In-ear hearing aid with antenna

Abstract

The present application discloses an in-ear hearing aid with an antenna, the in-ear hearing aid comprising: a hearing aid housing comprising a first housing portion and an opposing second housing portion, where the second housing portion is configured to face a tympanic membrane of a user; an antenna extending from the first housing portion, the antenna comprising a first antenna portion having a first thickness thereby having a first stiffness, the first antenna portion mechanically connected to the first housing portion, the first antenna portion extending substantially parallel to a plane in a surface of the first housing portion; the antenna includes a second antenna portion extending from the first antenna portion, wherein the second antenna portion has a second thickness to have a second stiffness lower than the first stiffness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an in-the-ear hearing aid having an antenna. More specifically, the present invention relates to an in-the-ear hearing aid having a high-frequency antenna. The antenna enables the hearing aid to communicate with an external device such as a mobile phone, a stationary streaming device, or other suitable communication device. Background Art

[0002] The housing of an in-the-ear hearing aid is located at least for the most part in or at the ear canal of the user / wearer. The housing typically houses electronic components, such as one or more of a processor, memory, output transducer, input transducer, and battery. The outer shape of the hearing aid housing can be customized to the individual user. This can be achieved by taking an impression of at least a portion of the ear canal, for example by molding, three-dimensional image scanning, etc. The outer shape of the housing can then be shaped based on this information, for example by three-dimensional printing or other appropriate techniques. Alternatively, the housing can have a predetermined shape and be formed so that it can be used by a large number of people. In this case, it can be said that the hearing aid has a high fit rate. Some kind of earpiece can then be used to ensure that the hearing aid remains in the ear canal in a way that is comfortable for the user.

[0003] One issue with high-frequency communications with devices placed on the user's head is the high losses, largely due to the wearer's head.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide a solution that can solve at least some of the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention at least provides an alternative to the prior art.

[0006] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a hearing aid configured to be placed at least partially within an ear canal of a wearer or user, such as predominantly within the ear canal, such as mostly within the ear canal, such as completely within the ear canal.

[0007] A hearing aid according to the present invention may include a housing configured to be positioned in a user's ear canal. The hearing aid may include a hearing aid housing comprising a first housing portion and an opposing second housing portion. The first housing portion may be or include the portion of the hearing aid closest to the ear canal opening when the hearing aid is positioned in the ear canal. The second housing portion may be the portion positioned in the ear canal during use of the hearing aid. In this hearing aid, the second housing portion may be configured to face the user's eardrum. The hearing aid according to the present invention may also include an antenna extending from the first housing portion. The antenna may be configured to include a first antenna portion having a first thickness, thereby providing the first antenna portion with a first stiffness. The first antenna portion may have a constant thickness or a gradually decreasing thickness. The thickness may gradually decrease so as to gradually transition from the first thickness to the second thickness across the length of the antenna. The first antenna portion may be configured to be mechanically connected to the first housing portion. This connection may include an electrical connection to establish electrical communication between the antenna (antenna wire) and electronic components within the hearing aid (e.g., a wireless interface). The first antenna portion may extend substantially parallel to a plane within a surface of the first housing portion. The surface may include a sound inlet. The sound inlet may have a sound inlet plane. The sound inlet plane and a plane in the surface of the first housing part may be parallel, at least for a portion of the surface. The antenna may include a second antenna part extending from the first antenna part, wherein the second antenna part has a second thickness, which provides a second stiffness that is lower than the first stiffness. The first and second antenna parts may be referred to as first and second antenna segments, respectively. By providing a relatively high first stiffness, it is ensured that the first part of the antenna does not contact the user's skin after the hearing aid is placed in the ear canal. In this way, the first part of the antenna contributes significantly to the overall performance of the antenna. The second part of the antenna provides a softer antenna part, which feels more comfortable to the user and enables the antenna to conform to the shape of the outer ear / pinna.

[0008] The hearing aid according to the present invention may be configured such that the hearing aid housing is or comprises a material that encapsulates at least the battery. Encapsulation may be achieved by applying a liquid epoxy resin to one or more components of the hearing aid, such as the battery and the substrate carrying the electronics and / or contacts.

[0009] A hearing aid according to the present invention can be configured such that at least a portion of the length of the first antenna portion extends within a groove or track in the inner surface of the hearing aid housing. Such a track can provide a well-defined interior portion for the antenna. Specifically, the groove or track can be formed in a panel that is part of the hearing aid housing.

[0010] The track or groove can be configured to have a curved shape, for example, to align with one or more components located at a first end of the hearing aid. The first end is or is located within the first housing portion. These components can be or include a battery and / or one or more microphones and / or a scroll wheel or knob for user input.

[0011] The groove or track may be configured to terminate at an opening formed in a side surface of a first end of the hearing aid housing. This end may then be used for the antenna to extend from the housing.

[0012] The hearing aid according to the present invention may be configured such that the second antenna portion is arranged to rest against or against the outer ear of the user when the hearing aid is located in the ear canal of the user. The length of the antenna may be selected to suit a particular operating frequency, for example 2.4 GHz.

[0013] A hearing aid according to the present invention can be configured so that the second antenna portion also functions as a pull cord to facilitate removal and / or insertion of the hearing aid from the ear canal. This can be beneficial for the user because there is no need to choose between two different pull cords. Furthermore, using a pull cord / antenna extending from the hearing aid is very intuitive for the user.

[0014] The hearing aid according to the present invention may be configured such that the battery is placed or configured to be placed at a first end of the hearing aid housing, such that a circuit board carrying one or more electronic components of the hearing aid is located on one side of the battery, and the first antenna portion is electrically connected to a wireless interface on the carrier. The wireless interface may be a radio device that encodes and decodes according to a specific protocol (e.g., Bluetooth).

[0015] The first antenna portion may be configured to be connected to a decoupling element located at the battery of the hearing aid.Other locations of the decoupling element are also foreseen, such as near the point where the antenna contacts the hearing aid housing.

[0016] The hearing aid according to the present invention may be configured such that a hook is formed on the inner surface of the first end of the hearing aid, wherein the first antenna portion can be mounted or connected to the hook to secure a portion of the first antenna portion within the hearing aid housing. This is useful for ensuring that the antenna is securely secured within the hearing aid housing.

[0017] A hearing aid according to the present invention may be configured such that an isolated feed line connects the first antenna portion to the circuit board. This is expected to reduce unwanted electromagnetic coupling between the feed line and electronic components of the hearing aid, which could interfere with the function of the electronic components and / or degrade the performance of the antenna.

[0018] The hearing aid according to the present invention may be configured such that the first antenna portion and the circuit board are located on both sides of the battery.

[0019] A hearing aid according to the present invention can be configured such that the antenna extends at an angle of between 5 and 80 degrees relative to the major axis of the largest inscribed ellipse of the ear canal. This angle can be in the range of 20 to 60 degrees, for example, approximately 40 to 45 degrees. This is expected to help guide the first antenna portion away from contact with the concha / pinna of the user's ear.

[0020] The hearing aid according to the invention may be configured such that a plane defined at the surface of the first housing part having the formed sound inlet is (substantially) parallel to the user's head when the hearing aid is placed in the user's ear canal.

[0021] A hearing aid may include a housing having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to be positioned within the ear canal and toward the eardrum during use, and the second end being configured to be positioned toward the user's surroundings when the hearing aid is positioned within the ear canal as intended. The hearing aid may include an output transducer at the first end. The hearing aid may include an input transducer at the second end. The hearing aid may include a faceplate at the second end. The input transducer may be configured to convert an acoustic input into an electrical signal. The electrical signal may be provided to a processor configured to apply a gain model suitable for compensating for the user's hearing loss. The output transducer may be configured to provide an output signal perceptible to the user as sound based on the processed signal.

[0022] The housing can be a printed housing, or advantageously, a molded housing or formed from an encapsulating material. The housing advantageously serves to encapsulate or surround electronic components and / or other components, such as a rechargeable battery and / or a substrate carrying one or more electronic components. "Encapsulation" refers to a material surrounding the components in question; preferably, the material is applied to the components in liquid form and solidifies to form the encapsulation. The hearing aid can be configured for use within the ear canal. The hearing aid according to the present invention can include a front portion that includes a speaker unit. The front portion is configured to be inserted toward the eardrum of a wearer during use. The speaker unit or output transducer can be configured to transmit sound into the ear canal. The speaker unit can be configured to have an opening at its distal end, the opening being intended to be positioned near or toward the eardrum of a person using / wearing the hearing aid. The hearing aid according to the present invention can include a central portion in which a rechargeable battery can be located. Furthermore, an amplifier can be located within or at the central portion. The amplifier can be constructed as or include a flexible circuit board wrapped around the battery. This can be achieved, for example, by providing a substrate comprising two or more parts, one of which can be arranged on one side or face of the battery, while one or more other parts are arranged on other sides, faces or locations of the battery. The middle part can be at least partially encapsulated by a polymer material. This is expected to provide a shielding effect for the battery and / or amplifier against the relatively harsh environment of the ear canal. The hearing aid according to the present invention may include a rear part. An antenna can be arranged at the rear part. The antenna can be regarded as an external antenna or an external antenna part. The antenna can also act as a drawstring. This allows the user to pull / remove / unplug the hearing aid from the ear canal when required. The hearing aid according to the present invention can be configured so that the middle part extends in a longitudinal direction around an axis between the front part and the rear part. The front part can be configured to have a first angle relative to the axis. This allows the hearing aid to be placed in the ear canal so that a dome or shell provided at the tip of the speaker can help to secure the hearing aid in the ear canal.

[0023] The hearing aid may include an antenna. The antenna may be configured to operate at an operating frequency or a range of operating frequencies. Such an operating frequency may be in the range of 2 to 10 GHz, for example, approximately 2.4 GHz, such as approximately 5 GHz. The operating frequency may be selected to be within the so-called Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band. The antenna may be configured to radiate and / or receive, for example, for long-distance communication, such as communicating with an external device within a range of 100 meters.

[0024] A hearing aid may include a wireless interface. Such a wireless interface may be configured to communicate with an external device using a data protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, such as Bluetooth Low Energy, or any other public or proprietary protocol). The wireless interface may be configured to receive, transmit, or both.

[0025] Surprisingly, it has been found to be particularly advantageous to position the antenna as far away from the head as possible. However, since hearing aids are typically small and want to be as unobtrusive as possible, and since hearing aid use is often stigmatized and users do not want others to notice that they are using hearing aids, these demands often conflict with the requirements for antenna performance. A common way to overcome the degradation of antenna performance is to increase the power level. However, the present invention provides a track or groove on the inner surface of the second end of the hearing aid to guide the first part of the antenna in a predetermined manner from the feed point to the edge or side of the hearing aid, from which the second part of the antenna extends. The second part of the antenna can also act as a drawstring for the hearing aid, helping the user to place the hearing aid and / or remove the hearing aid from its working position in / at the ear canal.

[0026] The antenna can be configured so as not to exert any significant pressure on the housing in the direction of the eardrum. The force securing the housing in / at the ear canal comes from a dome or retaining cap located at the tip of the housing that extends into the user's ear canal. The dome provides retention by conforming to the user's ear canal. The antenna can provide some alignment force for the housing, bringing the end of the housing facing the surrounding environment closer to the center of the ear canal opening.

[0027] Generally speaking, a hearing aid according to the present invention comprises (at least) one microphone, an amplifier, a speaker, a battery and an ear interface. Structurally, the hearing aid comprises three parts, namely a front portion of a speaker / output transducer facing into the ear canal, surrounded by a soft earplug that contacts the ear canal or a housing or ear mold that may be customized to the specific shape of the user's ear canal. Thus, the hearing aid may also include a middle portion with a battery and electronic components, including a printed circuit board with various components. A rear portion faces the ear canal opening and may include an antenna and at least one microphone. Further microphones may also be included in the hearing aid, for example, placed near the distal end of the output transducer, i.e., facing the wearer's eardrum when in use. A second microphone may be placed near the ambient-facing microphone, so that the hearing aid comprises at least two ambient-facing microphones that are configured to pick up sounds in the user's surroundings rather than sounds in the ear canal. This allows the hearing aid to utilize directionality or other similar processing schemes.

[0028] The hearing aid according to the invention may be configured such that the first angle is not zero. This means that the two parts are not simply aligned along the same axis.

[0029] The hearing aid according to the invention can be configured so that the front part (2) has a second angle (β) relative to the axis (A). By this configuration, the two parts can be better aligned with the ear canal of a (typical) user.

[0030] The hearing aid according to the present invention can be configured so that the second angle (β) is non-zero. By making the second angle non-zero, the two parts can be ensured to be non-parallel, thereby better fitting the ear canal of the average user. This angle also helps to improve the fit rate of the device.

[0031] The hearing aid according to the present invention can be configured to include a first microphone facing outward in the middle portion to pick up external sounds. The additional microphone helps the signal processing algorithm to improve the sound pickup effect of the hearing aid.

[0032] The hearing aid according to the present invention may be configured such that the central portion comprises a second microphone facing outwards for achieving directionality.

[0033] The hearing aid according to the present invention can be configured so that the speaker unit (3) includes an inward-facing microphone (9) facing into the ear canal. Such an inward-facing microphone can be used to pick up the user's own voice, detect or measure the sound pressure in the ear canal (for example, to determine or counteract an occlusion effect), or for other purposes.

[0034] Hearing aids according to the present invention can be configured to include at least one exposed metal pad in the middle for charging. Providing one or more charging pads on the device allows for contact charging of the hearing aid. Contact charging of batteries in hearing aids can provide faster charging compared to wireless charging because the risk of inductive current heating the battery is reduced.

[0035] The hearing aid according to the present invention can be configured so that the front portion includes an earplug connected to the speaker unit. The earplug is detachable and can be referred to as a dome or ear tip.

[0036] The hearing aid according to the present invention can be configured so that the earplug is a replaceable earplug that contacts the ear canal. The earplug may include a stem and a dome, wherein the stem is configured to be connected to the hearing aid and the dome is configured to fit against the wall of the user's ear canal.

[0037] Hearing aids according to the present invention can be configured so that the earplug is a custom ear mold. This custom ear mold allows the hearing aid to fit more snugly within the ear canal, reducing sound leakage and, in turn, feedback when loud sounds are output to the user. Consequently, the custom ear mold allows the user to receive higher sound levels, compensating for their individual hearing loss.

[0038] A hearing aid according to the present invention may be configured to include an accelerometer in the central portion. The accelerometer may be used to measure / determine various events, such as a user tapping once, twice, or more times on or near the hearing aid to provide some control input, such as a volume change command, a program change command, a power level change command (e.g., requesting the hearing aid to enter a low-power mode, such as airplane mode, etc.).

[0039] Hearing aids according to the present invention can be configured to include non-contact sensors in the front or center portion, such as a thermal sensor, a gyroscope, and / or a PPG, and / or a galvanic skin response sensor for EEG, EMG, and / or ECG. These sensors can be used to record or detect physiological signals from the user's body. These signals can be used to control the hearing aid.

[0040] A hearing aid according to the present invention can be configured to also include a coil for binaural communication and / or wireless charging. Such a coil can simultaneously perform both functions. Another coil may also be included, such as a telecoil for picking up the baseband modulated signal from the telecoil system.

[0041] The hearing aid according to the present invention can be configured so that the middle part includes a flexible joint to adapt to any angle of the user's ear canal. This can be achieved by a soft part connecting the middle part to the front part or by a ball and socket joint between the two parts.

[0042] A hearing aid according to the present invention can be configured so that the transition of the antenna from a first thickness to a second thickness tapers across a certain length of the antenna. A first portion of the antenna, i.e., the portion connected to the hearing aid body / housing, can have the first thickness, while a subsequent second portion can have the second, smaller thickness. Due to its greater thickness, the first portion of the antenna is stiffer than the second portion. Consequently, the first portion of the antenna retains its shape better than the second portion. The first portion should still be able to deform to conform to the concha when the concha is brought close to the antenna. However, the increased thickness ensures a minimum distance between the antenna and the concha / skin. This minimum distance helps improve the antenna's performance, for example by reducing coupling between the antenna and the user's skin / ear / head.

[0043] One aspect of the present invention relates to a hearing aid comprising a housing configured to be placed within a user's ear canal. Preferably, the housing is shaped and dimensioned to be placed completely or at least substantially within the ear canal during use. Advantageously, an end face of the hearing aid, often referred to as a faceplate, lies at most in a plane defined by the tragus and the pinna. The hearing aid may comprise a first end and an opposing second end, wherein the second end is configured to face the user's eardrum. The hearing aid may comprise an antenna having a first antenna portion and a second antenna portion, the first antenna portion extending along a surface of the first end, the second antenna portion connected to the first antenna portion and extending outwardly away from the hearing aid housing. Because the first antenna portion extends within a track or groove, the position of this portion of the antenna is well-defined relative to any electronic components within the hearing aid housing, such as a printed circuit board and / or a battery. Advantageously, the faceplate can be provided with a pre-set size and shape. Because the finished hearing aid is intended to fit the specific ear canal of a specific user, a custom-shaped housing can be formed using a scan or impression of the ear canal and attached to the faceplate, the outer shape of which can be adjusted to fit the ear canal.

[0044] The hearing aids disclosed herein may include a first antenna portion that extends for at least a portion of its length within a groove or track on the inner surface of the hearing aid housing. This may include the antenna being secured in place by a fixing element, or at least partially covered by a component or substance such as glue, resin, filler, or the like. Such a substance may be cured after application, for example, by active curing such as light or heat activation. Advantageously, the groove or track may be deeper than the antenna, such that when the antenna is placed in the groove or track, it is located below the surface forming the groove or track.

[0045] The grooves or tracks can be formed in a panel that is part of the hearing aid housing. In this context, the panel can be an integral component of the housing or package, rather than a separate component as in conventional in-the-ear hearing aid housings. The grooves or tracks can be formed in or on an inner surface of the hearing aid housing, i.e., the surface facing the interior space of the hearing aid housing. Hearing aid housings typically have an air-filled space within which various components, such as the output transducer, sound processor, wireless interface, battery, etc., are placed.

[0046] The track or groove may have a curved shape, for example to mate with a component located at the first end of the hearing aid. The shape may be continuous over the entire extension of the groove or track, or may include one or more discontinuities such as bends. The shape may be defined over the entire extension.

[0047] The antenna may extend through an opening in the housing such that a first portion of the antenna extends within a track or groove in the faceplate, while a second portion protrudes from the outer surface of the hearing aid housing. This ensures that the second portion, which extends to the pinna region of the ear, partially extends in a space that does not contact the pinna or head of the wearer, while a portion of the second portion contacts the pinna and / or head of the user.

[0048] The hearing aid according to the present invention can be configured to form a groove or the end of the track on the side of the first end of the hearing aid housing. This allows the antenna to have a specific, reliable and well-defined placement point inside the housing.

[0049] The second antenna portion may be configured so that when the hearing aid is placed in the user's ear canal, the second antenna portion rests against or against the user's outer ear. The second antenna portion may be flexible so that when it is at the user's outer ear, the second antenna portion can conform to the shape of the outer ear. In addition, the second antenna portion may retain its shape after the device is removed from the ear canal, so that the second antenna portion is pre-formed to at least partially adapt to the shape of the outer ear of a specific user. This will provide the user with a more comfortable first-time hearing aid experience. The pre-formed shape can be maintained after use, for example by using a shape memory material. The material used for or associated with the second antenna portion can be molded above a given temperature, for example a temperature close to the temperature of a human ear.

[0050] The second antenna portion can be configured as a pull cord to assist in removing and / or inserting the hearing aid from the ear canal. This allows the user to simply grasp the second antenna portion and pull the device out of their ear canal. This requires the external antenna to be securely fastened to the hearing aid body / housing to ensure it does not become dislodged during the pulling process.

[0051] In a hearing aid according to the present invention, a battery may be positioned or configured to be positioned at a first end of the hearing aid housing, such that a substrate carrying one or more electronic components of the hearing aid, such as a circuit board, an at least partially flexible circuit board, or a fully flexible circuit board, may be positioned on one side of the battery, and the first antenna portion may be connected to a wireless interface on the substrate. The wireless interface may be or include a radio or other such device configured to transmit and / or receive at a carrier frequency, such as a frequency within the ISM band, such as a frequency of approximately 2.4 or 5.1 GHz, or another suitable frequency.

[0052] The first antenna portion may be configured to be connected to a decoupling element located at a battery of the hearing aid. The decoupling element may block electromagnetic frequencies close to a carrier frequency of the antenna.

[0053] A hook may be provided and arranged on the inner surface of the first end of the hearing aid, and the first antenna portion may be mounted or connected to the hook to secure a portion of the first antenna portion within the hearing aid housing.

[0054] The hearing aid according to the present invention may be configured to connect the first antenna part to the circuit board via an isolated feed line. This is expected to at least reduce or even eliminate unwanted electromagnetic signals entering or leaving the feed line.

[0055] The hearing aid according to the present invention may be configured such that the first antenna portion and the circuit board are located on opposite sides of the battery.

[0056] In one aspect, the present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a hearing aid having a housing intended to be placed in an ear canal of a user. According to the present invention, the method may include providing a first end of the hearing aid, the first end having an initial circumference, the first end including a groove or track for securing a portion of an antenna, the antenna being connected to a point on the first end. The method may include the step of determining a circumferential shape of the first end that is smaller than the initial circumference. The method may include the step of removing material from the first end to obtain the determined circumferential shape. The method may include the step of placing the antenna in the track. The method may include the step of sealing the antenna within the track at the end of the track.

[0057] According to another aspect, a method for producing, manufacturing, or fabricating a hearing aid is provided. The hearing aid may include a first end and a second end. The hearing aid may be configured to be at least partially positioned within the ear canal of a wearer / user. The hearing aid may be equipped with an antenna. Initially, the antenna may be positioned within a portion of an initial housing portion of the hearing aid, wherein a track or groove is initially provided for the antenna. The method may include defining a portion of the initial housing portion as a first portion of the hearing aid housing. The method may include temporarily moving the antenna. The method may include removing a portion of the initial housing portion that is not included in the first portion. The method may include repositioning the antenna within the remaining groove or track. The method may include fabricating or forming a second portion of the hearing aid housing. The second portion may be shaped to specifically fit the ear canal of an individual user. The method may include attaching or securing the antenna so that it extends from or near an edge of the hearing aid housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Various aspects of the present invention will be best understood from the following detailed description 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 identical or corresponding parts. The various features of each aspect may be combined with any or all features of the other aspects. These and other aspects, features, and / or technical effects will be apparent from and elucidated in conjunction with the following figures, in which:

[0059] Figure 1 schematically shows a block diagram of a hearing aid;

[0060] Figure 2 schematically shows a block diagram of a hearing aid with external processing;

[0061] Figure 3 Schematically shows a hearing aid according to the present invention;

[0062] Figure 4 Schematically shows a hearing aid according to the present invention;

[0063] Figure 5-7 The hearing aid according to the invention is schematically shown in different ears of different shapes and sizes.

[0064] By the detailed description provided below, the further scope of application of the present invention will be apparent. However, it should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate the preferred embodiments of the present invention, they are provided for illustrative purposes only. For those skilled in the art, based on the following detailed description, other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] The detailed description presented below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings serves as a description of a variety of different configurations. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of a plurality of 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 a plurality of different blocks, functional units, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements"). Depending on the specific application, design limitations or other reasons, these elements may be implemented using electronic hardware, computer programs or any combination thereof.

[0066] The electronic hardware may include microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), (e.g., application specific) integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), gating logic, discrete hardware circuits, printed circuit boards (PCBs) (e.g., flexible PCBs), and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functions described in this specification, such as sensors for sensing and / or recording physical properties of the environment, device, user, etc. A computer program shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, an instruction set, code, a code segment, program code, a program, a subroutine, a software module, an application, a software application, a software package, a routine, a subroutine, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, a function, or the like, whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, a hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0067] Hearing aids may be adapted to improve or enhance a user's hearing abilities by receiving acoustic signals from the user's environment, generating corresponding audio signals, possibly modifying the audio signals, and providing the possibly modified audio signals as audible signals to at least one ear of the user. The audible signals may be provided in the form of acoustic signals radiated into the user's outer ear, acoustic signals transmitted to the user's inner ear as mechanical vibrations through bony structures of the user's head and / or through portions of the middle ear, and electrical signals transmitted directly or indirectly to the user's cochlear nerve and / or auditory cortex.

[0068] The hearing aid is adapted to be worn in one of several known ways. This may include placing the hearing aid wholly or partially in the user's pinna / concha and / or ear canal, such as an in-the-ear hearing aid or an in-the-canal / deep-in-the-canal hearing aid.

[0069] A "hearing system" refers to a system comprising one or two hearing aids, and a "binaural hearing system" refers to a system comprising two hearing aids, wherein the hearing aids are adapted to provide audible signals to both ears of a user in a coordinated manner. A hearing system or binaural hearing system may further comprise an auxiliary device in communication with at least one hearing aid, the auxiliary device affecting the operation of the hearing aid and / or benefiting from the functionality of the hearing aid. A wired or wireless communication link is established between the at least one hearing aid and the auxiliary device to enable information (such as control and status signals, possibly audio signals) to be exchanged therebetween. The auxiliary device may comprise at least one of the following: a remote control, a remote microphone, an audio gateway device, a mobile phone, a broadcast system, a car audio system, a music player, or a combination thereof. The audio gateway device is adapted to receive a plurality of audio signals, such as from an entertainment device such as a TV or music player, from a telephone device such as a mobile phone, or from a computer such as a PC. The audio gateway device is further adapted to select and / or combine appropriate signals from the received audio signals (or signal combinations) for transmission to the at least one hearing aid. The remote control is adapted to control the functionality and operation of the at least one hearing aid. The functionality of the remote control may be implemented in a smartphone or other electronic device, which may be running an application that controls the functionality of at least one hearing aid.

[0070] Generally, a hearing aid includes i) an input unit, such as a microphone, for receiving acoustic signals from the user's surroundings and providing a corresponding input audio signal; and / or ii) a receiving unit for electronically receiving the input audio signal. The hearing aid also includes a signal processing unit for processing the input audio signal and an output unit for providing an audible signal to the user based on the processed audio signal.

[0071] The input unit may comprise a plurality of input microphones, for example for providing direction-dependent audio signal processing. The aforementioned directional microphone system is suitable for enhancing a target sound source among a plurality of sound sources in the user's environment. In one aspect, the directional system is suitable for detecting (e.g., adaptively detecting) from which direction a particular portion of the microphone signal originates. This can be achieved using conventionally known methods. The signal processing unit may comprise an amplifier adapted to apply a frequency-dependent 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 comprise an output transducer, for example, a speaker / receiver for providing an air-borne acoustic signal to the skull percutaneously or transcutaneously, or a vibrator for providing a structure-borne or liquid-borne signal.

[0072] Figure 1 An exemplary block diagram of a hearing device HD, such as a hearing aid, is shown, comprising a noise reduction system NRS for compensating for hearing impairment of a user of the hearing device and a hearing aid (audio) processor HAG. The hearing device comprises an input unit IU for picking up sound s from the environment (e.g. via M input transducers such as microphones). inAnd provide multiple (M, M>1) electrical input signals (S1,…,S M ), the noise reduction system NRS is used to estimate the input sound s based on the electric input signal and optionally further information such as a mode control signal ("mode") in The target signal in The mode selection input ("mode") may be configured to indicate an operating mode and / or filter coefficient update strategy of a beamformer of a system, e.g., a noise reduction system NRS, e.g., depending on whether the target signal is the user's own voice or a target signal from the user's environment (possibly also indicating the direction or position of the target sound source). The mode control signal may, for example, be provided from a user interface, e.g., from a remote control (e.g., implemented as an APP on a smartphone or similar device, such as a smartwatch). The mode control signal ("mode") may, for example, be automatically generated, e.g., using one or more sensors, e.g., activated by receiving a wireless signal, e.g., from a phone. The output of the noise reduction system NRS may be an estimate of the user's voice. or an estimate of the target sound from the environment The hearing device, such as a hearing aid, further comprises an (audio) processor PRO for applying one or more processing algorithms to the signal in the forward path from the input to the output, for example (here) to an estimate of the target signal provided by the noise reduction system (For example, by time-frequency representation This can be done, for example, by a corresponding analysis filter bank (forming, for example, the input unit IU MIC part, possibly together with a corresponding analog-to-digital converter, as appropriate), thereby providing an electrical input signal (S1, ..., S) in a time-frequency representation (k, n) M ), k and n are frequency index and time index respectively. One or more processing algorithms may include, for example, a compression algorithm configured to amplify (or attenuate) the signal according to the needs of the user, for example to compensate for the user's hearing loss. Other processing algorithms may include frequency shifting, feedback control, etc. The processor PRO provides a processed output OUT, which is fed to the synthesis filter bank FBS to convert from a time-frequency representation (frequency domain) to the time domain. The time domain output signal out is fed to the output unit OU to be converted into a stimulus s that can be perceived by the user as sound out ("output sound") such as acoustic vibrations (e.g., in the air and / or in the skull), the synthesis filter bank FBS may be omitted. The target signal may be the user's own voice, and / or a target sound in the user's environment (e.g., a person (different from the user) speaking, e.g., communicating with the user).

[0073] The hearing aid further comprises a configurable signal processor (DSP), such as a digital (audio) signal processor, e.g., a processor that applies frequency- and level-dependent gain, e.g., to provide hearing loss compensation, beamforming, noise reduction, filter bank functionality, and other digital functions of the hearing device. The configurable signal processor (DSP) is adapted to access a memory (MEM). The configurable signal processor (DSP) is further configured to process one or more electrical input audio signals and / or one or more directly received auxiliary audio input signals based on currently selected (e.g., automatically selected, e.g., based on one or more sensors, or based on input from a user interface) (enabled) hearing aid program / parameter settings. The aforementioned functional units (and other components) can be divided into circuits and components depending on the application involved (e.g., for size, power consumption, analog-to-digital processing, acceptable latency, etc.), e.g., integrated into one or more integrated circuits, or as a combination of one or more integrated circuits and one or more separate electronic components (e.g., inductors, capacitors, etc.). The configurable signal processor (DSP) provides a processed audio signal, which is intended for presentation to the user. The hearing aid also includes a front-end IC (FE) that interfaces a configurable signal processor (DSP) to input and output transducers, among other things. This typically includes interfaces between analog and digital signals (e.g., to a microphone and / or speaker). The input and output transducers can be separate components or integrated with other electronic circuitry (e.g., based on MEMS).

[0074] The hearing device HD further comprises an output unit (eg an output transducer) which provides stimuli perceivable as sound by the user based on the processed audio signal from the processor or a signal derived therefrom.

[0075] The hearing devices described herein may comprise an output transducer in the form of a loudspeaker (also referred to as a "receiver") SPK for converting an electrical signal into an acoustic (air-borne) signal which (when the hearing aid is mounted at the ear of a user) is directed towards the eardrum, thereby providing a sound signal S at the eardrum. ED The hearing aid or hearing device further comprises a guiding element such as a dome DO for guiding and positioning the hearing aid in the ear canal of the user. The hearing aid may further comprise an additional (first) input transducer such as a microphone M ITE,env , which is directed towards the environment to provide a signal S representing the input sound at the ear canal ITE The hearing aid may also include an additional (second) input transducer such as a microphone M ITE,ed , which is directed towards the eardrum to provide a sound signal representing the sound at the eardrum (S ED =S dir +S HI) is a (second) electrical input audio signal. Sound propagates from the environment to the residual cavity at the eardrum via a direct acoustic path through the semi-open dome DO (often referred to as direct path sound). The directly propagated sound is mixed with the sound from the hearing device HD to form a composite sound field at the eardrum. The sound output S of the hearing aid is HI Sound transmitted directly from the environment to the eardrum may be taken into account (at least in certain operating modes) for modification to provide adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) and / or adaptive occlusion control (AOC).

[0076] In addition to the (acoustic) output and input transducers, the hearing aid may also include other functional elements, such as (additional) detectors, such as electrodes for collecting signals from the user's body (e.g., brain wave signals, temperature indications, blood-related parameters, heartbeat indications, muscle vibrations, etc.). Such detectors may include one or more of the following: an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, an electromyogram (EMG) sensor, a motion sensor, a temperature sensor, a photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor, an electrooculogram (EOG) sensor, etc.

[0077] (from (first and / or second) input converter M BTE1 ,M BTE2 ,M ITE,env ,M ITE,ed The electrical input signal may be processed in the time domain or in the (time-)frequency domain (or partly in the time domain and partly in the frequency domain, as is advantageous for the application in question).

[0078] Figure 1 The embodiment of a hearing device (HD), such as a hearing aid, illustrated in the accompanying drawings is a portable device comprising a battery BAT, such as a rechargeable battery, such as a battery based on lithium-ion battery technology, for powering the electronic components of the hearing aid. In an embodiment, the hearing device, such as a hearing aid, is adapted to provide frequency-dependent gain and / or level-dependent compression and / or frequency transposition of one or more frequency ranges to one or more other frequency ranges (with or without frequency compression) to compensate for a hearing impairment of a user.

[0079] Figure 2 An embodiment of a hearing device HD hearing aid configured to be worn at or in an ear of a user is shown, together with a separate, external, possibly body-worn audio processing device APD configured to be worn or carried by the user (or at least positioned sufficiently close to the user to maintain communication with the earpiece via a wireless link WL implemented by transceivers Tx / Rx of the respective devices). The audio processing device APD comprises a computing device CPD apd For example, an audio signal processor or similar device.

[0080] The hearing device comprises (at least one) input transducer (here a microphone M for converting a sound in the environment of the hearing device into an acoustically received electrical input signal y(n) (n being a possible time variation) representing the sound). The hearing device further comprises a wireless transmitter Tx for transmitting the acoustically received electrical input signal y(n) or a part thereof (e.g. a filtered part, such as a low-pass filtered part) to an audio processing device APD. The hearing device further comprises a wireless receiver Rx for receiving a processed signal z(n) from the audio processing device, at least in a normal operating mode of the hearing device. The wireless transmitter and receiver (Tx, Rx) may be provided as an antenna and a transceiver circuit configured to establish an audio communication link WL in accordance with a standardized or proprietary (short-range) protocol. The hearing device further comprises an output transducer (here a loudspeaker SPK) for outputting the (final) processed signal (s') to the audio processing device APD. out (n) is converted into a stimulus perceived by the user as sound. The processed signal s' out (n) may consist of or may comprise at least a portion of the processed signal z(n) provided by the audio processing device, at least in a normal operating mode of the hearing device. Alternatively (or in a separate "stand-alone" mode), the processed signal s' out (n) may be formed by a processed signal provided by the earpiece itself (in which case it may comprise suitable means for processing the electrical input signal y(n) and converting the processed signal s' out Optional processing of the acoustically received signal y(n) may, for example, be of interest in operating modes in which no contact with the audio processing device APD can be established (e.g. in order to provide the user with basic functionality of the hearing device (e.g. hearing loss compensation)).

[0081] The audio processing device APD comprises a wireless receiver Rx for receiving an acoustically received electric input signal y(n) or a part thereof from the earpiece EP and is configured to provide a received signal representative of the signal. apd ) further comprises a (hearing aid) processor part HAP for applying a processing algorithm (e.g. comprising a neural network) to the received signal or a signal derived therefrom, such as a transformed version Y thereof (e.g. provided by a transformation unit TRF, such as a Fourier transformation unit), and providing a modified signal Y'. The processor part HAP may for example be configured to compensate for a hearing impairment of the user (e.g. by applying a compression-amplification algorithm, e.g. providing a frequency and / or level dependent gain (or attenuation) to be applied to the input signal (y'(n) or Y)). In Figure 2 In an embodiment of the present invention, the audio processing device APD (eg, the computing device CPD apd) comprises corresponding transform domain units and inverse transform domain units (TRF, I-TRF) for converting a time domain signal (here the signal y'(n) received from the earpiece) into a transform domain (e.g. the time-frequency domain), see signal Y, and then converting it back into the time domain again (here the processed signal Y' in the transform domain into z(n) in the time domain).

[0082] The signal transmitted from the hearing device to the (external) audio processing device APD and / or from the audio processing device APD to the hearing device via the wireless link WL does not necessarily have to be the aforementioned "audio signal." It can also be a feature derived from the audio signal. For example, instead of transmitting the audio signal back to the hearing device, a gain derived from the predicted signal can be transmitted back to the earpiece and applied to a suitably processed version (e.g., a delayed version) of the electrical input signal y(n).

[0083] The term "processed version" may, for example, cover features extracted from an original audio signal. The term "processed version" may also, for example, cover an original audio signal that has been subjected to a processing algorithm that applies a gain or attenuation and / or a delay to the original audio signal and results in a modified audio signal (preferably enhanced in some way, e.g., noise reduced relative to a target signal, or simply delayed).

[0084] Figure 3 A hearing aid is schematically shown, the housing of which is configured to be placed completely inside the ear canal of a user. This means that when the hearing aid is in its intended position in the ear canal, the end of the housing that is configured to face the external environment is also located inside the ear canal. The hearing aid 10 comprises a front part 2. The front part is configured to be inserted into the ear canal of a user. The front part 2 comprises a loudspeaker unit / output transducer 3 for transmitting sound into the ear canal of the user. In this case, the housing consists of an encapsulating material that encapsulates a (rechargeable / storage) battery and a substrate that carries certain electronic components.

[0085] The hearing aid includes an antenna connected to the housing. The antenna is flexible, meaning it conforms to the shape of the user's ear when the hearing aid is properly positioned in the user's ear canal.

[0086] Figure 4 The schematic shows the antenna connected to a housing shaped to the user's individual ear canal. The housing comprises a (hollow) shell in which the electronics are mounted. The hearing aid housing is positioned so that the antenna extends from the housing in a plane parallel to the side of the head (within a tolerance of plus or minus 45 degrees). Because the ear canal is approximately elliptical, the antenna extends at an angle of between 5 and 80 degrees relative to the major axis of the largest inscribed ellipse of the ear canal.

[0087] The hearing aid housing includes a first housing portion and an opposing second housing portion, wherein the second housing portion is configured to face an eardrum of a user. In addition, the hearing aid housing has a first axis defined by a center of the first end and a second axis defined by a center of the second end, wherein the first axis and the second axis are non-parallel.

[0088] like Figure 5 As shown, the antenna includes a first antenna portion having a first thickness. This portion gradually decreases, thereby gradually reducing the circumference or width of the antenna. The first thickness imparts a first stiffness to the first antenna portion. The first antenna portion extends substantially parallel to a plane defined by a sound inlet formed in a surface of the first housing portion, and the second antenna portion extends from the first antenna portion.

[0089] The second antenna portion has a second thickness, which imparts a second stiffness lower than the first stiffness. As shown in the figure, the first antenna portion does not contact the ear, so the user cannot feel it. The second antenna portion, on the other hand, rests against the inner side of the user's auricle. Its lower stiffness provides greater comfort and allows the antenna to conform to the shape of the auricle, reducing the pressure felt by the user. The second antenna portion extends outward, away from the hearing aid housing.

[0090] Because the overmold material at the beginning of the antenna is flexible (but somewhat stiffer than the rest of the antenna), the distance (along the antenna direction) from the feed point where the antenna first contacts the skin of the outer ear is the same in (almost) all ears. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The figure shows how, in ears where the base of the concha is closer to the ear canal entrance, the overmold material bends and moves the first point of skin contact further up and back. The increased thickness of the antenna's overmold helps maintain a defined minimum distance between the antenna wires and the user's skin. This helps improve the antenna's efficiency, especially at GHz frequencies.

[0091] like Figure 7 As shown, in cases where the outer ear shape might cause the antenna to rest against the skin, the overmold material provides a minimum distance between the antenna and the skin until the overmold ends. Again, this ensures that the loading of the antenna is similar across a wide range of ear anatomies.

[0092] Although not shown in the figures, the hearing aid may include one or more decoupling elements. These decoupling elements act as filters to filter out unwanted electromagnetic signals.

[0093] Unless expressly stated otherwise, the singular forms "a", "the" and "the" used herein include the plural form (i.e., having the meaning of "at least one"). It should be further understood that the terms "having", "including" and / or "comprising" used in the specification indicate the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or combinations thereof. It should be understood that, unless expressly stated otherwise, when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be an intermediate intervening element. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more listed related items. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed.

[0094] It should be understood that references in this specification to "an embodiment," "an embodiment," "an aspect," or features that "may" include, mean that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in conjunction with that embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, or characteristics may be appropriately combined in one or more embodiments of the present invention. The foregoing description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principles described herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0095] The claims are not limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather have the full scope consistent with the claim language in which, unless expressly stated otherwise, elements referred to in the singular do not mean "one and only one" but rather "one or more." Unless expressly stated otherwise, the term "some" means one or more.

[0096] Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be judged based on the following claims.

Claims

1. A hearing aid comprising a housing configured to be located at an ear canal of a user, the hearing aid comprising: a hearing aid housing comprising a first housing portion and an opposing second housing portion, wherein the second housing portion is configured to face toward an eardrum of a user; An antenna extending from a first housing portion, the antenna comprising a first antenna portion having a first thickness and thereby a first stiffness, the first antenna portion being mechanically connected to the first housing portion, the first antenna portion extending substantially parallel to a plane in a surface of the first housing portion; the antenna comprising a second antenna portion extending from the first antenna portion, wherein the second antenna portion has a second thickness and thereby a second stiffness lower than the first stiffness.

2. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein the hearing aid housing is or comprises a material enclosing at least the battery, or wherein the hearing aid housing is or comprises a custom-shaped ear mold.

3. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein At least a portion of the length of the first antenna portion extends in a groove or track in the inner surface of the hearing aid housing.

4. The hearing aid according to claim 3, wherein The groove or track is formed in a panel which is part of the hearing aid housing.

5. The hearing aid according to claim 3, wherein The track or groove has a curved shape, for example a shape adapted to a component located at the first housing part of a hearing aid.

6. The hearing aid according to claim 3, wherein: The groove or track terminates in an opening formed in the side of the first end of the hearing aid housing.

7. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein The second antenna portion is configured to rest against or against the outer ear of the user when the hearing aid is located in the ear canal of the user.

8. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein The second antenna portion is further configured to function as a drawstring to assist in removing and / or inserting the hearing aid from the ear canal.

9. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein The battery is placed or configured to be placed at a first end in the hearing aid housing such that a circuit board carrying one or more electronic components of the hearing aid is on one side of the battery and the first antenna portion is connected to a wireless interface on the carrier.

10. The hearing aid according to claim 9, wherein The first antenna part is connected to a decoupling element located at the battery of the hearing aid.

11. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein A hook is provided at an inner surface of the first end of the hearing aid, wherein the first antenna portion is mountable or connectable to the hook to secure a portion of the first antenna portion within the hearing aid housing.

12. The hearing aid according to claim 9, wherein An isolated feed line connects the first antenna portion to the circuit board.

13. The hearing aid according to claim 11, wherein The first antenna portion and the circuit board are located on opposite sides of the battery.

14. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein The antenna extends at an angle between 5 degrees and 80 degrees relative to the major axis of the largest inscribed ellipse of the ear canal.

15. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein When the hearing aid is placed in the ear canal of the user, a plane defined by the sound inlet formed in the surface of the first housing part is parallel to the user's head.

16. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein A transition from the first thickness to the second thickness tapers across a length of the antenna.

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