Ear-worn hearing device with in-ear microphone

Abstract

The invention relates to an ear-worn hearing device with an in-ear microphone. A hearing device is disclosed comprising an acoustic tube configured to be worn on an outer ear of a user or at least partially in an ear canal of the user. The hearing device comprises: a speaker having a sound outlet acoustically coupled to an opening of the sound tube through a speaker sound path; a microphone having a sound port acoustically coupled to the opening of the sound tube through a microphone sound path; and a manifold which covers a sound port of the microphone. The manifold includes a sound channel between a sound port of the microphone and an opening of the manifold, where the manifold isolates a microphone sound path from a speaker sound path along at least a portion of the channel of the sound tube.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to ear-worn hearing devices, and more specifically to ear-worn hearing devices including speakers and in-ear microphones, as well as sub-components and parts for such hearing devices. Background Technology

[0002] Some ear-worn hearing devices include a speaker housed within a housing having a sound hole configured to at least partially insert into the user's ear canal. One such device is an in-canal receiver (RIC) hearing aid. Advances in audio signal processing, miniaturization, power consumption reduction, and cost reduction have led to the increasing adoption of active noise cancellation (ANC) and other audio enhancement features in ear-worn hearing devices. These audio enhancement features benefit from microphones capable of sensing the conditions inside the user's ear. Therefore, the speaker's sound path can interfere with the microphone's sound path. Moreover, proper integration of these and other components with the hearing device is difficult, and improper assembly can lead to performance problems and increased costs. Therefore, there is a continuous need for improvements in ear-worn hearing devices, sub-components, and their components. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One aspect of this application relates to an ear-worn hearing device comprising: a sound tube configured for wearing on a user's outer ear or at least partially in a user's ear canal, the sound tube including a channel extending to an opening of the sound tube; a speaker including a sound outlet acoustically coupled to the opening of the sound tube via a speaker sound path; a microphone; a manifold covering a sound port of the microphone, the sound port of the microphone being acoustically coupled to the opening of the sound tube via a microphone sound path extending through a sound channel of the manifold, wherein the manifold isolates the microphone sound path from the speaker sound path along at least a portion of the channel of the sound tube.

[0004] The microphone is located within the channel of the sound tube and between the opening of the sound tube and the speaker.

[0005] The manifold extends into the opening of the acoustic tube.

[0006] The microphone includes a microphone housing with an electrical interface, the sound port extending through the microphone housing, and the manifold being fastened to the microphone housing.

[0007] The microphone includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) transducer and circuitry disposed in the microphone housing, and the circuitry is electrically connected to the MEMS transducer and the electrical interface, wherein the direction of the microphone's sound port is not parallel to the direction of the manifold's sound channel.

[0008] The ear-worn hearing device is an in-ear receiver unit configured to be at least partially inserted into a user's ear canal, and the ear-worn hearing device also includes a cable having a first end and a second end, the first end being electrically connected to an electrical component of the in-ear receiver unit, and the second end including an electrical connector.

[0009] The manifold and the microphone are positioned adjacent to the speaker.

[0010] The manifold is located between the speaker and the microphone, and the sound channel of the manifold is partially defined by a portion of the speaker.

[0011] The channel of the sound tube includes a partition that separates the speaker sound path from the microphone sound path along at least a portion of the channel of the sound tube.

[0012] The ear-worn hearing device also includes a second microphone disposed within the housing, and when the hearing device is worn by a user, the second microphone is acoustically coupled to the exterior of the housing exposed to the user's ear.

[0013] Another aspect of this application relates to an ear-worn hearing device comprising: a housing including a sound tube configured to be worn on a user's outer ear or at least partially in a user's ear canal, the sound tube including a channel extending between an opening of the sound tube and a portion of the housing; a speaker at least partially disposed in the housing and including a sound outlet acoustically coupled to the opening of the sound tube via a speaker sound path extending at least partially through the channel of the sound tube; and a microphone including a manifold including a sound channel forming at least a portion of a microphone sound path extending between the microphone sound path and the opening of the sound tube, wherein the manifold acoustically isolates the microphone sound path from the speaker sound path along at least a portion of the channel of the sound tube.

[0014] The microphone is located within the channel of the sound tube and between the speaker and the opening of the sound tube.

[0015] The manifold extends into the opening of the acoustic tube.

[0016] The microphone includes a microphone housing with an electrical interface, an audio port extending through the microphone housing, and a manifold secured to the microphone housing and above the audio port.

[0017] The microphone includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) transducer and circuitry disposed in the microphone housing, and the circuitry is electrically connected to the MEMS transducer and the electrical interface, wherein the direction of the microphone's sound port is not parallel to the direction of the manifold's sound channel.

[0018] The ear-worn hearing device is an in-ear receiver unit configured to be worn at least partially in a user's ear canal, and the ear-worn hearing device also includes a cable, a first end of which is electrically connected to an electrical component of the in-ear receiver unit, and a second end of which includes an electrical connector that can be connected to a behind-the-ear unit.

[0019] The loudspeaker is a balanced armature receiver.

[0020] The loudspeaker includes a loudspeaker housing, and the manifold is positioned along one side of the loudspeaker housing between the loudspeaker housing and the microphone, wherein the sound channel of the manifold is partially defined by the loudspeaker housing.

[0021] The channel of the sound tube includes a partition that separates the speaker sound path from the microphone sound path along at least a portion of the channel of the sound tube.

[0022] The ear-worn hearing device also includes a second microphone disposed within the housing, and when the hearing device is worn by a user, the second microphone is acoustically coupled to the exterior of the housing exposed to the user's ear. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become more fully apparent when considered in conjunction with the following detailed description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings depict only representative embodiments and implementations and are not intended to limit the teachings of this disclosure, the scope of which is set forth in the appended claims.

[0024] Figure 1 It is a representative ear-worn hearing device, which includes an ear-worn unit connected to a base unit via a cable.

[0025] Figure 2It is a partial cross-sectional view of a representative ear-worn hearing device, including a microphone with a manifold.

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A sectional view along line aa.

[0027] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 sectional view of bb line

[0028] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a representative acoustically transparent mesh.

[0029] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of a representative microphone and manifold assembly.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a representative microphone and manifold assembly.

[0031] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view of a representative ear-worn hearing device, including a microphone with an alternative manifold.

[0032] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A perspective view of the manifold.

[0033] Those skilled in the art will understand that the accompanying drawings are for simplicity and clarity and therefore may not be drawn to scale and may not include well-known features. The order in which actions or steps occur may differ from the order described. Unless otherwise specified, some or all of these actions or steps may be performed simultaneously. The terms and expressions used herein have the meanings understood by those skilled in the art, unless specifically assigned different meanings. Detailed Implementation

[0034] This disclosure generally relates to ear-worn hearing devices, hearing device sub-assemblies, and components for hearing devices, including speakers and in-ear microphones. Such hearing devices include, but are not limited to, in-ear receiver (RIC) devices, in-ear (ITE) devices, in-ear (ITC) devices, and true wireless stereo (TWS) devices, as well as other headphones and hearing devices worn on a user's outer ear or at least partially in a user's ear canal. Representative embodiments are described herein.

[0035] Figure 1This is a representative ear-worn hearing device 100, which includes an ear-worn unit 110 connected to a base unit 120 via a cable 130. The cable includes: a first end connected to an interface 140 of the ear-worn unit; and a second end including a connector releasably or permanently connected to the base unit. The first end of the cable is electrically connected to one or more electrical components (e.g., a speaker or sensor) of the ear-worn unit. The second end of the cable is electrically connected to or can be connected to electrical components (e.g., a processor or other circuitry) of the base unit. The ear-worn unit alone or in combination with the cable 130 is also referred to herein as an "in-canal receiver (RIC) unit" or a "speaker assembly." A flexible earcup 114 may be connected to a ribbed spout to at least partially support the ear-worn unit within the user's ear canal.

[0036] Ear-worn units typically include one or more speakers that generate sound in response to an electro-audio signal provided by a base unit. The one or more speakers can be balanced armature receivers (also referred to herein as “receivers”) or dynamic speakers, or a combination thereof. A receiver typically includes: a diaphragm that divides the interior of the speaker housing into a rear volume and a front volume including a sound outlet; and a motor including an armature having a movable end connected to the diaphragm. Receivers are also referred to as balanced armature speakers because the armature moves relative to a fixed coil. In a dynamic speaker (also called a moving coil speaker), a coil is coupled to and moves with the diaphragm. Receivers have a relatively small size and efficiency, making them particularly suitable for hearing devices (e.g., RIC and ITC devices) that are configured to be worn in or partially in the user's ear canal. Hearing devices configured to be worn on the outer ear typically have more space to accommodate multiple receivers and dynamic speakers.

[0037] exist Figure 1 In this design, a representative base unit 120 (also referred to herein as a behind-the-ear (BTE) unit or component) is configured to be worn behind the user's ear. Alternatively, the base unit may be configured to be worn on or around other body parts (e.g., the head, neck, or arm). The base unit typically includes a processor and other circuitry, one or more microphones, and a battery. Among other circuitry and components, the base unit may also include a wireless transceiver. Constructed in this way, the base unit can detect acoustic signals and, in response to the detection of acoustic signals, generate and process (e.g., suppress noise, amplify sound, etc.) electro-audio signals generated by one or more microphones. The electro-audio signals are transmitted to the ear-worn unit 110 via cable 130.

[0038] In other ear-worn hearing devices, the components and functions of the ear-worn unit and base unit described herein are integrated into a single ear-worn hearing device. Such hearing devices can be implemented as ITE, ITC, and TWS devices in other headphones and devices (which are configured to be worn on the outer ear or at least partially in the user's ear canal). These and other ear-worn hearing devices may or may not include flexible earcups. More generally, the construction of an ear-worn hearing device, and the construction of its speakers, microphones, or other sensors, depends on whether the device is configured to be worn on the outer ear, partially in the user's ear canal, or more completely in the user's ear canal.

[0039] One or more speakers are at least partially disposed within the housing of the hearing device, which includes a sound tube configured to be worn on the user's outer ear or at least partially within the user's ear canal. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the loudspeaker is completely enclosed by a housing. In other embodiments, the exposed portion of the loudspeaker housing may be the exterior of the hearing device. In any case, the sound outlets of one or more loudspeakers are acoustically connected to the opening of the sound tube via a loudspeaker sound path extending through a channel passing through the sound tube. Figure 2 and Figure 8 In this example, a representative ear-worn hearing device 100 includes a receiver 116 at least partially disposed within a hearing device housing 112, which has a sound tube 203 configured for at least partial insertion into a user's ear canal. For hearing devices configured to be worn on the outer ear, the sound tube may include a flatter, convex angle or other shaped portion facing the user's ear. The sound tube includes a channel terminating at an opening 207. A speaker sound path 205 extends between a speaker sound outlet 117 and the opening 207 of the sound tube.

[0040] exist Figure 2 In this configuration, the acoustic mesh 212 can optionally cover the opening 207 of the acoustic tube to reduce the entry of contaminants. Figure 5 In this configuration, the carrier optionally includes a frame 217 that is at least partially fastened to the periphery of the acoustically transparent mesh 212. Figure 2 In this configuration, the frame is placed on a portion of the acoustic tube to position the acoustic mesh above the channel opening. The frame provides additional support for the acoustic mesh, facilitates handling and positioning of the mesh during assembly, and provides a larger surface area for contact with the acoustic tube. Figure 5 In this design, the frame includes optional positioning tabs 219 for insertion into complementary recesses in the acoustic tube. The frame and the acoustic mesh can be formed as an integral molded component. Alternatively, the frame can be molded above the acoustic mesh, or the acoustic mesh can be inserted and molded within the frame to accommodate different materials or stiffnesses.

[0041] Ear-worn hearing devices also include a microphone (“in-ear microphone”) positioned to detect sound in the user’s ear. The microphone is acoustically connected to the opening of the sound tube via a microphone sound path as further described herein. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this configuration, microphone 210 is positioned within the passage of the sound tube between the opening 207 of the sound tube and one or more speakers (e.g., receiver 116). Figure 2 In this circuit, a flexible circuit or other conductor 211 connects the microphone 210 to the electrical interface or other circuit of the hearing device.

[0042] The microphone 210 is supported by a recess or receiving groove 218 formed in the channel. During assembly, the recess or receiving groove positions and guides the microphone into the channel. Figure 2 In this configuration, the rear wall portion 208 or a stop in the recess or receiving groove can prevent the microphone from being inserted into the channel, ensuring proper positioning near the opening. In embodiments with a sound-permeable mesh, the tab 219 or other portions of the mesh frame can restrain the microphone within the channel of the sound tube. The recess or receiving groove 218 can restrict vertical movement of the microphone alone or in combination with the upper wall 209. Alternatively, the microphone can be secured to the channel by barbs, snaps, or other structural restraints. The microphone can also be secured in the channel by adhesive alone or in combination with structural restraints.

[0043] The microphone's sound path extends through the acoustic tube. Figure 2 In this configuration, the microphone sound path acoustically connects the microphone 210 and the opening 207 of the sound tube. The manifold 220 connected to the microphone includes a sound channel 221 between the microphone's sound port and the manifold opening, as further described herein. The sound channel 221 of the manifold forms at least a portion of the microphone sound path. The exterior of the manifold forms the boundary between the speaker sound path and the microphone sound path. Figure 2 In this design, the manifold's sound path extends fully into the opening of the sound tube to maximize the separation of the microphone and speaker sound paths. Alternatively, the speaker and microphone sound paths can be partially separated by a partition within the sound tube's passage, as described in this article. Figure 8 Further described. Isolating the microphone sound path from the speaker sound path along at least a portion of the acoustic tube's passage reduces unwanted feedback and other adverse effects caused by the mixing of microphone and speaker signals.

[0044] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7In this example, the representative microphone 210 includes a manifold 220 secured to the outside of the microphone and covering the microphone's sound port 222. The manifold includes a sound channel 221 between the microphone's sound port 222 and an opening in the manifold (e.g., a second opening 224), such as... Figure 7 As best illustrated in the diagram, the manifold can be fastened to the microphone to form a sub-assembly for easy integration with hearing devices.

[0045] A typical microphone includes a transducer and circuitry housed in a housing with an external interface. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In this design, microphone 210 includes a housing comprising a cover 226 mounted on a base 228. A manifold 220 is mounted on the base 228 and can be secured to the base 228 by adhesive, solder, or some other fastening mechanism. A transducer 230, disposed within the housing, is mounted on the base above a sound port 222. A typical transducer is a capacitive device comprising a diaphragm movable relative to a fixed backplate. Alternatively, the transducer may be a piezoelectric transducer or other transducer device. These transducers and other transducers may be microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices. Circuitry 232, also disposed within the housing, is electrically connected to the transducer and... Figure 4 The electrical interface 234 of the housing is shown. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In this embodiment, the direction of the sound port 222 is not parallel to the direction of the sound channel 221 of the manifold. The direction of the sound port refers to the primary direction in which sound enters the microphone housing. In other embodiments, depending on the type and construction of the microphone, the direction of the sound port may be at least partially aligned with the direction of the sound port.

[0046] In some implementations, the manifold is located on one side of the speaker housing, and the microphone's sound port is connected to the opening of the sound tube via the manifold's sound channel. Figure 8 In this configuration, manifold 220 is located between a speaker (e.g., receiver 116) and a microphone 210 situated to one side of the speaker. Alternatively, the manifold may extend further behind the speaker, and the speaker may be positioned between the opening of the microphone and the sound tube. This configuration may be desirable to reduce the overall width of the hearing device. In any case, in Figure 8 In this configuration, the microphone's sound port 222 is acoustically connected to the first opening 225 of the manifold 220, and the second opening 224 of the manifold is acoustically connected to the opening 207 of the sound tube. The sound channel of the manifold interconnects the first and second openings of the manifold.

[0047] exist Figure 9In this embodiment, a representative manifold 220 includes an open passage 223 between a first opening 225 and a second opening 224. When the open passage of manifold 220 is located adjacent to a speaker housing, the speaker housing partially defines the sound path 221 of the manifold. The manifold 220 can be secured to the speaker housing using glue or some other fastening mechanism. A microphone can be similarly secured to the manifold. Alternatively, the interior of the hearing device housing can be configured to position and hold the speaker, manifold, and microphone without glue. In another embodiment, the manifold can be configured with a completely enclosed sound path to eliminate the need to position the manifold adjacent to the speaker.

[0048] exist Figure 8 In this embodiment, the sound tube includes a partition 235 that partially separates the speaker sound path 205 from the microphone sound path 206. In embodiments where the manifold does not extend into the opening of the sound tube, the partition may be included. The speaker output is acoustically coupled to a portion of the speaker sound path 205 within the passage of the sound tube. The opening of the manifold (e.g., a second opening 224) is acoustically coupled to a portion of the microphone sound path within the passage of the sound tube. Alternatively, it may be possible to... Figure 2 This type of partition is implemented in hearing devices.

[0049] In some implementations, the hearing device also includes one or more additional sensors (e.g., a microphone or vibration sensor). Figure 2 In the hearing device housing 112, a second microphone 236 is acoustically coupled to a sound opening 113 for detecting sounds originating from outside the user's ear. Additional sensors can also be used... Figure 8 The ear-worn hearing device 100 is integrated. In some hearing devices, a microphone for detecting external sounds may be integrated with the BTE unit in place of a speaker unit, or may include a microphone for detecting external sounds in addition to a speaker unit, as described herein. In other embodiments, the additional sensor may be a vibration sensor positioned to detect vibrations propagating through the user's body. For vibration sensors integrated with the ear-worn hearing device, a sound port is not required.

[0050] Ear-worn hearing devices that include in-ear acoustic sensors can provide enhanced audio performance. In-ear microphones can be used alone or in combination with another microphone or sensor to detect ambient sound and improve noise reduction and reduce occlusion. Among other applications, in-ear microphones can also be used as probes to obtain true ear-to-connector difference (RECD) measurements for custom hearing device assemblies. In-ear vibration sensors can be used to detect speech from the user of the hearing device. This speech detection can be used for ANC and other audio enhancement features.

[0051] Although this disclosure and its best mode have been described in a manner that establishes ownership and enables those skilled in the art to make and use it, and which is hereby considered to be the best mode thereof, it should be understood and recognized that many modifications and variations may be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not limited to the described embodiments but is limited by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An ear-worn hearing device, the ear-worn hearing device comprising: A vocal tube configured to be worn on a user's outer ear or at least partially in a user's ear canal, the vocal tube including a channel extending into an opening of the vocal tube; A loudspeaker, the loudspeaker including a sound outlet, the sound outlet being acoustically connected to the opening of the sound tube via a loudspeaker sound path; microphone; A manifold that covers the sound port of the microphone, the sound port of the microphone being acoustically connected to the opening of the sound tube via a microphone sound path extending through a sound channel of the manifold. The manifold isolates the microphone sound path from the speaker sound path along at least a portion of the channel of the acoustic tube.

2. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 1, wherein, The microphone is located within the channel of the sound tube and between the opening of the sound tube and the speaker.

3. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 1, wherein, The manifold extends into the opening of the acoustic tube.

4. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 1, wherein, The microphone includes a microphone housing with an electrical interface, the sound port extending through the microphone housing, and the manifold being fastened to the microphone housing.

5. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 4, wherein, The microphone includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) transducer and circuitry disposed in the microphone housing, and the circuitry is electrically connected to the MEMS transducer and the electrical interface, wherein the direction of the microphone's sound port is not parallel to the direction of the manifold's sound channel.

6. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 1, wherein, The ear-worn hearing device is an in-ear receiver unit configured to be at least partially inserted into a user's ear canal, and the ear-worn hearing device also includes a cable having a first end and a second end, the first end being electrically connected to an electrical component of the in-ear receiver unit, and the second end including an electrical connector.

7. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 1, wherein, The manifold and the microphone are positioned adjacent to the speaker.

8. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 7, wherein, The manifold is located between the speaker and the microphone, and the sound channel of the manifold is partially defined by a portion of the speaker.

9. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 7, wherein, The channel of the sound tube includes a partition that separates the speaker sound path from the microphone sound path along at least a portion of the channel of the sound tube.

10. The ear-worn hearing device of claim 1, further comprising a second microphone disposed in the housing, and acoustically coupled to the exterior of the housing exposed to the exterior of the user's ear when the hearing device is worn by the user.

11. An ear-worn hearing device, the ear-worn hearing device comprising: A housing, the housing including a sound tube configured to be worn on a user's outer ear or at least partially in a user's ear canal, the sound tube including a channel extending between an opening of the sound tube and a portion of the housing; A loudspeaker, at least partially disposed within the housing, and the loudspeaker including a sound outlet acoustically coupled to the opening of the sound tube via a loudspeaker sound path extending at least partially through the channel of the sound tube; A microphone, the microphone including a manifold, the manifold including a sound channel, the sound channel forming at least a portion of a microphone sound path extending between the sound channel of the microphone and the opening of the sound tube. The manifold acoustically isolates the microphone sound path from the speaker sound path along at least a portion of the channel of the acoustic tube.

12. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 11, wherein, The microphone is located within the channel of the sound tube and between the speaker and the opening of the sound tube.

13. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 12, wherein, The manifold extends into the opening of the acoustic tube.

14. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 13, wherein, The microphone includes a microphone housing with an electrical interface, an audio port extending through the microphone housing, and a manifold secured to the microphone housing and above the audio port.

15. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 14, wherein, The microphone includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) transducer and circuitry disposed in the microphone housing, and the circuitry is electrically connected to the MEMS transducer and the electrical interface, wherein the direction of the microphone's sound port is not parallel to the direction of the manifold's sound channel.

16. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 15, wherein, The ear-worn hearing device is an in-ear receiver unit configured to be worn at least partially in a user's ear canal, and the ear-worn hearing device also includes a cable, a first end of which is electrically connected to an electrical component of the in-ear receiver unit, and a second end of which includes an electrical connector that can be connected to a behind-the-ear unit.

17. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 16, wherein, The loudspeaker is a balanced armature receiver.

18. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 11, wherein, The loudspeaker includes a loudspeaker housing, and the manifold is positioned along one side of the loudspeaker housing between the loudspeaker housing and the microphone, wherein the sound channel of the manifold is partially defined by the loudspeaker housing.

19. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 18, wherein, The channel of the sound tube includes a partition that separates the speaker sound path from the microphone sound path along at least a portion of the channel of the sound tube.

20. The ear-worn hearing device of claim 11, further comprising a second microphone disposed in the housing, and acoustically coupled to the exterior of the housing exposed to the exterior of the user's ear when the hearing device is worn by the user.

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