Speaker unit for hearing aid device system and hearing aid device system

Abstract

The present application discloses a speaker unit and a hearing aid device system for a hearing aid device system, wherein the speaker unit comprises: a contact unit, which includes at least one contact element and is configured to be detachably mounted to a hearing aid device connector of the hearing aid device; a speaker unit body configured to be at least partially located in a wearer's ear canal, which includes an output transducer unit configured to provide an acoustic signal based on an electrical signal input to the output transducer unit via at least one contact element; a connection unit provided between the speaker unit body and the contact unit and including at least one wire configured to electrically connect the speaker unit body and the contact unit; and a memory unit configured to store data related to the speaker unit; wherein the memory unit is provided in the contact unit.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 201910180998.0, filed on March 11, 2019, with the invention title of "Speaker Unit and Hearing Aid Device System for Hearing Aid Device System". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a hearing aid device system having a speaker unit, where the speaker can be separated from the hearing aid device body of the hearing aid device system. In addition, the present invention relates to a speaker unit of a hearing aid device that can be connected to the aforementioned hearing aid device system. Background Art

[0003] With the increasing market of "Receiver-in-the-Ear" (RITE) hearing devices, especially hearing aids (HA), more and more RITE modules with different receivers included in the so-called speaker units will coexist in the coming years.

[0004] Here, RITE hearing aids typically consist of two independent parts, namely an amplifier unit and a speaker unit (SU).

[0005] Strategies are needed to identify and distinguish these RITE modules to ensure that future HA solutions will not cause damage and / or distorted sound and / or discomfort, i.e., when the wrong speaker unit is connected to the hearing device, it will result in a sound level that is too loud or too weak for the end user, such as a speaker unit with a higher or lower sensitivity than expected during fitting. Similarly, if a particular RITE module is configured to be used specifically in the left or right ear, for example, by pre-bending or having an ear mold adapted to the left / right ear, it is necessary to ensure that the hearing aid is connected to the correct / expected speaker. This is also important in cases where the user has inconsistent hearing loss. Then, identifying the connected left / right speaker unit can be combined with adjusting the hearing loss compensation with the current speaker, because it is expected that the user will then place the hearing aid in the corresponding ear, i.e., if the left ear speaker unit is connected, the hearing aid can be configured to compensate for the specific hearing loss at that ear.

[0006] Mechanical differentiation between different modules is possible, for example, by providing different connectors with different mechanical properties such as form factors. However, such a solution increases the production cost and the complexity of handling several different variations of the "same" component / module.

[0007] In practice, each individual loudspeaker unit will have (slightly) different physical properties such as frequency response, which depends firstly on the receiver type and secondly on product variations within a given type. The receiver type can be based on for which verification level, e.g., 85 dB, 105 dB or 117 dB, since a larger maximum output level generally requires a larger or at least different loudspeaker. Knowledge of the exact properties of a given receiver, in particular but not limited to the frequency response, can be used to obtain more precise amplification, and it may not be necessary for the hearing aid to know in advance about this type. Knowledge of the properties of a specific receiver can be used not only in hearing devices where the receiver is located in a separate body, but also in hearing aids where the receiver is implemented in the hearing aid body, e.g., in the same housing as the processing unit.

[0008] When fitting a hearing aid, only the amplifier information can be detected by the fitting system. The SU is not specifically known to the fitting system, and only rough information about it is input by the fitter. This method has the risk of inputting incorrect information, and the corresponding risk is that the sound in the hearing aid is too loud or too soft for the user, and even damages the SU or the hearing aid device.

[0009] In addition to the initial fitting, during the product life, the SU usually also needs to be replaced, which is sometimes done by the end user. Since the end user does not have the aforementioned fitting system, the hearing aid may not be optimally adjusted because the new SU may have physical properties different from those of the replaced SU, and the fitting is based on the physical properties of the replaced SU.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need to provide a solution that solves at least part of the problems mentioned above. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention provides at least an alternative to the prior art.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a loudspeaker unit that can be detachably mounted to a hearing aid device body, wherein the hearing aid device body can be configured to be located behind the wearer's ear.

[0013] The loudspeaker unit includes a contact unit, which may include at least one contact element, and the loudspeaker unit can be configured to be detachably mounted to a hearing aid device connector of the hearing aid device. The contact unit and the hearing aid device connector can be configured in a plug-socket configuration such that the two parts mate.

[0014] The loudspeaker unit may further include a loudspeaker unit body configured to be at least partially located in the wearer's ear canal. The loudspeaker unit body may also be referred to as the loudspeaker unit housing. The loudspeaker unit body may include an output transducer unit configured to provide an acoustic signal based on an electrical signal input to the output transducer unit via at least one contact element.

[0015] The loudspeaker unit may further include a connection unit provided between the loudspeaker unit body and the contact unit and including at least one wire configured to electrically connect the loudspeaker unit body and the contact unit. In the present specification, the wire may be regarded as metal drawn into the form of a cord or a rod, preferably quite thin compared to its length. The wire may have a cylindrical or oval cross-section. The wire is preferably electrically conductive. The wire is in solid, stranded or braided form. The wire may include being solid, being a stranded wire or having a braided form.

[0016] The loudspeaker unit further includes a memory unit configured to store data related to the loudspeaker unit. The data in the memory unit may be written to the memory unit, for example, during production, before the loudspeaker unit is connected to a hearing aid device. The data may include a specific identification number that uniquely identifies a particular loudspeaker unit. The data may include a type identification that identifies the loudspeaker unit as belonging to a particular type, for example, within a particular maximum output level. The data may include data written to the memory by the hearing aid device. The data written by the hearing aid device may include the date of first use, the cumulative usage time, the maximum output level reached, a removal event (i.e., an indication from a sensor that the hearing aid device including the loudspeaker has been removed). This information is significant because removal may cause damage to the loudspeaker. This information may be read by the hearing aid device and may be used as a basis for deciding whether to replace the loudspeaker. The data may be sent, for example, via an Internet connection to a server, based on which an audiological healthcare professional may take appropriate action, and / or the information may be provided to the user, for example, via a graphical user interface on a smartphone, a tablet computer, a computer, etc. or via an audio message to the user.

[0017] The memory unit configured to store data related to the loudspeaker unit may be provided in the loudspeaker unit together with a printed circuit board or on the printed circuit board, and wherein an additional printed circuit board may also be provided in the loudspeaker unit body. In this case, at least one decoupling element may be provided between the printed circuit board and the additional printed circuit board to electromagnetic decouple the two printed circuit boards. This may reduce unwanted coupling of signals from one printed circuit board to the other. This is particularly advantageous when one of the printed circuit boards is connected to an element that serves as at least a part of an antenna. The aforementioned element may be a connection element, as described elsewhere in the present specification, which may be at least a part of the antenna. This is even more advantageous when the printed circuit board not connected to the antenna includes components that are sensitive to noise near the operating frequency of the antenna.

[0018] The contact unit may include a plurality of contact elements, such as six contact elements including the at least one contact element, and include a tongue portion. The six contact elements may be distributed on a first side of the tongue portion and a second side of the tongue portion, the second side being opposite to the first side of the tongue portion. Further, in this case, the tongue portion may be configured to be received in a slit of the hearing aid device connector of the hearing aid device so that the six contact elements contact corresponding contact surfaces of the hearing aid device connector of the hearing aid device. Further or alternatively, all the contact elements may be distributed on the first side of the tongue portion, and there are no contact elements on the second side of the tongue portion, the second side being opposite to the first side of the tongue portion.

[0019] The tongue portion may be a solid tongue portion. The tongue portion may be a soft tongue portion or a rigid tongue portion or a semi-rigid tongue portion. The tongue portion may have a visible portion extending from the surface of the contact unit. The visible portion may have a generally rectangular geometry.

[0020] Among the contact elements, some contact elements may be configured for specific purposes. For example, two receiver contact elements may be configured to conduct the electrical signal for input to the output transducer unit. One or more contact elements may also be configured as power contact elements, which are configured to receive a positive power input. One or more contact elements may also be configured as ground contact elements, which may be configured to receive a negative power input. In the case of using six contact elements, these contact elements may include those configured to conduct the I 2 C bus clock input signal of the I 2 C bus clock contact element. One or more contact elements may also be configured as I 2 C bus data contact elements, which are configured to conduct the I 2 C bus data signal. All the contact elements or at least a subset of the contact elements may be configured to be used as a communication interface, such as a part of the I 2 C interface.

[0021] The memory unit may be electrically connected to at least the I 2 C bus clock contact element and the I 2 C bus data contact element.

[0022] The speaker unit body may include at least one of a sensor and a microphone. In this case, at least one of the sensor and the microphone may be electrically connected to at least the I 2 C bus clock contact element and the I 2 C bus data contact element and / or the memory unit. The processor may be connected between at least one of the sensor and the microphone and at least the I 2 C bus clock contact element and the I 2between the C-bus data contact element and / or said memory unit.

[0023] The memory unit may be provided on the tongue or together with the tongue. The memory unit may consist of a single or several units or elements. The memory unit may be part of another unit such as a processor. The memory unit may be a non-volatile memory unit. The memory unit may be accessed for reading and writing, or read-only or write-only.

[0024] The memory unit may be provided on one of the first side and the second side of the tongue, and at least one additional electronic component may be provided on the other or the same side of the first side and the second side of the tongue.

[0025] The memory unit may be provided in the contact unit. Compared with providing the memory unit in or at the speaker unit body, this can eliminate the need to provide partial conductive leads for communicating with the memory unit.

[0026] The connection unit may include two receiver contact wires, which include said at least one wire, and the two receiver contact wires are configured to conduct the electrical signal for input to the output transducer unit.

[0027] Alternatively, the memory unit may be provided in the speaker unit body.

[0028] The connection unit may include six wires including said at least one wire. The six wires may include two receiver contact wires, which are configured to conduct the electrical signal for input to the output transducer unit. The six wires may include a power supply contact wire configured to receive a positive power input. The six wires may further include a ground contact wire configured to receive a negative power input. The six wires may further include an I 2 C-bus clock contact wire for conducting the I 2 C-bus clock input signal. The six wires may further include an I 2 C-bus data contact wire for conducting the I 2 C-bus data signal.

[0029] The speaker unit may further include a multi-purpose audio and sensor system. In this case, the connection unit may include five wires including said at least one wire. Then the five wires may be arranged to include a power supply contact wire configured to receive a positive power input. In addition, the five wires may be arranged to include a ground contact wire configured to receive a negative power input. Additionally, the five wires may be arranged to include at least one data wire. Each of the at least one data wires may be an I 2 C-bus data wire. In this case, the multi-purpose audio and sensor system may be electrically connected to each of the five wires.

[0030] The loudspeaker unit may also include a printed circuit board. In this case, the memory unit may be provided on the printed circuit board.

[0031] The printed circuit board may include at least one additional electronic component.

[0032] One or more or even all of the components provided in the loudspeaker unit according to the invention together with the printed circuit board may be embedded in one or more printed circuit boards within or at the location of the loudspeaker unit. This may include, for example, embedding the memory unit or memory units, the processor or processors, multiple ESD diode elements or any other type of component.

[0033] The memory unit may be provided on a first side of the printed circuit board. At least one additional electronic component may be provided on a second side of the printed circuit board opposite the first side.

[0034] The printed circuit board may be provided on the back side of the output transducer unit relative to the outlet of the output transducer unit.

[0035] As an alternative, the printed circuit board may be provided on one side of the output transducer unit relative to the outlet of the output transducer unit.

[0036] The loudspeaker unit may also include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be provided on the printed circuit board or provided together with the printed circuit board. This may enable one or more temperature measurements to be made at or near the skin surface of the ear canal of a person wearing the aforementioned loudspeaker unit. The heat-conducting medium between the skin surface and the sensor may be at least one of the following: air in the ear canal, having a possible passage through the receiver outlet, heat conduction through the plastic housing via the dome to the skin surface of the ear canal, direct heat conduction through the dome to the skin surface in the ear canal.

[0037] As an alternative or in addition, the loudspeaker unit may also include a temperature sensor provided in front of the output transducer unit relative to the outlet of the output transducer unit and connected to the printed circuit board via, for example, a flexible flat cable or other electrical conductor.

[0038] The memory unit may be a non-volatile random access memory.

[0039] Data related to the loudspeaker unit may include at least one of the following: the output level of the output transducer, the right / left identification of the loudspeaker unit, the size of the output transducer, the length of the connection unit, output transducer calibration data, microphone data, transducer type, information about the capabilities of the output transducer, loudspeaker unit type, information about the capabilities of the loudspeaker unit, the unique identifier of the loudspeaker unit, the production date of the loudspeaker unit, and the activation date of the loudspeaker unit.

[0040] At least one contact element may be formed by a contact pin, a contact pad, or a contact spring.

[0041] The loudspeaker unit may include an antenna. The antenna may be provided at least partially in the connection unit and / or the loudspeaker unit body. The antenna may include at least a portion of one of the wires included in the connection unit. The antenna may also be provided separately from the wires provided, for example as a dedicated antenna element. A shield may be provided to minimize the electrical communication between the hearing aid body and the loudspeaker unit body and / or the coupling with other elements within the hearing aid body. The shield may be a wire that is connected or has a free end in the loudspeaker unit, for example wound around one or more conductive elements / wires. As an alternative, a denser mesh or a solid shield having a structure similar to a coaxial cable may be used. The shield may be configured to operate as a notch filter or a high-pass filter or a low-pass filter.

[0042] The loudspeaker unit according to the present invention may include more than one printed circuit board, for example two printed circuit boards provided in the loudspeaker unit body or housing intended to be arranged in the user's ear canal. The aforementioned two printed circuit boards may be arranged, for example, perpendicular to each other, for example on both sides of the loudspeaker unit housing. This may, for example, cause the longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board to be set in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the loudspeaker unit housing, that is, when the loudspeaker unit body is installed in the ear canal, it will be parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ear canal.

[0043] In an example where more than two printed circuit boards are included in the loudspeaker unit, one printed circuit board may be decoupled from the other printed circuit board at one or more frequencies. This may be achieved by one or more decoupling elements configured to block or attenuate electrical signals at at least certain frequencies or frequency ranges. An example may be a capacitor, an inductor, a coil, electrical elements constituting a filter such as a low-pass filter, a high-frequency choke element, or other suitable elements.

[0044] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hearing aid device system. The hearing aid device system includes a hearing aid device main body to be disposed behind the ear of a wearer, which includes an input transducer, a signal processor adapted to process signals from the input transducer to compensate for the hearing loss of the wearer, and a hearing aid device connector. The input transducer can be replaced by any other electronic sound signal source. The hearing aid device system further includes a speaker unit according to the above aspect. The speaker unit is connected to the hearing aid device connector via its contact unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Various aspects of the present invention will be best understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For clarity, the drawings are schematic and simplified, showing only the details necessary for understanding the present invention and omitting other details. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts. Each feature of each aspect can be combined with any or all features of other aspects. These and other aspects, features, and / or technical effects will be apparent from and elucidated in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0046] Figure 1 A hearing aid device system is shown.

[0047] Figure 2 A contact unit is shown.

[0048] Figure 3A A contact unit is shown.

[0049] Figure 3B A contact unit is shown.

[0050] Figure 4A A contact unit is shown.

[0051] Figure 4B A contact unit is shown.

[0052] Figure 5A A contact unit is shown.

[0053] Figure 5B A contact unit is shown.

[0054] Figure 6 A speaker unit is shown.

[0055] Figure 7 A speaker unit is shown.

[0056] Figure 8 A printed circuit board is shown.

[0057] Figure 9A A speaker unit main body is shown.

[0058] Figure 9BShows a speaker unit body.

[0059] Figure 10A Shows a speaker unit body.

[0060] Figure 10B Shows a speaker unit body.

[0061] Figure 11A Shows a speaker unit body.

[0062] Figure 11B Shows a speaker unit body. Detailed implementation

[0063] The following specific description given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is used as a description of various different configurations. The specific description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of multiple different concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be implemented without these specific details. Several aspects of the apparatus and method are described by multiple different blocks, functional units, modules, elements, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements"). Depending on a particular application, design limitation, or other reason, these elements can be implemented using electronic hardware, computer programs, or any combination thereof.

[0064] Electronic hardware may include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLD), gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform multiple different functions described in this specification. A computer program should be broadly interpreted as instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subroutines, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, execution threads, programs, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or other names.

[0065] A hearing device may include a hearing aid adapted to improve or enhance a user's hearing ability, which is achieved by receiving an acoustic signal from the user's environment, generating a corresponding audio signal, possibly modifying the audio signal, and providing the possibly modified audio signal as an audible signal to at least one ear of the user. A "hearing device" may also refer to a device such as an earphone or a headset adapted to electronically receive an audio signal, possibly modify the audio signal, and provide the possibly modified audio signal as an audible signal to at least one ear of the user. The audible signal can be provided in the following forms: an acoustic signal radiated into the user's outer ear, an acoustic signal transmitted as a mechanical vibration through the bone structure of the user's head and / or through parts of the middle ear to the user's inner ear, and an electrical signal transmitted directly or indirectly to the user's cochlear nerve and / or auditory cortex.

[0066] The hearing device is adapted to be worn in any known manner. This may include: i) arranging the unit of the hearing device behind the ear (with a tube for guiding the air-conducted sound signal into the ear canal or with a receiver / speaker arranged close to or in the ear canal), such as a behind-the-ear hearing aid; and / or ii) arranging the hearing device wholly or partly in the user's auricle and / or ear canal, such as an in-the-ear hearing aid or a canal / completely-in-the-canal hearing aid; or iii) arranging the unit of the hearing device to be connected to a fixture implanted in the skull, such as a bone-anchored hearing aid or a cochlear implant; or iv) arranging the unit of the hearing device as a wholly or partly implanted unit, such as a bone-anchored hearing aid or a cochlear implant.

[0067] In the following description of the present invention, the term "hearing aid device system" is used synonymously with the hearing device described above.

[0068] A "hearing system" refers to a system including one or two hearing devices. A "binaural hearing system" refers to a system including two hearing devices, wherein these hearing devices are adapted to cooperatively provide audible signals to the two ears of the user. The hearing system or the binaural hearing system may also include an auxiliary device communicating with at least one hearing device, which auxiliary device affects the operation of the hearing device and / or benefits from the function of the hearing device. A wired or wireless communication link is established between at least one hearing device and the auxiliary device so that information (such as control and status signals, possibly audio signals) can be exchanged therebetween. The auxiliary device may include at least one of the following: a remote control, a remote microphone, an audio gateway device, a mobile phone, a broadcast system, an automotive audio system, a music player, or a combination thereof. The audio gateway device is adapted to receive a plurality of audio signals from an entertainment device such as a TV or a music player, from a telephone device such as a mobile phone, or from a computer such as a PC. The audio gateway device is also adapted to select and / or combine appropriate signals from the received audio signals (or signal combinations) for transmission to at least one hearing device. The remote control is adapted to control the functions and operation of at least one hearing device. The functions of the remote control may be implemented in a smart phone or another electronic device, which smart phone / electronic device may run an application program for controlling the functions of at least one hearing device.

[0069] Generally, the hearing device includes i) an input unit such as a microphone for receiving sound signals from the surroundings of the user and providing corresponding input audio signals; and / or ii) a receiving unit for receiving the input audio signals electronically. The hearing device further includes a signal processing unit for processing the input audio signals and an output unit for providing audible signals to the user based on the processed audio signals.

[0070] The input unit may include a plurality of input microphones, for example, for providing direction-variant audio signal processing. The aforementioned directional microphone system is adapted to enhance a target sound source among a plurality of sound sources in a user's environment. In one aspect, the directional system is adapted to detect (such as adaptively detect) from which direction a particular portion of the microphone signal originates. This can be achieved using conventionally known methods. The signal processing unit may include an amplifier adapted to apply a frequency-variant gain to the input audio signal. The signal processing unit may also be adapted to provide other suitable functions such as compression, noise reduction, etc. The output unit may include an output transducer such as a speaker / receiver for transcutaneously providing an air-borne sound signal to the skull, or a vibrator for providing a structure-borne or fluid-borne sound signal. In some hearing devices, the output unit may include one or more output electrodes for providing an electrical signal, such as in a cochlear implant.

[0071] Generally, according to the present invention, data is stored in a memory module provided in the speaker unit.

[0072] The data may be, for example, data regarding size, left / right setting, power level, and possible sensor or microphone applications such as sensor type and / or number of sensors, which may respectively be consistent with the data printed on the SU box.

[0073] This data may be stored in the memory by the manufacturer during final quality control.

[0074] The data may also be individual test data from the supplier's final inspection of the SU. This data may include, for example, frequency response, maximum power output, and distortion data that can be used for more precise fitting of the hearing aid.

[0075] The present invention can obtain more detailed information than the power level of the SU, thus enabling more precise application of the SU.

[0076] Thus, the implementation of the present invention enables remote fitting. In the case of remote fitting, when there is no audiological healthcare professional to ensure patient safety and optimal fitting, it is even more important to automatically check whether the correct speaker unit is applied to the correct amplifier. The risk of incorrect fitting can lead to an undesirable fitting, and in the worst case, too loud or too low a sound level. For visually impaired end-users, the need for automatic detection is even more obvious.

[0077] When information is stored in an SU according to an embodiment of the present invention, the amplifier unit can automatically adapt to the replaced SU, even if they are different. This can also prevent the application of an SU that is not suitable for the end-user.

[0078] In addition, when the speaker unit has other features different from those for emitting sound, such as sensor features or microphones, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the compatibility between the amplifier unit and the speaker unit can be checked.

[0079] Thus, embodiments of the present invention enable a loudspeaker unit and a corresponding hearing aid device system, where the loudspeaker unit includes only a receiver / transducer, where the loudspeaker unit includes a receiver and at least one sensor, where the loudspeaker unit includes a receiver and a microphone, and / or where the loudspeaker unit includes a receiver, at least one sensor, a microphone, and any intelligent elements (such as another processor) that may be present in the loudspeaker unit, and where the loudspeaker units are interchangeable with each other while the hearing aid device system or its hearing aid device body (with control elements therein) can adapt its own signal output to the characteristics, purposes, and capabilities of the currently connected loudspeaker unit.

[0080] Now referring to Figure 1 , which shows a hearing aid device system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] The hearing aid device system 200 includes a hearing aid device body 210 and a loudspeaker unit 10 that can be connected to (detachably mounted on) the hearing aid device body 210. Specifically, the contact unit 11 of the loudspeaker unit 10 can be connected to (detachably mounted on) the hearing aid device connector 211 of the hearing aid device body.

[0082] The loudspeaker unit further includes a loudspeaker unit body 12 and a connection unit 13 that connects the loudspeaker unit body 12 to the contact unit 11.

[0083] In other words, the loudspeaker unit (also referred to as a speaker) includes a unit 11 (such as a plug) for connecting to a hearing aid housing (hearing aid device housing) configured to be located behind the user's ear / auricle, a body 12 (such as an in-ear portion, speaker housing) that houses the actual output transducer, and a unit 13 (such as a connector / cable assembly / flexible member) that connects the other two parts 11 and 12 and includes wires for electrical connection between the loudspeaker unit and the hearing aid housing.

[0084] The in-ear portion, which may be the loudspeaker unit body mentioned elsewhere, can be fitted with a soft dome that is either closed or open, such that it will not slip out of the ear canal while being comfortable for the user, or it will be embedded in an ear mold shaped to fit the user's ear. This is most often done when high amplification is required, and the precise fit ensures a minimum risk of feedback at high levels.

[0085] The connection unit 13 is configured to establish contact with the mating connector 211 of the hearing aid device body 210. The hearing aid device body 210 may for example include an input transducer (not shown herein) for receiving ambient sound and converting it into an electrical signal. The electrical signal may be processed in the hearing aid device body 210 by a signal processor (not shown) to compensate for the user's hearing loss. The processor provides the processed signal. Processing typically includes one or more of amplification that varies with frequency, frequency shifting, frequency compression, filtering, etc.

[0086] The speaker unit body 12 may for example include a receiver (not shown) and is configured to be located at or at least partially within the user's ear canal. The receiver provides an acoustic output signal based on the processed signal. The connection 13 connects the contact unit 11 and the speaker unit body including the receiver. The connection unit 13 may be a tube. Preferably, the connection unit is a flexible tube or sleeve. The connection unit 13 may include a plurality of conductors such as wires. As will be explained subsequently, the plurality of conductors may be two or more.

[0087] Since the human ear does not have a standard size, a plurality of connection units 13 of different lengths may be provided, such as a set of connectors 13, from which the most suitable connector can be selected. In addition, not all users have the same need for the type of receiver (included in the speaker unit 10), some users may need a high sound pressure level to hear, while other users do not require the same sound pressure level.

[0088] To ensure that the speaker unit 10 outputs an appropriate signal to the user, it is advantageous to pair the speaker unit 10 and the hearing aid device body 210, especially its (sound) processing / control elements. For this purpose, a memory unit is provided, in the form of a micro EEPROM herein. The memory unit is provided in the speaker unit. The memory unit may be provided in the contact unit 11 to reduce the need for additional conductors / wires in the connection unit 13 that are required for the memory unit to communicate with the hearing aid device body. However, as an alternative, the memory unit may be provided in the speaker unit body 12.

[0089] As another alternative, one memory unit is provided in the contact unit 11 and another memory unit is provided in the speaker unit body 12.

[0090] When the loudspeaker unit 10 is connected to the hearing aid device body 210, the electrical connection via the contact unit 11 / hearing aid device connector 211 enables the hearing aid device body 210 to read data from the memory unit. In addition to providing identification information such as loudspeaker type, possible left / right loudspeaker unit identification, the memory unit is also capable of storing information about the loudspeaker unit size and / or wire length, receiver calibration data such as transfer function / frequency response specifically measured for a particular loudspeaker unit, and microphone data for improving the directional performance. This data can be read by the hearing aid device body 210 from the memory unit. The data can be read each time the hearing aid device body 210 is powered on, but the need to read the data can be reduced if the hearing aid device body 210 is able to detect that the loudspeaker unit 10 has been detached during a period when the hearing aid device body 210 was not operating. The hearing aid device body 210 preferably stores the last known connection of the loudspeaker unit 10 to the hearing aid device body 210. Thereafter, the hearing aid device body 210 can only confirm the identity of the loudspeaker unit, for example by only reading a part of the data stored in the memory unit, thus shortening the time required to read the data. This can be, for example, unique identification data.

[0091] By the hearing aid device body 210 knowing details about the receiver (possibly included in the loudspeaker unit body 12), the processor of the hearing aid device body 210 may be able to more accurately take into account the transfer function of that particular receiver, thus improving the acoustic performance for the user.

[0092] The hearing aid device connector 211 can be a socket having a plurality of conductive arms (or any other form of contact surface), configured to establish an electrical connection to the conductive contact elements of the contact unit.

[0093] The number of conductive arms (or any other form of contact surface) matches the number of conductive contact elements of the contact unit 11. However, the aforementioned number matching is not mandatory. The contact unit 11 may include a tongue supporting the conductive contact elements, and the tongue may fit into the socket provided by the hearing aid device connector 211. The aforementioned tongue may be designed such that the tongue can be inserted in any orientation. However, the tongue may also be designed such that there is only one way to insert the tongue into the socket.

[0094] Now refer to Figure 2 , which shows a contact unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] As mentioned above, the memory unit may be provided in the contact unit 11 or may be provided in the loudspeaker unit body 12.

[0096] Figure 2 An embodiment of the present invention is shown, having a memory unit provided in the contact unit.

[0097] The contact unit includes a tongue portion and three contact elements embodied as contact surfaces / pads / electrodes carried by the tongue portion. Additionally, three (or a different number of) contact elements may be provided on the opposite side of the tongue portion.

[0098] The contact elements may be connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) on which the memory unit is provided. However, the memory unit may be connected to the (partial) contact elements in another way. For example, the connection within the contact unit may be implemented by means of a stranded wire. The printed circuit board may implement the tongue portion of the contact unit.

[0099] The contact elements may correspond to power and ground contacts and I 2 C contacts (including I 2 C bus clock contacts (SCL) and I 2 C bus data contacts (SDL)).

[0100] Furthermore, some or all of the contact elements may be electrically connected (via connection unit 13, i.e., the conductive part of the connection unit such as a wire) to the speaker unit body 12, in particular to the elements of the speaker unit body.

[0101] Preferably, two wires (receiver wires) dedicated to the transducer are provided in the connection unit.

[0102] The memory unit may be a non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM).

[0103] The contact unit may be molded.

[0104] The housing of the contact unit may be made by means of secondary molding or assembled loose parts.

[0105] Now refer to Figure 3A , which shows a contact unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] As Figure 3A shown in the top view of the contact unit in, the contact elements may have the same length or may have different lengths. Additionally, as shown in this figure, in addition to the memory unit shown as a square in the middle of the contact unit 11, other electronic components may also be provided in the contact unit.

[0107] If a printed circuit board is provided in the contact unit, the memory unit and other electronic components may be provided on the same side of the printed circuit board.

[0108] The other electronic component may be a diode. Preferably, the other electronic component is an electrostatic discharge diode.

[0109] Now refer to Figure 3B , which shows a contact unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Figure 3B shows a Figure 3A side view of the contact unit. As Figure 3B shown, the memory unit and additional electronic components may be provided on the same side of the printed circuit board.

[0111] As further shown in this figure, the connection unit may not extend axially from the contact unit (i.e., parallel to the printed circuit board), but may extend in an angled manner.

[0112] However, the angle (if any) is not limited to the shown angle.

[0113] Now refer to Figure 4A , which shows a contact unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] As Figure 4A shown in the top view of the contact unit, the memory unit and additional electronic components do not have to be arranged symmetrically.

[0115] Now refer to Figure 4B , which shows a contact unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] Figure 4B shows a Figure 4A side view of the contact unit. As Figure 4B shown, the memory unit and additional electronic components may be provided on different (opposite) sides of the printed circuit board. If more than two components are provided on the printed circuit board, these components may be arbitrarily distributed on two opposite sides of the printed circuit board.

[0117] Now refer to Figure 5A , which shows a contact unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] As mentioned above, the memory unit may be provided in the contact unit 11 or may be provided in the speaker unit body 12.

[0119] Figure 5A shows a top view of an embodiment of the present invention in which the memory unit is not provided in the contact unit.

[0120] Therefore, additional electronic components may be arbitrarily distributed on one side or two opposite sides of the printed circuit board without the memory unit.

[0121] Different settings and different orientations of the components provided in the contact unit result in different outer dimensions of the contact unit, thereby enabling the outer dimensions of the contact unit to be adjusted as needed, such as the dimensions allowed by the hearing aid device body, especially its hearing aid device connector.

[0122] Now refer toFigure 5B , which shows a contact unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] Figure 5B shows Figure 5A a side view of the contact unit. As Figure 5B shown, no memory unit is provided in the contact unit, and additional electronic components are provided on one side of the printed circuit board. However, as mentioned above, the additional electronic components can be arbitrarily distributed on two opposite sides of the printed circuit board without the memory unit.

[0124] Now refer to Figure 6 , which shows a speaker unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] As mentioned above, the memory unit can be provided in the contact unit 11 or can be provided in the speaker unit body 12.

[0126] Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the present invention in which the memory unit is provided in the speaker unit body.

[0127] Specifically, Figure 6 the speaker unit body shown in includes a receiver and optionally includes a sensor having an I 2 C interface, and in addition includes a memory unit implemented as an NVRAM.

[0128] In this case, the connection unit 13 includes two wires dedicated to the transducer (receiver wires). In addition, the connection unit 13 includes a power wire, a ground wire, and an I 2 C-related wire that can be combined into an I 2 C bus clock wire and an I 2 C bus data wire.

[0129] The wires included in the connection unit connect the corresponding contact elements of the contact unit to the corresponding terminals of the electronic components including the transducer and the memory unit in the speaker unit body.

[0130] Now refer to Figure 7 , which shows a speaker unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] Figure 7 Again shows an embodiment of the present invention in which the memory unit is provided in the speaker unit body.

[0132] Specifically, Figure 7The loudspeaker unit body shown in the figure includes a multi-purpose audio and sensor system with data acquisition / MCU / DSP, that is, an intelligent loudspeaker unit can be implemented. The loudspeaker unit body may also include a memory unit implemented as NVRAM. Any element included in the loudspeaker unit body can communicate via an I 2 C interface.

[0133] In this case, the connection unit 13 includes, for example, five wires, which include a power wire, a ground wire, and at least data wires. The wires included in the connection unit can be combined into I 2 C-related wires.

[0134] The wires included in the connection unit connect the corresponding contact elements of the contact unit to the corresponding terminals of the electronic components in the loudspeaker unit body.

[0135] Now refer to Figure 8 , which shows a printed circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] As Figure 8 shown, the printed circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention, whether provided in the contact unit or in the loudspeaker unit body, can support contact elements such as electrodes or pads (such as solder pads). In addition, a memory unit can be provided on the printed circuit board. Other electronic components can also be provided on the printed circuit board. In addition, sensors such as temperature sensors can be provided on the printed circuit board. The sensor can be accompanied by a sensor to an I 2 C module.

[0137] The printed circuit board is not limited to a board assembled on one side. Components can be provided on both opposite sides of the printed circuit board. In addition, the printed circuit board can be a single-layer board or a two-layer board. The printed circuit board can be a multi-layer board. The printed circuit board can be coated or isolated in another form.

[0138] Now refer to Figure 9A , which shows a loudspeaker unit body according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 9A , the left end of the loudspeaker unit body corresponds to the sound outlet on which the dome part can be mounted. The right end corresponds to an opening in the loudspeaker unit body, where the transition between the loudspeaker unit body and the connection unit is provided.

[0139] Figure 9A shows an option in which a printed circuit board including a memory unit (such as the printed circuit board shown in Figure 8 ) is housed in the loudspeaker unit body.

[0140] Specifically, the printed circuit board can be arranged behind (i.e., on the back side) of the transducer with respect to the outlet of the transducer.

[0141] The printed circuit board may be arranged behind the transducer / receiver but spaced apart from the transducer.

[0142] When the temperature sensor is arranged on the printed circuit board, the sensor is thus located at the (rear) end of the loudspeaker unit body. Thus, the temperature sensor will likely measure the air temperature outside the ear.

[0143] As Figure 9A shown, the position of the printed circuit board enables easy wiring.

[0144] As an alternative, the printed circuit board may be arranged on the transducer / receiver. Such an arrangement would require additional pads (e.g., six, depending on the wires in the connection unit and the contact elements of the contact unit). Such an arrangement is preferably selectable in the case where the (temperature) sensor is not provided on the printed circuit board.

[0145] Now refer to Figure 9B , which shows a loudspeaker unit body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] Figure 9B Specifically shown is the printed circuit board arranged behind the transducer / receiver as described in connection with Figure 9A when viewed from the (rear) end of the loudspeaker unit body.

[0147] Now refer to Figure 10A , which shows a loudspeaker unit body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0148] Figure 10A Shows another option where a printed circuit board including a memory unit (such as the printed circuit board shown in Figure 8 ) is received in the loudspeaker unit body, wherein the printed circuit board is also arranged behind the transducer (i.e., the back side) relative to the outlet of the transducer.

[0149] However, as Figure 10A shown, the temperature sensor is located in front of the transducer and connected to the printed circuit board by means of a flexible electrical connection such as a flat flexible cable (FFC).

[0150] According to such an arrangement, the temperature sensor is close to the air in front of the dome. In other words, the temperature sensor will measure the air temperature inside the ear, possibly with variations in receiver heating, but with only a minor influence from the outside environment.

[0151] However, the printed circuit board or at least the temperature sensor may be exposed to the ear climate and thus may be specially encapsulated.

[0152] Underfill has excellent properties in terms of heat transfer and protecting surface mount devices (SMDs).

[0153] Now refer toFigure 10B , which shows a speaker unit body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0154] Figure 10B shows Figure 10A a top view of the speaker unit body.

[0155] Thus, in Figure 10B , the connection route between the temperature sensor in front of the transducer and the printed circuit board (such as an FFC) behind the transducer can be particularly well understood.

[0156] Now refer to Figure 11A , which shows a speaker unit body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] Figure 11A shows another option in which a printed circuit board including a memory unit (such as the printed circuit board shown in Figure 8 ) is accommodated in the speaker unit body, where the printed circuit board is disposed on one side of the transducer.

[0158] With this arrangement, the temperature sensor placed on the printed circuit board is disposed on one side of the speaker unit body.

[0159] The temperature sensor arranged in this way will measure the ambient temperature in the ear canal, possibly including the influence of receiver heating and the outside environment.

[0160] Now refer to Figure 11B , which shows a speaker unit body according to an embodiment of the present invention, especially Figure 11A a top view of the speaker unit body shown in

[0161] Unless otherwise specified, the singular forms "a", "the" used herein shall include the plural forms (i.e., having the meaning of "at least one"). It should be further understood that the terms "having", "including" and / or "containing" used in the specification indicate the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their combinations. It should be understood that unless otherwise specified, when an element is referred to as "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to other elements, and intermediate elements may also exist. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed related items. Unless otherwise specified, the steps of any method disclosed herein are not limited to the disclosed order.

[0162] It should be appreciated that when the specification states "an embodiment" or "embodiments" or "aspect" or "may" include a feature, it means that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Additionally, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be appropriately combined in one or more embodiments of the invention. The foregoing description is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to those skilled in the art will be readily apparent, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0163] The claims are not limited to the aspects shown herein, but encompass the full scope consistent with the claim language, where elements recited in the singular are not meant to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly stated otherwise, but rather "one or more." Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the term "some" means one or more.

[0164] Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined in accordance with the claims.

Claims

1. A speaker unit for a hearing aid device system, the speaker unit comprising: A contact unit, which includes at least one contact element and is configured to be detachably mounted to a hearing aid device connector of the hearing aid device; wherein, a printed circuit board is provided in the contact unit; A speaker unit body configured to be at least partially located in a wearer's ear canal, which includes an output transducer unit configured to provide an acoustic signal based on an electrical signal input to the output transducer unit through at least one contact element; A connection unit provided between the speaker unit body and the contact unit and including at least one wire configured to electrically connect the speaker unit body and the contact unit; wherein, the connection unit extends from the contact unit at an angle to the printed circuit board; and A memory unit configured to store data related to the speaker unit; wherein the memory unit is provided on one side of the printed circuit board; Wherein first and second printed circuit boards are provided in the speaker unit body, and wherein an antenna is at least partially formed in the connection unit, and at least one decoupling element is provided between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board to electrically decouple the two printed circuit boards; Wherein, one of the printed circuit boards is connected to an element that serves as at least a part of the antenna.

2. The speaker unit according to claim 1, wherein The contact unit includes six contact elements including the at least one contact element and includes a tongue portion, wherein The six contact elements are distributed on a first side of the tongue portion and a second side of the tongue portion opposite to the first side, And the tongue portion is configured to be received in a slit of the hearing aid device connector of the hearing aid device so that the six contact elements contact corresponding contact surfaces of the hearing aid device connector of the hearing aid device.

3. The speaker unit according to claim 2, wherein The memory unit is provided on the tongue portion.

4. The speaker unit according to claim 3, wherein The memory unit is provided on one of the first side and the second side of the tongue portion, and At least one additional electronic component is provided on the other of the first side and the second side of the tongue portion.

5. The speaker unit according to claim 2, wherein The six contact elements include: Two receiver contact elements configured to conduct the electrical signal to be input to the output transducer unit; A power supply contact element configured to receive a positive power input; A ground contact element configured to receive a negative power input; I 2 A CAN bus clock contact element configured to conduct I 2 A CAN bus clock input signal; And I 2 A CAN bus data contact element configured to conduct the I 2 CAN bus data signal.

6. The speaker unit according to claim 5, wherein The memory cell is electrically connected to at least the 2 I²C bus clock contact element and the 2 I²C bus data contact element.

7. The speaker unit according to claim 5 or 6, wherein The speaker unit body includes at least one of a sensor and a microphone, wherein At least one of the sensor and the microphone is electrically connected to at least the I 2 2C bus clock contact element and the I 2 2C bus data contact element.

8. The speaker unit according to claim 1, wherein The connection unit includes two receiver contact wires, which include the at least one wire, and the two receiver contact wires are configured to conduct the electrical signal to be input to the output transducer unit.

9. The loudspeaker unit according to claim 1, wherein the connection unit includes six wires including the at least one wire, and the six wires include: two receiver contact wires configured to conduct the electrical signal for input to the output transducer unit; a power supply contact wire configured to receive a positive power input; a ground contact wire configured to receive a negative power input; I 2 A CAN bus clock contact wire configured to conduct I 2 A CAN bus clock input signal; and I 2 A CAN bus data contact conductor configured to conduct I 2 CAN bus data signal.

10. The loudspeaker unit according to claim 1, further comprising a multi-purpose audio and sensor system, wherein the connection unit includes five wires including the at least one wire, and the five wires include: a power supply contact wire configured to receive a positive power input; a ground contact wire configured to receive a negative power input; a third wire; a fourth wire; and a fifth wire; wherein the multi-purpose audio and sensor system is electrically connected to each of the five wires.

11. The loudspeaker unit according to claim 1, wherein the first and second printed circuit boards are arranged perpendicular to each other.

12. The loudspeaker unit according to claim 1, wherein the first printed circuit board is arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the first printed circuit board is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the loudspeaker unit housing.

13. The loudspeaker unit according to claim 1, wherein the first printed circuit board is provided on one side of the output transducer unit with respect to the outlet of the output transducer unit.

14. The loudspeaker unit according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor provided on the first printed circuit board.

15. The loudspeaker unit according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor provided in front of the output transducer unit with respect to the outlet of the output transducer unit and connected to the first printed circuit board via a flexible flat cable.

16. The loudspeaker unit according to claim 1, wherein the data related to the loudspeaker unit includes at least one of the following: the output level of the output transducer, the right / left identification of the loudspeaker unit, the output transducer size, the length of the connection unit, the output transducer calibration data, the microphone data, the transducer type, the information about the output transducer capabilities, the loudspeaker unit type, the information about the loudspeaker unit capabilities, the unique identifier of the loudspeaker unit, the production date of the loudspeaker unit, and the activation date of the loudspeaker unit.

17. A hearing aid device system, comprising a hearing aid device body to be disposed behind the wearer's ear, which includes an input transducer, a signal processor adapted to process the signal from the input transducer to compensate for the wearer's hearing loss, and a hearing aid device connector; and the loudspeaker unit according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the loudspeaker unit is connected to the hearing aid device connector via its contact unit.

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