Hearing aid with integrated slot antenna

Abstract

This application discloses a hearing aid with an integrated slot antenna, the hearing aid including a housing containing: an input transducer configured to provide an electrical signal; a power supply; a processing unit configured to receive a first input signal based on the electrical signal and process the first input signal to provide an output signal; a first substrate including a slot antenna configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals, the first substrate having an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper edge being disposed opposite to the lower edge, and the upper edge being positioned above the lower edge when the hearing aid is worn by a user in a predetermined position; a second substrate electrically connected to the power supply; and a connection portion electrically connecting the first substrate to the power supply via the second substrate, the connection portion including a feed line for feeding power to the slot antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application pertains to the field of hearing aids. Background Technology

[0002] Most hearing aids (HI) support communication with other devices via the 2.4 GHz band and are equipped with a 2.4 GHz antenna.

[0003] The key performance indicators for hearing aid antennas are "antenna efficiency" and "coupling with pocket-sized devices." Both of these indicators depend on the shape of the ear wearing the hearing aid, and of course, on the antenna used.

[0004] For in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, antenna integration is often a complex process—requiring the addition of multiple decoupling and shielding components to achieve spatial isolation or shielding between the antenna and other electronic components of the hearing aid. Such components can lead to an increase in the final size of the hearing aid, making it too bulky for the end user to wear.

[0005] Despite significant advancements in hearing aid technology, integrating efficient antennas into in-the-ear (ITE) devices remains a challenge due to space constraints and electromagnetic interference from other components. Existing solutions typically require additional shielding or decoupling elements, increasing device size and reducing user comfort. Therefore, there is a pressing need for a compact, high-performance antenna integration solution that does not compromise the device's ergonomic design or overall performance. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention addresses the problems of existing technologies by providing a compact antenna that also features high antenna efficiency and good coupling with devices in the user's pocket.

[0007] In one aspect of this application, a hearing aid including an antenna is provided. The hearing aid may include a housing. The housing is configurable to be placed inside a user's ear. The housing may include an input transducer for providing electrical signals, a power supply, a processing unit, a first substrate, a second substrate, and a connection portion. The processing unit is configured to receive a first input signal based on the electrical signal and process the first input signal to provide an output signal. The first substrate may be provided with a slot antenna for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals. The first substrate has an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper edge being disposed opposite to the lower edge, and when the hearing aid is worn by the user in a predetermined position, the upper edge is located above the lower edge. The second substrate is electrically connected to the power supply. The connection portion may electrically connect the first substrate to the power supply via the second substrate. The connection portion may include a feed line for feeding power to the slot antenna.

[0008] Therefore, this application provides an improved hearing aid. The hearing aid of the present invention employs a slot antenna design, which has a high degree of integration with other components of the hearing aid, while maintaining excellent performance in key antenna performance indicators such as antenna efficiency and coupling with external electronic devices.

[0009] Hearing aids may be adapted to provide frequency-dependent gain and / or sound level-dependent compression and / or frequency shift (with or without frequency compression) from one or more frequency ranges to one or more other frequency ranges, for example, to compensate for a user's hearing loss. Hearing aids may include a processing unit for amplifying the input signal and providing a processed output signal.

[0010] Hearing aids may include an output unit for providing stimulation, perceived as an acoustic signal by a user, based on processed electrical signals such as an output signal. The output unit may be a vibrator in a bone conduction hearing aid. The output unit may include an output transducer. The output transducer may include a receiver (speaker) for providing the stimulation as an acoustic signal to the user (e.g., in an acoustic (air conduction-based) hearing aid). The output transducer may include a vibrator for providing the stimulation as mechanical vibrations of the skull to the user (e.g., in a bone-attached or bone-anchored hearing aid). The output unit may (alternatively or alternatively) include a (e.g., wireless) transmitter for transmitting sound picked up by the hearing aid (e.g., via a network, such as in telephone operation mode) to another device, such as a remote communication partner.

[0011] Hearing aids may include an input unit for providing an electrical input signal representing sound. The input unit may include an input transducer, such as a microphone, for converting the input sound into an electrical signal. The input unit may include a wireless receiver for receiving wireless signals that include or represent sound and providing an electrical input signal representing sound.

[0012] The antenna may be configured, for example, to receive and / or transmit electromagnetic signals in the radio frequency range (3 kHz to 300 GHz).

[0013] Hearing aids may include antennas and transceiver circuitry that enables the establishment of wireless links to entertainment devices (such as televisions), communication devices (such as telephones), wireless microphones, separate (external) processing devices, or other hearing aids. The hearing aid can thus be configured to wirelessly receive direct electrical input signals from another device. Similarly, the hearing aid can be configured to wirelessly transmit direct electrical output signals to another device. The direct electrical input or output signals may represent or include audio signals and / or control signals and / or information signals.

[0014] Generally, the wireless link established by the antenna and transceiver circuitry of a hearing aid can be of any type. The wireless link can be a near-field communication-based link, such as an inductive link based on inductive coupling between the antenna coils of the transmitter and receiver sections. The wireless link can also be based on far-field electromagnetic radiation. Preferably, the frequency used to establish the communication link between the hearing aid and another device is below 70 GHz, for example, in the range from 50 MHz to 70 GHz, or above 300 MHz, for example, in the ISM range above 300 MHz, for example, in the 900 MHz range, or in the 2.4 GHz range, or in the 5.8 GHz range, or in the 60 GHz range (ISM = Industrial, Scientific and Medical, such standardized ranges are defined, for example, by the International Telecommunication Union ITU). The wireless link can be based on standardized or proprietary technologies. The wireless link can be based on Bluetooth technology (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy technology, such as LE Audio) or Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology.

[0015] Hearing aids may constitute or be part of a portable (i.e., wearable) device, such as a device that includes a local power source, such as a battery, or a rechargeable battery. Hearing aids may be, for example, low-weight, easy-to-wear devices, such as having a total weight of less than 100 g, less than 20 g, or less than 5 g.

[0016] Hearing aids can be configured to operate in different modes, such as a regular mode and one or more specific modes (which can be manually or automatically selected by the user). Operating modes can be optimized for specific acoustic scenarios or environments, such as communication modes (e.g., telephone modes). Operating modes may include low-power modes, in which the hearing aid's functionality is reduced (e.g., to save power), such as disabling wireless communication and / or disabling specific functions of the hearing aid.

[0017] Hearing aids may include hearing instruments, such as hearing instruments adapted to be located in the user's ear or wholly or partially in the ear canal.

[0018] The housing is configurable to be placed inside a user's ear. The housing may contain one or more electronic components, such as a battery, speaker, microphone, amplifier, etc. The housing may have a support structure for supporting an antenna and / or one or more electronic components. The support structure may contain a printed circuit board and / or a flexible printed circuit board. The support structure may contain a molded plastic part. The housing may be custom-molded to fit the hearing aid user's ear shape. The housing may have a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side. When the hearing aid is worn by the user in a predetermined position, the top surface is above the bottom surface. When the hearing aid is worn by the user in a predetermined position, the first side faces the user's head. When the hearing aid is worn by the user in a predetermined position, the second side faces away from the user's head. The housing may contain an input transducer for providing electrical signals. The input transducer may be a microphone or a similar component configured to convert incoming sound into electrical signals. The housing is configurable to be placed inside the hearing aid user's ear.

[0019] The processing unit can be configured to receive a first input signal. The first input signal can be generated based on an electrical signal provided by the input transducer of the hearing aid. The first input signal can also be generated based on a wireless signal received via the antenna of the hearing aid. The processing unit can be configured to process the first input signal to provide an output signal. The output signal can be a signal to be presented to the hearing aid user. The output signal can also be a signal to be transmitted to another device communicatively connected to the hearing aid. The processing unit can be configured to process the first input signal to compensate for the hearing loss of the hearing aid user. The processing unit may include microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), integrated circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits), microprocessor units, microcontrollers, digital signal processing units (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), gated logic circuits, discrete hardware circuits, printed circuit boards (PCBs) (e.g., flexible PCBs), and other hardware suitable for performing the various functions of the present invention.

[0020] The power source can be a battery located inside the hearing aid's casing. The power source can be a rechargeable battery. The power source can be a disposable battery.

[0021] The first substrate may be a printed circuit board disposed within the housing. The first substrate may be a flexible printed circuit board disposed within the housing. The first substrate may be generally planar (e.g., plate-shaped or similar shape). The first substrate may be a multilayer structure (e.g., a multilayer printed circuit board or a multilayer flexible printed circuit board). The layers of the first substrate may be alternately arranged in terms of material, structure, and function. The first substrate has an upper edge and a lower edge, which are disposed opposite to each other, and when the hearing aid is worn by the user in a predetermined position, the upper edge is located above the lower edge.

[0022] The first substrate may be provided with a slot antenna. The slot antenna is an antenna used for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals. The slot antenna may be formed in the first substrate. The slot antenna may be formed in a layer of the first substrate.

[0023] The first substrate can be a printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board. The first substrate can be constructed as a multilayer structure, including one or more inner layers dedicated to electrical wiring and an outer layer providing mechanical support and electromagnetic shielding.

[0024] The first substrate may be planar to conform to the internal contours of the hearing aid housing. The first substrate has an upper edge and a lower edge, with the upper edge positioned above the lower edge when the hearing aid is worn in a predetermined orientation. A slot antenna may be integrated into the first substrate, typically formed as a aperture or slot in a conductive layer. In some embodiments, the slot antenna may be configured as an open quarter-wavelength slot with its open end located at the upper edge of the substrate to optimize wireless performance, particularly for coupling with external devices.

[0025] The feed line can be implemented as a coplanar waveguide or microstrip line, extending from the connector to the first substrate to feed the slot antenna. The feed point can be located near the lower edge of the substrate to facilitate impedance matching and shorten the feed line length. The first substrate can serve as the ground plane for the slot antenna; in a multilayer structure, one or more layers can be dedicated to this function.

[0026] In addition to the antenna, the first substrate can also be used as mounting locations for electrical wiring and other components such as microphones, sensors, or control circuitry. Conductive traces in the inner layers can provide connections for these components while minimizing interference with the antenna. For example, a microphone can be mounted near the opposite edges of the substrate, and when the device is worn, its sound inlet is approximately in the same horizontal plane, enabling advanced spatial audio processing.

[0027] In terms of mechanical structure, the first substrate can be adapted to the shape of the hearing aid panel or internal support structure, and can be flush with the panel or supported by the internal structure of the housing. Electrical and mechanical connections between the first and second substrates can be achieved through a connecting portion, which can be a flexible printed circuit board segment or a set of wires for providing power connections, signal connections, and antenna power supply. In some embodiments, the first substrate, the second substrate, and the connecting portion can be integrally formed as a flexible printed circuit board, with the connecting portion formed as a single-layer flexible area for easy assembly.

[0028] Optionally, dielectric loading material may be disposed above and below the slot antenna on the first substrate to reduce the physical size of the antenna while maintaining the required electrical length. The first substrate may be provided with a shielding structure or coating to enhance electromagnetic compatibility.

[0029] The second substrate may be a printed circuit board disposed within the housing. The second substrate may be a flexible printed circuit board disposed within the housing. The second substrate may be generally planar (e.g., plate-shaped or similar shape). The second substrate may have a multilayer structure (e.g., multilayer printed circuit board or multilayer flexible printed circuit board). The layers of the second substrate may be alternately arranged in terms of material, structure, and function. The second substrate can be used to arrange electronic components of the hearing aid, such as processing units and / or transceiver circuitry for slot antennas.

[0030] The second substrate can be used to integrate and connect components such as power supplies, processing circuits, and transceiver elements. The second substrate can be a printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board to accommodate the space and mechanical constraints of the hearing aid's internal structure. The second substrate can be constructed as a multi-layer structure, including an inner layer dedicated to electrical wiring and an outer layer providing mechanical stability and electromagnetic shielding.

[0031] The second substrate can be planar in shape, and its dimensions are customized to fit the lower region of the hearing aid housing. The second substrate can be arranged parallel to the first substrate. The second substrate is electrically connected to a power source, which can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery located inside the housing. The electrical wiring on the second substrate can power various components, including the processing unit and the slot antenna on the first substrate.

[0032] The second substrate can support a processing unit, which may include a microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) responsible for signal processing, wireless communication, and device control. The second substrate may also support transceiver circuitry for managing wireless connections to external devices, as well as other components such as memory, sensors, or interface elements.

[0033] The second substrate can be mechanically and electrically connected to the first substrate via a connector, which can be a flexible printed circuit board segment or a set of wires. The connector facilitates the transmission of power and data signals between the first and second substrates. The connector may include a feed line for powering the slot antenna.

[0034] The connection portion can electrically connect the first substrate to a power source via the second substrate. The connection portion may include a feed line for powering the slot antenna. The connection portion may include one or more wires for electrically connecting the first substrate and the second substrate. The connection portion may include a flexible printed circuit board for electrically connecting the first substrate and the second substrate. The connection portion may form part of the first substrate and / or the second substrate.

[0035] The connector serves as an interface between the first and second substrates, enabling their electrical and mechanical connection. The connector can be implemented as a flexible printed circuit board segment, possessing the necessary flexibility to adapt to the substrate space layout within the compact housing of an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid. When the first and / or second substrates are made of flexible printed circuit board material, the connector can be incorporated into the first and / or second substrates.

[0036] Structurally, the connecting section can be formed as a single-layer or reduced-layer area to facilitate bending and allow for placement within the limited internal space of the hearing aid. This design enables the connecting section to bridge the gap between the first and second substrates, thereby maintaining a predetermined spacing and orientation between them. The connecting section also acts as a spacer, ensuring the mechanical stability and proper alignment of the substrates during assembly and use.

[0037] The connection may include lines for transmitting power, data, and control signals between the first and second substrates. The connection may also include feed lines dedicated to the slot antenna (which can be implemented as coplanar waveguides or microstrip lines to ensure signal integrity and minimize losses). Other traces within the connection may provide connections for components such as microphones or sensors mounted on the first substrate, enabling their integration with processing circuitry and power supplies located on the second substrate.

[0038] The connector can be soldered to the first substrate at its lower edge and to the second substrate at the corresponding interface. Using a flexible printed circuit board as the connector allows for a smaller bending radius, improving design flexibility and resulting in a more compact device structure. Optionally, the connector can be equipped with electromagnetic shielding or reinforcement structures to improve durability and compatibility.

[0039] When the first substrate, the second substrate, and the connecting portion are fabricated as a single flexible printed circuit board, the connecting portion can be formed as a narrow flexible bridge between multiple layers of the substrate. This solution simplifies the assembly process, reduces the number of discrete components, and improves overall reliability by reducing the number of solder joints and connectors required inside the equipment.

[0040] The feed line can extend from the connector on / inside the first substrate to the slot antenna. Preferably, the feed line extends in a straight line from the connector to the slot antenna to minimize the feed line length and the space it occupies.

[0041] The first substrate, the second substrate, and the connecting part can be configured as a single flexible printed circuit board.

[0042] A slot antenna can be configured to enable wireless communication functionality in a hearing aid. The slot antenna can be formed as a hole or slot in the conductive layer of a first substrate (which can be a printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board). The shape of the slot antenna can be customized according to the target operating frequency, for example, the 2.4 GHz ISM band commonly used for Bluetooth and other wireless protocols.

[0043] In one embodiment, the slot antenna is configured as an open quarter-wavelength slot with its open end located at the upper edge of the first substrate. This layout has been shown to reduce path loss to external devices such as smartphones or remote microphones, especially when these devices are placed in the pocket of a hearing aid user. The slot can be straight or zigzag-shaped; by incorporating a zigzag structure, the physical footprint of the antenna can be further reduced while maintaining the electrical length required for resonance at the target frequency.

[0044] The slot antenna can be fed via a dedicated feed line, which can be implemented as a coplanar waveguide or microstrip line extending from the connector to the first substrate. The feed point can be located near the lower edge of the substrate to optimize impedance matching and shorten the feed line length. In some embodiments, the feed point is located at or near a 50-ohm impedance location to ensure efficient power transfer from the transmitting circuit to the antenna.

[0045] The first substrate itself can serve as the ground plane for the slot antenna, while one or more conductive layers surrounding the slot provide the necessary electromagnetic environment for efficient antenna radiation and reception. In a multilayer substrate structure, specific layers can be dedicated to grounding, while the remaining layers are used to arrange signal lines and mounting components.

[0046] To further enhance performance and achieve miniaturization, dielectric materials can be loaded above and / or below the slot. These loaded materials increase the effective dielectric constant around the antenna, thereby reducing the physical length of the slot while maintaining the desired electrical characteristics. The loaded materials can be integrated into the hearing aid's panel or internal support structure.

[0047] The slot antenna design is adaptable to various hearing aid structures and can be optimized for different frequency bands or wireless standards as needed. Integrating the slot antenna into the first substrate enables highly miniaturized and stable wireless performance, and allows for seamless fitting into the compact housing of in-ear hearing aids.

[0048] In this embodiment, the connecting part is designed as a single-layer structure. The single-layer structure makes the connecting part easier to bend, allowing it to connect the first substrate and the second substrate with a smaller bending radius, thereby improving the flexibility of the hearing aid shell structure design.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first substrate, the second substrate, and the connecting portion are configured as a single flexible printed circuit board, wherein the first substrate and / or the second substrate are configured as a multilayer structure, and the connecting portion is configured as a single-layer structure.

[0050] The connecting portion can serve as a spacer between the first substrate and the second substrate. The connecting portion can be configured to maintain the required spacing between the first substrate and the second substrate. The spacing between the first substrate and the second substrate can be defined by the connecting portion. The shortest distance between the first substrate and the second substrate can also be defined by the connecting portion.

[0051] A first substrate may define a first plane. A second substrate may define a second plane. The connecting portion may be configured to extend within a third plane between the first and second planes. The first plane may be parallel to the second plane. The third plane may be perpendicular to both the first and second planes. The distance between the first and second planes may be defined by the connecting portion.

[0052] The connecting portion can be connected to the first substrate at the lower edge of the first substrate. The connection between the connecting portion and the first substrate can be achieved by soldering the connecting portion to the first substrate. The connection between the connecting portion and the second substrate can be achieved by soldering the connecting portion to the second substrate.

[0053] The minimum distance between the first substrate and the second substrate can be 0.5 mm, 1 mm, or greater. The housing may be provided with a support structure for supporting the first substrate and / or the second substrate. The support structure can support one or more components disposed within the housing. The support structure may be configured as a spacer between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0054] In one embodiment, the hearing aid includes a panel, and a first substrate is adapted to the shape of the panel.

[0055] The panel may be the part that faces outwards when the hearing aid is worn. The panel may have one or more buttons for the hearing aid user to operate the hearing aid.

[0056] The panel can correspond to the base plate of the hearing aid.

[0057] The first substrate may at least partially adapt to the shape of the panel. The first substrate may be flush with the panel.

[0058] In one embodiment, the slot antenna is configured to be fed at a 50-ohm point.

[0059] Feeding at a 50-ohm point enables efficient power transfer from the transmitter to the antenna. Alternatively, the antenna can also be fed in the range of 5-500 ohms, 10-200 ohms, or 20-100 ohms.

[0060] In this embodiment, the slot antenna is an open quarter-wavelength antenna.

[0061] In this invention, an open slot antenna can be understood as a slot antenna in which only one end is completely surrounded by conductive material.

[0062] In this embodiment, the open end of the slot antenna is located at the upper edge.

[0063] Placing the open end of the slit at the top edge reduces path loss between the slit and the device placed in the hearing aid user's pocket.

[0064] In one embodiment, the slot antenna is fed near its lower edge.

[0065] In this invention, feeding the slot antenna near the lower edge can be understood as the feeding point being located at the part of the slot antenna closest to the lower edge. "Closer to the lower edge" can be understood as being closer to the lower edge than to the upper edge.

[0066] In one embodiment, the first substrate defines the ground plane of the slot antenna.

[0067] The first substrate can serve as the ground plane for the slot antenna. If the first substrate is a multilayer substrate, one or more layers of it can serve as the ground plane for the slot antenna. One or more layers of the first substrate on which the slot antenna is formed can serve as the ground plane for the slot antenna. The slot antenna can be formed as a slot penetrating the first substrate, in which case the first substrate surrounding the slot can serve as the ground plane for the slot antenna.

[0068] In one embodiment, the first substrate includes one or more electronic components.

[0069] One or more electronic components may include sensors, microphones, diodes, button circuits, etc. One or more electronic components may include a slot antenna. The first substrate may include the slot antenna and one or more other electronic components. One or more other electronic components may include sensors, microphones, diodes, button circuits, etc.

[0070] In one embodiment, the first substrate includes first electrical wiring for one or more electronic components.

[0071] The first electrical wiring may include conductors, wires, and / or other electrical connection structures. The first electrical wiring may include one or more feed lines for feeding the slot antenna. The first electrical wiring may be disposed in one or more layers of the first substrate. The first electrical wiring may include electrical wiring for the slot antenna and one or more other electronic components.

[0072] In an embodiment, the first substrate includes a first outer layer, a second outer layer opposite to the first outer layer, and one or more inner layers, the one or more inner layers including first electrical wiring.

[0073] Therefore, the first electrical wiring can be isolated from the slot antenna, thus minimizing the impact of the first electrical wiring on the antenna characteristics.

[0074] The first outer layer and the second outer layer may be the outermost layers of the first substrate. One or more inner layers may be sandwiched between the first outer layer and the second outer layer. In this way, the outer layers can shield the slot antenna from interference from the first electrical wiring.

[0075] In this invention, electrical wiring can be understood as electronic circuits used to transmit power and / or data, such as conductive traces, wires, grounding structures, etc.

[0076] In one embodiment, the connection includes a second electrical wiring for one or more electronic components.

[0077] The second electrical wiring may include conductors, wires, and / or other electrical connection structures. The second electrical wiring may be electrically connected to the first electrical wiring on the first substrate. The second electrical wiring may include one or more feed lines for the slot antenna. The second electrical wiring may include electrical wiring for one or more other electronic components.

[0078] In one embodiment, the feed line for feeding the slot antenna includes a coplanar waveguide.

[0079] In one embodiment, one or more electronic components include a first microphone and a second microphone, the first microphone being disposed near a first edge extending between an upper edge and a lower edge, and the second microphone being disposed near a second edge extending between the upper edge and the lower edge and opposite to the first edge.

[0080] Positioning the microphones at opposite edges of the first substrate ensures sufficient spacing between them to allow for spatial processing of the audio signals captured by the microphones (such as beamforming or other similar spatial processing).

[0081] In an embodiment, the first microphone and the second microphone are configured such that when the hearing aid is worn in a predetermined position, the sound inlet of the first microphone and the sound inlet of the second microphone are approximately in the same horizontal plane.

[0082] Therefore, the microphone is configured to optimize spatial processing for audio sources that are horizontally offset relative to the hearing aid user.

[0083] In one embodiment, the connector includes a flexible printed circuit board.

[0084] The flexible printed circuit board of the connector can be provided as a component of the first substrate and / or the second substrate, especially when the first substrate and / or the second substrate is a flexible printed circuit board.

[0085] In this embodiment, the slot antenna is a zigzag slot antenna.

[0086] Using a zigzag slot antenna allows for a compact antenna structure, making it suitable for in-ear hearing aids.

[0087] In this invention, the zigzag slot antenna can be understood as a slot antenna containing one or more zigzag structures.

[0088] In one embodiment, the hearing aid includes a first loading substrate and a second loading substrate. The first loading substrate is disposed above the slot antenna, and the second loading substrate is disposed opposite to the first loading substrate below the slot antenna. The first loading substrate and the second loading substrate are configured to load the slot antenna.

[0089] By placing a loading material on the slot antenna, the physical size of the antenna can be reduced while maintaining sufficient electrical length to achieve resonance at the target frequency.

[0090] Antenna loading can be understood as adding inductance to an antenna to change its electrical length without changing its physical length.

[0091] The dielectric constant of the first loading substrate can be 5-10, preferably 7. The first loading substrate can be a polymer material. The first loading substrate can contain the panel of the hearing aid.

[0092] The dielectric constant of the second loading substrate can be 5-10, preferably 7. The second loading substrate can be a polymer material. The second loading substrate can include the support structure of the hearing aid (i.e., a bracket or other structure in the hearing aid housing for supporting one or more components disposed within the hearing aid housing).

[0093] In one embodiment, the second substrate includes a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface, the first side surface facing the power source and the second side surface facing the first substrate.

[0094] Placing the power supply and the first substrate on opposite sides of the second substrate offers several advantages. The second substrate, sandwiched between the power supply and the first substrate, reduces electromagnetic interference in the slot antenna, maintains spacing between the slot antenna and the battery, and provides shielding, thereby reducing potential interference between the power supply circuit and the slot antenna or other sensitive electronic components on the first substrate. By placing the second substrate between the first substrate and the power supply, the risk of crosstalk, noise, or accidental short circuits can be reduced, thus improving the overall reliability and durability of the hearing aid.

[0095] Hearing aids may be configured to provide frequency-dependent gain, and / or sound level-dependent compression, and / or shift one or more frequency ranges (with or without frequency compression) to one or more other frequency ranges, for example, to compensate for a user's hearing loss. Hearing aids may include a signal processor for amplifying the input signal and providing a processed output signal.

[0096] In this specification, a hearing aid, such as a hearing instrument, refers to a device suitable for improving, enhancing, and / or protecting a user's hearing ability, which achieves this by receiving sound signals from the user's environment, generating corresponding audio signals, possibly modifying the audio signals, and providing the possibly modified audio signals as audible signals to at least one ear of the user. The audible signals may be provided, for example, as sound signals radiated into the user's outer ear, and / or as sound signals transmitted as mechanical vibrations through the bone structures of the user's head and / or through portions of the middle ear to the user's inner ear.

[0097] Hearing aids can be configured to be worn in any known manner, such as: as a behind-the-ear device, transmitting radiated sound signals into the ear canal via a sound tube, or achieving sound output via an output transducer (such as a speaker) located near or within the ear canal; as a device wholly or partially located within the auricle and / or ear canal; or as a device connected to a cranial implant fixation device via components such as a vibrator. Hearing aids can be a single unit or multiple units that communicate with each other (e.g., acoustically, electrically, or optically). The speaker can be housed within the same housing as other components of the hearing aid or can be used as a separate external unit (possibly in conjunction with a flexible guide, such as a dome-shaped element).

[0098] Hearing aids can be fitted to meet the specific needs of a user (e.g., the extent of hearing loss). The configurable signal processing circuitry of the hearing aid is adapted to perform frequency- and sound-level-dependent compression and amplification processing on the input signal. Customized frequency- and sound-level-dependent gain (amplification or compression) can be determined by the fitting system during the fitting process based on the user's hearing data (e.g., audiogram) and fitting criteria (e.g., criteria for speech adaptation). This frequency- and sound-level-dependent gain can be expressed as processing parameters, for example, uploaded to the hearing aid via an interface of a programming device (fitting system), and used by a processing algorithm executed by the hearing aid's configurable signal processing circuitry. Attached Figure Description

[0099] Various aspects of the invention will be best understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For clarity, these drawings are schematic and simplified, showing only the details necessary for understanding the invention while omitting other details. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts. Features of each aspect may be combined with any or all features of other aspects. These and other aspects, features, and / or technical effects will be apparent from and illustrated in the following figures, wherein:

[0100] Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a hearing aid according to the present invention is shown;

[0101] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A schematic diagram of a hearing aid with its outer casing removed, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0102] Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of a hearing aid with its outer casing removed, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0103] The further applicability of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, they are given for illustrative purposes only. Other embodiments of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art based on the following detailed description. Detailed Implementation

[0104] The detailed description below, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, serves as a description of various different configurations. This detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of several different concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be implemented without these specific details. Several aspects of the apparatus and method are described by various different blocks, functional units, modules, elements, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively, “elements”). Depending on the specific application, design constraints, or other reasons, these elements may be implemented using electronic hardware, computer programs, or any combination thereof.

[0105] Electronic hardware may include microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits), microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), gating logic, discrete hardware circuits, printed circuit boards (PCBs) (e.g., flexible PCBs), and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functions described in this specification, such as sensors for sensing and / or recording the physical properties of the environment, devices, users, etc. Computer programs should be interpreted broadly as instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subroutines, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, programs, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or other names.

[0106] First refer to Figure 1The figure illustrates a block diagram of a hearing aid 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hearing aid includes a housing 10. The housing 10 is configured to be placed inside a user's ear. The housing 10 may be a custom-molded housing for an in-ear hearing aid. The housing 10 includes an input transducer 11 for providing electrical signals. The input transducer 11 may be a microphone. The input transducer 11 may form part of an input unit comprising a plurality of input transducers. The housing 10 includes a power supply 12. The power supply 12 may be a battery or a rechargeable battery. The housing 10 includes a processing unit 13. The processing unit 13 is configured to receive a first input signal based on an electrical signal and process the first input signal to provide an output signal. The processing unit 13 may include one or more processors. The housing 10 includes a first substrate 14. The first substrate 14 includes a slot antenna 141 for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals. The first substrate 14 has an upper edge 144 and a lower edge 143, which are disposed opposite to each other. When the hearing aid 1 is worn by the user in a predetermined position, the upper edge 144 is located above the lower edge 143. The first substrate 14 may be made of a printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board. The slot antenna 141 may be formed directly in the first substrate 14. The housing 10 includes a second substrate 15. The second substrate 15 is electrically connected to the power supply 12. The second substrate 15 may be made of a printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board. The second substrate 15 may have electrical wiring for electrically connecting itself to the power supply 12. The housing 10 includes a connection portion 16. The connection portion 16 electrically connects the first substrate 14 to the power supply 12 via the second substrate 15. The connection portion 16 includes a feed line for feeding power to the slot antenna 141.

[0107] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A schematic diagram of a hearing aid 1 with its housing 10 removed, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown. A first substrate 14 has a substantially planar geometry. The first substrate 14 has an upper edge 144 and a lower edge 143 opposite to the upper edge 144. The first substrate 14 includes two microphones 142. Typically, the first substrate 14 may include one or more electronic components 142, such as microphones, sensors, speakers, diodes, etc. The first substrate 14 includes first electrical wiring for the one or more electronic components 142. The first substrate 14 may be a flexible printed circuit board or a printed circuit board, in which case the first electrical wiring may include one or more traces located on the first substrate 14. In the illustrated embodiment, one microphone 142 is disposed near the first edge extending between the upper and lower edges. The other microphone 142 is disposed near a second edge extending between the upper and lower edges and opposite to the first edge. When the hearing aid is worn in a predetermined position, the microphone inlets 145 are configured to be substantially in the same horizontal plane.

[0108] The first substrate 14 includes a slot antenna 141. The slot antenna 141 is fed at a 50-ohm point. The slot antenna 141 has an open structure and is configured as a quarter-wavelength slot antenna. The opening of the slot antenna 141 is located at the upper edge 144. The slot antenna 141 is fed near the lower edge 143. The first substrate 14 defines a ground plane for the slot antenna 141. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot antenna is configured as a slot. Specifically, the slot is shaped like an inverted "7".

[0109] At the lower edge 143 of the first substrate 14, the first substrate is connected to the connection portion 15. The connection portion 15 may be a flexible printed circuit board. The connection portion 15 may be an integral part of the first substrate 14. The connection portion 15 includes feed lines for powering the slot antenna 141. The connection portion is configured with electrical wiring for the microphone 142. The feed lines included in the connection portion 15 may be coplanar waveguides. The coplanar waveguides may form part of the electrical wiring of one or more electronic components 142.

[0110] The connecting portion 15 is connected to the second substrate 16. The second substrate 16 has a generally planar geometry. The second substrate 16 may be a printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board. The second substrate 16 is electrically connected to the battery 12. The battery 12 is capable of supplying power to the slot antenna 141 and other electronic components 142 of the first substrate 14. The connecting portion 15 electrically connects the first substrate 14 and the second substrate 16, thereby enabling the transmission of power and data between the first substrate 14 and the second substrate 16.

[0111] The second substrate 16 may have a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The first side may face the power supply 12, and the second side may face the first substrate 14.

[0112] Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of a hearing aid 1 with its outer casing removed, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown. The hearing aid 1 shown may include and be combined with... Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B The hearing aid 1 shown uses the same components. In the illustrated embodiment, the hearing aid 1 includes a first loading substrate 18 and a second loading substrate 17. The first loading substrate 18 is disposed above the slot antenna 141, and the second loading substrate 17 is disposed below the slot antenna 141 and opposite to the first loading substrate 18. Both the first loading substrate 18 and the second loading substrate 17 are configured to load the slot antenna.

[0113] When appropriately replaced by a corresponding process, the structural features of the apparatus described above, in detail in the "Detailed Description" section, and as defined in the claims can be combined with the steps of the method of the present invention.

[0114] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “the” used herein include the plural forms (i.e., meaning “at least one”). It should also be understood that the terms “having,” “comprising,” and / or “including” as used in the specification indicate the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. It should be understood that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, when an element is referred to as “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be a direct connection or coupling to the other element, and intermediate inserting elements may be present. The term “and / or” as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed related items. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the steps of any method disclosed herein do not necessarily have to be performed in the exact order disclosed.

[0115] It should be understood that references to "an embodiment," "an embodiment," "an aspect," or "may" in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be suitably combined in one or more embodiments of the invention. The foregoing description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement the various aspects described herein. Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0116] The claims are not limited to the aspects shown herein, but encompass the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein, unless expressly stated, an element referred to in the singular does not mean "one and only one," but rather "one or more." Unless otherwise specified, the term "some" means one or more.

Claims

1. A hearing aid including a housing configured to be placed inside a user's ear, the housing comprising: A transducer configured to provide an input electrical signal; power supply; A processing unit configured to receive a first input signal based on the electrical signal and process the first input signal to provide an output signal; A first substrate includes a slot antenna configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals. The first substrate has an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper edge being disposed opposite to the lower edge, and the upper edge being located above the lower edge when the hearing aid is worn by a user in a predetermined position. The second substrate is electrically connected to the power supply; as well as A connection portion that electrically connects the first substrate to the power supply via the second substrate, the connection portion including a feed line for feeding power to the slot antenna.

2. The hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hearing aid includes a panel, and the first substrate is adapted to the shape of the panel.

3. The hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slot antenna is an open quarter-wavelength slot.

4. The hearing aid according to claim 3, characterized in that, The open end of the slot antenna is located at the upper edge.

5. The hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slot antenna is fed near the lower edge.

6. The hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first substrate includes one or more electronic components and a first electrical wiring for the one or more electronic components.

7. The hearing aid according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first substrate includes a first outer layer, a second outer layer opposite to the first outer layer, and one or more inner layers, the one or more inner layers including the first electrical wiring.

8. The hearing aid according to claim 7, characterized in that, The connection includes a second electrical wiring for the one or more electronic components.

9. The hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first substrate includes a first microphone and a second microphone. The first microphone is disposed near a first edge extending between the upper edge and the lower edge, and the second microphone is disposed near a second edge extending between the upper edge and the lower edge and opposite to the first edge.

10. The hearing aid according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first microphone and the second microphone are configured such that when the hearing aid is worn in a predetermined position, the inlet of the first microphone and the inlet of the second microphone are approximately in the same horizontal plane.

11. The hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feed line used to power the slot antenna includes a coplanar waveguide.

12. The hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection portion includes a flexible printed circuit board.

13. The hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slot antenna is a zigzag slot antenna.

14. The hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hearing aid includes a first loading substrate and a second loading substrate. The first loading substrate is disposed above the slot antenna, and the second loading substrate is disposed opposite to the first loading substrate below the slot antenna. The first loading substrate and the second loading substrate are configured to load the slot antenna.

15. The hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second substrate includes a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, the first side facing the power source and the second side facing the first substrate.

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