing 240 through the acoustic port cover 250 to the opening of the first acoustic port 242(1) (i.e., the acoustic channel is unobstructed from the external environment to the protective film). Thus, acoustic channel 252(A) acoustically couples the first acoustic port 242(1) to the external environment of the auditory prosthesis component 212. Similarly, acoustic channel 254(A) extends from the external environment outside the housing 240 through the acoustic port cover 250 to the opening of the second acoustic port 242(2). Thus, acoustic channel 254(A) acoustically couples the second acoustic port 242(2) to the external environment of the auditory prosthesis component 212.

[0050] Figure 2C Two additional acoustic channels are shown, namely acoustic channels 252(B) and 254(B). Acoustic channel 252(B) extends from the external environment outside the housing 240 through the acoustic port cover 250 to the opening of the first acoustic port 242(1). Thus, acoustic channel 252(B) acoustically couples the first acoustic port 242(1) to the external environment of the auditory prosthesis component 212. Similarly, acoustic channel 254(B) extends from the external environment outside the housing 240 through the acoustic port cover 250 to the opening of the second acoustic port 242(2). Thus, acoustic channel 254(B) acoustically couples the second acoustic port 242(2) to the external environment of the auditory prosthesis component 212.

[0051] Generally speaking, Figure 2B and Figure 2C It is shown that in this exemplary embodiment, the acoustic port cover includes a total of four (4) acoustic channels, where two acoustic channels are associated with each of the acoustic ports 242(1) and 242(2) (i.e., acoustic channels 252(A) and 252(B) acoustically couple acoustic port 242(1) to the external environment, while acoustic channels 254(A) and 254(B) acoustically couple acoustic port 242(2) to the external environment).

[0052] In Figure 2B and Figure 2C example, acoustic channels 252(A) / 252(B) and 254(A) / 254(B) are disposed generally transverse to the corresponding acoustic ports 242(1) and 242(2). Thus, acoustic channels 252(A) / 252(B) and 254(A) / 254(B) generally receive signals at two opposite sides of the housing 240.

[0053] More precisely, Figure 2B and Figure 2CAlso shown is that acoustic channels associated with each of the acoustic ports 242(1) and 242(2) are disposed on opposite sides of the acoustic port cover 250. That is, the acoustic channel 252(A) is disposed on the first side 251(A) of the acoustic port cover 250, while the acoustic channel 252(B) is disposed on the second side 251(B) of the acoustic port cover 250. Similarly, the acoustic channel 254(A) is disposed on the first side 251(A) of the acoustic port cover 250, while the acoustic channel 254(B) is disposed on the second side 251(B) of the acoustic port cover 250. The positioning of the acoustic channels 252(A) / 252(B) and 254(A) / 254(B) on opposite sides of the acoustic port cover 250 may facilitate omnidirectional or multi-directional capture of acoustic sound signals at the microphone having the housing 240.

[0054] In some electronic devices, the relative "sound spacing" between two microphones can be used for certain sound processing operations, such as for beamforming, directional sound processing, etc. As used herein, the relative "sound spacing" between two microphones refers to the distance between two corresponding entry points through which acoustic sound signals enter a structure for subsequent sound capture. In a typical electronic device, the two corresponding entry points are the acoustic ports of the electronic device, which are directly above the microphones in the housing. Thus, in a typical arrangement, the relative sound spacing between two microphones located within the housing is exactly the same as the spacing between the acoustic ports associated with those two microphones. The spacing of the acoustic ports, in turn, can be determined by unrelated design considerations, which may result in a suboptimal relative sound spacing between the two microphones.

[0055] According to the embodiments provided herein, the relative sound spacing between two microphones is not controlled by the acoustic ports, but rather by the acoustic channels 252(A), 252(B), 254(A), and 254(B). More specifically, as Figure 2B and Figure 2CAs shown, the acoustic channels 252(A), 252(B), 254(A) and 254(B) respectively include sound entry openings 257(A), 257(B), 259(A) and 259(B). The sound entry openings 257(A), 257(B), 259(A) and 259(B) are the entry points of the acoustic sound signals, and thus, these openings control / determine the relative sound spacing between the microphones positioned within the housing 240. According to the embodiments provided herein, the arrangement (such as angle, length, cross-sectional size, etc.) can vary in different embodiments in order to achieve the optimal spacing between the corresponding openings (i.e., to achieve the optimal spacing between 257(A) and 259(A) and between 257(B) and 259(B)) according to the desired acoustic performance of the implementing device (e.g., the spacing of the acoustic channels can vary according to the desired acoustic performance of the device). For example, the acoustic port cover 250 can be formed by the acoustic channels 252(A), 252(B), 254(A) and 254(B) having the sound entry openings 257(A), 257(B), 259(A) and 259(B), and the spacing between the entry openings is greater than the spacing between the acoustic ports. Such a larger relative sound spacing can be beneficial for, for example, beamforming and / or directional sound processing operations.

[0056] Figure 2B and Figure 2C Generally shows the outer or top side / surface 255 of the acoustic port cover 250, and more specifically, shows the sound entry openings 257(A), 257(B), 259(A) and 259(B) of each of the acoustic channels 252(A), 252(B), 254(A) and 254(B) (i.e., the openings for the entry of the acoustic sound signals). Figure 2D and Figure 2E Is a schematic diagram that shows the inner surface or bottom surface 260 of the acoustic port cover 250, and other components configured to be disposed between the acoustic port cover 250 and the housing 240 of the auditory prosthesis component 212. Specifically, Figure 2D Is a perspective view of the inner surface 260 of the acoustic port cover 250 and other components shown separately from the housing 240. Figure 2E Is a partial exploded view that shows the acoustic port cover 250 and the components configured to be disposed between the acoustic port cover 250 and the housing 240 of the auditory prosthesis component 212.

[0057] Figure 2F and Figure 2H Are a first cross-sectional view and a second cross-sectional view, which respectively show parts of the acoustic port cover 250, components configured to be disposed between the acoustic port cover 250 and the housing 240, and components within the housing 240. Specifically, Figure 2FOnly the components associated with the acoustic port 242(1) are shown, while Figure 2H only the components associated with the acoustic port 242(2) are shown. Figure 2G and Figure 2I are respectively Figure 2F and Figure 2H exploded views of the components shown in Figure 2D , Figure 2E , Figure 2F , Figure 2G , Figure 2H and Figure 2I but the acoustic port cover 250 and the housing 240 are omitted. For ease of description,

[0058] Among other components, Figure 2D and Figure 2E also show the acoustic channels 252(A), 252(B), 254(A) and 254(B), which acoustically couple the acoustic ports 242(1) and 242(2) ( Figure 2D and Figure 2E not shown in Figures 2A to 2I ) to the external environment of the housing 240. As shown, the acoustic channels 252(A), 252(B), 254(A) and 254(B) are each at least partially formed by the inner surface 260 of the acoustic port cover 250. In the example of Figures 2A to 2I , the acoustic channels 252(A), 252(B), 254(A) and 254(B) are completely / fully formed by the inner surface 260 of the acoustic port cover 250. However, as further described below, in other embodiments, the acoustic channels may be formed by the inner surface of the acoustic port cover and / or by the outer surface of the housing to which the acoustic port cover is attached.

[0059] Figure 2D and Figure 2E also show a plurality of engagement features 262 disposed on the inner surface 260 of the acoustic port cover 250. The plurality of engagement features 262 are configured to mechanically mate with one or more engagement features 246 of the housing 240 ( Figure 2A ) to removably couple / attach the acoustic port cover 250 to the outer surface 244 of the housing. In the example of Figures 2A to 2I , the plurality of engagement features 262 are configured to snap-lock with one or more engagement features 246 of the housing 240. However, it should be understood that according to the embodiments provided herein, other types of engagement features may be used to removably couple the acoustic port cover to the outer surface 244 of the housing.

[0060] Figures 2D to 2IThe protective films 268(1) and 268(2) are shown, each of which is formed of an anti-pollution material (such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)). That is, the protective films 268(1) and 268(2) are hydrophobic and are configured to prevent dirt, dust, and other contaminants from passing therethrough. The protective film 268(1) is configured to be positioned between the acoustic port 242(1) and the acoustic channels 252(A) and 252(B), while the protective film 268(2) is configured to be positioned between the acoustic port 242(2) and the acoustic channels 254(A) and 252(B). Thus, the protective films 268(1) and 268(2) serve as barriers to prevent contaminants from entering the acoustic ports 242(1) and 242(2), respectively.

[0061] In Figures 2D to 2G an embodiment, the protective films 268(1) and 268(2) are disposed between the acoustic port cover 250 and the housing 240. The membrane supports 270(1) and 270(2) are respectively disposed between the protective films 268(1) and 268(2) and the acoustic port cover 250. That is, the membranes 268(1) and 268(2) are coupled (e.g., attached) to the acoustic port cover 250 via the respective membrane supports 270(1) and 270(2). In one example, the membrane supports 270(1) and 270(2) are silicone O-rings, but other arrangements are possible according to the embodiments provided herein.

[0062] In some embodiments, the protective films 268(1) and 268(2) may be attached to the membrane supports 270(1) and 270(2) and / or the housing acoustic port cover 250 (e.g., via the membrane supports). In other embodiments, the protective films 268(1) and 268(2) may be attached only to the membrane supports 270(1) and 270(2), or may be separate components. However, generally, the protective films 268(1) and 268(2) may be replaceable (e.g., together with the acoustic port cover 250, or separately from the acoustic cover 250).

[0063] Gaskets or sealing members (seals) 266(1) and 266(2) are disposed between the membranes 268(1) and 268(2) and the housing 240, and the gaskets or sealing members are configured to be adjacent to the acoustic ports 242(1) and 242(2) respectively ( Figure 2A)Positioning. The sealing members 266(1) and 266(2) can be positioned adjacent to the housing 240 and include (e.g., define) internal cavities that are linearly aligned with the respective acoustic ports 242(1) and 242(2). The sealing members 266(1) and 266(2) can be formed of an elastically flexible material such that when the acoustic port cover 250 is attached to the housing 240, the sealing members 266(1) and 266(2) can be compressed to prevent contaminants from entering around the membranes 268(1) and 268(2), respectively.

[0064] In some embodiments, the sealing members 266(1) and 266(2) can be attached to the housing 240 (e.g., via an interference fit with one or more features of the housing, via an adhesive, etc.). In other embodiments, the sealing members 266(1) and 266(2) can be attached to the protective membranes 268(1) and 268(2), the membrane supports 270(1) and 270(2), and / or the housing acoustic port cover 250 (e.g., via the protective membranes and membrane supports). In other embodiments, the protective membranes 268(1) and 268(2) can be attached only to the protective membranes 268(1) and 268(2) and the membrane supports 270(1) and 270(2), or can be separate components. However, generally, the sealing members 266(1) and 266(2) can be replaceable (e.g., together with the acoustic port cover 250, or separately from the acoustic cover 250).

[0065] In operation, acoustic sound signals (sound waves) enter via the entry openings 257(A), 257(B), 259(A), and / or 259(B). The acoustic sound signals are transmitted through the acoustic channels 252(A) / 252(B) and / or 254(A) / 254(B), and then are transmitted through the membranes 268(1) and 268(2), respectively, and cause the movement (vibration) of acoustic membranes (not shown) disposed in the microphones 208(1) and 208(2) positioned adjacent to the acoustic ports 242(1) and 242(2), respectively. The microphones 208(A) and 208(B) include sound inlets 276(1) and 276(2), respectively, which receive the acoustic sound signals from the acoustic ports 242(1) and 242(2). The microphones 208(A) and 208(B) are each components configured to convert the movement of the acoustic membrane into an electrical microphone signal that represents the acoustic sound signal impinging on the acoustic membrane. Depending on the microphone design, these electrical microphone signals can be analog or digital signals. In some embodiments, the microphones 208(A) and 208(B) can be microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microphones, but other types of microphones can be used according to the embodiments provided herein.

[0066] Microphones 208(A) and 208(B) are each electrically connected to a circuit and are each configured to provide a respective electrical microphone signal to this circuit. In Figures 2F to 2I the example, the circuit is implemented on one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) shown as PCBs 274(1) and 274(2). The auditory prosthesis component 212 may also include other components that have been omitted from Figures 2A to 2I for ease of illustration. For example, although Figures 2F to 2I not shown in, nozzles may be positioned within each of the acoustic ports 242(1) and 242(2) to direct / manipulate the acoustic sound signals to the sound inlets 276(1) and 276(2), respectively.

[0067] In Figures 2F to 2I the example, PCBs 274(1) and 274(2) are positioned between microphones 208(1) and 208(2) of respective acoustic ports 242(1) and 242(2). Thus, PCBs 274(1) and 274(2) each include openings 275(1) and 275(2) that allow the acoustic sound signals to reach the sound inlets 276(1) and 276(2).

[0068] Figure 2F and Figure 2H show the outer edges of the membrane supports 270(1) and 270(2), the membranes 268(1) and 268(2), and the seal members 266(1) and 266(2) compressed between the acoustic port covers 250 and the housing 240. That is, in Figure 2F and Figure 2H the arrangement, the acoustic port covers 250, the membranes 268(1) and 268(2), and the seal members 266(1) and 266(2) are configured to substantially prevent contaminants from entering the acoustic ports 242(A) and 242(B).

[0069] As noted, Figures 2A to 2I shows an example arrangement of an acoustic port cover 250 for attachment to the housing 240 of the auditory prosthesis component 212. The auditory prosthesis component 212 may be, for example, a sound processing unit or other external component of a cochlear implant or other type of auditory prosthesis (such as a hearing aid). However, as noted elsewhere herein, the acoustic port covers according to the embodiments provided herein may also or alternatively be used with other electronic devices such as mobile phones, computers, or other consumer electronic devices that require high audio quality and a contamination-proof design.

[0070] As noted above, the acoustic port cover / protector according to the embodiments provided herein is configured to be detachably coupled to the housing to cover one or more acoustic ports of the housing. Figure 3Is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a latch arrangement / mechanism for removably coupling / attaching an acoustic port cover 350 to an outer surface 344 of a housing 340. Figure 3 Is a cross-sectional view of the housing 340 at the location of the acoustic port 342.

[0071] More specifically, Figure 3 Shows that the acoustic port cover 350 includes one or more engaging features in the form of longitudinal ridges 362(A) and 362(B), each of which extends along at least a portion of the inner surface 360 of the acoustic port cover 350. The longitudinal ridges 362(A) and 362(B) are configured to mechanically cooperate with one or more engaging features at the outer surface 344 of the housing 340. In Figure 3 the example, the one or more engaging features include indentations / notches 346(A) and 346(B). That is, when the acoustic port cover 350 is placed on the outer surface 344 of the housing 340, the longitudinal ridges 362(A) and 362(B) are configured to be inserted into the indentations 346(A) and 346(B) respectively. When inserted, the indentations 346(A) and 346(B) cooperate with the longitudinal ridges 362(A) and 362(B) such that the acoustic port cover 350 can only be removed by applying an external force.

[0072] In Figure 3 the example, the mechanical cooperation between the longitudinal ridges 362(A) and 362(B) being configured to be inserted into the indentations 346(A) and 346(B) can be the result of several factors. First, the indentations 346(A) and 346(B) each include upper flanges 347(A) and 347(B) that are configured to engage the longitudinal ridges 362(A) and 362(B) respectively to prevent or restrict movement of the acoustic port cover 350 in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 376 of the acoustic port 342.

[0073] Second, the indentations 346(A) and 346(B) each include lower flanges 349(A) and 349(B) that are configured to engage the longitudinal ridges 362(A) and 362(B) respectively to prevent or restrict movement of the acoustic port cover 350 in a second direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 376 of the acoustic port 342, where the second direction is generally opposite to the first direction.

[0074] Third, in Figure 3In the example, longitudinal ridges 362(A) and 362(B) extend from arms 378(A) and 378(B) respectively, and the arms are biased inwardly (i.e., in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 376 of the acoustic port 342). In the absence of an applied external force, the inward bias of arms 378(A) and 378(B) causes longitudinal ridges 362(A) and 362(B) to remain in indentations 346(A) and 346(B).

[0075] If the acoustic port cover 350 is detached from the housing 340, one or more external forces can be applied to remove longitudinal ridges 362(A) and 362(B) from indentations 346(A) and 346(B) respectively. For example, a force can be applied to exert pressure on one or more of arms 378(A) and 378(B) in a direction substantially opposite to the inward bias, thereby moving one or more of longitudinal ridges 362(A) and 362(B) out of indentations 346(A) and 346(B), and separating the acoustic port cover 350 from the housing 340.

[0076] It should be understood that Figure 3 only one example of a latching connection arrangement for attaching an acoustic port cover to a housing according to the embodiments provided herein is shown, and other types and arrangements of latching connections can be used in other embodiments. For example, in another embodiment, the acoustic port cover can include a single ridge extending around the inner surface of the acoustic port cover, and the single ridge is configured to mate with a corresponding single indentation extending around the outer surface of the housing. In another embodiment, the acoustic port cover and the housing can include a plurality of discrete coupling / connection locations formed by different corresponding sets of indentations and protrusions. In yet another embodiment, one or more indentations can be disposed on the acoustic port cover, and one or more protrusions can be disposed on the housing to which the cover is attached. Again, these embodiments are merely illustrative.

[0077] In other embodiments, different types of detachable coupling mechanisms can be used instead of the latching connection arrangement. For example, the detachable coupling mechanism can be configured as an interference fit (e.g., the engaging features on the acoustic port cover are configured to have an interference fit with the corresponding engaging features on the housing to hold the acoustic port cover to the housing in the absence of an applied external force). Alternatively, the engaging features on the acoustic port cover and the corresponding engaging features on the housing together form a locking slide mechanism (e.g., the acoustic port cover includes features that slide into features of the housing and lock with the features of the housing without an applied external force when inserted therein). In other embodiments, the engaging features on the acoustic port cover and the corresponding engaging features on the housing can form a latch mechanism, a magnetic attachment mechanism, and a hinge and latch arrangement, etc.

[0078] Alternatively, the acoustic port cover may include one or more engagement features configured to mechanically mate with one or more of the acoustic ports of the electronic device. That is, the one or more engagement features may be inserted or snapped into one or more of the acoustic ports without significantly blocking or obstructing one or more of the acoustic ports.

[0079] As noted, FIGS. 2A through 2I generally illustrate an acoustic port cover 250, where acoustic channels 252(A), 252(B), 254(A), and 254(B) are formed entirely / fully by the inner surface 260 of the acoustic port cover 250. However, according to the embodiments provided herein, an acoustic channel may be formed only partially by the inner surface of the acoustic port cover or may be formed only by the outer surface of the housing to which the acoustic port cover is attached.

[0080] For example, Figure 4 is a side view of an acoustic port cover 450 attached to a housing 440 of an electronic device. Figure 4 Also shown therein is an acoustic channel 452 extending through the acoustic port cover 450 and the housing 440. That is, in this example, both the inner surface 460 of the acoustic port cover 450 and the outer surface 444 of the housing 440 include regions that together / jointly form the acoustic channel 452 when the acoustic port cover 450 is attached to the housing 440.

[0081] Figure 5 is a side view of an acoustic port cover 550 attached to a housing 540 of an electronic device. Figure 5 Also shown therein is an acoustic channel 552 extending only through the housing 540. That is, in this example, only the outer surface 544 of the housing 540 includes a region that forms the acoustic channel 552 when the acoustic port cover 550 is attached to the housing 540.

[0082] As noted above, for ease of description only, the acoustic port covers provided herein have been described herein mainly with reference to one exemplary electronic device / apparatus (i.e., a medical device in the form of a cochlear implant). However, it should be understood that the acoustic port covers provided herein may also be used with a variety of other devices that include one or more acoustic ports positioned within a housing. For example, the techniques provided herein may be used with: computers (e.g., desktop computers, thin clients, laptop computers, tablet computers, etc.), mobile devices (e.g., mobile phones), etc., other medical devices, such as other auditory prostheses, including acoustic hearing aids, bone conduction devices, middle ear auditory prostheses, direct acoustic stimulators, auditory brain stimulators, etc., and / or any other apparatus having one or more acoustic ports.

[0083] For example, Figure 6AIs a perspective view of a mobile phone 612 to which an acoustic port cover according to an embodiment provided herein may be attached. Figure 6B Is a side view of two acoustic port covers, referred to as acoustic port covers 650(1) and 650(2), which are configured to be attached to the mobile phone 612. Figure 6C Is a perspective view showing the acoustic port covers 650(1) and 650(2) attached to the mobile phone 612.

[0084] As Figure 6A shown, the mobile phone 612 includes a touch screen 637 embedded in a housing 640. The housing 640 includes a plurality of acoustic ports 642, which in this example are arranged in two groups referred to as acoustic port groups 643(1) and 643(2). A plurality of electrical components are disposed within the housing 640, and the electrical components include one or more microphones positioned adjacent to the acoustic ports 642. In operation, the one or more microphones are acoustically coupled to the acoustic ports 642 to capture acoustic sound signals entering the housing 640 via the acoustic ports. The acoustic ports 642 may include a protective film configured to prevent contaminants from entering the housing 640.

[0085] As Figure 6B shown, each of the acoustic port covers 650(1) and 650(2) includes a plurality of acoustic channels 652. As Figure 6C shown, each of the acoustic port covers 650(1) and 650(2) is configured to be detachably coupled to the housing 640 of the mobile phone 612 so as to remain attached to the housing 640 without the application of an external force. According to some embodiments provided herein, each of the acoustic port covers 650(1) and 650(2) includes one or more engagement features configured to mate with one or more corresponding engagement features of the housing 640. In certain embodiments, each of the acoustic port covers 650(1) and 650(2) includes one or more engagement features configured to mechanically mate with one or more of the acoustic ports 642 (e.g., one or more engagement features mate with one or more of the acoustic ports 642, but do not block / obstruct one or more of the acoustic ports 642).

[0086] When mechanically coupled to the mobile phone 612, the acoustic port covers 650(1) and 650(2) respectively cover / shield the acoustic port groups 643(1) and 643(2). However, when coupled to the mobile phone 612, the acoustic channels 652 also allow acoustic sound signals to enter the acoustic ports 642. That is, the acoustic port covers 650(1) and 650(2) are configured to shield / cover the acoustic ports in the housing 640 from direct exposure to foreign substances / contaminants (such as water, sweat, dirt, dust, etc.), but still allow / enable acoustic sound signals to enter the housing via the acoustic ports.

[0087] Figures 6A to 6C An embodiment is shown in which two acoustic ports are covered and directly coupled to the housing of a mobile phone. According to certain embodiments provided herein, the acoustic port cover may be integrated into a larger component coupled to the housing of an electronic device (such as the acoustic port cover is indirectly coupled to the housing of the electronic device). For example, Figures 7A to 7C An embodiment is shown in which the acoustic port cover is integrated as a component of a protective housing for attachment to a mobile phone.

[0088] Figure 7A is a perspective view of a mobile phone 712 to which a protective housing having an acoustic port cover according to the embodiments provided herein can be attached. Figure 7B is a side view of a protective housing 780 having two acoustic port covers, referred to as acoustic port covers 750(1) and 750(2), integrated therein. Figure 7C is a perspective view showing the protective housing 780 having acoustic port covers 750(1) and 750(2) attached to the mobile phone 712.

[0089] As Figure 7A shown, the mobile phone 712 includes a touch screen 737 embedded in a housing 740. The housing 740 includes a plurality of acoustic ports 742 which, in this example, are arranged in two groups referred to as acoustic port groups 743(1) and 743(2). A plurality of electrical components are disposed within the housing 740, the electrical components including one or more microphones positioned adjacent to the acoustic ports 742. In operation, the one or more microphones are acoustically coupled to the acoustic ports 742 to capture acoustic sound signals entering the housing 740 via the acoustic ports. The acoustic ports 742 may include a protective film configured to prevent contaminants from entering the housing 740.

[0090] As Figure 7BAs shown, acoustic port covers 750(1) and 750(2) are integrated in a protective housing 780 configured to be attached to a mobile phone 712 (e.g., formed as part of the protective housing). That is, the protective housing 780 can mate with a portion of the housing 740 and is configured to facilitate use of the mobile phone 712 (e.g., via the touch screen 747), while providing a protective cover for the mobile phone such that the mobile phone is not damaged in the event that the mobile phone is, for example, accidentally bumped / dropped and / or submerged in a liquid, etc. Each of the acoustic port covers 750(1) and 750(2) includes a plurality of acoustic channels 752.

[0091] As Figure 7C As shown, the protective housing 780 having the acoustic port covers 750(1) and 750(2) is configured to be detachably coupled to the housing 740 of the mobile phone 712 so as to remain attached to the housing 740 without the application of an external force. When the protective housing 780 is coupled to the mobile phone 712, the acoustic port covers 750(1) and 750(2) respectively cover / shield the acoustic port groups 743(1) and the acoustic port group 743(2). However, when the protective housing 780 is coupled to the mobile phone 712, the acoustic channels 752 also allow acoustic sound signals to enter the acoustic ports 742. That is, the acoustic port covers 750(1) and 750(2) are configured to shield / cover the acoustic ports in the housing 740 from direct exposure to foreign substances / contaminants (such as water, sweat, dirt, dust, etc.), but still allow / enable acoustic sound signals to enter the housing via the acoustic ports.

[0092] It should be understood that the embodiments provided herein are not mutually exclusive, and the various embodiments can be combined with one another in any of a variety of different ways.

[0093] The invention described and claimed herein is not limited in scope by the specific preferred embodiments disclosed herein, since these embodiments are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting of several aspects of the invention. Any equivalent embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Indeed, various modifications of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description, in addition to those shown and described herein. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a housing; at least one acoustic port extending through the housing; a microphone positioned within the housing and including a sound inlet acoustically coupled to the at least one acoustic port; at least one acoustic port cover configured to be removably coupled to the housing to protect the at least one acoustic port from direct exposure to contaminants; a support member engaged with the at least one acoustic port cover, wherein the support member defines a first opening; a protective film mounted to the support member to cover the first opening; and at least one acoustic channel at least partially formed in the at least one acoustic port cover to extend between the at least one acoustic port cover and the support member and through the first opening and the protective film of the support member, thereby acoustically coupling the at least one acoustic port to an external environment of the housing, wherein the at least one acoustic channel extends between flanges of the at least one acoustic port cover, and the flanges engage the support member to displace the support member away from an inner surface of the at least one acoustic port cover, such that the at least one acoustic channel extends between the inner surface and the support member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a seal member defining a second opening, wherein the protective film is mounted to the seal member to cover the second opening, and wherein the seal member is configured to be compressed against the housing to form a fluid-tight seal between the protective film and the housing, wherein the at least one acoustic channel extends through the second opening of the seal member.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the seal member is configured to be compressed against an outer surface of the housing, and wherein the at least one acoustic channel extends between the inner surface of the at least one acoustic port cover and the outer surface of the housing.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the at least one acoustic channel is disposed transversely to the at least one acoustic port.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein a first portion of the at least one acoustic channel is formed between the at least one acoustic port and the housing, and a second portion of the at least one acoustic channel is formed between the at least one acoustic port and the support member.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first portion of the at least one acoustic channel and the second portion of the at least one acoustic channel are continuous with each other.

7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one acoustic port cover is configured to be mechanically coupled to the housing to compress the seal member against the housing.

8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the flanges of the at least one acoustic port cover extend over the first opening of the support member, and wherein the seal member is external to the at least one acoustic port.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the at least one acoustic port cover and the housing include corresponding engagement features configured to cooperate with each other to couple the at least one acoustic port cover to the housing.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the microphone is a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microphone attached to a first surface of a printed circuit board (PCB), and wherein the PCB is substantially located between the MEMS microphone and the at least one acoustic port.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the at least one acoustic port includes a first acoustic port and a second acoustic port, and the at least one acoustic port cover includes a first acoustic port cover and a second acoustic port cover, the first acoustic port cover and the second acoustic port cover being configured to cover the first acoustic port and the second acoustic port, respectively.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the at least one acoustic channel includes a first acoustic channel having a first sound inlet opening and a second acoustic channel having a second sound inlet opening, wherein the first acoustic channel is associated with a first acoustic port of the at least one acoustic port extending through the housing, the second acoustic channel is associated with a second acoustic port of the at least one acoustic port extending through the housing, and wherein the first sound inlet opening and the second sound inlet opening have a relative sound spacing that is greater than a spacing between the first acoustic port and the second acoustic port.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the at least one acoustic channel includes at least a first acoustic channel having a first sound inlet opening and at least a second acoustic channel having a second sound inlet opening, wherein the first sound inlet opening and the second sound inlet opening have a selected spacing therebetween.

14. An acoustic port cover, the acoustic port cover comprising: an outer surface; an inner surface configured to be removably coupled to a housing of an electronic device so as to completely cover at least one acoustic port extending through the housing of the electronic device; a flange extending from the inner surface; a support member engaged with the flange and offset from the inner surface, wherein the support member defines a first opening; a protective film mounted to the support member to cover the first opening; and one or more channels extending between the flanges, wherein the one or more channels extend between the inner surface and the support member and extend through the first opening of the support member and the protective film to acoustically couple the at least one acoustic port to an external environment of the housing.

15. The acoustic port cover according to claim 14, wherein the protective film is configured to extend over the at least one acoustic port to limit contaminants at the outer surface of the acoustic port cover from reaching the at least one acoustic port.

16. The acoustic port cover according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the inner surface of the acoustic port cover is configured to be directly mechanically attached to the outer surface of the housing of the electronic device.

17. The acoustic port cover according to claim 16, wherein the inner surface includes one or more engagement features configured to mechanically mate with one or more corresponding engagement features at the outer surface of the housing.

18. The acoustic port cover according to claim 14, further comprising: a sealing member defining a second opening, wherein the protective film is mounted to the sealing member to cover the second opening, and wherein the sealing member is configured to be compressed against the housing to form a fluid-tight seal between the protective film and the housing, wherein the one or more channels extend through the second opening of the sealing member, wherein the sealing member is configured to mechanically mate with the housing at the at least one acoustic port.

19. The acoustic port cover according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the inner surface of the acoustic port cover is configured to be indirectly mechanically attached to the outer surface of the housing of the electronic device.

20. The acoustic port cover according to claim 14 or 15, wherein when the inner surface is detachably coupled to the housing of the electronic device, the protective film is positioned between the at least one acoustic port and the one or more channels.

21. The acoustic port cover according to claim 20, wherein the inner surface is configured to be mechanically coupled to the housing of the electronic device in a manner that forms a fluid-tight seal between the protective film and the housing.

22. The acoustic port cover according to claim 21, further comprising: a sealing member disposed between the protective film and the housing, wherein the at least one acoustic port cover is configured to be mechanically attached to the housing in a manner that compresses the sealing member to form a fluid-tight seal.

23. The acoustic port cover according to claim 14 or 15, wherein each of the one or more channels includes a second elongated axis that extends at an angle relative to the elongated axis of the at least one acoustic port to the outer surface of the acoustic port cover.

24. The acoustic port cover according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the at least one acoustic port includes at least a first acoustic port and a second acoustic port, and the at least one acoustic port cover includes at least a first elongated channel and a second elongated channel extending from the at least first acoustic port and the second acoustic port, respectively.

25. The acoustic port cover according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising a first elongated channel having a first sound inlet opening and a second elongated channel having a second sound inlet opening, wherein the first elongated channel is associated with a first acoustic port in the housing, the second elongated channel is associated with a second acoustic port in the housing, and wherein the first sound inlet opening and the second sound inlet opening have a relative sound spacing that is greater than the spacing between the first acoustic port and the second acoustic port.

26. A protective housing, the protective housing comprising the acoustic port cover according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the protective housing is configured to be mechanically attached to the housing of the electronic device.

27. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a housing including one or more first engagement features; at least one acoustic port extending through the housing about a first elongated axis; a microphone positioned within the housing and including a sound inlet acoustically coupled to the at least one acoustic port; at least one acoustic port cover including one or more second engagement features configured to mechanically mate with the one or more first engagement features of the housing; a support member engaged with the at least one acoustic port cover, wherein the support member defines a first opening; a protective film mounted to the support member to cover the first opening; and at least one acoustic channel at least partially formed in the at least one acoustic port cover to extend between the at least one acoustic port cover and the support member and through the first opening of the support member and the protective film, thereby acoustically coupling the at least one acoustic port to the external environment of the housing, wherein the at least one acoustic channel extends between flanges of the at least one acoustic port cover, and the flanges engage the support member to displace the support member from an inner surface of the at least one acoustic port cover, such that the at least one acoustic channel extends between the inner surface and the support member, wherein the at least one acoustic channel is disposed transversely to the first elongated axis of the at least one acoustic port.

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