Moisture sensing device and method

Abstract

A hearing device includes a moisture sensor and two or more contacts coupled to the moisture sensor. Each contact is exposed to the exterior of the hearing device. A moisture sensor senses when an attribute between the contacts indicates moisture. A method includes generating a measurement between contacts in a hearing device, and reducing feedback to a processor in the hearing device based on the measurement indicating moisture.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 535,300, filed August 29, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to moisture sensing devices and methods. Background Technology

[0003] Over the past few decades, medical devices have provided a wide range of therapeutic benefits to recipients. Medical devices can include internal or implantable components / devices, external or wearable components / devices, or combinations thereof (e.g., devices having an external component that communicates with the implantable component). Medical devices, such as conventional hearing aids, partially or fully implantable hearing prostheses (e.g., bone conduction devices, mechanical stimulators, cochlear implants, etc.), pacemakers, defibrillators, functional electrical stimulation devices, and other medical devices, have been successful for many years in performing life-saving and / or lifestyle improvement functions and / or recipient monitoring.

[0004] Over the years, the types of medical devices and the range of functions they perform have increased. For example, many medical devices, sometimes referred to as “implantable medical devices,” now typically include one or more instruments, devices, sensors, processors, controllers, or other functional mechanical or electrical components that are permanently or temporarily implanted into a recipient’s body. These functional devices are typically used to diagnose, prevent, monitor, treat, or manage diseases / injuries or their symptoms, or to study, replace, or modify anatomical structures or physiological processes. Many of these functional devices utilize power and / or data received from an external device that is part of or operates in conjunction with the implantable component. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one embodiment, a hearing device includes a moisture sensor and at least a first contact and a second contact coupled to the moisture sensor. Each of the first contact and the second contact is exposed to the outside of the hearing device. The moisture sensor senses when properties between the first contact and the second contact indicate moisture.

[0006] According to another embodiment, a method includes generating a measurement using a first contact and a second contact in a hearing device; and instructing a processor in the hearing device to adapt to the environment based on the measurement.

[0007] According to yet another embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes computer-readable instructions stored thereon for causing a processor in a medical device to perform the following operations: measuring the impedance between a first contact and a second contact, wherein the first contact and the second contact are exposed to an environment outside the housing of the medical device; and detecting moisture outside the housing based on the impedance measured between the first contact and the second contact.

[0008] According to another embodiment, an electronic device includes: a housing, a sound input component, and a processor configured to measure the impedance between conductors exposed outside the housing. The processor is further configured to adjust the input from the sound input component in response to determining the impedance indication between the conductors. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a typical human ear and the percutaneous bone conduction device located behind the recipient's outer ear.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram of an example bone conduction device.

[0011] Figure 3 A figure illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a transdermal bone conduction device including an external device and an implantable component.

[0012] Figure 4 A figure illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a transdermal bone conduction device including an external device and an implantable component.

[0013] Figure 5A A diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device including a moisture sensor.

[0014] Figure 5B The diagram illustrates an example of an electronic device that includes a moisture sensor and three external conductive contacts.

[0015] Figure 6 A diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device including a housing and a processor located inside the housing. Detailed Implementation

[0016] For ease of description only, the techniques presented herein are described primarily with reference to illustrative medical devices (i.e., bone conduction devices). However, it should be understood that the techniques presented herein can also be used with a wide variety of other devices that provide extensive benefits to recipients, patients, healthcare providers, relatives of the recipient, or other users of the device. As examples, the techniques presented herein can be used in or in conjunction with consumer electronics, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, wireless devices, audio devices, sound processing devices, computing systems (e.g., servers in data centers), networked devices, and various types of software systems (e.g., databases, machine learning and artificial intelligence systems, etc.). As further examples, the techniques presented herein can be used in or in conjunction with medical devices such as cochlear implants and other hearing prostheses, including acoustic hearing aids, bone conduction devices, middle ear auditory prostheses, direct acoustic stimulators, other electrically stimulating auditory prostheses (e.g., auditory brain stimulators), etc. The technologies presented herein can also be used in or in conjunction with the foregoing in vestibular devices (e.g., vestibular implants), visual devices (i.e., bionic eyes), sensors, pacemakers, drug delivery systems, defibrillators, functional electrical stimulation devices, catheters, seizure monitoring devices (e.g., devices for monitoring and / or treating epileptic events), sleep apnea devices, electroporation, etc. In other embodiments, the technologies presented herein can be used in air purifiers or air sensors (e.g., automatically adjusting depending on the environment), hospital beds, identification (ID) badges / bands, or other hospital equipment or instruments, or in conjunction with the foregoing.

[0017] However, it should be understood that the techniques presented herein can or alternatively be implemented in / with many other types of medical devices. For example, the techniques presented herein can be implemented in other types of hearing devices, where the term "hearing device" will be interpreted broadly as any device that acts on an individual's actual or potential auditory perception, including improving the perception of sound signals, reducing the perception of sound signals, etc. In particular, hearing devices can deliver sound signals to the user in any form (including in the form of acoustic stimulation, mechanical stimulation, electrical stimulation, etc.) and / or can be operated to suppress all or some sound signals. Therefore, hearing devices can be devices for use by people with hearing loss (e.g., hearing aids, middle ear prostheses, bone conduction devices, direct acoustic stimulators, electroacoustic hearing prostheses, auditory brainstem stimulators, bimodal hearing prostheses, bilateral hearing prostheses, dedicated tinnitus treatment devices, tinnitus treatment device systems, combinations or variations thereof), devices for use by people with normal hearing (e.g., consumer devices that provide audio streaming, consumer headphones, headphones and other listening devices), hearing protection devices, etc.

[0018] The teachings detailed herein can be implemented in or with sensory prostheses, such specifically as hearing implants and generally as neurostimulation devices. Other types of sensory prostheses may include retinal implants. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, any teachings herein regarding sensory prostheses correspond to disclosures regarding their use with hearing implants and with retinal implants, provided that such disclosures are available in the art. Furthermore, any teachings herein, unless otherwise indicated, correspond to disclosures regarding their use with cochlear implants, bone conduction devices (active and passive transdermal bone conduction devices, and percutaneous bone conduction devices), and middle ear implants, provided that such disclosures are available in the art. It should be understood that any teachings herein regarding a particular sensory prosthesis correspond to disclosures regarding their use with any of the aforementioned hearing prostheses, and vice versa. Therefore, it is inferred that at least some of the teachings detailed herein can be implemented in somatosensory implants and / or chemosensory implants. Therefore, any teachings in this document regarding sensory prostheses correspond to the disclosure of such teachings for use with / into somatosensory implants and / or chemosensory implants.

[0019] While the teachings detailed herein are largely described in relation to hearing prostheses, it should be noted, consistent with the foregoing, that any disclosure herein regarding hearing prostheses corresponds to a disclosure of another embodiment utilizing the associated teachings with respect to any other device or prosthesis mentioned herein (whether a hearing prosthesis or a sensory prosthesis, such as a retinal prosthesis). In this respect, unless explicitly indicated and / or unless it is not possible to achieve this in the art, any disclosure herein regarding the induction of auditory perception corresponds to disclosures in other embodiments regarding the induction of other types of neural perception (e.g., visual / sight perception, tactile perception, olfactory perception, or gustatory perception). Any disclosure herein regarding devices, systems, and / or methods for or generating the final stimulation of the auditory nerve corresponds to disclosures regarding similar stimulation of the optic nerve utilizing similar components, methods, and / or systems.

[0020] Figure 1 A diagram showing a typical part of the human ear. Figure 1The ear shown includes an outer ear 101, a middle ear 102, and an inner ear 103. In a fully functional ear, the outer ear 101 includes an auricle 105 and an ear canal 106. Sound pressure, or sound waves 107, are collected by the auricle 105 and introduced through the ear canal 106. A tympanic membrane 104, which vibrates in response to sound waves 107, is located at the distal end of the ear canal 106. This vibration is coupled through the bones of the middle ear 102 to the oval window or vestibular window 110. The bones of the middle ear 102 include the malleus 112, incus 113, and stapes 114, which are collectively referred to as ossicles. The ossicles are located in the middle ear cavity 111 and serve to filter and amplify sound waves 107, causing the oval window 110 to oscillate (vibrate) in response to the vibration of the tympanic membrane 104. This vibration of the oval window 110 establishes a fluid motion wave of perilymph within the cochlea 139. This fluid motion then activates tiny hair cells (not shown) inside the cochlea 139. The activation of the hair cells enables the generation of appropriate neural impulses, which are transmitted to the brain (also not shown) via spiral ganglion cells (not shown) and the auditory nerve 116, where they are perceived as sound by the recipient.

[0021] Figure 1 A perspective view of a percutaneous bone conduction device 100 positioned behind the recipient's outer ear 101 is also shown, including a sound input component 126 for receiving sound waves 107. The sound input component 126 may be a microphone, a pickup coil, or the like. In this example, the sound input component 126 may be located, for example, on or within the bone conduction device 100, or on a cable extending from the bone conduction device 100. Furthermore, the bone conduction device 100 includes a sound processor (not shown), a power supply, a vibrating electromagnetic actuator, and / or various other operating components.

[0022] More specifically, the sound input unit 126 converts the received sound signals into electrical signals. These electrical signals are processed by a sound processor. The sound processor generates control signals that cause the actuator to vibrate. In other words, the actuator converts the electrical signals into mechanical force to apply vibrations to the recipient's skull 136.

[0023] The bone conduction device 100 also includes a connection device 140 for attaching the bone conduction device 100 to a recipient. Figure 1 In this example, the attachment device 140 is attached to an anchoring system (not shown) implanted in the recipient. An exemplary anchoring system (also referred to as a fixation system) may include a percutaneous abutment fixed to the recipient's skull 136. The abutment extends from the skull 136 through muscle 134, fat 128, and skin 132, allowing the attachment device 140 to be attached thereto. This percutaneous abutment provides an attachment location for the attachment device 140 that facilitates the efficient transmission of mechanical forces.

[0024] exist Figure 2A functional block diagram of an example bone conduction device 200 is shown. Sound 207 is received by a sound input component 202. In some arrangements, the sound input component 202 is a microphone configured to receive sound 207 and convert sound 207 into an electrical signal 222.

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, electrical signal 222 is output from sound input component 202 to electronic module 204. Electronic module 204 is configured to convert electrical signal 222 into adjusted electrical signal 224. Electronic module 204 may include a sound processor, control electronics, transducer driver components, and various other components.

[0026] like Figure 2 As shown, transducer module 206 receives a modulated electrical signal 224 and generates a mechanical output force in the form of vibration, which is delivered to the recipient's skull via an anchoring system 208 connected to the bone conduction device 200. The delivery of this output force causes movement or vibration of the recipient's skull, thereby activating hair cells in the recipient's cochlea (not shown) via cochlear fluid movement.

[0027] Figure 2 A power module 210 is also shown. The power module 210 supplies power to one or more components of the bone conduction device 200. For ease of illustration, the power module 210 has been shown as being connected only to the user interface module 212 and the electronics module 204. However, it should be understood that the power module 210 can be used to power any electrical circuitry / components of the bone conduction device 200. As another example, the power module 210 can supply power to implantable components of the bone conduction device 200 or as described herein. Figure 3 or Figure 4 An internal battery of an implantable component or charging of said internal battery in one of the disclosed implantable components.

[0028] User interface module 212 (included in bone conduction device 200) allows the recipient to interact with bone conduction device 200. For example, user interface module 212 may allow the recipient to adjust volume, change speech processing strategies, power on / off the device, view status information on visual indicators (e.g., multiple LEDs, one or more displays, or the like), etc. Figure 2 In the example, the user interface module 212 communicates with the electronic module 204 via signal line 228.

[0029] The bone conduction device 200 may also include an external interface module 214, which can be used to connect the electronic module 204 to an external device, such as an accessory system. Using the external interface module 214, the external device can obtain information (e.g., current parameters, data, alarms, etc.) from the bone conduction device 200 and / or modify the parameters of the bone conduction device 200 used in processing received sounds and / or performing other functions.

[0030] exist Figure 2 In the example, the voice input component 202, electronics module 204, transducer module 206, power module 210, user interface module 212, and external interface module 214 are shown integrated into a single housing (referred to as housing 225) of the bone conduction device 200. However, it should be understood that in some examples, one or more of the components shown may be housed in separate or different housings. Similarly, it should also be understood that in such embodiments, direct connections between the various modules and devices are not necessary, and the components may communicate, for example, via wireless connections.

[0031] Figure 3 A figure illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a transdermal bone conduction device 300 including an external device 340 and an implantable component 350. Figure 3 The transdermal bone conduction device 300 is a passive transdermal bone conduction device because the vibration actuator 342 is located within the external device 340. The vibration actuator 342 is located within the housing 344 of the external device 340 and is coupled to a plate 346. The plate 346 may be in the form of a permanent magnet and / or another form that generates and / or responds to a magnetic field, or otherwise allows the establishment of a magnetic attraction between the external device 340 and the implantable component 350 sufficient to hold the external device 340 against the recipient's skin.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the vibration actuator 342 is a component that converts electrical signals into vibrations. In operation, the sound input component 126 converts sound into electrical signals. Specifically, the transdermal bone conduction device 300 provides these electrical signals to the vibration actuator 342, or to a sound processor (not shown) that processes the electrical signals, and then provides those processed signals to the vibration actuator 342. The vibration actuator 342 converts the (processed or unprocessed) electrical signals into vibrations. Since the vibration actuator 342 is mechanically coupled to the plate 346, vibrations are transmitted from the vibration actuator 342 to the plate 346.

[0033] The implanted plate assembly 352 is part of the implantable component 350 and is made of a ferromagnetic material, which may be in the form of a permanent magnet that generates and / or responds to a magnetic field, or otherwise allows for the establishment of a magnetic attraction between the external device 340 and the implantable component 350 sufficient to hold the external device 340 against the recipient's skin. Therefore, vibrations generated by the vibration actuator 342 of the external device 340 are transmitted from the plate 346 across the skin to the implantable plate 355 of the plate assembly 352. This process can be achieved through mechanical conduction through the skin due to vibrations induced by direct contact between the external device 340 and the skin and / or by the magnetic field between the two plates. These vibrations are transmitted without the use of a solid object penetrating the skin, such as an abutment as detailed above regarding percutaneous bone conduction devices.

[0034] As can be seen, in this embodiment, the implanted plate assembly 352 is substantially rigidly attached to the bone fixation device 246B. In this and other embodiments, another bone fixation device may be used instead of the bone fixation device 246B. In this regard, the implantable plate assembly 352 includes a through-hole 354 that conforms to the outer contour of the bone fixation device 246B. Therefore, the through-hole 354 forms a bone fixation device interface segment that conforms to the contour of the exposed portion of the bone fixation device 246B. In the exemplary embodiment, the size and dimensions of these segments are set such that there is at least a sliding fit or an interference fit relative to these segments. Plate screws 356 are used to secure the plate assembly 352 to the bone fixation device 246B. Figure 3 As can be seen, the head of the plate screw 356 is larger than the hole through the implantable plate assembly 352, and therefore the plate screw 356 reliably holds the implantable plate assembly 352 to the bone fixation device 246B. The portion of the plate screw 356 that abuts the bone fixation device 246B substantially corresponds to the abutment screw, thus allowing the plate screw 356 to be easily fitted into existing bone fixation devices used in percutaneous bone conduction devices. In an exemplary embodiment, the plate screw 356 is configured such that the same tools and procedures used for installing and / or removing the abutment screw from the bone fixation device 246B can be used for installing the plate screw 356 and / or removing the plate screw from the bone fixation device 246B.

[0035] Figure 4 A figure illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a transdermal bone conduction device 400 including an external device 440 and an implantable component 450. Figure 4The transdermal bone conduction device 400 is an active transdermal bone conduction device because the vibration actuator 452 is located in the implantable component 450. Specifically, the vibration element in the form of the vibration actuator 452 is located in the housing 454 of the implantable component 450. In an exemplary embodiment, much like the vibration actuator 342 described above with respect to the transdermal bone conduction device 300, the vibration actuator 452 is a device that converts electrical signals into vibrations.

[0036] External device 440 includes a sound input component 126 that converts sound into electrical signals. Specifically, transdermal bone conduction device 400 provides these electrical signals to vibration actuator 452, or to a sound processor (not shown) that processes the electrical signals, and then provides these processed signals to implantable component 450 via a magneto-inductive link through the recipient's skin. In this regard, transmitter coil 442 of external device 440 sends these signals to an implanted receiver coil 456 located in housing 458 of implantable component 450. Components (not shown) in housing 458 (such as, for example, a signal generator or implanted sound processor) then generate electrical signals to be delivered to vibration actuator 452 via electrical lead assembly 460. Vibration actuator 452 converts the electrical signals into vibrations.

[0037] Vibration actuator 452 is mechanically coupled to housing 454. Housing 454 and vibration actuator 452 together form a vibrating element. Housing 454 is substantially rigidly attached to bone fixation device 246B. In this regard, housing 454 includes a through-hole 462 that is configured to conform to the external contour of bone fixation device 246B. Housing screw 464 is used to secure housing 454 to bone fixation device 246B. The portion of housing screw 464 that abuts against bone fixation device 246B substantially corresponds to abutment screw, thus allowing housing screw 464 to be easily fitted into existing bone fixation devices used in percutaneous bone conduction devices (or existing passive bone conduction devices, such as the bone conduction devices detailed above). In an exemplary embodiment, housing screw 464 is configured such that the same tools and procedures used for installing and / or removing abutment screws from bone fixation device 246B can be used for installing housing screw 464 and / or removing housing screws from bone fixation device 246B.

[0038] Many types of electronic devices can be carried or worn by a person. Carried or worn electronic devices include cellular phones, hands-free cellular audio devices (e.g., Bluetooth-connected devices), audio players, watches, and hearing devices (e.g., hearing prostheses). Each of these electronic devices may include numerous electrical and / or mechanical components housed within a housing to protect the components from damage that can occur from a variety of different causes. For example, the electrical and / or mechanical components of an electronic device can be damaged due to exposure to normal wear and tear, drops, or additional impacts from external objects and / or exposure to environmental factors (e.g., sunlight, heat, cold, and / or moisture).

[0039] When a component of an electronic device is damaged, its proper operation is impaired, and the device may cease to function properly, thus shortening its effective lifespan. If the electronic device is a hearing device, such as a component of a hearing prosthesis, the recipient may lose their hearing, which is undesirable. Furthermore, damage to a hearing device can cause significant inconvenience and incur costs associated with repairing or replacing the damaged device.

[0040] External hearing devices (e.g., hearing prostheses) worn by the recipient can be exposed to moisture under various conditions. For example, external hearing devices can be exposed to moisture when the recipient is showering or bathing, swimming in water, or exposed to rain. Exposure to moisture can damage or cause the electronic components of hearing devices containing electronic components to malfunction.

[0041] As a specific example, bone conduction devices (e.g., those discussed in this article) Figure 1-4 One type of publicly disclosed bone conduction device may malfunction when exposed to water. Figure 1-4 When the acoustic sound processor in any of the bone conduction devices is immersed in water, there is a significant risk that the acoustic sound processor may begin to amplify feedback, which could generate a strong and unpleasant sound that is audible to the receiver. For example, if the bone conduction device 400 is immersed in water, sound from the vibration actuator 452 can be transmitted via the water to the microphone in the sound input component 126. The sound received by the microphone from the vibration actuator can cause the acoustic sound processor to generate unpleasant feedback to the receiver.

[0042] According to some embodiments disclosed herein, a hearing device includes a moisture sensor and conductive contacts coupled to the moisture sensor. The hearing device may, for example, have two, three, or more conductive contacts coupled to the moisture sensor. Each conductive contact is exposed to the external environment of the hearing device. The moisture sensor can use the conductive contacts to measure properties. The moisture sensor determines when a property indicates moisture. As an example, the moisture sensor can measure the impedance between the conductive contacts and determine when the measured impedance indicates moisture. As used herein, the term "moisture" includes moisture in liquid or solution form (including water), as well as moisture present as humidity in a gas or air.

[0043] The term “impedance” as used herein refers to electrical resistance and includes the reciprocal of electrical conductance (also referred to herein as conductance). Measurements of impedance between conductive contacts, as used herein, also include measurements of the conductance (or conductivity) between the conductive contacts. Measurements of impedance (or conductance) between conductive contacts may include measurements of resistance, capacitance, and / or inductance between the conductive contacts, or their reciprocals.

[0044] The hearing device may also include a processor. A moisture sensor can generate a moisture detection signal indicating when a property (e.g., impedance) measured between conductive contacts indicates moisture. The moisture detection signal can be provided to the processor. The hearing device can adapt the processor to the environment outside the hearing device based on the moisture detection signal indicating a property indicating moisture. The hearing device can reduce feedback to the processor, for example, based on the moisture detection signal indicating a measurement of moisture in the impedance between the conductive contacts. The processor can adjust the input from the sound input component in the hearing device in response to determining that the impedance between the conductive contacts indicates moisture. As a specific example, the hearing device can reduce feedback by reducing the gain applied by the processor to the sound signal received from a microphone in the hearing device. The sound signal received from the microphone is processed by the processor and provided to the recipient's ear (e.g., using a hearing prosthesis).

[0045] Figure 5A The figure illustrates an example of an electronic device 500 including a moisture sensor 510. The electronic device 500 may be, for example, a wearable consumer electronics device or a wearable hearing device, such as a hearing aid or a hearing (i.e., auditory) prosthesis (e.g., as described herein). Figure 1-4 The disclosed bone conduction devices, retinal prostheses, vestibular devices, seizure devices, tinnitus treatment devices, pacemakers, drug delivery devices, defibrillators, functional electrical stimulation devices, etc. The moisture sensor 510 may be, for example, an electrical component, such as a processor or controller circuit, or part of a processor or controller circuit.

[0046] Figure 5A The electronic device 500 includes a housing 505 that houses a moisture sensor 510. The electronic device 500 also includes two electrical conductors 501-502 connected to the input of the moisture sensor 510. The electronic device 500 further includes two external conductive contacts 511 and 512 exposed on the outer surface of the housing 505, such as... Figure 5A As shown. Although in Figure 5A The diagram shows only two electrical conductors 501-502 and only two external conductive contacts 511-512, but device 500 may include any number of two or more conductors coupled to any number of two or more external conductive contacts. Conductive contacts 511-512 are exposed to the environment outside housing 505. In some embodiments, conductive contacts 511-512 may extend above or be positioned below the outer surface of housing 505. Electrical conductors 501 and 502 are coupled to conductive contacts 511 and 512, respectively. Conductive contacts 511 and 512 are coupled to the input of moisture sensor 510 via electrical conductors 501 and 502, respectively. As an example, one or both of conductive contacts 511-512 may be a microphone, microphone cover, lead wire, pin (e.g., a charging pin for a sound processor), pad, screw, bolt, conductive button, or electrode.

[0047] Moisture sensor 510 is a component configured to measure a property or measurable unit using conductive contacts 511 and 512 and to sense when the property or measurable unit indicates moisture. For example, moisture sensor 510 may be configured to measure the electrical impedance (also referred to herein as resistance) between conductive contacts 511 and 512 exposed to the environment outside housing 505. The impedance between conductive contacts 511-512 is high when exposed to air outside housing 505. The impedance between conductive contacts 511-512 decreases when exposed to moisture (e.g., liquid) outside housing 505. The sensitivity of moisture sensor 510 in detecting impedance changes caused by the presence of moisture may vary depending on the type of electronic device 500.

[0048] In some embodiments, electronic device 500 (and other electronic devices disclosed herein) may be enclosed in a moisture-proof cover (e.g., made of plastic) that helps protect the electronic device from moisture exposure. The moisture-proof cover may be part of housing 505 or separate from housing. If electronic device 500 includes a moisture-proof cover, conductive contacts 511 and 512 also extend to the outer surface or exterior of the moisture-proof cover.

[0049] Moisture sensor 510 can also measure the electrical conductance (also referred to herein as conductance) between conductive contacts 511-512. Impedance measurements performed by a moisture sensor as used herein also include any conductance measurements performed by the moisture sensor. When conductive contacts 511-512 are exposed to moisture (e.g., liquid) outside housing 505, the conductance between conductive contacts 511-512 increases. Moisture sensor 510 receives values ​​(e.g., voltage or current) indicating the impedance or conductance between conductive contacts 511-512 via electrical conductors 501 and 502, respectively.

[0050] The electronic device 500 may also include one or more additional electrical conductors (or leads) coupled to the moisture sensor 510 for desired operation of the electronic device 500 in a specific end application. Figure 5A In the example, electronic device 500 includes a conductor 503 coupled to the output of moisture sensor 510. Moisture sensor 510 generates a moisture detection signal on conductor 503, which indicates the impedance (or conductance) measured between conductive contacts 511-512. Moisture sensor 510 causes the moisture detection signal, based on the measured impedance between conductive contacts 511-512, to indicate when moisture sensor 510 detects moisture outside housing 505. The moisture detection signal is transmitted from moisture sensor 510 through conductor 503 to another device or component of electronic device 500 for performing additional functions. Alternatively, moisture sensor 510 may be part of an electrical component (e.g., a processor or controller) that performs one or more functions in response to moisture detection by moisture sensor 510 based on the impedance between contacts 511-512.

[0051] Electronic device 500 can be configured to perform various functions in response to moisture detection by moisture sensor 510 based on a measurement of the impedance between contacts 511-512. As an example, in response to a moisture detection signal on conductor 503 indicating moisture, electronic device 500 can automatically enter a "water operation mode," during which it performs various predefined functions. The water operation mode can be implemented by a software program running on a processor in electronic device 500. The software program implementing the water operation mode can operate in response to moisture sensor 510 sensing moisture. Predefined functions performed in water operation mode may include, for example, generating an alarm, and / or pausing or otherwise altering the operation of one or more electrical and / or mechanical components in electronic device 500 to maintain the functionality of the electrical and / or mechanical components, and thus maintain the integrity of electronic device 500. The predefined functions performed in water operation mode can, for example, adapt electronic device 500 to humid environments outside electronic device 500.

[0052] As another example, the predefined function performed by the electronic device 500 in a water operation mode may include reducing feedback in an audio signal received from a microphone in the electronic device 500 by instructing moisture based on a measurement of impedance generated by the moisture sensor 510. Feedback may be, for example, audio feedback from the acoustic path between an audio input (e.g., one or more microphones) and an audio output (e.g., vibrations generated by a bone conduction device). As a more specific example, the electronic device 500 may reduce feedback in an audio signal from a microphone during water operation mode by instructing moisture based on a measurement of impedance, automatically performing a frequency shift or reducing or additionally adjusting the gain (or gain setting) applied to the audio signal from the microphone (e.g., reducing or additionally adjusting to a predefined gain or adaptively reducing or adjusting). In other embodiments, the electronic device 500 may mitigate feedback in an audio signal from a sound input device using another algorithm. The electronic device 500 may, for example, automatically perform a measurement of feedback in the audio signal from the microphone during water operation mode. If the measured feedback is greater than a threshold, the electronic device 500 may reduce the gain applied to the audio signal or shift the frequency of the audio signal.

[0053] As yet another example, a predefined function performed by electronic device 500 in water operation mode may include muting the microphone in electronic device 500. The microphone may be, for example, one or both of contacts 511-512. Electronic device 500 may be, for example, a hearing prosthesis (e.g., a bone conduction device) or a hearing aid that provides acoustic signals to a recipient's ear using audio signals from the microphone.

[0054] In response to the moisture sensor 510 no longer detecting moisture between contacts 511-512, the software program running in the electronic device 500 can automatically exit the water operation mode and return to the normal operation mode. The software program running in the electronic device 500 can, for example, stop reducing feedback in the audio signal received from a sound input device (e.g., a microphone) based on the moisture detection signal on conductor 503 indicating air resistance between contacts 511 and 512. Therefore, the electronic device 500 can automatically enter and exit the water operation mode using the moisture sensor 510 when the user enters and leaves water (e.g., a pool) or is otherwise exposed to moisture.

[0055] Figure 5B The figure illustrates an example of an electronic device 550 including a moisture sensor 530 and three external conductive contacts 531, 532, and 533. The electronic device 550 may be, for example, a wearable consumer electronics device or a hearing device, such as a hearing aid or a hearing (i.e., auditory) prosthesis (e.g., as described herein). Figure 1-4 The device includes, for example, a bone conduction device, a retinal prosthesis, a vestibular device, a seizure device, a tinnitus treatment device, a pacemaker, a drug delivery device, a defibrillator, a functional electrical stimulation device, etc. The moisture sensor 530 may be, for example, an electrical component, such as a processor or controller circuit or part of a processor or controller circuit.

[0056] The electronic device 550 also includes a housing 520 and four electrical conductors 521, 522, 523, and 524 coupled to the moisture sensor 530. The housing 520 houses the moisture sensor 530 and the electrical conductors 521-524. Three conductive contacts 531-533 are exposed at the outer surface of the housing 520 and extend to the surface or exterior of any moisture-proof covering above the housing 520. Therefore, the conductive contacts 531-533 are exposed to the external environment of the housing 520. In some embodiments, the conductive contacts 531-533 may extend above the outer surface of the housing 520 or may be positioned below the outer surface of the housing 520. The conductive contacts 531-533 are respectively coupled to the electrical conductors 521-523. The conductive contacts 531-533 are respectively coupled to the input of the moisture sensor 530 via the electrical conductors 521-523. As an example, one or more of the conductive contacts 531-533 can be a microphone, microphone cover, lead, pin (e.g., a charging pin for a processor), pad, screw, bolt, conductive button, or electrode. Although in Figure 5B The diagram shows three electrical conductors 521-523 and three external conductive contacts 531-533, but the device 550 may include any number of three or more conductors connected to any number of three or more external conductive contacts.

[0057] Moisture sensor 530 is a component configured to measure a property or measurable unit using conductive contacts 531-533 and determine when the property or measurable unit indicates moisture. For example, moisture sensor 530 can be configured to measure the impedance (or conductance) between any two or more of the three conductive contacts 531-533. Figure 5A As in the previous embodiment, the impedance between conductive contacts 531-533 is high when the conductive contacts are exposed to air and decreases when the conductive contacts are exposed to moisture (e.g., water) outside the housing 520. The moisture sensor 530 generates a moisture detection signal at its output on conductor 524, which indicates the impedance measured between two or more of the conductive contacts 531-533.

[0058] exist Figure 5B In this example, moisture sensor 530 provides a moisture detection signal via conductor 524 to a component of another device or electronic device 550 for performing additional functions. The moisture detection signal indicates when moisture sensor 530 has detected moisture outside housing 520, based on a measurement of impedance or conductance between any two or more conductive contacts 531-533. Electronic device 550 is configured to perform one or more additional functions in response to the moisture detection signal indicating moisture.

[0059] In some embodiments, one of the conductive contacts 531-533 may be positioned away from the two other conductive contacts on the electronics 550 to reduce the risk of erroneous moisture detection, for example, when a user holds their finger across two conductive contacts that are closer together. Furthermore, the third conductive contact allows the moisture sensor 530 to detect more quickly when the electronics 550 has been removed from water.

[0060] Electronic device 550 can, for example, automatically execute one or more predefined functions using software, which implements a water operation mode in response to moisture sensor 530 detecting moisture between two or more of conductive contacts 531-533. The predefined functions executed by electronic device 550 in water operation mode may include those described above. Figure 5AAny functions described, such as reducing feedback in the audio signal received from the microphone (e.g., by reducing the gain applied to the audio signal or shifting the frequency of the audio signal), measuring feedback, muting the microphone, generating an alarm, and / or pausing or otherwise altering the operation of one or more components in the electronics to maintain the functionality of those components and the integrity of the electronics 500. Software running in the electronics 550 can automatically enter a water operation mode in response to moisture sensor 530 detecting moisture between two or more of the conductive contacts 531-533. The software can automatically exit the water operation mode and return to normal operation mode in response to moisture sensor 530 no longer detecting moisture between two or more of the conductive contacts 531-533 (e.g., detecting air between contacts 531-533).

[0061] Furthermore, although moisture sensors have been described and illustrated for purposes of reference and example, it should be understood that moisture sensors operating on principles other than impedance or conductance can be used in conjunction with electronic devices as disclosed herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Electronic devices disclosed herein (including the use of moisture sensors) include all types of electronic devices (including electrical and / or mechanical components disposed therein) and can be held or worn by a user, and therefore may be subjected to high-moisture environments. Examples of electronic devices include, but are not limited to, battery-powered audio, video, and audio / video devices; wireless or “hands-free” microphones and receivers (e.g., Bluetooth-connected devices worn on an individual’s head); and hearing devices including hearing prostheses and hearing aids.

[0062] Figure 6 The figure illustrates an example of an electronic device 600 including a housing 610 and a processor 601 located within the housing 610. The electronic device 600 may be, for example, a wearable consumer electronics device or a hearing device, such as a hearing aid or hearing prosthesis (e.g., as discussed herein). Figure 1-4 The device includes, for example, a bone conduction device, a retinal prosthesis, a vestibular device, a seizure device, a tinnitus treatment device, a pacemaker, a drug delivery device, a defibrillator, a functional electrical stimulation device, etc. A processor 601 is configured to fit within a housing 610. The processor 601 may include a hardware or software processor (e.g., a central processing unit) that can receive and execute instructions. The processor 601 can communicate with and control the performance of other components of the electronic device 600. The processor 601 also includes circuitry and / or software that acts as a moisture sensor. For example, if the electronic device 600 is a hearing aid or hearing prosthesis, the processor 601 may also include circuitry and software that acts as a sound processor. The moisture sensor in the processor 601 is capable of detecting moisture outside the housing 610.

[0063] Electronic device 600 includes three conductive contacts 621, 622, and 623, which are electrically connected to the input of processor 601 via conductors 611, 612, and 613, respectively. Conductive contacts 621-623 are exposed on the outer surface of the housing 610 of electronic device 600, such as... Figure 6 As shown in the diagram, conductive contacts 621-623 are exposed to the external environment of the housing 610. In some embodiments, conductive contacts 621-623 may extend above the outer surface of the housing 610 or may be positioned below the outer surface of the housing 610. Although in Figure 6 The diagram shows three electrical conductors 611-613 and three external conductive contacts 621-623, but the device 600 may include any number of three or more conductors connected to any number of three or more external conductive contacts.

[0064] As an example, one or more of the conductive contacts 621-623 may be a microphone, microphone cover, lead, pin, pad, screw, bolt, conductive button, or electrode. As a more specific example, two or three (and / or) of the conductive contacts 621-623 Figure 6 Additional conductive contacts (not shown) may be conductive pins or pads, such as charging pins for processor 601. As another specific example, two or three of conductive contacts 621-623 may include a microphone connected to a conductive pin on processor 601 or a conductive cover for a microphone (e.g., a metal mesh covering a microphone). As yet another example, two or three of conductive contacts 621, 622, or 623 may be extensions of conductive leads of conductors 611, 612, or 613, respectively. Two of conductive contacts 621-623 may be placed close together on electronic device 600, and a third conductive contact may be placed away from the two other conductive contacts on device 600 to reduce the risk of erroneous moisture detection, as described herein. Figure 5B As described.

[0065] The moisture sensor in processor 601 is configured to measure an attribute or measurable unit using conductive contacts 621-623 and determine when the attribute or measurable unit indicates moisture. For example, the moisture sensor in processor 601 can detect moisture outside housing 610 by measuring the impedance (or conductance) between any two or more of the three conductive contacts 621-623. The moisture sensor in processor 601 can measure the impedance (or conductance) between two or more of contacts 621 / 622 / 623, for example, by applying a voltage across a selected pair of contacts through a corresponding pair of conductors 611 / 612 / 613, measuring the resulting current, and calculating the resistance using Ohm's law (R = V / I). The moisture sensor in processor 601 can then compare the calculated resistance to one or more predetermined thresholds or a range of predetermined values ​​to determine whether moisture is present outside housing 610 between the measured contacts 621 / 622 / 623. As another example, processor 601 can use electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to calculate the external impedance of housing 610 by using conductive contacts 621-623 as electrodes.

[0066] Electronic device 600 includes other components within housing 610 that communicate with processor 601. For example... Figure 6 As shown, these components include an input device 602, a user interface 603 (e.g., a visual indicator, such as one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a display, or the like that visible from the outside of the housing 610), a memory component 604 (e.g., flash memory or random access memory), and a wireless communication component 606 (e.g., a wireless antenna and transceiver) for communicating with external wireless devices (e.g., consumer devices, such as telephones or computers, or hearing devices such as hearing prostheses). The input device 602 may include, for example, one or more microphones that sense sound in the environment of the electronic device 600 and provide one or more audio signals indicating the sensed sound to the processor 601.

[0067] Memory 604 is one or more software-based or hardware-based computer-readable storage media operable to store information accessible by processor 601. In addition to storing other data, memory 604 may store instructions executable by processor 601 to implement an application or to enable the operations described herein. Memory 604 may be volatile memory (e.g., random access memory or RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory or read-only memory or ROM), or a combination thereof. Memory 604 may include transient or non-transitory memory. Memory 604 may also include one or more removable or non-removable storage devices. In examples, memory 604 may include non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), flash memory, optical disc storage devices, magnetic storage devices, solid-state storage devices, or any other memory medium that can be used to store information for later access. In examples, memory 604 encompasses modulated data signals (e.g., signals whose one or more characteristics are set or changed in a manner that encodes information in the signal), such as carrier waves or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information delivery medium. By way of example and not limitation, memory 604 may include wired media (e.g., a wired network or direct wired connection), and wireless media (e.g., acoustic, radio frequency, infrared, and other wireless media) or combinations thereof. Electronic device 600 may include other components such as system buses, component interfaces, graphics systems, power supplies (e.g., batteries), and other components.

[0068] The processor 601 may include software configured to provide various outputs and / or perform various functions based on a moisture detection output generated by a moisture sensor indicating the presence of moisture outside the housing 610. The processor 601 may, for example, include software that, in response to the moisture sensor detecting moisture between two or more of the conductive contacts 621-623, performs one or more predefined functions in a water operation mode to improve the user experience of the electronic device 600. This software may, for example, automatically enter a water operation mode in response to the moisture sensor detecting moisture.

[0069] As an example, processor 601 may send a signal to user interface 603 to illuminate one or more LEDs to indicate the presence of moisture on the exterior of housing 610. As another example, processor 601 may store one or more values ​​generated by a moisture sensor in processor 601 in memory 604, or transmit values ​​generated by the moisture sensor to an external wireless device via wireless link component 606. Wireless link component 606 can provide wireless communication and may support one or more of various communication technologies and protocols, such as Ethernet, cellular, Bluetooth, near-field communication, and RF (radio frequency), etc. Values ​​stored in memory 604 or transmitted to an external wireless device may include, for example, impedance or conductance values ​​measured by the moisture sensor, or values ​​generated by the moisture sensor indicating that moisture has been detected on the exterior of housing 610 between two or more conductive contacts 611-613 (e.g., detection time or threshold reached).

[0070] As yet another example, processor 601 can indicate the moisture level between contacts 621-623 during water operation mode based on impedance measurements generated by the moisture sensor, by disabling wireless communication with external wireless devices (e.g., telephones or computers) via wireless link component 606 and / or by powering down or disabling wireless link component 606 (e.g., disabling the 2.4 GHz Bluetooth link), thereby reducing power consumption of electronic device 600 (e.g., to reduce charge drawn from the battery in device 600). Wireless communication with external wireless devices may not operate when device 600 is underwater.

[0071] As yet another example, processor 601 can instruct moisture to reduce feedback in audio signals received from one or more microphones (e.g., as part of input device 602 or contacts 621-623) during a water operation mode, based on a measurement of impedance generated by a moisture sensor. As a more specific example, processor 601 can reduce feedback in audio signals from one or more microphones during a water operation mode by reducing (or otherwise adjusting) the gain or gain setting applied to the audio signals from the microphones, based on moisture detected by the moisture sensor. As another example, processor 601 can reduce feedback in audio signals from one or more microphones during a water operation mode by shifting the frequency of the audio signals from the microphones, based on moisture detected by the moisture sensor. Processor 601 can, for example, automatically measure the feedback and compare the measured feedback to one or more thresholds to determine when to adjust the gain or frequency of the audio signal. As yet another example, processor 601 can instruct moisture to mute one or more microphones (e.g., as part of input device 602 or contacts 621-623) in electronics 600 based on a measurement of impedance generated by a moisture sensor. In other embodiments, the electronic device 600 may be mitigated by another algorithm in the audio signal from the sound input device. In some embodiments, the electronic device 600 may be a hearing aid or a hearing prosthesis that provides a sound signal to a recipient's ear using audio data received from one or more microphones. In response to the moisture sensor no longer detecting moisture between contacts 621-623, the software running in the processor 601 may automatically exit the water operation mode and return to the normal operation mode. The software program running in the processor 601 may, for example, indicate air based on a measurement of the impedance between two or more of the contacts 621-623 generated by the moisture sensor, thus ceasing to reduce feedback in the audio signal received from the sound input device (e.g., a microphone).

[0072] In some embodiments, processor 601 may be configured to enter and exit water operation mode in response to manual input received from a user via one or more of input devices 602 (e.g., buttons on the surface of device 600). In other embodiments, two or more of contacts 621-623 are removable (e.g., microphone covers), and processor 601 is configured to enter and exit water operation mode in response to two or more removable contacts 621-623 being placed on or removed from electronic device 600.

[0073] Electronic devices disclosed herein (including moisture sensors used in conjunction with hearing prostheses) can be configured to provide one or more different types of outputs or functions in response to the detection of moisture outside the electronic device. Such outputs and / or functions may include, but are not limited to, altering the function and / or shutting down one or more electrical components of the hearing prosthesis, providing visual and / or audio alarms or indications to the user or recipient, logging events or recording them in a memory device, and any combination thereof. Furthermore, upon initial detection of moisture, the electronic device can be configured to recheck the presence of moisture once or continuously at random or predetermined intervals.

[0074] Unless otherwise expressly indicated, any embodiment or feature disclosed herein may be combined with any one or more other embodiments and / or other features disclosed herein. The use of any embodiment or feature disclosed herein in conjunction with any one or more other embodiments and / or other features disclosed herein is expressly excluded unless otherwise expressly indicated. It should be noted that any method detailed herein also corresponds to the disclosure of one or more or all of the method actions of an apparatus and / or system configured to perform those associated with the apparatus and / or system detailed herein. It should also be noted that any disclosure of an apparatus and / or system detailed herein corresponds to methods of making and / or using the apparatus and / or system, including methods of using the apparatus according to the functions detailed herein.

[0075] The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented for illustrative purposes. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the examples disclosed herein. In some cases, features of the invention may be used without corresponding use of other features set forth. Many modifications, substitutions, and variations are possible in accordance with the foregoing teachings without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A hearing device, comprising: Moisture sensor; as well as At least a first contact and a second contact are coupled to the moisture sensor, wherein each of the first contact and the second contact is exposed to the outside of the hearing device, and wherein the moisture sensor senses when a property between the first contact and the second contact indicates moisture.

2. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first contact or the second contact comprises a microphone, a lead, a pin, a pad, a screw, an electrode, a bolt, a button, or a microphone cover.

3. The hearing device according to claim 1, further comprising: A processor that responds to an output generated by the moisture sensor, wherein the moisture sensor adjusts the output based on an impedance between the first contact and the second contact indicating the moisture content.

4. The hearing device according to claim 3, further comprising: A microphone, wherein the processor mutes the microphone based on the moisture level indicated by the output of the moisture sensor.

5. The hearing device according to any one of claims 3-4, wherein the processor reduces the gain provided to the sound input based on the moisture indication from the output of the moisture sensor.

6. The hearing device according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein the processor reduces feedback based on the moisture indication from the output of the moisture sensor.

7. The hearing device of claim 6, wherein the processor enters a water operation mode in response to receiving input from a user.

8. The hearing device according to any one of claims 6-7, wherein the processor is a sound processor, and wherein the feedback is audio feedback from an acoustic path between an audio input and an audio output.

9. The hearing device according to any one of claims 6-8, wherein the processor stops reducing the feedback based on the output of the moisture sensor indicating the impedance between the first contact and the second contact.

10. The hearing device according to any one of claims 1-9, further comprising at least a third contact exposed to the outside of the hearing device, wherein the moisture sensor senses the property using the first contact, the second contact, and the third contact.

11. The hearing device according to any one of claims 1-10, further comprising: A housing, wherein each of the first contact and the second contact is exposed on the outer surface of the housing.

12. A method comprising: Measurement values ​​are generated using the first and second contacts in the hearing device; as well as The processor in the hearing device is adapted to the environment based on the moisture content indicated by the measured values.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein generating the measured value further comprises using a moisture sensor to generate the measured value of the impedance between the first contact and the second contact.

14. The method according to any one of claims 12-13, wherein adapting the processor to the environment further comprises using the processor to reduce the gain of the audio signal provided to the sound input device.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12-14, wherein adapting the processor to the environment further comprises blocking sound output from the microphone to the user reaching the hearing device.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12-15, wherein generating the measurement value further comprises generating the measurement value in measurable units using the first contact, the second contact, and the third contact in the hearing device.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12-16, wherein the first contact and the second contact are exposed outside the housing of the hearing device.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12-17, further comprising: The processor receives additional feedback based on the measured values ​​indicating air quality.

19. The method according to any one of claims 12-18, wherein adapting the processor to the environment further includes mitigating acoustic feedback from the microphone in the bone conduction device to the sound processor.

20. The method according to any one of claims 12-19, further comprising: The power consumption of the hearing device is reduced by shutting down wireless communication with external wireless devices via the wireless link component in response to the measured moisture level.

21. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-readable instructions stored thereon for causing a processor in a medical device to perform the following operations: Measure the impedance between a first contact and a second contact, wherein the first contact and the second contact are exposed to the environment outside the housing of the medical device; and Moisture outside the housing is detected based on the impedance measured between the first contact and the second contact.

22. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 21, wherein the computer-readable instructions further cause the processor to reduce feedback in the audio input from the microphone to the processor in response to detecting the moisture outside the housing.

23. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 22, wherein the computer-readable instructions further cause the processor to reduce the feedback in the sound input by reducing the gain applied to the sound input from the microphone, based on the processor detecting the moisture outside the housing.

24. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to any one of claims 22-23, wherein the computer-readable instructions further cause the processor to reduce the feedback in the sound input by moving the frequency of the sound input from the microphone based on the processor detecting the moisture outside the housing.

25. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to any one of claims 21-24, wherein the computer-readable instructions further cause the processor to measure the impedance using the first contact, the second contact, and the third contact exposed to the environment outside the housing of the medical device.

26. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to any one of claims 21-25, wherein the computer-readable instructions further cause the processor to wirelessly transmit an indication that the moisture has been detected outside the housing from the medical device to an external wireless device.

27. An electronic device comprising: case; Audio input component; as well as A processor configured to measure the impedance between conductors exposed outside the housing, wherein the processor is further configured to adjust the input from the audio input component in response to determining the impedance between the conductors.

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