Hearing device

Abstract

A hearing device is proposed. The invention relates to an ITE part (1) to be placed at least partially in an ear canal, the ITE part (1) comprising: a connector (21) to be coupled to a BTE part to be worn behind a pinna; a hollow ear mold (3) comprising a front end (5), a back end (7) and a hollow cavity (23), the ear mold having the front end (5) facing a user's eardrum during use, the front end (5) comprising a front opening (9), the front opening (9) comprising a front filter (15), the back end (7) comprising a back opening (10), the ITE part (1) further comprising: a receiver (11) arranged in the hollow cavity (23), a sound channel extending between the front opening (9) and the back end (7) and allowing a fluid connection between the front opening (9) and outside the hollow ear mold (3); an active vent (13) comprising a valve, the valve being positioned at the front end (5), the active vent having an open state and a closed state, the valve providing the fluid connection through the sound channel in the open state and hindering the fluid connection through the sound channel in the closed state; a back filter (17) arranged at the back opening or in the hollow cavity and between the back opening and the valve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an in-the-ear (ITE) component configured for at least partial placement within a user's ear canal. The ITE component includes: a connector configured for coupling to a BTE component configured to be worn behind a user's auricle; a hollow earmold comprising: a front end, a rear end, and a hollow cavity, the earmold configured for positioning the front end towards the user's tympanic membrane during use, the front end including a front opening including a front filter, and the rear end including a rear opening. The ITE component further includes: a receiver disposed within the hollow cavity; a sound channel extending between the front opening and the rear end and configured to allow fluid connection between the front opening and the exterior of the hollow earmold; an active vent including a valve positioned at the front end and configured to have an open state and a closed state, wherein the valve provides fluid connection through the sound channel in the open state and obstructs fluid connection through the sound channel in the closed state; and a rear filter disposed at the rear opening or within the hollow cavity and between the rear opening and the valve of the active vent. Background Technology

[0002] Some hearing devices have an in-ear (ITE) component that is at least partially placed inside the user's ear canal. In this way, the receiver within the ITE component, i.e., the speaker unit, can be brought to a position relatively close to the eardrum during use. When part of the hearing device is located in the ear canal, a common problem is blockage, which causes the user to experience unpleasant sounds when speaking or chewing.

[0003] One way to alleviate blockage is to use an open-back hearing device, where the ITE component has one or more vents configured to allow air and therefore sound to escape from the ear canal. However, the open-back design also allows sound to enter the ear canal of the hearing device user, which can lead to several problems, such as making it more difficult to control the sound transmitted from the hearing device to the user; for example, the sound transmitted by the hearing device may not be audible over ambient sounds, or may be distorted due to mixing with ambient sounds.

[0004] One solution to this is to incorporate active vents within the ITE component, which can manually or automatically open or close one or more valves in response to a given situation for the user. Thus, where it is advantageous to the user, the vents can be in the open state to allow air (and therefore sound) to pass through the ITE component, for example, to reduce obstruction and / or allow the user to maintain environmental awareness. In other cases, the vents can be in the closed state to block ambient sound from entering the user's ear canal, for example, to provide better transmission of sound generated by the receiver, and / or to prevent sound, such as sound generated by the receiver, from leaving the earmold and entering the outside. However, ITE components with active vents are complex systems with many challenges, many of which depend on the design of the ITE component.

[0005] Therefore, an improved ITE component is needed, which includes active ventilation.

[0006] The objective is to provide an improved ITE component that includes an active vent.

[0007] Another objective is to provide an improved configuration of the ITE component, including an active vent.

[0008] Another objective is to provide a hearing device that includes an improved ITE component, which includes an active vent. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In a first aspect, an in-the-ear (ITE) component is provided, configured for at least partial placement within a user's ear canal. The ITE component (1) includes a connector configured for attachment to a BTE component, the BTE component being configured to be worn behind the user's auricle. The ITE component may be at least partially shaped to conform to at least a portion of the user's ear canal. The ITE component further includes a hollow earmold having a front end, a rear end opposite the front end, and a hollow cavity. The earmold is configured to position the front end toward the user's tympanic membrane during use. The front end has a front opening with a front filter configured to prevent contaminants from entering the earmold through the front opening. The contaminants may be, for example, moisture, dust, hair, or oily substances, wherein the oily substance may be, for example, earwax, i.e., the front filter may be an earwax grille. The front filter may be removable, allowing it to be replaced as needed.

[0010] The ITE component also includes a receiver, which is arranged within a hollow cavity and configured such that sound generated by the receiver propagates through a front opening and a front filter. In this way, the receiver enables sound to be delivered to the user's ear canal. The receiver can be housed within a receiver housing / receiver body.

[0011] ITE components may include electronics, which may be housed, for example, in a receiver housing and / or within an earmold. ITE components may include electronics and circuitry for generating, processing, and / or eliminating audible sounds, such as electronics for providing hearing compensation.

[0012] The sound channel extends between the front opening and the rear end and is configured to allow fluid connection between the front opening and the exterior of the hollow earmold. Thus, the sound channel allows fluids, such as air or liquid, to flow from the exterior of the earmold, i.e., the user's surrounding environment, to the front opening during use of the ITE component. Specifically, the sound channel can be configured to allow air to flow between the front opening and the exterior of the hollow earmold while the earmold is positioned within the user's ear canal.

[0013] The active vent includes a valve positioned at its front end. The active vent is configured to have an open state and a closed state, wherein the valve, in the open state, provides fluid connection through the sound channel, and wherein the valve, in the closed state, obstructs fluid connection through the sound channel. Thus, when in the open state, fluid, particularly air, is allowed to flow from the surrounding environment through the ITE component to the user's ear canal. Conversely, in the closed state, the flow of fluid, particularly sound, such as ambient sound, to the user's ear canal is reduced. The open state can be configured to allow the valve to open fully or partially. The active vent can be configured to be controlled by a vent control arrangement included in the ITE component or hearing device. A vent is a physical channel, such as a duct or tube, primarily used to provide pressure equalization through a housing placed in the ear (e.g., an ITE hearing device, the ITE unit of a BTE hearing device, a CIC hearing device, a RIE hearing device, a RIC hearing device, a MaRIE hearing device, or a dome-shaped tip / earmold). The active vent enables the vent to be opened or closed during use of the hearing device and includes a valve. The valve may be positioned between the receiver and the front opening.

[0014] The receiver and active vent can be integrated into the active vent receiver. In the active vent receiver, the active vent can be integrated into the receiver nozzle, wherein the fluid connection between the front opening and the exterior of the earmold can at least partially pass through the interior of the receiver nozzle, and a valve can include one or more through holes in the receiver nozzle that allow fluid inflow between the front opening and the hollow cavity.

[0015] Receivers and active vents can be provided by separate electronic components.

[0016] The rear end has a rear opening. The rear filter is arranged at the rear opening or in the hollow cavity and between the valve of the rear opening and the active vent. The rear filter is configured to allow ambient sound to pass through it and is also configured to prevent contaminants from entering the space between the rear filter and the vent.

[0017] Post-filters protect active vent systems from contaminants such as moisture, dust, hair, oily substances (such as earwax), and other debris by reducing the amount of contaminants that can affect valve mechanism function. If a valve becomes too contaminated, it can stop functioning completely or at least be damaged. Therefore, post-filters have two important characteristics: keeping contaminants away from critical components of the active vent, such as very delicate parts, and maintaining the acoustic openness of ITE components when the active vent is open.

[0018] In some embodiments, the hearing device is configured to be worn by a user. The hearing device may be positioned in the user's ear, on the user's ear, above the user's ear, in the user's ear, in the user's ear canal, behind the user's ear, and / or in the user's outer ear; that is, the hearing device is configured to be worn in the user's ear, on the ear, above the ear, and / or in the ear. A user may wear two hearing devices, one in each ear. The two hearing devices may be connected, for example, wirelessly and / or by wires, such as in a binaural hearing aid system.

[0019] Hearing devices can be implemented in various housing styles or shape factors. Some of these shape factors are behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing devices, in-the-canal (RIC) hearing devices, in-the-ear (RIE) hearing devices, or in-the-ear microphone and receiver (MaRIE) hearing devices. These devices may include BTE units configured to be worn behind a user's ear and in-the-ear (ITE) units configured to be partially or fully inserted into a user's ear canal. Typically, a BTE unit may include at least one input transducer, a power supply, and a processing unit. The term BTE hearing device refers to a hearing device in which the receiver, i.e., the output transducer, is included in the BTE unit and sound is directed to the ITE unit via a sound tube connecting the BTE and ITE units, while the terms RIE, RIC, and MaRIE hearing devices refer to hearing devices in which the receiver may be included in the ITE unit, which is connected to the BTE unit via a connector cable or wire configured to transmit electrical signals between the BTE and ITE units.

[0020] In some embodiments, the hearing device may include one or more input transducers. The one or more input transducers may include one or more microphones. The one or more input transducers may include one or more vibration sensors configured to detect bone vibrations. The one or more input transducers may be configured to convert an acoustic signal into a first electrical input signal. The first electrical input signal may be an analog signal. The first electrical input signal may be a digital signal. The one or more input transducers may be coupled to one or more analog-to-digital converters configured to convert the analog first input signal into a digital first input signal.

[0021] In some embodiments, the hearing device may include one or more antennas configured for wireless communication. The one or more antennas may include an electrical antenna. The electrical antenna may be configured for wireless communication at a first frequency. The first frequency may be higher than 800 MHz, preferably involving wavelengths between 900 MHz and 6 GHz. The first frequency may be from 902 MHz to 928 MHz. The first frequency may be from 2.4 to 2.5 GHz. The first frequency may be from 5.725 GHz to 5.875 GHz. The one or more antennas may include a magnetic antenna. The magnetic antenna may include a magnetic core. The magnetic antenna may include a coil. The coil may be wound around the magnetic core. The magnetic antenna may be configured for wireless communication at a second frequency. The second frequency may be lower than 100 MHz. The second frequency may be between 9 MHz and 15 MHz.

[0022] In some embodiments, the hearing device may include one or more wireless communication units. The one or more wireless communication units may include one or more wireless receivers, one or more wireless transmitters, one or more transmitter-receiver pairs, and / or one or more transceivers. At least one of the one or more wireless communication units may be coupled to one or more antennas. The wireless communication units may be configured to convert wireless signals received by at least one of the one or more antennas into a second electrical input signal. The hearing device may be configured for wired / wireless audio communication, such as enabling a user to listen to media such as music or radio and / or enabling a user to make telephone calls.

[0023] In one embodiment, the wireless signal may originate from one or more external sources and / or external devices, such as a spouse microphone device, a wireless audio transmitter, a smart computer, and / or a distributed microphone array associated with the wireless transmitter. The wireless input signal may originate from another hearing device, such as as part of a binaural hearing system, and / or from one or more assistive devices, such as a smartphone and / or a smartwatch.

[0024] In some embodiments, the hearing device may include a processing unit. The processing unit may be configured to process a first and / or a second electrical input signal. Processing may include compensating for a user's hearing loss, i.e., applying a frequency-dependent gain to the input signal based on the user's frequency-dependent hearing impairment. Processing may include performing feedback cancellation, beamforming, tinnitus reduction / masking, noise reduction, noise cancellation, speech recognition, bass adjustment, treble adjustment, and / or processing of user input. The processing unit may be a processor, integrated circuit, application program, functional module, etc. The processing unit may be implemented in a signal processing chip or a printed circuit board (PCB). The processing unit may be configured to provide a first electrical output signal based on the processing of the first and / or second electrical input signals. The processing unit may be configured to provide a second electrical output signal. The second electrical output signal may be based on the processing of the first and / or second electrical input signals.

[0025] In some embodiments, the hearing device may include an output transducer. The output transducer may be coupled to a processing unit. The output transducer may be a receiver. Note that in this context, the receiver may be a speaker, and a wireless receiver may be a device configured to process wireless signals. The receiver may be configured to convert a first electrical output signal into an acoustic output signal. The output transducer may be coupled to the processing unit via a magnetic antenna. The output transducer may be included in the ITE unit or headphones of the hearing device, such as an in-ear receiver (RIE) unit or an in-ear microphone and receiver (MaRIE) unit. One or more input transducers may be included in the ITE unit or headphones.

[0026] In some embodiments, the wireless communication unit may be configured to convert a second electrical output signal into a wireless output signal. The wireless output signal may include synchronization data. The wireless communication unit may be configured to transmit the wireless output signal via at least one of one or more antennas.

[0027] In some embodiments, the hearing device may include a digital-to-analog converter configured to convert a first electrical output signal, a second electrical output signal, and / or a wireless output signal into an analog signal.

[0028] In some embodiments, the hearing device may include a power source. The power source may include a battery providing a first voltage. The battery may be a rechargeable battery. The battery may be a replaceable battery. The power source may include a power management unit. The power management unit may be configured to convert the first voltage into a second voltage. The power source may include a charging coil. The charging coil may be provided by a magnetic antenna.

[0029] In some embodiments, the hearing device may include memory, which may include memory in volatile and non-volatile forms.

[0030] In this document, the term "removable" is used in conjunction with various devices. Note that the term "removable" means that the device mentioned in conjunction with the term is intended to be removable, and that the user or hearing healthcare professional can remove / detach the device without using excessive force.

[0031] In some embodiments, the rear end of the earmold is an open shell structure. That is, the rear end is not a closed structure, although in some embodiments, the rear filter will be located at or very close to the rear end of the earmold.

[0032] In some embodiments, the post-filter includes a filter screen, i.e., a filter made of woven material, or a mesh foam filter, i.e., a filter having a mesh foam structure. In some embodiments, the post-filter is at least partially made of mesh polyurethane foam or mesh polyester foam. Due to the large surface area of ​​the filter screen, it is ideally suited, meaning that acoustic openness is not compromised, and therefore, when the valve is in the open state, it will acoustically behave as a fully open ventilated earmold.

[0033] In some embodiments, the back filter is configured to contact one or more inner walls of the hollow earmold. In some embodiments, the back filter is configured to be removably disposed within the earmold. In some embodiments, the back filter is removably attached to or removably connected to the earmold. The back filter may be removably attached to a structure within the internal space of the earmold. The back filter may be removably attached to a device within the earmold. Thus, the back filter can be replaceable, allowing a defective or damaged back filter to be replaced with a new one. A replaceable back filter will improve the function of the ITE components and may extend the service life of the ITE components and / or hearing devices. By having a replaceable back filter, the service life of one or more devices in the ITE components can be extended. For example, the service life of the active vent can be extended because the active vent is at least partially protected by the back filter. The replaceable back filter can be replaced by the user, hearing aid dispenser, or technician.

[0034] In some embodiments, the ITE component further includes a panel attached to the rear end of the earmold. In some embodiments, the panel is removably attached to the earmold. The panel may be manufactured as a separate device and later combined with the earmold. Preferably, the panel is removable from the earmold. A removable panel allows for panel replacement when needed or desired. Additionally, a removable panel allows access to the internal space of the earmold. The panel may be thicker or thinner than the earmold, and the panel may be made of the same material as the earmold or a different material.

[0035] In some embodiments, the post-filter is incorporated into the panel, i.e., the post-filter is part of the panel, as an integral component, a firmly attached component, or as a removable attached component. The post-filter may be attached to the panel, such as removably attached to the panel. Thus, in some embodiments, the post-filter is removably incorporated into the panel. Thus, in some embodiments, both the panel and the incorporated filter may be replaceable, while in other embodiments, only the incorporated filter is replaceable. The panel may cover the entire rear opening, or the panel may cover a portion of the rear opening. In some embodiments, the panel is configured to allow a connector to extend through the panel. The panel may be a filter panel, i.e., a panel that includes a filter.

[0036] In some embodiments, the receiver is configured to be removably disposed within the earmold. In some embodiments, the earmold further includes a filter retaining element extending from a portion of the earmold, the filter retaining element being configured to secure a rear filter in place. In some embodiments, the filter retaining element extends from the earmold into a hollow cavity. For example, the filter retaining element may extend from an inner wall of the hollow earmold. That is, an earmold having a hollow cavity has at least one inner wall from which the filter retaining element may extend. In a preferred embodiment, the receiver is replaceable. A replaceable receiver allows the receiver to be replaced when needed or desired. For example, a replaceable receiver is used if the receiver is defective or as part of a replacement or upgrade of an ITE component or hearing device.

[0037] In some embodiments, the receiver includes a receiver body, and a back filter is at least partially attached to the receiver body. The back filter may be configured to contact one or more inner walls of the hollow earmold when attached to the receiver body. In some embodiments, the back filter surrounds the receiver body. The back filter may completely surround the receiver body.

[0038] The ITE component may additionally include a support structure configured to hold the receiver housing in place within the earmold. In some embodiments, the filter holding element is integrated with the support structure; that is, the structure configured to hold the receiver housing in place is integrated with an element configured to secure the rear filter in place.

[0039] The support structure can be arranged in various ways to achieve the purpose of holding the receiver shell in the proper position within the earmold. In some embodiments, the support structure includes multiple support structures. The support structure can be configured to allow movement of the receiver shell, such as when the user speaks or chews, which provides increased comfort for the user of the ITE component. In some embodiments, the support structure is an integral part of the earmold. Thus, in some embodiments, the support structure is made of the same material as the earmold.

[0040] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the support structure extends from the inner wall of the ear mold.

[0041] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the support structure is disposed at the front end of the earmold and / or at least a portion of the support structure is disposed at the rear end of the earmold.

[0042] In some embodiments, the support structure is configured to at least partially surround the receiver housing. In some embodiments, the receiver housing includes a structure configured to connect to a portion of the support structure. In some embodiments, the receiver housing includes a structure configured to connect to a portion of the support structure that at least partially surrounds the receiver housing. Thus, in some embodiments, the receiver housing includes interlocking elements configured to interconnect with at least a portion of the support structure. In some embodiments, an active vent is coupled to the receiver housing, and the active vent may include interlocking elements configured to interconnect with at least a portion of the support structure.

[0043] In some embodiments, the support structure is configured to suspend the receiver housing within the earmold. The support structure may be configured to allow the receiver housing a certain degree of freedom of movement within the earmold. This allows the receiver housing to move in response to forces acting on the earmold, such as during jaw movement of the user, and also suppresses any vibrations from the receiver. For example, the receiver housing may be arranged within the earmold such that at least a portion or a majority of the outer surface of the receiver housing does not contact the support structure. For example, the receiver housing may be coupled to the earmold only at the front opening via an active vent. In some embodiments, the receiver housing may be coupled to the earmold only at the front opening (via an active vent), and the receiver housing may be arranged in a portion further away from the front opening.

[0044] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the support structure is included in the front opening. In some embodiments, the support structure includes a retaining tip attached to the front end of the earmold. The retaining tip may be part of the front opening. The retaining tip may be configured to hold the receiver housing in place within the earmold. In some embodiments, the retaining tip includes the front opening. The retaining tip may be customized for the user or may be provided as a standard component of various sizes. The receiver housing and / or active vents coupled to the receiver housing may be held in place at the front opening. In some embodiments, the earmold additionally includes flexible and resilient elements configured to cushion the receiver housing against the inner wall of the earmold. The flexible and resilient elements may include foam material. The cushioning by the flexible and resilient elements allows movement of the receiver housing, such as when the user speaks or chews, which provides increased comfort for the user of the ITE component.

[0045] At least a portion of the support structure included in the front opening may comprise a material softer than that of the intermediate component, and the receiver housing and / or active vents coupled to the receiver housing may be removably attached to the support structure at the front opening.

[0046] At least a portion of the support structure may include a material softer than the material used to make the intermediate component of the ear mold. In some embodiments, the entire support structure is made of a material softer than the material used to make the intermediate component of the ear mold.

[0047] To characterize the hardness of a material, standard methods, such as measurement using a Shore hardness tester, can be used. The ear mold, or at least the intermediate part of the ear mold, can be a hard ear mold, comprising or entirely made of materials with a measured hardness of 60-100 Shore D, such as 70-90 Shore D, or such as 75-85 Shore D. The ear mold, or at least the intermediate part of the ear mold, can be manufactured using 3D printing technology. Thus, the ear mold, or at least the intermediate part of the ear mold, can be made of photopolymer resins such as DLP (Digital Light Processing) resin.

[0048] A material being softer than another means it will have a lower measured indentation hardness value. For example, the hardness of materials in the middle components and support structures of an earmold can be determined using the Shore hardness scale. In some preferred embodiments, the earmold is a rigid-shell earmold. Rigid-shell earmolds are typically used to create custom earmolds, where at least a portion of the earmold is pre-formed to fit a particular user's ear canal. Making the earmold a rigid shell makes it more comfortable for the user and generally more likely to remain properly positioned within the user's ear canal compared to a soft earmold.

[0049] In some embodiments, all or part of the earmold, such as the intermediate component, is configured to at least partially conform to at least a portion of the user's ear canal. In some embodiments, the intermediate component of the earmold is made of acrylic acid. In some embodiments, the support structure comprises silicone rubber, TPE, TPA, EPDM, and / or LSR. In some embodiments, the support structure comprises a flexible material configured to stretch to accommodate the receiver housing during insertion into the earmold and to hold the receiver housing in place after insertion. A support structure made of a material softer than the earmold material allows for compensation for deviations during manufacturing, such as low-fidelity printing resolution, i.e., when the receiver housing is inserted into the earmold, the earmold itself does not have sufficient flexibility to provide elasticity during insertion, and where even small deviations during manufacturing can make inserting the receiver housing difficult or impossible, especially if the receiver housing is removable.

[0050] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the support structure is disposed at the rear end of the earmold. The receiver housing occupies a significant portion of the available space within the earmold. In particular, some receiver housings have a relatively large nozzle diameter, i.e., a relatively large structural diameter, from which sound exits. For example, an active vent receiver with an active vent included in the receiver housing may have a larger nozzle diameter. Earmold design is challenged by the available space within the user's ear canal, and this can become a problem if the overall size of the earmold increases. For example, an increase in the overall size of the earmold can reduce the insertion depth of the earmold and its fit within the ear canal. Having a support structure at the rear end of the earmold, or primarily at the rear end, saves space at the front end of the earmold compared to fixing the receiver housing at the front end. It is advantageous to combine soft material at the front opening with a support structure at the middle section or rear end, the front opening providing an acoustic seal between the receiver housing and the earmold, and the support structure providing the force required to hold the receiver housing in place.

[0051] In some embodiments, the receiver or receiver housing includes a wired connection configured to connect receiver electronics to other components of the hearing device, such as a behind-the-ear (BTE) component. In some embodiments, a support structure is configured to at least partially surround the wired connection. Components extending from the wired connection of the receiver housing may include structures configured to connect to the support structure.

[0052] In some embodiments, the earmold further includes a panel attached to the rear end of the earmold. The panel is configured to allow ambient sound from outside the user's ear canal to pass through it. The panel may be removably attached to the earmold. In some embodiments, a support structure is included in or attached to the panel. In some embodiments, the support structure is an integral part of the panel.

[0053] The receiver housing can be removably disposed within the earmold. Thus, in some embodiments, the support structure is configured to allow the receiver housing to be removably disposed within the earmold. A replaceable receiver allows the receiver to be replaced when needed or desired. For example, if the receiver is defective or as part of a replacement or upgrade of the hearing device, then the receiver can be replaced. Having a removable receiver in a hearing device extends the usable life of the hearing device and saves costs. Additionally, materials can be saved because manufacturers can avoid replacing the entire earmold, instead replacing only a part of the hearing device, such as the receiver and / or one or more filters, thereby making the production and maintenance of the hearing device more sustainable. Even if a part of the hearing device, such as the receiver housing, needs to be replaced, the user can maintain a good earmold fit. Furthermore, since the earmold may be difficult to fit the user, partial replacement of the earmold is possible.

[0054] In embodiments, the receiver housing optionally includes one or more biosensors for retrieving signals such as, but not limited to, pressure signals, heart rate signals, and snoring detection signals. Optionally, the receiver housing may further include one or more motion sensors, such as gyroscope sensors or accelerometers.

[0055] In a second aspect, a hearing device is provided, comprising: an ITE component according to the first aspect, and a BTE component configured to be worn behind a user's auricle, wherein the ITE component is connected to the BTE component via a connector. Attached Figure Description

[0056] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0057] Figure 1A and 1B The ITE components and connectors are illustrated schematically according to some embodiments.

[0058] Figure 2 The ITE components and connectors are illustrated schematically according to some embodiments.

[0059] Figure 3A and 3B The ITE components and connectors are illustrated schematically according to some embodiments.

[0060] Figure 4A and 4B The hearing device is illustrated schematically according to some embodiments.

[0061] Figure 5A and 5B The hearing device is illustrated schematically according to some embodiments.

[0062] Figure 6A and 6B The hearing device is illustrated schematically according to some embodiments.

[0063] Figure 7A and 7B The hearing device is illustrated schematically according to some embodiments.

[0064] Figure 8A and 8B The hearing device is illustrated schematically according to some embodiments.

[0065] Figure 9 The hearing device is illustrated schematically according to some embodiments.

[0066] Figure 10A and 10B The receiver housing, including interlocking elements and a portion of a support structure, is illustrated schematically according to some embodiments.

[0067] Figure 11 The illustration schematically depicts a hearing device according to some embodiments, and

[0068] Figure 12 A hearing device according to some embodiments is illustrated.

[0069] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0070] 1. In-ear (ITE) component;

[0071] 3. Ear molds;

[0072] 5. Front-end;

[0073] 7. Backend;

[0074] 8. Intermediate components;

[0075] 9. Front opening;

[0076] 10. Open your mouth after that;

[0077] 11. Receiver;

[0078] 13. Active ventilation openings;

[0079] 15. Pre-filter;

[0080] 17. Post-filter;

[0081] 19 panels;

[0082] 21. Wired connection;

[0083] 23. Hollow cavity;

[0084] 25. Receiver body / receiver housing;

[0085] 27. The inner wall of the ear mold;

[0086] 29. Supporting structure;

[0087] 31. Filter retaining element;

[0088] 35 Fixed tip;

[0089] 37. Foam / flexible and elastic elements;

[0090] 39. Interlocking elements;

[0091] 41. First supporting structure;

[0092] 43. Second support structure;

[0093] 45. Fluid opening;

[0094] 47 batteries;

[0095] 49. Electronic devices;

[0096] 51. Fluid pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0097] In the following description, various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed ITE component, including an earmold, receiver, sound channel, active vent, and rear filter, are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are schematic and simplified for clarity, and therefore only details essential for understanding the invention are shown, while other details are omitted. Elements shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but primarily illustrate relative positions, orientations, and functions. The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements. Therefore, it is not necessary to describe the same elements in detail for every figure.

[0098] Figure 1A and 1B The ITE components are illustrated schematically according to some embodiments.

[0099] exist Figure 1A The image shows an in-ear (ITE) component 1 of a hearing device and a connector for attaching a BTE component to the ITE component 1. The ITE component 1 shown has an elongated shape and is configured for at least partial placement within the ear canal of the intended user. The ITE component has a hollow earmold 3, which includes a large portion of the housing for various components within the ITE component. The hollow earmold and possible additional elements of the housing may be made of a rigid material such as a hard polymer or metal, or a soft material such as a rubber-like polymer, molded to have an external shape conforming to the shape of a particular user's ear canal.

[0100] The earmold 3 has a front end 5 and a rear end 7 opposite to the front end. The front end has a front opening 9 and the rear end has a rear opening 10. The rear end does not close the outside of the earmold, so the earmold has an open shell structure.

[0101] The earmold is configured such that its front end can be positioned to face the eardrum of the user's ear canal during use of the hearing device. A receiver within the hollow cavity 23 of the earmold is arranged such that sound generated by the receiver exits the earmold via a front opening 9 at the front end. A front filter 15 at the front opening reduces the amount of contaminants that may enter through the front opening 9. The receiver 11 is secured within the hollow cavity 23 of the earmold by a support structure 29. The support structure is arranged at the front opening 9 and interlocks with a portion of the receiver 11 to secure it in place. This support structure 29 can be configured such that the receiver can be removed if needed and can be replaced later.

[0102] The earmold is made to have a sound channel extending between the front opening 9 and the rear end 7 to allow air to move between the front opening and the outside of the hollow earmold.

[0103] The ITE component also features an active vent 13 with a valve positioned between the receiver 11 and the front opening 9. When the valve in the vent is closed, air movement between the front opening 9 and the rear opening 7 is impeded. Conversely, opening the valve allows airflow through the acoustic channel. The receiver 11 and the active vent 13 can be integrated into the active vent receiver. The receiver 11 and the active vent 13 can be provided by separate electronics.

[0104] A rear filter 17, in the form of a filter skirt, is attached to the receiver 11 to be positioned between the rear opening 10 and the valve of the active vent. The filter skirt extends from the receiver 11 to cover the internal space between the receiver and the inner wall 27 of the ear mold 3. To prevent contaminants from bypassing the rear filter, the rear filter 17 may be made of a flexible material and configured to fit tightly against the inner wall 27. For example, the rear filter 17 may be made of woven or foam material.

[0105] The rear filter 17 is attached using a belt band secured around the receiver body 25. The rear filter 17 may be made removable, for example, by allowing the belt band to which the filter skirt is attached to be removed. In this way, the filter skirt can be pulled out of the hollow cavity and cleaned or replaced when needed. The receiver body 25 may include one or more protrusions configured to releasably secure the belt band.

[0106] exist Figure 1B The instructions explain how to assemble it. Figure 1A ITE component 1. First, a filter or filter foam 17 is attached to the receiver 11 using straps secured around the receiver body 25. The combined receiver 11 and filter / foam are then inserted into the earmold 3. When the receiver 11 is secured within the earmold 3, the rear filter 17 forms a partition between at least a portion of the earmold's interior and the accessible exterior. The filter skirt 17 is configured to conform to the internal shape of the earmold by contacting the periphery of the earmold's inner wall 27.

[0107] Figure 2 The ITE component 1 and connector 21 according to some embodiments are illustrated schematically. The ITE component 1 shown has an elongated shape and is configured for at least partial placement within the ear canal of an intended user. The ITE component 1 has a hollow earmold 3, which includes a large portion of the housing for various devices within the ITE component. The hollow earmold 3 and possible additional elements of the housing may be made of a hard material such as a rigid polymer or metal, or a soft material such as a rubber-like polymer, molded to have an external shape conforming to the shape of a particular user's ear canal.

[0108] The earmold 3 has a front end 5 and a rear end 7 opposite to the front end, and the earmold is configured such that the front end can be positioned to face the eardrum of the user's ear canal during use of the hearing device. The earmold 3 is made to have a sound channel extending between the front opening 9 and the rear end 7 to allow air to flow between the front opening and the outside of the earmold during use.

[0109] A panel 19 is attached at the rear end 7, which may be permanently attached or removable. The panel covers the entire rear end and has a rear filter 17 incorporated therein. The rear filter may be permanently attached or removably attached to the filter screen of the panel. Thus, the rear filter 17 and / or panel 19 may be removable. Holes in panel 19 allow connector 21 to connect to a receiver within the earmold.

[0110] If removable, then panel 19 can be mechanically secured to ear mold 3, for example, by snap-fit ​​or press-fit. This allows for the replacement of the entire panel 19, for example, if the rear filter 17 becomes too contaminated, then the rear filter can be replaced, in which case the rear filter may become clogged and lose the acoustic transparency required for the function of the active vents within ear mold 3.

[0111] If permanently attached, the panel 19 can be glued or welded to the earmold 3. The rear filter 17 itself can be replaceable, so that it can be replaced if needed. The removable rear filter 17 can be, for example, an adhesive or filter that can be mechanically secured to the earmold 3, for example, by snap-fit ​​or press-fit. For example, the rear filter 17 can be mounted in a frame that fits into a hole in the panel shaped like a filter frame.

[0112] The post-filter 17 in panel 19 may be a specially designed filter with the minimum surface area required for the acoustic openness of the system, or it may be made as large as possible within physical constraints such as the size of the panel and allow for holes for connectors, etc.

[0113] Figure 3A and 3B The ITE component 1 and connector 21 are illustrated schematically according to some embodiments.

[0114] exist Figure 3AThe image shows an in-ear (ITE) component 1 of a hearing device and a connector 21 for attaching a BTE component to the ITE component 1. The ITE component 1 shown has an elongated shape and is configured for at least partial placement within the ear canal of the intended user. The ITE component has a hollow earmold 3, which includes a large portion of the housing for various components within the ITE component. The hollow earmold and possible additional elements of the housing may be made of a hard material such as a rigid polymer or metal, or a soft material such as a rubber-like polymer, molded to have an external shape conforming to the shape of a particular user's ear canal.

[0115] The ear mold 3 has a front end 5 and a rear end 7 opposite to the front end. The front end has a front opening 9 and the rear end has a rear opening 10.

[0116] The earmold is configured such that its front end can be positioned to face the eardrum of the user's ear canal during use of the hearing device. A receiver within the hollow cavity 23 of the earmold is arranged such that sound generated by the receiver exits the earmold via a front opening 9 at the front end. A front filter 15 at the front opening reduces the amount of contaminants that may enter through the front opening 9. The receiver 11 is secured within the hollow cavity 23 of the earmold by a support structure 29. The support structure is arranged at the front opening 9 and interlocks with a portion of the receiver 11 to secure it in place. This support structure 29 can be configured such that the receiver can be removed if needed and can be replaced later.

[0117] The earmold 3 is made to have a sound channel extending between the front opening 9 and the rear end 7 to allow air to move between the front opening and the outside of the hollow earmold.

[0118] A post-filter 17 is attached to the receiver 11 and positioned between the valve of the rear opening and the active vent. The post-filter extends to cover the internal space between the receiver and the inner wall 27 of the earmold. The post-filter can be in close contact with the inner wall 27 so that contaminants cannot bypass the filter. The post-filter 17 may be made of mesh foam, such as a foam pressure filter, which is attached to the receiver body 25 and can be made removable. In this way, the post-filter can be removed from the earmold for cleaning or replacement if needed.

[0119] The earmold 3 has a filter retaining element 31 in the form of a protruding element that extends from the inner wall 27 at the rear opening 10. The filter retaining element 31 is configured to hold the rear filter 17 in place within the earmold 3, and the protruding element achieves this by covering at least a portion of the rear filter.

[0120] exist Figure 3B The instructions explain how to assemble it. Figure 3A ITE component 1. First, the post-filter 17 is attached to the receiver 11, for example by using, as described above. Figure 1Aand 1B The aforementioned strap. The combined receiver 11 and rear filter 17 are then inserted into the earmold 3. When the receiver 11 is secured within the earmold, the rear filter 17 forms a separation between the interior of the earmold and the exterior where contaminants can reach. The rear filter 17 can be configured to adapt to the shape of the earmold by contacting the periphery of the inner wall 27 of the earmold. The aforementioned filter retaining element 31 can be an integral part of the earmold 3 or a component attached to the earmold. For example, the filter retaining element can be mechanically attached to the earmold, such as by a snap-fit ​​or press-fit attachment configuration.

[0121] Figure 4A and 4B The components of a hearing device according to some embodiments are illustrated in sectional views.

[0122] exist Figure 4A The image shows an earmold 3, which may be part of an in-ear (ITE) component 1 of a hearing device. A connector 21 connects a receiver 11, disposed within a receiver housing 25 in the earmold 3, to another component of the hearing device, such as a BTE component. The earmold 3 has an elongated shape and is configured for at least partial placement within the ear canal of the intended user. The earmold may be made of a hard material such as a rigid polymer or metal, or a soft material such as a rubber-like polymer or acrylic, and may be molded to have an external shape that at least partially conforms to the shape of a particular user's ear canal.

[0123] The ear mold 3 has a front end 5, a rear end 7 opposite to the front end, and a middle part 8. The front end has a front opening 9, and the rear end has a rear opening 10. Figure 4A The rear end of ear mold 3 is not sealed to the outside of the ear mold, which makes the ear mold have an open shell structure.

[0124] The earmold is configured such that its front end can be positioned to face the eardrum of the user's ear canal during use of the hearing device. A receiver housing 25 is disposed within the earmold such that sound generated by the receiver exits the earmold through a front opening 9 at the front end. A front filter 15 at the front opening reduces the amount of contaminants that may enter through the front opening 9.

[0125] The receiver housing 25 is held within the earmold by a support structure 29. The support structure 29 includes a retaining tip 35 attached to the front end of the earmold, and the retaining tip is configured to hold the receiver housing 25 in place within the earmold by interlocking with a portion of the receiver housing 25 to secure it in place. This support structure 29 can be configured to allow the receiver to be removed when needed and to be replaced later.

[0126] Optionally, the support structure 29 includes a soft material at the front opening, which has many advantages because it allows the support structure to be configured to: provide an acoustic seal between the user's ear canal and the internal space of the earmold, allow the receiver housing to be removably attached to the support structure, and allow the receiver housing to have a certain degree of mobility within the earmold, which increases user comfort.

[0127] The earmold is constructed with a sound channel extending between the front opening 9 and the rear end 7 to allow air movement between the front opening and the outside of the earmold. The earmold 3 has an active vent 13 with a valve positioned between the receiver 11 and the front opening 9. When the valve in the vent is closed, air movement between the front opening 9 and the rear end 7 is impeded. Conversely, opening the valve allows air to move through the sound channel. The receiver and the active vent can be integrated into the active vent receiver.

[0128] A post-filter (not shown) may be arranged such that it is positioned at the rear opening or between the valve of the rear opening 10 and the active vent 13. Such a post-filter may be configured to allow ambient sound to pass through it and additionally configured to prevent contaminants from entering the space between the post-filter and the vent. To prevent contaminants from bypassing the filter, the post-filter may be made of a flexible material. For example, the post-filter may be made of woven or foam material. When the receiver housing 25 is secured within the earmold, the post-filter forms a partition between the interior of the earmold and the exterior accessible to contaminants.

[0129] exist Figure 4B The document describes how to assemble the ear mold 3 and the support structure 29 in the form of a fixed tip 35 to produce an assembly prepared for insertion into the receiver housing, thereby obtaining... Figure 4A The hearing device component 1 shown. A custom earmold 3, shaped to fit part of the user's ear canal, is attached to a softer fixing tip 35, for example, using an adhesive such as glue. The fixing tip includes a front opening configured to allow the receiver housing 25 to be inserted therein.

[0130] Figure 5A and 5B The components of a hearing device according to some embodiments are illustrated schematically.

[0131] exist Figure 5AThe image shows an earmold 3 in cross-section, which may be part of an in-ear (ITE) component 1 of a hearing device. A connector 21 connects a receiver 11 disposed within a receiver housing 25 in the earmold 3 to another component of the hearing device, such as a BTE component. The earmold 3 has an elongated shape and is configured for at least partial placement within the ear canal of the intended user. The earmold may be made of a hard material such as a rigid polymer or metal, or a soft material such as a rubber-like polymer or acrylic, and may be molded to have an external shape that at least partially conforms to the shape of a particular user's ear canal.

[0132] The ear mold 3 has a front end 5, a rear end 7 opposite to the front end, and a middle part 8. The front end has a front opening 9, and the rear end has a rear opening 10. Figure 5A The rear end of ear mold 3 is not sealed to the outside of the ear mold, which makes the ear mold have an open shell structure.

[0133] The earmold is configured such that its front end can be positioned to face the eardrum of the user's ear canal during use of the hearing device. A receiver housing 25 is disposed within the earmold such that sound generated by the receiver exits the earmold through a front opening 9 at the front end. A front filter may be positioned at the front opening to reduce the amount of contaminants that may enter through the front opening.

[0134] The receiver housing 25 is held within the earmold by a support structure comprising multiple support structures 41, 43. The first support structure 41 extends from the inner wall 27 and is closer to the rear end than the front end. Orienting the support structure primarily towards the rear end of the earmold saves space at the front, which is advantageous because available space at the front is typically more limited than at the rear. If the front of the earmold must be larger, this reduces the insertion depth of the earmold within the user's ear canal and / or makes it more difficult to achieve a good fit within the ear canal.

[0135] The first support structure 41 can be manufactured as a 3D printed part together with the ear mold 3 and can be made of the same material used for the ear mold 3. A portion of the first support structure 41 has a shape that allows the receiver housing 25 to fit therein, but is made slightly larger than needed so that the receiver housing 25 will fit even if there are small deviations in printing due to, for example, low-fidelity printing resolution. The first support structure is made to surround the receiver housing and provides visual indication of proper attachment to the ear mold.

[0136] Optionally, the second support structure 41 is made of a material softer than the material used to make the ear mold. Either or both of the first support structure 41 and the second structure 43 may be made of a material softer than the material used to make the ear mold, or a material softer than the material used to make the intermediate component of the ear mold. The first and second support structures may have different stiffnesses, i.e., the first support structure may have a different stiffness than the second support structure—even if both the first and second support structures are softer than the material used to make the ear mold, or at least softer than the material used to make the intermediate component of the ear mold.

[0137] The second support structure 43 is shaped as a ring that fits within a groove in the first support structure 35. Optionally, the second support structure is configured to provide some flexibility when the receiver housing 25 is inserted into the support structure and to provide the holding force necessary to retain the receiver housing within the earmold. The second support structure 43 may also be configured to allow the receiver housing to be removed from the support structure.

[0138] Optionally, the hearing device includes a soft material at the front opening 9 into which the receiver housing 25 or an active vent 13 coupled to the receiver housing is inserted. The soft material is configured to provide elasticity during insertion. If desired, the soft material at the front opening may be configured to allow the receiver housing to be removed from the earmold. The soft material at the front opening 9 may be a fixed tip and thus part of a support structure. Figure 5A The fixed tip 35 shown is smaller than Figure 4A and 4B The fixed tip shown.

[0139] The receiver housing 25 has an active vent 13 connected thereto; for example, it may be an active vent receiver, wherein the active vent is built into the receiver. For the active vent to function satisfactorily, a soft material at the front opening is configured to provide an acoustic seal between the user's ear canal and the internal space of the earmold, which opens to the outside of the user's ear canal. This allows ambient sound to travel from the external environment into the user's ear canal when the valve within the active vent is open, and prevents ambient sound from entering the user's ear canal when the valve is closed.

[0140] Additionally, the soft material at the front opening 9 can be configured to allow the receiver housing and active vents to have some mobility within the earmold, which increases user comfort when wearing the hearing device.

[0141] A post-filter (not shown) may be arranged such that it is positioned at the rear opening or between the valve of the rear opening 10 and the active vent 13. Such a post-filter may be configured to allow ambient sound to pass through it and additionally configured to prevent contaminants from entering the space between the post-filter and the vent. To prevent contaminants from bypassing the filter, the post-filter may be made of a flexible material. For example, the post-filter may be made of woven or foam material. When the receiver housing 25 is secured within the earmold, the post-filter forms a partition between the interior of the earmold and the exterior accessible to contaminants.

[0142] exist Figure 5B In the middle, it shows the direction Figure 5A The image shows a view of the rear end 7 of the ear mold 3. The first support structure 41 and the second support structure 43 are shown without being inserted into the receiver housing, thus the 3D structure is... Figure 5A Together, they can be better visualized.

[0143] Figure 6A and 6B The components of a hearing device according to some embodiments are illustrated schematically.

[0144] exist Figure 6A The image shows a cross-sectional view of an earmold 3, which may be part of an in-ear (ITE) component 1 of a hearing device. A connector 21 connects a receiver 11, disposed within a receiver housing 25 in the earmold 3, to another component of the hearing device, such as a BTE component. The earmold 3 has an elongated shape and is configured for at least partial placement within the intended user's ear canal. The earmold 3 and the receiver housing 25 may be combined substantially as described above. Figure 5A The receiver can be an active vent receiver.

[0145] The receiver housing 25 is held within the earmold by a support structure 29. The support structure 29 extends from the inner wall 27, is closer to the rear end than the front end, and comprises a softer material than that used for the intermediate components of the earmold. The support structure can be attached to the earmold using an adhesive, such as glue. Orienting the support structure primarily towards the rear end of the earmold saves space at the front, which is advantageous because available space at the front is typically more limited than at the rear. If the front of the earmold must be larger, this reduces the insertion depth of the earmold within the user's ear canal and / or makes it more difficult to achieve a good fit within the ear canal.

[0146] The support structure 29 has a shape that allows a portion of the wired connection 21 to fit therein. The support structure 29 is configured such that it will provide elasticity to allow the wired connection 21 to be inserted therein, but is also configured such that once inserted, the support structure will provide a retaining force to hold the wired connection 21 in place, so that the receiver housing remains in the proper position within the earmold.

[0147] The structure located at the front 5 of the ear mold holds the receiver housing or the active vent connected to the receiver housing in a suitable position at or near the front opening 9, for example, but not limited to, in or near the soft material at the front opening 9 as described above.

[0148] Alternatively, Figure 6A The embodiments shown illustrate an example where the support structure includes multiple support structures. A first support structure 41 extends from the inner wall 27 closer to the rear end than the front end, and can be manufactured as a 3D printed part together with the ear mold 3. It can be made of the same material used for the ear mold 3, and must then provide sufficient elasticity for wired connections to be inserted into the first support structure 41. A second support structure 43 is disposed at the front end 5 of the ear mold and comprises a material optionally softer than the material used to make the ear mold. The second support structure 43 can be a fixed tip, and the second support structure can be configured to provide an acoustic seal between the user's ear canal and the internal space of the ear mold.

[0149] Figure 6B Showing direction Figure 6A The view shown is of the rear end 7 of the earmold 3, which is to show another view of the (first) support structures 29, 41, in which the wired connection 21 is held within the support structure so that the receiver housing 25 is held in place within the earmold 3.

[0150] Figure 7A and 7B The components of a hearing device according to some embodiments are illustrated schematically.

[0151] exist Figure 7A The image shows an earmold 3 in cross-section, which may be part of an in-ear (ITE) component 1 of a hearing device. A connector 21 connects a receiver 11, disposed within a receiver housing 25 in the earmold 3, to another component of the hearing device, such as a BTE component. The earmold 3 has an elongated shape and is configured for at least partial placement within the ear canal of the intended user. The earmold may be made of a hard material such as a rigid polymer or metal, or a softer material such as a rubber-like polymer or acrylic, and may be molded to have an external shape that at least partially conforms to the shape of a particular user's ear canal.

[0152] The ear mold 3 has a front end 5, a rear end 7 opposite to the front end, and a middle part 8. The front end has a front opening 9, and the rear end has a rear opening 10. Figure 7A The rear end of ear mold 3 is not sealed to the outside of the ear mold, which makes the ear mold have an open shell structure.

[0153] The earmold 3 is configured such that the front end 5 can be positioned to face the eardrum of the user's ear canal during use of the hearing device. A receiver housing 25 is disposed within the earmold such that sound generated by the receiver exits the earmold through a front opening 9 at the front end. A front filter may be positioned at the front opening to reduce the amount of contaminants that may enter through it.

[0154] The receiver housing 25 is held within the earmold by a support structure 29. The support structure 29 extends from the inner wall 27 and is arranged closer to the rear end 7 than the front end 5 of the earmold. The support structure can be attached to the earmold using known methods such as adhesives, for example, glue. Orienting the support structure primarily towards the rear end of the earmold saves space at the front, which is advantageous because available space at the front is typically more limited than at the rear. If the front of the earmold must be larger, this reduces the insertion depth of the earmold within the user's ear canal and / or makes it more difficult to achieve a good fit within the ear canal.

[0155] Figure 7A and 7B The support structure 29 shown is made of a flexible material that can extend to accommodate the receiver housing 25 during and after insertion of the receiver housing into the ear mold 3. The support structure 29 may be made of or at least include the following: a material softer than the material used to make the ear mold, or at least a material softer than the material used to make the intermediate part of the ear mold.

[0156] The support structure is formed to cover a portion of the receiver housing, from which the wired connection 21 extends and has an opening through which the wired connection extends. The wired connection 21 extends from an end of the elongated receiver housing 25 opposite to the front end 5 of the earmold, and the support structure 29 is formed to fit onto this end and further extends along the receiver housing to form a cavity formed to fit the end of the receiver housing. The flexible support structure 29 is configured to provide some elasticity when the receiver housing 25 is inserted into the earmold and to provide the holding force necessary to retain the receiver housing within the earmold.

[0157] The wired connection 21 can be permanently attached to the receiver housing 25, or removably attached to the receiver housing, for example, using a known wired interface. If the wired connection is attached to the receiver housing 25, then the other end of the wired connection must be removably attached so that the receiver housing can be removably disposed within the earmold. If the wired connection 21 is removably attached to the receiver housing 25, then the housing can be inserted into the earmold and secured in the support structure before the wired connection 21 is attached to the housing 25.

[0158] The support structure 29 can be configured to secure the receiver housing 25 in place within the earmold, i.e., even when the wired connection is not present, or when the wired connection extends through the hole in the support structure, the wired connection can help keep the receiver housing 25 in place by limiting the movement of the receiver housing 25.

[0159] Optionally, the hearing device includes a soft material at the front opening 9 into which the receiver housing 25 or an active vent 13 coupled to the receiver housing is inserted. The soft material is configured to provide elasticity during insertion. If desired, the soft material at the front opening may be configured to allow the receiver housing to be removed from the earmold. The soft material at the front opening 9 may be a fixed tip, as discussed elsewhere, and thus part of a support structure.

[0160] Figure 7A The receiver housing 25 shown has an active vent 13 connected thereto; for example, it could be an active vent receiver, wherein the active vent is built into the receiver. In a preferred embodiment where the front opening is made of a soft material, for the active vent to function satisfactorily, the soft material at the front opening is configured to provide an acoustic seal between the user's ear canal and the internal space of the earmold that opens to the outside of the user's ear canal. This allows ambient sound to travel from the external environment into the user's ear canal when the valve within the active vent is open, and prevents ambient sound from entering the user's ear canal when the valve is closed.

[0161] Additionally, in an optional embodiment where the front opening 9 is made of a material softer than the earmold, the soft material at the front opening 9 can be configured to allow the receiver housing and active vents to have some mobility within the earmold, which increases user comfort when wearing the hearing device.

[0162] A post-filter (not shown) may be arranged such that it is positioned at the rear opening or between the valve of the rear opening 10 and the active vent 13. Such a post-filter may be configured to allow ambient sound to pass through it and additionally configured to prevent contaminants from entering the space between the post-filter and the vent. To prevent contaminants from bypassing the filter, the post-filter may be made of a flexible material. For example, the post-filter may be made of woven or foam material. When the receiver housing 25 is secured within the earmold, the post-filter forms a partition between the interior of the earmold and the exterior accessible to contaminants.

[0163] Figure 7B Showing direction Figure 7A The diagram shows a view of the rear end 7 of the earmold 3, to illustrate another view of the support structure 29, in which the receiver housing 25 is held in place within the earmold 3. A wired connection 21 extends through a hole in the support structure 29.

[0164] Figure 8A and 8B The components of a hearing device according to some embodiments are illustrated schematically.

[0165] exist Figure 8A The image shows an earmold 3 in cross-section, which may be part of an in-ear (ITE) component 1 of a hearing device. A connector 21 connects a receiver 11, disposed within a receiver housing 25 in the earmold 3, to another component of the hearing device, such as a BTE component. The earmold 3 has an elongated shape and is configured for at least partial placement within the ear canal of the intended user. The earmold may be made of a hard material such as a rigid polymer or metal, or a softer material such as a rubber-like polymer or acrylic, and may be molded to have an external shape that at least partially conforms to the shape of a particular user's ear canal.

[0166] The ear mold 3 has a front end 5, a rear end 7 opposite to the front end, and a middle part 8. The front end has a front opening 9, and the rear end has a rear opening 10. Figure 8A The rear end of ear mold 3 is not sealed to the outside of the ear mold, which makes the ear mold have an open shell structure.

[0167] The earmold 3 is configured such that the front end 5 can be positioned to face the eardrum of the user's ear canal during use of the hearing device. A receiver housing 25 is disposed within the earmold such that sound generated by the receiver exits the earmold through a front opening 9 at the front end. A front filter may be positioned at the front opening to reduce the amount of contaminants that may enter through it.

[0168] The receiver housing 25 is held within the earmold by a support structure 29. Optionally, the support structure 29 comprises a flexible material that is softer than the material used to make the earmold 3. The support structure 29 is made of a flexible material that can stretch to accommodate the receiver housing 25 during and after insertion of the receiver housing into the earmold 3. The flexible support structure 29 is configured to provide some elasticity when the receiver housing 25 is inserted into the earmold and to provide the holding force necessary to hold the receiver housing 25 within the earmold 3.

[0169] A support structure 29 extends from the inner wall 27 of the earmold, and a portion thereof forms a tube that fits into the receiver housing 25. The tubular shape is dimensioned to fit snugly around the elongated body of the receiver housing 25, thereby generating a retaining force. The support structure 29 can be attached to the earmold 3 using known methods such as adhesives, for example, glue. The tubular support structure 29 can be arranged primarily toward the rear end of the earmold to save space at the front of the earmold. If desired, the support structure 29 can be configured to allow the receiver housing 25 to be removed from the earmold 3.

[0170] Figure 8AThe receiver housing 25 shown has an active vent 13 connected thereto; for example, it could be an active vent receiver, with the active vent built into the receiver. For the active vent to function satisfactorily, a portion of the support structure at or near the front opening 9 is configured to provide an acoustic seal between the user's ear canal and the internal space of the earmold, which opens to the outside of the user's ear canal. This allows ambient sound to travel from the external environment into the user's ear canal when the valve within the active vent is open, and prevents ambient sound from entering the user's ear canal when the valve is closed. Additionally, the support structure 29 has one or more fluid openings 45, which are positioned and configured to allow fluids such as air to pass through, such that the support structure 29 does not interfere with the function of the active vent 13.

[0171] In an alternative embodiment where the support structure 29 is made of a material softer than the earmold, the flexible and soft support structure 29 allows the receiver housing 25 and the active vent 13 to have a certain degree of mobility within the earmold, which increases the user's comfort when wearing the hearing device.

[0172] A post-filter (not shown) may be arranged such that it is positioned at the rear opening or between the valve of the rear opening 10 and the active vent 13. Such a post-filter may be configured to allow ambient sound to pass through it and additionally configured to prevent contaminants from entering the space between the post-filter and the vent. To prevent contaminants from bypassing the filter, the post-filter may be made of a flexible material. For example, the post-filter may be made of woven or foam material. When the receiver housing 25 is secured within the earmold, the post-filter forms a partition between the interior of the earmold and the exterior accessible to contaminants.

[0173] Figure 8B A view is shown facing the rear end 7 of the ear mold 3, to show another view of the support structure 29 without the receiver housing 25 inserted, thus revealing the 3D structure of the support structure in relation to... Figure 8A Together, they can be better visualized.

[0174] Figure 9 A hearing device component according to some embodiments is illustrated schematically in cross-sectional view. An earmold 3 is shown, which may be part of an in-ear (ITE) component 1 of the hearing device. The earmold 3 has an elongated shape and is configured for at least partial placement within the ear canal of the intended user. The earmold may be made of a hard material such as a rigid polymer or metal, or a softer material such as a rubber-like polymer or acrylic, and may be molded to have an external shape that at least partially conforms to the shape of a particular user's ear canal.

[0175] The ear mold 3 has a front end 5, a rear end 7 opposite to the front end, and a middle part 8. The front end has a front opening 9, and the rear end has a rear opening 10. The rear end of the ear mold 3 does not close the outside of the ear mold, so that the ear mold has an open shell structure.

[0176] The earmold 3 is configured such that the front end 5 can be positioned to face the eardrum of the user's ear canal during use of the hearing device. A receiver housing 25 is disposed within the earmold such that sound generated by the receiver exits the earmold through a front opening 9 at the front end. A front filter 15 is positioned at the front opening 9 to reduce the amount of contaminants that may enter through the front opening.

[0177] The receiver housing 25 is held within the earmold by a support structure 29. The support structure 29 is optionally made of a softer material than the material used to make the earmold 3. The support structure 29 is made of a material that can extend during and after insertion of the receiver housing into the earmold 3 to accommodate the receiver housing 25. The support structure 29 is positioned inside the earmold at the front end 5 and near the front opening 9. The support structure 29 is shaped to accommodate part of an active vent 13, which is coupled to the receiver housing 25, and is configured to hold the active vent and thus the receiver housing 25 in place within the earmold 3.

[0178] The support structure 29 can be attached to the ear mold 3 using known methods such as adhesives such as glue, and if necessary, the support structure 29 can be configured to allow the receiver housing 25 to be removed from the ear mold 3.

[0179] The earmold 3 further includes a flexible and elastic element 37 configured to cushion the impact of the receiver housing 25 against the inner wall of the earmold 3. The flexible and elastic element may be, for example, a foam material. This cushioning configuration allows the receiver housing 25 to move within the earmold, such as when the user speaks or chews, providing increased comfort for the user of the hearing device. The flexible and elastic element 37 can be attached to the receiver housing using a strap secured around the receiver housing 25. The flexible and elastic element 37 can be made removable, for example, by allowing the strap to which the element is attached to to be removed. In this way, the flexible and elastic element 37 can be withdrawn from the earmold 3 for cleaning or replacement when needed.

[0180] The flexible and elastic element 37 can be additionally configured to act as a post-filter 17 and can be arranged such that it is positioned at the rear opening or between the valve of the rear opening 10 and the active vent 13. To prevent contaminants from bypassing the post-filter 17, the post-filter can be made of a flexible material such as woven material or foam material. When the receiver housing 25 is secured within the earmold 3, the post-filter 17 forms a partition between the internal space of the earmold 3 and the external space of the earmold accessible to contaminants. The post-filter 17 is configured to be acoustically open so that the function of the active vent is not impaired, and when the valve is open, the system will acoustically appear as a fully open ventilated earmold.

[0181] Figure 10A and 10B A receiver housing 25, including a portion of an interlocking element 39 and a support structure 29, is illustrated schematically according to some embodiments.

[0182] Figure 10A A receiver housing 25 is shown, including an interlocking element 39 having a cylindrical shape. One end of the cylindrical shape is attached to the receiver housing 25, and the other end of the cylindrical shape has a stop. A wired connection 21 extends from the interlocking element 39 and is connected to the receiver through the center of the cylindrical shape.

[0183] A portion of a support structure 29 is also shown, which includes a cutout shaped to fit around the cylindrical shape of the interlocking element 39. The support structure 29 is coupled to the earmold, such as to the inner wall of the earmold.

[0184] Interlocking element 39 and support structure 29 are configured to interlock with each other. When the cylindrical shape of interlocking element 39 is introduced into the cutout of support structure, interlocking element and support structure interlock with each other, and stops on interlocking element help to hold receiver housing in place relative to support structure 29.

[0185] Figure 10B A receiver housing 25 including an interlocking element 39 is shown. The interlocking element 39 is part of or attached to one end of the receiver housing 25. The interlocking element 39 includes a hole extending through the interlocking element in a direction substantially parallel to the end face of the receiver housing 25. A wired connection 21 extends from the receiver housing 25 and may extend through a portion of the interlocking element 39.

[0186] The portion of the support structure 29, shaped to fit within the hole of the interlocking element 39, is also shown. The support structure 29 is coupled to the earmold, for example, to the inner wall of the earmold.

[0187] The interlocking element 39 and the support structure 29 are thus configured to interlock with each other. The receiver housing 25 can be attached to the support structure 29 by applying force to push the interlocking element 39 onto the support structure 29, such that the portion of the support structure 29 suitable for the hole is located within the hole of the interlocking element 39. In this way, the receiver housing 25 is held in place relative to the support structure 29.

[0188] Figure 11 A hearing device according to some embodiments is illustrated in a cross-sectional view.

[0189] exist Figure 11 The image shows a cross-sectional view of an ITE hearing device 1 including an earmold 3. The earmold 3 has an elongated shape and is configured to be placed at least partially within the ear canal of the intended user, and can be customized for that user by being shaped to fit the ear canal of a particular user. The earmold is made of a rigid material such as a hard polymer, which increases comfort for many users during use of the hearing device.

[0190] The earmold 3 has a front end 5, a rear end 7 opposite to the front end, and a middle part 8. The front end has a front opening 9, and the rear end has a rear opening 10. The rear end of the earmold 3 is closed to the outside of the earmold by a panel 19, which has a door leading to the battery compartment, in which the battery 47 is housed.

[0191] The earmold 3 is configured such that its front end can be positioned to face the eardrum of the user's ear canal during use of the hearing device. The receiver housing 25 includes a receiver 11 and is disposed within the earmold such that sound generated by the receiver exits the earmold through an active vent 13 and a front opening 9 at the front end. A front filter may be positioned at the front opening to reduce the amount of contaminants that may enter through it. The receiver housing 25 may include various electronic components, and additional electronic components 49 may be disposed inside the earmold 3 outside the receiver housing 25.

[0192] The earmold 3 is configured to have a sound channel extending between the front opening 9 and the rear end 7 to allow air to flow between the front opening and the outside of the earmold.

[0193] An active vent 13 is positioned between active openings and includes a valve. The valve allows the active vent to have an open and closed state, wherein the valve provides fluid connection through the sound channel in the open state, and wherein the valve obstructs fluid connection through the sound channel in the closed state. Thus, when the valve in the vent is closed, movement of air between the front opening 9 and the outside of the earmold is impeded during earmold use. Conversely, opening the valve allows air to move through the sound channel. A receiver and the active vent may be integrated into an active vent receiver.

[0194] The receiver housing 25 is held within the earmold by a support structure 29 extending from the inner wall 27. Orienting the support structure more towards the rear end of the earmold rather than the front saves space at the front, as available space at the front is typically more limited than at the rear. If the front of the earmold must be made larger, this reduces the insertion depth of the earmold into the user's ear canal and / or makes it more difficult to achieve a good fit within the ear canal.

[0195] The support structure 29 is shaped as a disk, that is, it has a flat shape, and Figure 11 In the illustrated embodiment, the outer circumference is connected to the inner wall 27. An opening is provided within the disc-shaped support structure 29, within which the receiver housing 25 is held. The disc-shaped support structure 29 is positioned between the active vent 13 and the panel 19.

[0196] The panel 19 and the disc-shaped support structure 29 each have one or more fluid openings 45 that form part of a sound channel that allows air to flow from outside the ear canal to the interior of the earmold, including the active vent, during use of the hearing device.

[0197] Optionally, the support structure 29 is at least partially made of a material softer than the material used to make the earmold 3, and can be configured to allow some movement of the receiver housing 25. This degree of freedom of the receiver housing 25 within the earmold 3 can provide greater comfort to the user during use.

[0198] In an optional embodiment where the support structure 29 is made of a material softer than the earmold, the hearing device may include a soft material at the front opening 9 into which the receiver housing 25 or an active vent 13 coupled to the receiver housing is inserted, the soft material being configured to provide elasticity during insertion. The soft material at the front opening may be part of a support structure that holds the receiver housing 25 in place within the earmold 3. Additionally, the soft material at the front opening may be configured to provide an acoustic seal between the user's ear canal and the internal space of the earmold.

[0199] In an optional embodiment where the support structure 29 is made of a material softer than the earmold, the support structure 29, the soft material at the front opening, the receiver housing 25, and the panel can each be configured to allow the receiver housing to be removed from the earmold if desired. The receiver housing 25 can also be disconnected from other electronics 49 of the hearing device 1. In some embodiments, the support structure 29, the soft material at the front opening, and the panel 19 can all be removably attached to the earmold 3 to allow personnel such as users, hearing aid audiologists, or technicians to replace parts of the hearing device.

[0200] Figure 12 A hearing device according to some embodiments is illustrated in a cross-sectional view.

[0201] exist Figure 12 In it, it shows something similar to Figure 11 The image shown is a cross-sectional view of the ITE hearing device, including earmold 3. Figure 12 In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid opening 45 in panel 19 and the fluid opening 45 in disc-shaped support structure 29 are connected by fluid conduits 51. Each fluid conduit 51 extends between the fluid opening in panel 19 and the fluid opening in disc-shaped support structure 29. With the fluid conduits 51, sound propagating from the outside of earmold 1 during use of the hearing device is guided to the portion inside the earmold including the active vent 13. Furthermore, with the fluid conduits 51, any sound originating from the inside of earmold 3 in the space between panel 19 and disc-shaped support structure 29 can be suppressed, such that the sound is reduced or removed before propagating to the active vent 13.

Claims

1. An in-the-ear, ITE, component (1) configured for at least partial placement within an ear canal of a user, the ITE component (1) comprising: a connector (21) configured for coupling to a BTE component, the BTE component configured for wearing behind a pinna of the user, and a hollow ear mold (3) comprising: a front end (5), a back end (7) and a hollow cavity (23), the ear mold configured such that the front end (5) is positioned facing a tympanic membrane of the user during use, the front end (5) comprising a front opening (9), the front opening (9) comprising a front filter (15), wherein the front filter is configured to hinder passage of contaminants through the front opening into the ear mold, and the back end (7) comprising a back opening (10), the ITE component (1) further comprising: a receiver (11) arranged in the hollow cavity (23), a sound channel extending between the front opening (9) and the back end (7) and configured to allow a fluid connection between the front opening (9) and an outside of the hollow ear mold (3), an active vent (13) comprising a valve positioned at the front end (5) and configured to have an open state and a closed state, wherein the valve in the open state provides a fluid connection through the sound channel, wherein the valve in the closed state hinders a fluid connection through the sound channel, and a back filter (17) arranged at the back opening or arranged in the hollow cavity and between the back opening and the valve of the active vent, wherein the back filter is configured to allow passage of ambient sound therethrough and further configured to hinder passage of contaminants into a space between the back filter and the vent, and wherein the back filter surrounds the receiver body.

2. The ITE component (1) according to claim 1, wherein the ear mold is a hard ear mold.

3. The ITE component (1) according to claim 1, wherein the ear mold is made of acrylic.

4. The ITE component (1) according to claim 1, wherein the back end of the ear mold is an open housing structure.

5. The ITE component (1) according to claim 1, wherein the back filter comprises a filter mesh or a mesh foam filter.

6. The ITE component (1) according to claim 1, wherein the receiver is configured to be removably arranged within the ear mold.

7. The ITE component (1) according to claim 1, wherein the receiver comprises a receiver body (25), the back filter is removably attached to the receiver body, and the back filter is configured to contact one or more inner walls (27) of the hollow ear mold.

8. The ITE component (1) according to claim 1, wherein the ear mold further comprises a filter holding element (31) extending from a portion of the ear mold, the filter holding element configured to secure the back filter.

9. The ITE component (1) according to claim 1, wherein the valve is positioned between the receiver (11) and the front opening (9).

10. A hearing device comprising: an ITE part (1) according to any of the preceding claims, and a BTE part configured to be worn behind the pinna of a user, wherein the ITE part (1) is coupled to the BTE part via a connector (21).

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