Protective cover for hearing aid device

Abstract

The present application discloses a protective cover for a hearing aid device, where the protective cover comprises a hearing aid device configured to be worn on and behind an ear of a user, the protective cover comprising: a cover formed of a substantially soft material, where the cover has a first region and a second region, the first region has a first hardness and the second region has a second hardness, the cover having a main opening configured to receive a hearing aid device, the main opening being disposed in the second region of the cover; a plurality of lips formed on the surface of the second region of the cover; and a closure device configured to be applied to the cover to enclose at least the plurality of lips to seal the hearing aid device in the cover.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 202010897953.8, filed on August 31, 2020, entitled “Protective Cover for Hearing Aid Devices”. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to hearing aid devices. More specifically, this invention relates to protective covers for hearing aid systems. Background Technology

[0003] Individuals suffering from deafness due to sensorineural hearing loss can be fitted with implantable prostheses that stimulate auditory nerve cells to produce the sensation of sound. The system includes an external device that collects and processes sound. Acoustic input is captured by a microphone, then converted into an electronic output, which is transmitted via cables to a coil placed on the skin. The coil transmits the output through the skin to the implanted device. The implanted device sends a signal to the auditory nerve, which is stimulated to provide the sensation of sound. Such systems are given to individuals with no hearing or very little hearing due to the lack or destruction of cochlear hair cells. This necessitates that the system function in all situations and environments.

[0004] Current systems are designed for use in most environments; however, during active lifestyles such as swimming, kayaking, or ocean swimming, external auditory prostheses are particularly vulnerable to damage in very harsh conditions. These devices are expensive, which for some users may lead them to avoid these situations by limiting their lifestyle choices. In other cases, individuals with implantable prostheses will lack their external devices, thus limiting their hearing abilities and placing them at unnecessary risk.

[0005] Designing a device to handle all situations beyond typical use would compromise aesthetics and acoustic performance, which is undesirable during normal use. Therefore, a protective cover that covers part of the hearing aid system is necessary to provide additional protection against water, dust, and other contaminants. This ensures that an active lifestyle can be pursued without worrying about additional costs or dangers caused by hearing loss. The cover needs to be easy to apply, water-repellent, and strong enough to withstand various environments.

[0006] US 9,398,384 B2 discloses a protective sleeve for an external component of a hearing prosthesis. The sleeve includes a shell formed of a substantially soft material, a plug port within the shell surrounded by a portion of the substantially soft material, and a substantially rigid port ring disposed around the substantially soft material portion surrounding the plug port. When a plug is inserted into the plug port, the port ring acts together with the plug to deform the substantially soft material portion surrounding the plug port to seal the plug within the shell. Figure 1 The protective case is shown. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The objective of this invention is to provide a protective cover for a hearing aid device with an improved seal to prevent water and dust from entering the cover and damaging the hearing aid device.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a protective cover for a hearing aid device configured to be worn on and behind a user's ear, wherein the protective cover includes a hearing aid device configured to be worn on and behind a user's ear. The protective cover includes a sleeve formed of a substantially soft material, wherein the sleeve has a first region and a second region, the first region having a first hardness and the second region having a second hardness. The second hardness may be harder than the first hardness.

[0009] Hearing aids are configured to improve a user's hearing ability by correcting the acoustic signal received by the microphone of the hearing aid. Correction may include amplification, preservation of spatial cues in the corrected acoustic signal, noise cancellation, etc. To obtain optimal acoustic signal correction, the placement of the hearing aid's microphone relative to the ear and head should be fixed and predetermined during the acoustic signal correction process. Therefore, it is advantageous to configure the hearing aid, worn on or behind the user's ear, so that it can be placed within a protective case. Thus, the optimal enhancement of the user's hearing ability is the same regardless of whether the hearing aid is placed inside or outside the protective case.

[0010] The cover can be made of soft silicone material with an ear surface having a coefficient of friction of 1 or higher. The advantage of having an ear surface with a coefficient of friction of 1 or higher is that it prevents the cover from slipping off the ear, thus improving its stability.

[0011] The first region of the cover may have a portion that is harder than the rest of the first region, and this portion faces the ear when the cover is intentionally worn by the user. This increased rigidity makes it easier for the user to apply the hearing aid device into the cover. This is because it significantly reduces the risk of the cover folding when applying the hearing aid device.

[0012] The cover may include an ear surface that faces the ear when the cover is intentionally worn by the user, the ear surface extending at least in a first region, the ear surface being harder than the rest of the cover surface at least in the first region.

[0013] The sleeve can be made of substantially soft materials with varying degrees of hardness. The hardness of a particular area of ​​the sleeve depends on the function of that area. Differences in sleeve hardness can be achieved by using different types of substantially soft materials, or by molding tracks within the sleeve, wherein the tracks are configured to harden the substantially soft material in the area containing the tracks, or by applying rigid supports to the sleeve, configured to harden the areas where the rigid supports are placed. The rigid supports can be molded into the sleeve or applied to the surface of the sleeve.

[0014] The rigid support can be molded within the sleeve. The rigid support can be made of plastic or hard silicone.

[0015] To improve the bonding between the sleeve and the rigid support, the rigid support may include multiple holes configured to receive substantially soft material from the sleeve during the integration of the rigid support. The integration of the rigid support can be performed during the molding of the sleeve, i.e., the protective cover.

[0016] The cover may have a main opening configured to receive a hearing aid device, the main opening being located in a second region of the cover. Furthermore, the cover includes a plurality of lips formed on a surface of the second region of the cover, and a closure device configured to be applied to the cover and to at least enclose the plurality of lips to seal the hearing aid device within the cover. The closure device may be disposed around the portion of the cover including the plurality of lips, such that the main opening is closed and at least a portion of the hearing aid device is sealed within the cover. When the closure device is located around this portion, the closure device acts on and deforms the plurality of lips, thereby achieving a seal between the closure device and the cover. In other examples, the hearing aid device may be part of the seal.

[0017] Compared to existing technologies, the advantage of applying multiple lips to the cover and applying a sealing device to the cover to enclose or surround the multiple lips is that the seal of at least a portion of the hearing aid device is improved. This improvement is due to the fact that when the hearing aid device is applied to the cover and the sealing device is applied to the cover to enclose or surround the multiple lips, a sealing effect is achieved between the hearing aid device and the second region of the cover, and between the sealing device and the second region of the cover. In this example, the hearing aid device should have a size that at least partially overlaps with the second region of the cover. If the size of the hearing aid device is insufficient to at least partially overlap with the second region, the base plug can be inserted into the cover through the main opening, occupying space inside the cover below the hearing aid device, thereby partially or completely overlapping with the second region. In existing technologies, when the hearing aid device is placed inside the cover, a sealing effect is only achieved between the sealing device and the cover.

[0018] The sheath is not used as a closure device. The closure device does not include multiple lips.

[0019] Multiple lip-like portions can be arranged around the main opening or around the circumference of the main opening.

[0020] When the closure is in the open position, the main opening is not closed, and when the closure is in the closed position, the main opening is closed. When the closure is in the closed position, multiple lips contact the closure, thereby providing an improved seal between the closure and the sleeve.

[0021] The second hardness, being harder than the first, improves the seal of the main opening when the closure is applied to the closed position. Furthermore, the difference in hardness makes it easier for the user to apply the hearing aid device into the protective sleeve.

[0022] The cover may have an outer surface and an inner surface. When the cover includes a hearing aid device, the outer surface faces away from the hearing aid device, and the inner surface faces the hearing aid device.

[0023] Multiple lips may include multiple protrusions applied to the surface of the sleeve. More specifically, multiple lips may be formed on the outer surface of the protective sleeve. The closure device may be a cap, which, when applied to the closed position, covers the main opening with a portion and applies pressure to the multiple lips with another portion, resulting in a seal on the main opening. The closure device may apply a clamping force to the multiple lips, causing deformation of the multiple lips. Deformation of the multiple lips results in an improved seal.

[0024] Another part of the closure can be formed as a ring with a certain height, configured to surround multiple lips.

[0025] The protective sleeve may include a hinge system configured to receive a closure device, and the closure device being movable into an open position and a closed position. When the closure device is in the closed position, multiple lips contact the closure device, thereby improving the seal between the closure device and the sleeve. When the closure device is in the open position, the hearing aid device can be inserted into the protective sleeve.

[0026] Multiple lip-like portions may be formed on the inner surface of the cover, and the closure device may be an annular body formed of substantially soft material and configured to provide pressure at least on the portion of the cover including the multiple lip-like portions, the pressure causing a seal between the multiple lip-like portions and the hearing aid device when the hearing aid device is inserted into the main opening.

[0027] The unsealed parts of the hearing aid device that come into contact with, for example, water are waterproof.

[0028] In fact, the soft material can be silicone or any kind of waterproof material.

[0029] The protective case accommodates hearing aid devices of different sizes. When the hearing aid device is too large to fill the case when inserted, the protective case may include a base plug configured to insert into the main opening and positioned in a second area of ​​the case, i.e., below the hearing aid device. This achieves a seal between the base plug and the second area of ​​the case, and between the closure device and the second area of ​​the case. Furthermore, achieving optimal positioning of the hearing aid device within the protective case further improves wearing comfort when the case includes the hearing aid device, as the hearing aid device is held in a more fixed position as the user moves around. Without the base plug, the hearing aid device shifts within the case when the user moves, resulting in reduced wearing comfort.

[0030] The base plug can be part of the enclosure or a separate unit from the protective sleeve. The base plug can be connected to the enclosure or detached from it.

[0031] The hearing aid device may not occupy all the space within the protective case. In this case, the base plug can be inserted into the main opening, fully or partially occupying the available space within the protective case, specifically in the second region of the case, where this available space is not occupied by the hearing aid device. Subsequently, an annular body is applied around the protective case, configured to provide pressure at least on the portion of the case including multiple lips, which results in a seal between the multiple lips and the hearing aid device when the hearing aid device is inserted into the main opening.

[0032] A portion of the closure can be attached to or integrated with the cover. The advantage of having a portion of the closure attached to or integrated with the cover is that the user cannot separate the closure from the protective cover, thus eliminating the risk of losing the closure.

[0033] The protective sleeve may include at least one guide device formed on at least a first outer surface of a second region of the sleeve, the at least one guide device being configured to guide the closure device when the guide device at least surrounds a plurality of lips.

[0034] When the closure device is an annular body and is applied around the protective sleeve, the movable device prevents the annular body from slipping off the first outer surface of the sleeve, which would otherwise result in no pressure. Therefore, the advantage of having a movable device is that it more securely closes the main opening, thus achieving an improved seal.

[0035] The guiding device may include one or more elements protruding from the outer surface of the sleeve. The one or more elements may include at least a first element and a second element, and the first and second elements may be configured such that a space is created between the two elements, and the annular body is configured to be applied to the outer surface of the sleeve and within the space between the two elements.

[0036] With two elements, the annular body cannot slide in any direction, thus the advantage of having two elements is that the main opening is more firmly closed.

[0037] The protective sleeve may include at least a first guide and at least a second guide formed on a first outer surface and a second outer surface of the sleeve, respectively. In another example, at least the second guide may be disposed on the same surface as the first guide. In this example, the first guide may be separate from the second guide. This solution provides a more secure closure of the main opening when at least a portion of the annulus is not integral with the sleeve or when molded onto the sleeve.

[0038] When the hearing aid device is housed within a protective case, the case acts as a damper for sound waves entering the microphone of the hearing aid device. To reduce damping, at least one microphone window is formed within the case, and when the hearing aid device is housed within the case, this microphone window is aligned with one or more microphone inlets of the hearing aid device. The alignment of the at least one microphone window with one or more microphone inlets allows sound waves to pass through the at least one microphone window and directly enter one or more microphone inlets.

[0039] At least one microphone window will also prevent water from approaching the hearing aid device. Therefore, at least one microphone window can be formed by reducing the thickness of the soft material of the cover at at least one microphone window, or by applying a different material to the cover at at least one microphone window.

[0040] The thickness of the substantially soft material of at least one microphone window is thinner than the rest of the cover.

[0041] When a user wears a protective case containing a hearing aid device, the user may experience sound defects, such as scratching noises caused by the contact between the case and the microphone inlet. To address this issue, the case may include one or more protrusions extending outward from the inner surface of the case, securing the air gap between the microphone window and the microphone inlet. The one or more protrusions may be located near the microphone window, providing an air gap between the inner surface of the microphone window and one or more microphone inlets.

[0042] One or more protrusions prevent the hearing aid device from contacting the microphone inlet when it is placed inside the cover.

[0043] One or more protrusions may be formed such that they are arranged circumferentially around the microphone window.

[0044] One or more protrusions may be formed such that they are arranged around the microphone window.

[0045] One or more protrusions may be a single circular protrusion, or multiple protrusions may include multiple square or circular protrusions.

[0046] The protective sleeve may include rigid hooks formed within a substantially soft material of the sleeve, and the rigid hooks include one or more holes configured to receive the substantially soft material of the sleeve. The one or more holes improve the integration of the rigid hooks with the sleeve. For example, during the molding of the rigid hooks into or onto the sleeve, the substantially soft material will enter into the holes of the rigid hooks, resulting in improved bonding between the rigid hooks and the sleeve.

[0047] A hearing aid device may be part of a cochlear hearing aid system, which further includes an external sound processor, a sound implant, and an electrode array or vibrator implant. The connection from the hearing aid device to the external sound processor includes a plug and wires, with the plug connected to the wires. The external sound processor may be connected to the sound implant via an inductive link, and the sound implant is wired to the electrode array or vibrator implant. The sound implant, electrode array, and / or vibrator implant are disposed under the user's skin within the cochlear hearing aid system.

[0048] The electrode array and vibrator implant are configured to stimulate the auditory nerve in the user's cochlea via electrical or mechanical stimulation, respectively.

[0049] The protective sleeve may include a rigid locking device, wherein the rigid locking device includes a receiving part and a locking part. The receiving part may be configured to receive a plug, and the locking part may be configured to lock the plug and seal the plug against the sleeve.

[0050] The receiving part can be a hole formed inside the sleeve. When the plug is inserted into the hole and rotated, the locking part is configured to grip the plug so that the user cannot pull the plug out of the receiving part.

[0051] The receiving part may have an opening including a first longitudinal axis, and a plug that allows the locking device to be positioned along a second longitudinal axis. When the locking device is in the first position, the first and second longitudinal axes are parallel, so that the locking device is installed in the opening, allowing the plug to be received by the receiving part. When the plug is rotated to the second position, the first and second longitudinal axes are no longer parallel, the opening becomes a locking part, and the locking device can no longer be pulled out from the receiving part.

[0052] The locking mechanism may include a mechanical device configured to secure the locking device in a second position. This mechanical device is configured to release the locking device when the user applies force to the plug in a direction orthogonal to the first or second longitudinal axis and rotates the plug such that the first longitudinal axis is parallel to the second longitudinal axis. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Various aspects of the invention will be best understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For clarity, these drawings are schematic and simplified, showing only the details necessary for understanding the invention while omitting other details. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts. Features of each aspect may be combined with any or all features of other aspects. These and other aspects, features, and / or technical effects will be apparent from and illustrated in the following figures, wherein:

[0054] Figure 1 Existing protective sleeves are shown;

[0055] Figure 2A and 2B Different examples of protective cases are shown;

[0056] Figure 3 An example of a protective case is shown;

[0057] Figure 4 An example of a protective case is shown;

[0058] Figures 5A-5E Different examples of protective cases are shown;

[0059] Figure 6 An example of a protective case is shown;

[0060] Figure 7 An example of a protective case is shown;

[0061] Figure 8A and 8B Examples of protective cases are shown; and

[0062] Figure 9A and 9B An example of a protective case is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0063] The detailed description given below, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, serves as a description of various different configurations. This detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of several different concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be implemented without these specific details.

[0064] Hearing aid devices, such as implantable units and / or sound processors, may include hearing aids adapted to improve or enhance a user's hearing ability by receiving sound 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 of the user's ears. The audible signals may be provided as sound signals transmitted through the bone structures of the user's head and / or through parts of the middle ear to the user's inner ear as mechanical vibrations, and as electrical signals transmitted directly or indirectly to the user's cochlear nerve and / or auditory cortex.

[0065] Hearing devices are suitable for wearing on, inside, or around a user's head in any known manner. This may include: i) placing the unit of the hearing device behind the ear (having a tube for guiding acoustic signals into the ear canal or having a receiver / speaker positioned close to or within the ear canal), such as a behind-the-ear hearing aid; and / or ii) placing the hearing device wholly or partially within the user's auricle and / or ear canal, such as an in-the-ear hearing aid or a canal / deep-in-the-canal hearing aid; or iii) configuring the unit of the hearing device to be connected to a fixation device implanted into the skull, such as a bone-anchored hearing aid or a cochlear implant; or iv) configuring the unit of the hearing device as a unit that is wholly or partially implanted, such as a bone-anchored hearing aid or a cochlear implant.

[0066] Generally, hearing devices such as implantable units and / or sound processor units include i) an input unit, such as a microphone, for receiving sound signals from the user's surroundings and providing corresponding input audio signals; and / or ii) a receiving unit for electronically receiving the input audio signals. Hearing devices also include a signal processing unit for processing the input audio signals and an output unit for providing audible signals to the user based on the processed audio signals.

[0067] The input unit may include multiple input microphones, for example, for providing direction-dependent audio signal processing. The aforementioned directional microphone system is adapted to amplify a target sound source among multiple sound sources in a user's environment. In one aspect, the directional system is adapted to detect (e.g., adaptively detect) the direction from which a specific portion of the microphone signal originates. This can be achieved using methods conventionally known. The signal processing unit may include 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 include an output converter such as a speaker / receiver for percutaneously providing an airborne acoustic signal to the skull, or a vibrator for providing a structure-borne or fluid-borne acoustic signal. In some hearing devices, the output unit may include one or more output electrodes for providing an electrical signal, such as in a cochlear implant.

[0068] Figure 2A and 2BDifferent examples of protective covers for hearing aid devices on closure devices are shown. In both figures, the protective cover 1 includes a sleeve 3 formed of a substantially soft material, wherein a first region 2 of the sleeve 3 has a first rigidity and a second region 4 has a second rigidity. The sleeve 3 has a main opening 6 configured to receive a hearing aid device 5, the main opening 6 being disposed in the second region 4 of the sleeve 3. A plurality of lips 8 are formed on the surface of the second region 4 of the sleeve, and a closure device 10 is configured to be applied to the sleeve 3 to at least enclose the plurality of lips 8 thereby sealing the hearing aid device 5 within the sleeve 3.

[0069] More specifically, in Figure 2A In the sleeve 3, multiple lips 8 are formed on the outer surface of the sleeve 3, and the closure device 10 is a cover, wherein a portion of the cover covers the main opening 6, and another portion of the closure device 10 applies pressure to the multiple lips, causing the main opening to seal. Arrow 50 indicates the direction in which the closure device is applied to the sleeve 3.

[0070] exist Figure 2B In this design, multiple lip-like portions are formed on the inner surface of the cover 3, and the closure device 10 is an annular body made of substantially soft material, configured to provide pressure between the multiple lips 8 and the hearing aid device 5 when inserted into the main opening. Arrow 51 indicates that the closure device is at least soft or resilient in the direction of arrow 51. Softness improves the seal between the closure device 10 and the cover 3, and between the hearing aid device 5 and the cover 3.

[0071] Figure 3 A protective sleeve with a hinge system 14 is shown, wherein the hinge system 14 is fixedly attached to the outer surface of the sleeve 3 and connects the closure device 10 to the sleeve 3, such that the closure device 10 can be closed or opened without removing the closure device from the protective sleeve 1. The hinge system 14 may be designed differently from... Figure 3 As shown.

[0072] Figure 4 A protective sleeve 1 is shown, wherein the hearing aid device 5 within the sleeve 3 does not have a size that covers the second region 4 of the sleeve 3. In this example, the protective sleeve 1 includes a base plug 18 configured to insert into the main opening and positioned at the second region 4 of the sleeve 3. The closure device 10 can be of any type, including the examples described in this invention; however, the closure device 10 must provide a clamping force on the second region 4 of the sleeve 3, which will cause deformation of the plurality of lips 8.

[0073] Figure 5A A protective sleeve 1 is shown, in which a portion of the closure device 10 is integral with the sleeve 3. Figure 5BA protective sleeve 1 is shown, comprising at least one guide device 22 formed on at least a first outer surface 4a of a second region 4 of a sleeve 3, wherein the at least one guide device 22 is configured to guide the closure device 10 when the closure device 10 at least encloses a plurality of lips 8. In this example, the closure device 10 may be integrally or fixedly attached to the sleeve 3, and the guide device 22 prevents the closure device 10 from slipping off the sleeve 3 when the closure device 10 is applied to the sleeve 3 to enclose the plurality of lips 8. Figure 5C An example is shown in which two of the guiding devices, namely the first and second guiding devices, are applied to the first outer surface 4a. In this example, the sealing device 10 is prevented from slipping out of its ideal position when it is desired to optimally seal at least a portion of the hearing aid device 5. Figure 5D An example is shown where a guide device 22 is disposed on a first outer surface 4a and a second outer surface 4b. In this example, the closing device 10 is not integral with the sleeve 3 or is not fixedly attached to the sleeve 3. Figure 5E An example is shown in which at least two guiding devices are disposed on the first outer surface 4a and the second outer surface 4b. In this example, the closing device 10 is not integral with the sleeve 3 or is not fixedly attached to the sleeve 3.

[0074] Figure 6 A protective sleeve 1 is shown, which includes a rigid support 26 integrally or molded with the sleeve 3 at a second region 4. In this example, a plurality of lips 8 are formed on the outer surface of the sleeve 3, but the rigid support 26 is also applicable when a plurality of lips 8 are formed on the inner surface of the sleeve 3. To improve the integration of the rigid support 26, the rigid support includes a plurality of holes 28.

[0075] Figure 7 A protective case 1 is shown, wherein a sub-part 2a of a first region 2 of the case 3 has a harder rigidity than the rest of the first region 2 2b, and the sub-part 2a faces the ear when the protective case 1 is intentionally worn by a user. This sub-part also applies when multiple lip-like portions 8 are formed on the inner surface of the case 3.

[0076] Figure 8A and 8B A protective sleeve 1 is shown, comprising at least one microphone window 34 formed within the sleeve 3, wherein when a hearing aid device 5 is disposed within the sleeve, the at least one microphone window 34 is aligned with one or more microphone inlets 37 of the hearing aid device 5. The thickness of the substantially flexible material of the at least one microphone window 34 may be thinner than the rest of the sleeve 3. Figure 8BA protective sleeve 1 is shown, comprising one or more protrusions 38 extending outward from the inner surface of the sleeve 3, the protrusions 38 being disposed near the microphone window 34, and the protrusions 38 providing an air gap 39 between the inner surface of the microphone window 34 and one or more microphone inlets 37.

[0077] Figure 9A and 9B A protective sleeve 1 including a rigid locking device 40 is shown. The rigid locking device 40 includes a receiving part 41 and a locking part 43, wherein the receiving part 41 is configured to receive a plug 45, and the locking part 43 is configured to lock and seal the plug 45 to the sleeve 3. Figure 9A In this design, the rigid locking device 40 includes a seal 40A, such as a sealing ring, and a portion 40B comprising a receiver 41 and a locking portion 43. Furthermore, the plug 45 includes at least two posts 45A projecting radially from an elongated plug 45B, the elongated plug being configured to connect to a hearing aid device disposed within a sleeve 3. The at least two posts 45A are configured to insert into the receiver 41 and rotate such that the locking portion receives the at least two posts 45A, locking the plug 45 and sealing it with the protective sleeve. The elongated plug 45B is configured to transmit audio and power to the implant. The plug 45 includes a seal 45C for further enhancing the seal between the plug 45 and the rigid locking device 40.

[0078] exist Figure 9B In this design, the receiving part 41 may be an opening formed within the sleeve. When the plug 45 is inserted into the opening 41 and rotated, the locking part 42 is configured to grip the plug 45, preventing the user from pulling the plug 45 out of the receiving part 41. The opening 41 is arranged along a first longitudinal axis 42, and the plug allows the locking device to be arranged along a second longitudinal axis 44. When the locking device is in the first position, the first and second longitudinal axes 42 are parallel, thus the locking device is installed in the opening 41, allowing the plug 45 to be received by the receiving part 41. When the plug 45 is rotated to the second position, the first and second longitudinal axes are no longer parallel, the opening becomes the locking part 43, and the locking device can no longer be pulled out of the receiving part 41.

Claims

1. A protective cover for a hearing aid device configured to be worn on and behind a user's ear, wherein the protective cover includes a hearing aid device configured to be worn on and behind a user's ear, the protective cover comprising: A sleeve formed of substantially soft material, wherein the sleeve has a first region and a second region, the first region having a first hardness and the second region having a second hardness, the sleeve having a main opening configured to receive a hearing aid device, the main opening being disposed in the second region of the sleeve; Multiple lip-like portions are formed on the surface of the second region of the sheath; and A closure device configured to be applied to a cover to enclose at least a plurality of lips to seal the hearing aid device within the cover.

2. The protective sleeve according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of lips are formed on the outer surface of the sleeve, and the closure device is a cover, wherein a portion of the cover covers the main opening and another portion of the closure device applies pressure to the plurality of lips, resulting in a seal of the main opening.

3. The protective sleeve according to claim 2, wherein the protective sleeve includes a hinge system configured to connect the closure device to the outer surface of the sleeve.

4. The protective sleeve according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of lips are formed on the inner surface of the sleeve, and the closure device is an annular body formed of substantially soft material and configured to provide pressure between the plurality of lips and the hearing aid device when the hearing aid device is inserted into the main opening.

5. The protective sleeve according to claim 1, comprising a base plug configured to be inserted into the main opening and disposed in a second region of the sleeve.

6. The protective sleeve according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a portion of the closure device is integral with the sleeve.

7. The protective sleeve according to claim 4 or 5, comprising at least one guiding device formed on at least a first outer surface of a second region of the sleeve, wherein the at least one guiding device is configured to guide the closing device when the guiding device at least surrounds a plurality of lips.

8. The protective sleeve according to claim 4 or 5, comprising at least a first guide device and at least a second guide device formed on a first outer surface and a second outer surface, respectively, in a second region of the sleeve.

9. The protective sleeve according to claim 1, wherein the second hardness is harder than the first hardness or the second hardness is the same as the first hardness.

10. The protective sleeve according to claim 1, comprising a rigid support integral with the second region of the sleeve.

11. The protective sleeve of claim 10, wherein the rigid support includes a plurality of holes configured to receive substantially soft material of the sleeve during integration of the rigid support.

12. The protective case according to claim 1, wherein a sub-part of the first region of the case has a harder hardness than the rest of the first region, and the sub-part faces the ear when the protective case is worn by the user.

13. The protective sleeve according to claim 1, wherein at least one microphone window is formed inside the sleeve, and when the hearing aid device is disposed inside the sleeve, the at least one microphone window is aligned with one or more microphone inlets of the hearing aid device.

14. The protective case of claim 13, wherein the thickness of the substantially soft material of at least one microphone window is thinner than the rest of the case.

15. The protective sleeve according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the sleeve includes one or more protrusions extending outward from an inner surface of the sleeve, the one or more protrusions being disposed near a microphone window, and the one or more protrusions providing an air gap between the inner surface of the microphone window and one or more microphone inlets.

16. The protective sleeve according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve includes a rigid locking device, and the rigid locking device includes a receiving portion and a locking portion, wherein the receiving portion is configured to receive a plug, and the locking portion is configured to lock the plug and seal the plug to the sleeve.

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