Ear canal based embedded hearing aid

Abstract

The ear canal based embedded hearing aid comprises an ear mold assembly, a gas supply adjusting mechanism, a connecting air guide piece and an air bag ear cap piece; the ear mold assembly is used for extending into an ear canal; the gas supply adjusting mechanism is located in a containing cavity and connected with the ear mold assembly; the connecting air guide piece is arranged through a connecting through hole and connected with the ear mold assembly, and the connecting air guide piece is provided with an air guide channel; the air bag ear cap piece is connected with the ear mold assembly, and the air bag ear cap piece is provided with an inflation cavity and a sealing through hole; one end of the connecting air guide piece, which is away from the ear mold assembly, is arranged through the sealing through hole and sealingly connected with the air bag ear cap piece; the gas supply adjusting mechanism is used for guiding gas into or out of the inflation cavity through the connecting air guide piece, so that the air bag ear cap piece is used for clamping and connecting to an inner wall of the ear canal when the ear mold assembly extends into the ear canal. The ear canal based embedded hearing aid is good in wearing adaptability when used in ear canals of different hearing impaired persons.

Description

Canal-based embedded hearing aids Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the technical field of hearing aids, and in particular to an in-ear canal embedded hearing aid. Background Technology

[0002] A hearing aid is an electronic assistive device that receives sound signals through a microphone, amplifies the signals, and then transmits them to the ear canal through a speaker (the receiver) to help improve hearing in people with hearing loss. Hearing aids are widely used in hearing rehabilitation, post-operative assistance, classroom support, speech therapy, daily social interaction, and underwater operations.

[0003] The hearing aid of the relevant technology includes a body, an extension and an ear cap. The extension is connected to the body and the ear cap respectively. The end of the body away from the extension has a pickup hole. The connection between the extension and the ear cap has a sound outlet hole. When the hearing aid is worn in the ear canal, the extension is used to extend into the ear canal so that the ear cap is locked and connected to the inner wall of the ear canal.

[0004] However, because the extension is used to insert into the ear canal, the ear cap is tightly connected to the inner wall of the ear canal. That is, the ear cap is inserted into the ear canal and squeezed and tightened against the inner wall of the ear canal. Since the shape of the ear canal varies among different hearing-impaired individuals, the size of the ear cap is difficult to change. As a result, the ear cap has poor fit when used in the ear canals of different hearing-impaired individuals. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a canal-based in-ear hearing aid with good fit when worn in the ear canal for different hearing-impaired individuals.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] An in-ear hearing aid based on the ear canal, comprising:

[0008] An earmold assembly has a receiving cavity and a connecting through hole, the receiving cavity communicating with the connecting through hole, and the earmold assembly is used to extend into the ear canal;

[0009] An air supply adjustment mechanism is located within the receiving cavity and connected to the earmold assembly;

[0010] A connecting air guide is inserted through the connecting through hole and connected to the ear mold assembly. The connecting air guide has an air guide channel, and the first end of the air guide channel is connected to the gas delivery end of the air supply adjustment mechanism.

[0011] An airbag ear cap is connected to the earmold assembly. The airbag ear cap has an inflation chamber and a sealing through hole. The inflation chamber is connected to the sealing through hole. One end of the connecting air guide, away from the earmold assembly, passes through the sealing through hole and is sealed to the airbag ear cap. The second end of the air guide channel is connected to the inflation chamber. The air supply adjustment mechanism uses the connecting air guide to introduce or export gas into or out of the inflation chamber, so that the airbag ear cap is used to lock into the inner wall of the ear canal when the earmold assembly is inserted into the ear canal.

[0012] In one embodiment, the earmold assembly includes an upper shell and a lower shell. The upper shell has a first mounting groove, and the lower shell has a second mounting groove. The upper shell covers the second mounting groove and is connected to the lower shell. The first mounting groove and the second mounting groove are connected to form the receiving cavity. A connecting through hole is formed in the upper shell and communicates with the first mounting groove. The air supply adjustment mechanism is located in the first mounting groove and is connected to the upper shell. The connecting air guide and the airbag ear cap are both connected to the upper shell. Both the upper shell and the lower shell are used to extend into the ear canal.

[0013] In one embodiment, the upper housing is further provided with a first sound outlet, and the airbag ear cap is further provided with a second sound outlet. The first sound outlet is connected to the first mounting groove and the second sound outlet to form a sound outlet channel.

[0014] In one embodiment, the canal-based embedded hearing aid further includes a microphone assembly, an amplifier assembly, and a receiver assembly. The amplifier assembly is electrically connected to both the microphone assembly and the receiver assembly, and is located between the microphone assembly and the receiver assembly. The microphone assembly is located within the receiving cavity and is connected to both the upper housing and the lower housing. The microphone receiving end of the microphone assembly protrudes from the lower housing. The amplifier assembly is located within the first mounting slot and connected to the upper housing. The receiver assembly is located within the first mounting slot and connected to the upper housing. The receiver assembly is correspondingly configured with respect to the sound output channel.

[0015] In one embodiment, the microphone assembly is provided with a sound receiving element, and the inner wall of the second mounting groove is provided with a clearance through hole. The sound receiving element passes through the clearance through hole and is connected to the lower housing, so that a portion of the sound receiving element protrudes from the lower housing.

[0016] In one embodiment, the canal-based embedded hearing aid further includes a power supply mechanism located within the second mounting slot and connected to the lower housing. The air supply adjustment mechanism, the microphone assembly, the amplifier assembly, and the receiver assembly are all electrically connected to the power supply mechanism. The power supply mechanism is used for electrical connection to an external power source.

[0017] In one embodiment, the power supply mechanism includes a battery and a charging assembly. The battery is mounted on the charging assembly and is electrically connected to the charging assembly. The charging assembly is connected to the lower housing. The gas supply adjustment mechanism, the microphone assembly, the amplifier assembly, and the receiver assembly are all electrically connected to the battery. The charging assembly is used to be electrically connected to the external power source.

[0018] In one embodiment, the earmold assembly is provided with a plurality of infrared ranging sensors, which are arranged at intervals around the outer peripheral wall of the earmold assembly. Each infrared ranging sensor is used to detect the distance between the earmold assembly and the ear canal, and each infrared ranging sensor is electrically connected to the control terminal of the air supply adjustment mechanism.

[0019] In one embodiment, the airbag ear cap is provided with a plurality of spaced pressure sensors, each pressure sensor being used to detect the pressure between the airbag ear cap and the ear canal to obtain a contact pressure value, and each pressure sensor being electrically connected to the control terminal of the air supply adjustment mechanism.

[0020] When the contact pressure value is less than the predetermined pressure range, the corresponding pressure sensor controls the gas supply adjustment mechanism to introduce the gas into the inflation chamber through the connecting gas guide;

[0021] When the contact pressure value is greater than the predetermined pressure range, the corresponding pressure sensor controls the gas supply adjustment mechanism to discharge the gas out of the inflation chamber through the connecting gas guide.

[0022] In one embodiment, each pressure sensor is a flexible pressure sensor structure. The airbag ear cap includes an outer ear cap contact layer, a sensor array layer, and an inner airbag connection layer. The outer ear cap contact layer and the inner airbag connection layer are connected to form the inflation cavity. The sealing through-hole is opened in the inner airbag connection layer. The sensor array layer is located in the inflation cavity and is connected to both the outer ear cap contact layer and the inner airbag connection layer. The sensor array layer includes multiple pressure sensors spaced apart and arranged in a ring array in the inflation cavity. The connecting air guide and the ear mold assembly are both connected to the inner airbag connection layer. The outer ear cap contact layer is used to securely connect to the inner wall of the ear canal when the ear mold assembly is inserted into the ear canal.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, this disclosure has at least the following advantages:

[0024] 1. Since the earmold assembly is used to insert into the ear canal, the air supply adjustment mechanism is used to introduce or export gas into or out of the inflation chamber through the air guide, so that the airbag ear cap is used to lock and connect to the inner wall of the ear canal when the earmold assembly is inserted into the ear canal. Thus, the airbag ear cap is squeezed and locked against the inner wall of the ear canal under the action of gas flow, so as to complete the wearing process of the ear canal-based in-ear hearing aid.

[0025] 2. Because the gas supply adjustment mechanism uses a connecting gas guide to introduce or exit the inflation chamber, allowing the gas to fill the inflation chamber, the airbag ear cap component deforms more easily with the gas flow. This causes the airbag ear cap component to be compressed and locked against the inner wall of the ear canal under the action of the gas flow. This results in a tight fit between the airbag ear cap component and the inner wall of the ear canal, making it easier for the airbag ear cap component to adapt to the ear canal shape of different hearing-impaired individuals. The size of the airbag ear cap component can easily change according to the ear canal shape of different hearing-impaired individuals under the action of the gas flow, thus solving the problem of the difficulty in changing the size of the ear cap component in existing technologies. Therefore, the airbag ear cap component has better fit when used in the ear canal of different hearing-impaired individuals, resulting in better fit for in-ear hearing aids based on the ear canal. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this disclosure and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ear canal-based embedded hearing aid according to an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ear canal-based embedded hearing aid shown in Figure 1 from another perspective;

[0029] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the AA line in the canal-based embedded hearing aid shown in Figure 2;

[0030] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the earmold assembly of the ear canal-based embedded hearing aid shown in Figure 1;

[0031] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the airbag ear cap component of the ear canal-based embedded hearing aid shown in Figure 1;

[0032] Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of the airbag ear cap shown in Figure 5 from another perspective;

[0033] Figure 7 is a BB line cross-sectional view of the airbag ear cap shown in Figure 6. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To facilitate understanding of this disclosure, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. However, this disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure.

[0035] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, an embodiment of an in-ear hearing aid 10 includes an earmold assembly 100, an air supply adjustment mechanism 200, a connecting air guide 300, and an airbag ear cap 400. The earmold assembly 100 has a receiving cavity 1111 and a connecting through hole 112, the receiving cavity 1111 and the connecting through hole 112 are connected, and the earmold assembly 100 is used to extend into the ear canal. The air supply adjustment mechanism 200 is located in the receiving cavity 1111 and is connected to the earmold assembly 100. The connecting air guide 300 passes through the connecting through hole 112 and is connected to the earmold assembly 100. The connecting air guide 300 has an air guide channel 310, the first end of which is connected to the air supply... The gas supply end of the gas adjustment mechanism 200 is connected; the airbag ear cap 400 is connected to the earmold assembly 100. The airbag ear cap 400 has an inflation chamber 411 and a sealing through hole 431. The inflation chamber 411 and the sealing through hole 431 are connected. One end of the connecting air guide 300 away from the earmold assembly 100 passes through the sealing through hole 431 and is sealed to the airbag ear cap 400. The second end of the air guide channel 310 is connected to the inflation chamber 411. The gas supply adjustment mechanism 200 uses the connecting air guide 300 to introduce or export gas into or out of the inflation chamber 411, so that the airbag ear cap 400 is used to lock and connect to the inner wall of the ear canal when the earmold assembly 100 is inserted into the ear canal.

[0038] In this embodiment, the air supply adjustment mechanism 200, connected to the air guide 300, is used to introduce or export gas into the inflation chamber 411. This allows the airbag ear cap 400 to be securely attached to the inner wall of the ear canal when the earmold assembly 100 is inserted into the ear canal. The airbag ear cap 400 is thus compressed and secured to the inner wall of the ear canal under the action of gas flow. The air supply adjustment mechanism 200 is a reciprocating piston pump structure, a bidirectional diaphragm pump structure, or a rotary vane pump structure, used to achieve bidirectional flow of gas inhalation and exhalation. This satisfies the requirement that the air supply adjustment mechanism 200, connected to the air guide 300, introduce or export gas into the inflation chamber 411, resulting in better usability of the ear canal-based embedded hearing aid 10.

[0039] The aforementioned ear canal-based in-ear hearing aid 10, since the earmold assembly 100 is used to extend into the ear canal, the air supply adjustment mechanism 200 is used to introduce or export gas into or out of the inflation chamber 411 through the air guide 300, so that the airbag ear cap 400 is used to clamp and connect to the inner wall of the ear canal when the earmold assembly 100 is inserted into the ear canal, thereby squeezing and clamping the airbag ear cap 400 against the inner wall of the ear canal under the action of gas flow, so as to complete the wearing process of the ear canal-based in-ear hearing aid 10.

[0040] Because the gas supply adjustment mechanism 200, through the connecting gas guide 300, is used to introduce or export gas into or out of the inflation chamber 411, so that the gas fills the inflation chamber 411, that is, the gas flows within the inflation chamber 411, the airbag ear cap 400 is more prone to deformation with the gas flow, so that the airbag ear cap 400 is squeezed and clamped against the inner wall of the ear canal under the action of the gas flow, thereby making the airbag ear cap 400 fit tightly against the inner wall of the ear canal under the action of the gas flow, so that the airbag ear cap 400 is squeezed and clamped against the inner wall of the ear canal under the action of the gas flow. It is easier to adapt to the ear canal shapes of different hearing-impaired individuals, so that the size of the air-filled ear cap 400 can easily change with the ear canal shapes of different hearing-impaired individuals under the action of gas flow. This solves the problem that the size of the ear cap is difficult to change in the prior art. As a result, the air-filled ear cap has better fit when used in the ear canals of different hearing-impaired individuals under the action of gas flow. Therefore, the in-ear hearing aid 10 based on the ear canal has better fit when used in the ear canals of different hearing-impaired individuals.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in one embodiment, the earmold assembly 100 includes an upper housing 110 and a lower housing 120. The upper housing 110 has a first mounting groove 111, and the lower housing 120 has a second mounting groove 121. The upper housing 110 covers the second mounting groove 121 and is connected to the lower housing 120. The first mounting groove 111 and the second mounting groove 121 are connected to form a receiving cavity 1111. A connecting through hole 112 is opened in the upper housing 110 and communicates with the first mounting groove 111. The air supply adjustment mechanism 200 is located in the first mounting groove 111 and is connected to the upper housing 110. The connecting air guide 300 and the airbag ear cap 400 are both connected to the upper housing 110. Both the upper housing 110 and the lower housing 120 are used to extend into the ear canal. In this embodiment, the upper housing 110 and the lower housing 120 are sealed together, which makes the sealing performance of the receiving cavity 1111 better, so that external noise is less likely to enter the receiving cavity 1111, thereby effectively improving the sound quality clarity of the canal-based embedded hearing aid 10.

[0042] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, in one embodiment, the upper housing 110 is further provided with a first sound outlet 113, and the airbag ear cap 400 is further provided with a second sound outlet 440. The first sound outlet 113 is connected to the first mounting groove 111 and the second sound outlet 440 respectively to form a sound outlet channel, so that the canal-based embedded hearing aid 10 can transmit sound signals into the canal, thereby effectively helping hearing-impaired people improve their hearing and making the canal-based embedded hearing aid 10 more convenient to use.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in one embodiment, the canal-based embedded hearing aid 10 further includes a microphone assembly 500, an amplifier assembly 600, and a receiver assembly 700. The amplifier assembly 600 is electrically connected to both the microphone assembly 500 and the receiver assembly 700, and is located between the microphone assembly 500 and the receiver assembly 700. The microphone assembly 500 is located within the receiving cavity 1111 and is connected to both the upper housing 110 and the lower housing 120. The receiving end of the microphone assembly 500 protrudes from the lower housing 120. The amplifier assembly 600 is located within the first mounting groove 111 and connected to the upper housing 110. The receiver assembly 700 is located within the first mounting groove 111 and connected to the upper housing 110. The receiver assembly 700 is correspondingly configured with the sound output channel. In this embodiment, the microphone assembly 500 is used to collect sounds from the external environment and convert the sound signals into electrical signals; the amplifier assembly 600 is used to amplify the electrical signals; and the receiver assembly 700 is used to convert the amplified electrical signals into sound signals, thereby transmitting the sound signals into the ear canal, effectively helping hearing-impaired individuals improve their hearing, and making the ear canal-based embedded hearing aid 10 more convenient to use.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in one embodiment, the microphone assembly 500 is provided with a microphone receiver 510. A clearance through-hole 1211 is provided on the inner wall of the second mounting groove 121. The microphone receiver 510 passes through the clearance through-hole 1211 and is connected to the lower housing 120, with a portion of the microphone receiver 510 protruding from the lower housing 120. In this embodiment, the microphone receiver 510 is used to collect ambient sound. The microphone receiver 510 passing through the clearance through-hole 1211 and being connected to the lower housing 120, with a portion protruding from the lower housing 120, facilitates the collection of ambient sound and improves the ease of use of the microphone receiver 510.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in one embodiment, the canal-based embedded hearing aid 10 further includes a power supply mechanism 800. The power supply mechanism 800 is located within the second mounting slot 121 and connected to the lower housing 120. The air supply adjustment mechanism 200, microphone assembly 500, amplifier assembly 600, and receiver assembly 700 are all electrically connected to the power supply mechanism 800, which is used for electrical connection to an external power source. In this embodiment, the power supply mechanism 800 provides power to the air supply adjustment mechanism 200, microphone assembly 500, amplifier assembly 600, and receiver assembly 700, thus improving the ease of use of the canal-based embedded hearing aid 10.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in one embodiment, the power supply mechanism 800 includes a battery 810 and a charging component 820. The battery 810 is mounted on the charging component 820 and electrically connected to it. The charging component 820 is connected to the lower housing 120. The air supply adjustment mechanism 200, microphone assembly 500, amplifier assembly 600, and receiver assembly 700 are all electrically connected to the battery 810. The charging component 820 is used to electrically connect to an external power source. In this embodiment, the battery 810 is a zinc-air button battery 810. The battery 810 provides power to the air supply adjustment mechanism 200, microphone assembly 500, amplifier assembly 600, and receiver assembly 700, so that the battery 810 has a smaller size and occupies less space, thereby meeting the miniaturization requirements of the canal-based embedded hearing aid 10 and making the canal-based embedded hearing aid 10 smaller in size.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in one embodiment, the earmold assembly 100 is provided with multiple infrared ranging sensors 114. These sensors are spaced apart and arranged around the outer peripheral wall of the earmold assembly 100. Each infrared ranging sensor 114 is used to detect the distance between the earmold assembly 100 and the ear canal. Each infrared ranging sensor 114 is electrically connected to the control terminal of the air supply adjustment mechanism 200. In this embodiment, the multiple infrared ranging sensors 114, arranged spaced apart and around the outer peripheral wall of the earmold assembly 100, can cover multiple directions of the ear canal cross-section. This allows for the real-time construction of three-dimensional contour data of the ear canal inner wall using triangulation, facilitating the insertion of the earmold assembly 100 into the ear canal and improving the wearing convenience of the ear canal-based embedded hearing aid 10.

[0048] As shown in Figures 3 to 7, in one embodiment, the airbag ear cap 400 is provided with a plurality of spaced pressure sensors 4221. Each pressure sensor 4221 is used to detect the pressure between the airbag ear cap 400 and the ear canal to obtain a contact pressure value. Each pressure sensor 4221 is electrically connected to the control terminal of the air supply adjustment mechanism 200.

[0049] When the contact pressure value is less than the predetermined pressure range, the corresponding pressure sensor 4221 controls the gas supply adjustment mechanism 200 to introduce gas into the inflation chamber 411 through the connecting gas guide 300.

[0050] When the contact pressure value exceeds a predetermined pressure range, the corresponding pressure sensor 4221 controls the air supply adjustment mechanism 200 to discharge gas out of the inflation chamber 411 via the connecting air guide 300. In this embodiment, when the airbag ear cap 400 is in close contact with the ear canal, there is pressure between the airbag ear cap 400 and the ear canal. Therefore, each pressure sensor 4221 is used to detect the pressure between the airbag ear cap 400 and the ear canal to obtain the contact pressure value.

[0051] The predetermined pressure range is 5-20 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). 5 mmHg represents a pressure that is almost imperceptible when lightly pressed against the skin, such as the touch of a feather; 20 mmHg represents the pressure applied when lightly pressing the earlobe with a finger, a slight pressure without pain, such as the inflation of a blood pressure cuff. When the contact pressure value is within the predetermined pressure range, the airbag ear cap 400 fits tightly against the ear canal, eliminating any gaps between the airbag ear cap and the inner wall of the ear canal. This makes it less likely for the ear-canal-based in-ear hearing aid 10 to loosen within the ear canal, resulting in better wearing stability. Simultaneously, the predetermined pressure... The range is 5-20 mmHg to ensure moderate contact pressure and a suitable fit between the airbag ear cap and the inner wall of the ear canal. This prevents the airbag ear cap from fitting too loosely or too tightly, thus avoiding accidental dislodgement due to a loose fit and ear canal pain due to a tight fit. This also reduces the squeezing force of the airbag ear cap on the ear canal, making it less uncomfortable for hearing-impaired individuals to wear the ear-canal-based in-ear hearing aid 10, resulting in better wearing comfort.

[0052] Each pressure sensor 4221 has a corresponding contact pressure value. When there are three pressure sensors 4221, the three pressure sensors 4221 have three contact pressure values. The three pressure sensors 4221 are respectively the first pressure sensor 4221, the second pressure sensor 4221, and the third pressure sensor 4221, and the three contact pressure values ​​are the first contact pressure value, the second contact pressure value, and the third contact pressure value, respectively. When the first contact pressure value, the second contact pressure value, and the third contact pressure value are all less than a predetermined pressure range, the three pressure sensors 4221 jointly control the air supply adjustment mechanism 200 to introduce gas into the inflation chamber 411 through the connecting air guide 300, so that the gas fills the inflation chamber 411 and flows in the inflation chamber 411, thereby causing the airbag ear cap to... The airbag ear cap 400 expands under the support of gas to fit tightly into the ear canal. Each pressure sensor 4221 is used to detect the pressure between the airbag ear cap 400 and the ear canal. When the first contact pressure value, the second contact pressure value, and the third contact pressure value are all within the predetermined pressure range, the three pressure sensors 4221 jointly control the air supply adjustment mechanism 200 to stop introducing gas into the inflation chamber 411 through the connected air guide 300. At this time, the gas delivery end of the air supply adjustment mechanism 200 is closed so that the gas in the inflation chamber 411 cannot flow out, so that the pressure in the inflation chamber 411 remains unchanged, so that the airbag ear cap 400 and the inner wall of the ear canal have good compression and clamping stability, and so that the wearing stability of the ear canal-based embedded hearing aid 10 is good when used in the ear canals of different hearing-impaired individuals.

[0053] Furthermore, when the first contact pressure value, the second contact pressure value, and the third contact pressure value are all greater than the predetermined pressure range, the three pressure sensors 4221 jointly control the air supply adjustment mechanism 200 to guide gas out of the inflation chamber 411 through the air guide 300. This allows the gas to flow out of the inflation chamber 411 and circulate within it, causing the airbag ear cap 400 to retract under the influence of the gas flow for a tight fit into the ear canal. Each pressure sensor 4221 detects the pressure between the airbag ear cap 400 and the ear canal until the first contact pressure value, the second contact pressure value, and the third contact pressure value are all within the predetermined pressure range. The gas supply adjustment mechanism 200, through the connection of the air guide 300, is used to stop the gas from being discharged from the inflation chamber 411. At this time, the gas delivery end of the gas supply adjustment mechanism 200 is closed so that the gas in the inflation chamber 411 cannot flow out, so that the pressure in the inflation chamber 411 remains constant, so that the air bag ear cap 400 fits the inner wall of the ear canal with moderate tightness, thereby avoiding the ear canal pain caused by excessive tightness. This reduces the squeezing force of the air bag ear cap on the ear canal, making it less uncomfortable for hearing-impaired individuals to wear the ear canal-based in-ear hearing aid 10, and thus improving the wearing comfort of hearing-impaired individuals when wearing the ear canal-based in-ear hearing aid 10.

[0054] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in one embodiment, each pressure sensor 4221 is a flexible pressure sensor structure. The airbag ear cap component 400 includes an outer ear cap contact layer 410, a sensor array layer 420, and an inner airbag connection layer 430. The outer ear cap contact layer 410 and the inner airbag connection layer 430 are connected to form an inflation cavity 411. A sealing through hole 431 is opened in the inner airbag connection layer 430. The sensor array layer 420 is located in the inflation cavity 411 and is connected to both the outer ear cap contact layer 410 and the inner airbag connection layer 430. The sensor array layer 420 includes multiple pressure sensors 4221 spaced apart. The multiple pressure sensors 4221 are arranged in a ring array in the inflation cavity 411. The connecting air guide 300 and the earmold assembly 100 are both connected to the inner airbag connection layer 430. The outer ear cap contact layer 410 is used to lock and connect to the inner wall of the ear canal when the earmold assembly 100 is inserted into the ear canal. In this embodiment, each pressure sensor 4221 is a flexible pressure sensor structure, which means that each pressure sensor 4221 is made of flexible material, so that each pressure sensor 4221 deforms with the airbag ear cap 400 to fit the curved surface of the ear canal, thereby effectively avoiding the measurement distortion problem caused by rigid pressure sensors, and making the detection accuracy of each pressure sensor 4221 high.

[0055] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the outer ear cap contact layer 410 is a silicone ear cap contact layer, so that the surface texture of the outer ear cap contact layer 410 is used to increase friction, thereby effectively preventing the canal-based in-ear hearing aid 10 from slipping out of the canal, and making the wearing stability of the canal-based in-ear hearing aid 10 better.

[0056] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the outer layer 410 of the ear cap is coated with an ammonium salt molecular layer 412, which is used to securely connect to the inner wall of the ear canal when the earmold assembly 100 is inserted into the ear canal. In this embodiment, the ammonium salt molecular layer 412 is a polyhexamethylene biguanide layer, so that the ammonium salt molecular layer 412 has a 24-hour antibacterial rate of >99.9% against Staphylococcus aureus and is resistant to alcohol wiping >500 times, resulting in good antibacterial performance of the ear canal-based embedded hearing aid 10.

[0057] Further, as shown in Figure 7, in one embodiment, the sensor array layer 420 includes a polyimide substrate layer 421 and a carbon nanotube sensitive layer 422 connected together. The polyimide substrate layer 421 is connected to the inner airbag connecting layer 430, and the carbon nanotube sensitive layer 422 is connected to the outer ear cap contact layer 410. The carbon nanotube sensitive layer 422 is provided with a plurality of spaced-apart pressure sensors 4221, which are arranged in a ring array on the carbon nanotube sensitive layer 422. In this embodiment, the carbon nanotube sensitive layer 422 is provided with a plurality of spaced-apart pressure sensors 4221, so that each pressure sensor 4221 is a flexible pressure sensor structure. This allows each pressure sensor 4221 to deform with the airbag ear cap 400 to conform to the curved surface of the ear canal, thereby effectively avoiding the measurement distortion problem caused by rigid pressure sensors and making the detection accuracy of each pressure sensor 4221 higher.

[0058] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the airbag connecting inner layer 430 is a TPU film layer (i.e., a thermoplastic polyurethane film layer) to give the airbag connecting inner layer 430 better elasticity, so that the airbag connecting inner layer 430 provides better support for the sensor array layer 420.

[0059] Further, as shown in FIG3, in one embodiment, the upper housing 110 is provided with a connecting part 115, and the inner wall of the second mounting groove 121 is also provided with a wedge-shaped groove 1212. The connecting part 115 is located in the wedge-shaped groove 1212 and connected to the lower housing 120, so that the upper housing 110 covers the second mounting groove 121 and is connected to the lower housing 120, thereby making the connection between the upper housing 110 and the lower housing 120 more convenient.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, in one embodiment, a fishing line 122 is provided at one end of the lower housing 120 away from the upper housing 110. The fishing line 122 is used to provide a point of force so that the hearing-impaired person can insert or pull out the earmold assembly 100 into the ear canal, making it easier to wear the ear canal-based in-ear hearing aid 10.

[0061] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the fishing line 122 is provided with a gripping part 1221 at the end opposite to the lower housing 120, so that the hearing-impaired person can grip it and easily pull the canal-based in-ear hearing aid 10 out of the ear canal.

[0062] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the outer peripheral wall of the gripping part 1221 is covered with a silicone anti-slip layer 1221a. The silicone anti-slip layer 1221a is used to increase the friction between the gripping part 1221 and the hand, making it more difficult for the hearing-impaired person's hand to separate from the gripping part 1221 when pulling the ear canal-based in-ear hearing aid 10 out of the ear canal, thereby improving the ease of use of the fishing line 122.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in FIG4, in one embodiment, a sealing ring (not shown) is provided at the connection between the air guide 300 and the upper housing 110 to improve the sealing performance of the connection between the air guide 300 and the upper housing 110.

[0064] Compared with the prior art, this disclosure has at least the following advantages:

[0065] 1. Since the earmold assembly 100 is used to extend into the ear canal, the air supply adjustment mechanism 200 is used to introduce or export gas into or out of the inflation chamber 411 through the air guide 300, so that the airbag ear cap 400 is used to clamp and connect to the inner wall of the ear canal when the earmold assembly 100 is extended into the ear canal, thereby squeezing and clamping the airbag ear cap 400 against the inner wall of the ear canal under the action of gas flow, so as to complete the wearing process of the ear canal-based embedded hearing aid 10.

[0066] 2. Because the gas supply adjustment mechanism 200, through the connecting air guide 300, is used to introduce or export gas into or out of the inflation chamber 411, so that the gas fills the inflation chamber 411, i.e., the gas flows within the inflation chamber 411, the airbag ear cap 400 is more prone to deformation with the gas flow, so that the airbag ear cap 400 is squeezed and clamped against the inner wall of the ear canal under the action of the gas flow, thereby making the airbag ear cap 400 fit tightly against the inner wall of the ear canal under the action of the gas flow, so that the airbag ear cap 400 is in close contact with the inner wall of the ear canal under the action of the gas flow. The air-filled ear cap 400 is more easily adapted to the ear canal shapes of different hearing-impaired individuals, allowing the size of the air-filled ear cap 400 to change more easily with the ear canal shapes of different hearing-impaired individuals under the action of gas flow. This solves the problem that the size of the ear cap is difficult to change in the prior art, thus making the air-filled ear cap 10 more adaptable to the ear canal shapes of different hearing-impaired individuals under the action of gas flow.

[0067] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this disclosure, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosed patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this disclosure, and these all fall within the protection scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An in-ear hearing aid, characterized in that, include: An earmold assembly includes a receiving cavity and a connecting through hole, the receiving cavity communicating with the connecting through hole, and the earmold assembly being inserted into the ear canal. An air supply adjustment mechanism is located within the receiving cavity and connected to the earmold assembly. A connecting air guide is inserted through the connecting through hole and connected to the earmold assembly; the connecting air guide has an air channel, the first end of which communicates with the gas delivery end of the air supply adjustment mechanism. An airbag ear cap is connected to the earmold assembly, the airbag ear cap having an inflation cavity and a sealing through hole, the inflation cavity communicating with the sealing through hole, and the end of the connecting air guide opposite to the earmold assembly passing through the sealing through hole and communicating with the air supply adjustment mechanism. The airbag ear cap is sealed and connected. The second end of the air channel communicates with the inflation chamber. The air supply adjustment mechanism introduces or exits gas into or out of the inflation chamber through the connecting air guide, so that the airbag ear cap is tightly connected to the inner wall of the ear canal when the earmold assembly is inserted into the ear canal. The airbag ear cap includes an outer ear cap contact layer, a sensor array layer, and an inner airbag connection layer. The outer ear cap contact layer and the inner airbag connection layer are connected to form the inflation chamber. The sealing through-hole is opened in the inner airbag connection layer. The sensor array layer is located in the inflation chamber and is connected to both the outer ear cap contact layer and the inner airbag connection layer. The sensor array layer includes multiple spaced pressure sensors arranged in a circular array within the inflation chamber. The connecting air guide and the earmold assembly are both connected to the inner layer of the airbag. The ear cap contacts the outer layer to securely fasten to the inner wall of the ear canal when the earmold assembly is inserted into the ear canal. Each pressure sensor detects the pressure between the airbag ear cap and the ear canal to obtain a contact pressure value. Each pressure sensor is electrically connected to the control terminal of the air supply adjustment mechanism. When the contact pressure value is less than a predetermined pressure range, the corresponding pressure sensor controls the air supply adjustment mechanism to adjust the air supply through the connecting air guide. The gas is introduced into the inflation chamber; when the contact pressure value is greater than the predetermined pressure range, the corresponding pressure sensor controls the gas supply adjustment mechanism to discharge the gas out of the inflation chamber through the connecting gas guide; wherein, the predetermined pressure range is 5-20 mmHg; the sensor array layer includes a polyimide substrate layer and a carbon nanotube sensitive layer connected together, the polyimide substrate layer is connected to the inner layer of the airbag, the carbon nanotube sensitive layer is connected to the outer layer of the ear cap, and the carbon nanotube sensitive layer is provided with a plurality of pressure sensors spaced apart, the plurality of pressure sensors being arranged in a ring array on the carbon nanotube sensitive layer.

2. The canal-based embedded hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The earmold assembly includes an upper shell and a lower shell. The upper shell has a first mounting groove, and the lower shell has a second mounting groove. The upper shell covers the second mounting groove and is connected to the lower shell. The first mounting groove and the second mounting groove are connected to form the receiving cavity. A connecting through hole is opened in the upper shell and communicates with the first mounting groove. The air supply adjustment mechanism is located in the first mounting groove and is connected to the upper shell. The connecting air guide and the airbag ear cap are both connected to the upper shell. Both the upper shell and the lower shell are used to extend into the ear canal.

3. The canal-based embedded hearing aid according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper shell is also provided with a first sound outlet, and the airbag ear cap is also provided with a second sound outlet. The first sound outlet is connected to the first mounting groove and the second sound outlet to form a sound outlet channel.

4. The canal-based embedded hearing aid according to claim 3, characterized in that, The canal-based embedded hearing aid further includes a microphone assembly, an amplifier assembly, and a receiver assembly. The amplifier assembly is electrically connected to both the microphone assembly and the receiver assembly, and is located between the microphone assembly and the receiver assembly. The microphone assembly is located within the receiving cavity and is connected to both the upper housing and the lower housing. The microphone receiving end of the microphone assembly protrudes from the lower housing. The amplifier assembly is located within the first mounting slot and connected to the upper housing. The receiver assembly is located within the first mounting slot and connected to the upper housing. The receiver assembly is correspondingly configured with respect to the sound output channel.

5. The canal-based embedded hearing aid according to claim 4, characterized in that, The microphone assembly is provided with a sound receiving element, and the inner wall of the second mounting groove is provided with a clearance through hole. The sound receiving element passes through the clearance through hole and is connected to the lower housing, so that part of the sound receiving element protrudes from the lower housing.

6. The canal-based embedded hearing aid according to claim 4, characterized in that, The canal-based embedded hearing aid also includes a power supply mechanism located in the second mounting slot and connected to the lower housing. The air supply adjustment mechanism, the microphone assembly, the amplifier assembly, and the receiver assembly are all electrically connected to the power supply mechanism. The power supply mechanism is used to connect to an external power source.

7. The canal-based embedded hearing aid according to claim 6, characterized in that, The power supply mechanism includes a battery and a charging component. The battery is installed in the charging component and is electrically connected to the charging component. The charging component is connected to the lower housing. The gas supply adjustment mechanism, the microphone component, the amplifier component, and the receiver component are all electrically connected to the battery. The charging component is used to be electrically connected to the external power source.

8. The canal-based embedded hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The earmold assembly is provided with multiple infrared ranging sensors, which are arranged at intervals around the outer peripheral wall of the earmold assembly. Each infrared ranging sensor is used to detect the distance between the earmold assembly and the ear canal, and each infrared ranging sensor is electrically connected to the control terminal of the air supply adjustment mechanism.

9. The canal-based embedded hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the pressure sensors is a flexible pressure sensor structure.

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