Hearing aid with dipole antenna

Abstract

A hearing aid with a dipole antenna is disclosed, the antenna comprising a first antenna part and a second antenna part, the first antenna part comprising a first longitudinal antenna segment extending parallel to a first side of the hearing aid and a first transverse antenna segment extending from the first longitudinal antenna segment towards a second side of the hearing aid opposite the first side; wherein the antenna is configured to have a local current amplitude maximum on the first transverse antenna segment, the first antenna part and the second antenna part forming a dipole antenna, the position on the first transverse antenna segment where the local current amplitude maximum occurs being at least half a wavelength from a feed point of the first antenna part.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The current distribution in the antenna of a hearing aid is crucial to the connection performance of the hearing aid. The current distribution not only significantly affects efficiency, but also plays a major role in the specific properties of the wireless link between the hearing aid worn by the user and an external device (such as one located in the user's pocket).

[0003] When designing antennas for hearing aids, two advantageous properties of the wireless link between the hearing aid and an external device located in a pocket are: minimal variation in antenna efficiency when worn on different people's ears, and robustness of the wireless link between the hearing aid and the external device across different head postures. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect of this application, a hearing aid is provided. The hearing aid may include an antenna. The antenna is used to transmit and / or receive wireless signals. The antenna may include a first antenna portion. The first antenna portion may include a first longitudinal antenna segment. The first longitudinal segment may extend parallel to a first side of the hearing aid. The first antenna portion may include a first transverse antenna segment. The first transverse antenna segment may extend from the first longitudinal segment toward a second side of the hearing aid opposite to the first side. The antenna may include a second antenna portion. The antenna may be configured to have a maximum current amplitude on the first transverse antenna segment. The first antenna portion and the second antenna portion may form a dipole antenna.

[0005] By aligning the maximum current amplitude to the lateral antenna segment, an antenna with robust coupling to external devices is provided, regardless of head movement. Further details on this will be explained in conjunction with Figure 1 of the invention.

[0006] The antenna can be configured to establish a wireless link with an external device. This external device can be a smartphone, computer, or another hearing aid. The wireless link can be a Bluetooth link, where the hearing aid is configured to exchange information with the external device using the Bluetooth protocol. The antenna can be a resonant antenna.

[0007] The first antenna portion, viewed in isolation, can be considered a monopole antenna. The first side of the hearing aid may be defined by the hearing aid housing; for example, the outer surface of the housing coincides with at least a portion of the first side. The first side of the hearing aid can be understood as the side further away from the user's skull than the second side of the hearing aid when the user wears it. The first side of the hearing aid can also be understood as the side closer to the user's auricle than the second side of the hearing aid when the user wears it. The first side of the hearing aid may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hearing aid housing. The first side of the hearing aid may extend parallel to the midline of the hearing aid housing. The first side of the hearing aid may extend parallel to the left-right symmetry plane of the hearing aid housing.

[0008] The first antenna portion may include multiple antenna segments. The antenna segments of the first antenna portion may be straight segments. Each segment of the antenna may be a curved segment including one or more bends. The antenna segments of the first antenna portion may be joined together to form various different shapes.

[0009] The second antenna, viewed in isolation, can be considered a monopole antenna. The second side of the hearing aid may be defined by the hearing aid's housing; for example, the outer surface of the housing may coincide with at least a portion of the second side. The second side of the hearing aid can be understood as the side closer to the user's skull than the first side when the user wears the hearing aid. The second side of the hearing aid can also be understood as the side further away from the user's auricle than the first side when the user wears the hearing aid. The second side of the hearing aid may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hearing aid housing. The second side of the hearing aid may extend parallel to the midline of the hearing aid housing. The second side of the hearing aid may extend parallel to the left-right symmetry plane of the hearing aid housing.

[0010] The second antenna section may include multiple antenna segments. These antenna segments may be straight sections. The antenna segments of the second antenna section may be joined together to form various different shapes.

[0011] The first side and the second side can extend parallel to each other. The first transverse antenna segment extending from the first longitudinal antenna segment toward the second side of the hearing aid can extend in a plane perpendicular to the first side and the second side of the hearing aid.

[0012] The maximum current amplitude can be understood as a local maximum current value. For dipole antennas, the maximum current amplitude typically occurs at the feed point of the dipole antenna, and then at an increment of half a wavelength of the antenna's operating wavelength. For example, for a Bluetooth antenna, half a wavelength in free space is approximately 6 centimeters. When the antenna is implemented in a hearing aid, the actual distance of the antenna may vary due to the antenna's load. Therefore, the first transverse antenna segment, or at least the maximum current amplitude associated with the first transverse antenna segment, can be understood as: an antenna segment or point on the first transverse antenna segment whose feed point associated with the corresponding first antenna portion is at least half a wavelength away from the antenna's operating wavelength.

[0013] Therefore, the maximum local current amplitude exists not only at the feed point but also on the lateral antenna segments. A point on the first lateral antenna segment, or at least on the first lateral segment associated with the maximum current amplitude, can be understood as a feed point associated with the corresponding antenna portion that is at least half a wavelength from the antenna's operating wavelength. A point on the second lateral antenna segment, or at least on the second lateral segment associated with the maximum current amplitude, can be understood as a feed point associated with the corresponding antenna portion that is at least half a wavelength from the antenna's operating wavelength. A feed point can be defined as the point on the antenna portion to which current is fed, and the half-wavelength spacing is defined by the wavelength at which the antenna is expected to operate. By selecting the conductive path length and segment layout such that there is a half-wavelength (or greater) spacing between the feed portion and the lateral segment, the lateral segment can coincide with one of the expected maximum standing wave currents far from the feed region.

[0014] In this invention, the feed point can be understood as the point where the current on the antenna is fed to the antenna.

[0015] The first antenna section may have a length of three-quarters of the antenna's expected operating wavelength. The second antenna section may have a length of three-quarters of the antenna's expected operating wavelength. The third antenna section may have a length of one-quarter of the antenna's expected operating wavelength.

[0016] The dipole antenna formed by the first antenna portion and the second antenna portion may include an excitation point, which serves as a feed point to which current is fed to the antenna. Each of the first and second antenna portions can be considered as an "arm" that is fed at one end (i.e., at or near the excitation point) and extends away from the excitation point along its respective sequence of segments. Each of the first and second antenna portions may terminate at a free end opposite the end that feeds that antenna portion. Each antenna portion may include a conductive path extending from the fed end to the termination at the free end.

[0017] Hearing aids may include transceiver circuitry electrically connected to an antenna to allow the transceiver circuitry to receive electrical signals from and send electrical signals to the antenna.

[0018] Hearing aids may include an output unit for providing stimuli, perceived by a user as acoustic signals, based on processed electrical signals. The output unit may include an output transducer. The output transducer may include a receiver (speaker) for providing the stimuli as acoustic signals to the user (e.g., in an acoustic (air conduction-based) 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, or in headset configuration) to another device, such as a remote communication partner.

[0019] 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 input sound into an electrical input 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 said sound.

[0020] The wireless receiver and / or transmitter can be configured to receive and / or transmit electromagnetic signals in the radio frequency range (3 kHz to 300 GHz). The wireless receiver and / or transmitter can be configured to receive and / or transmit electromagnetic signals in the optical frequency range (e.g., infrared light 300 GHz to 430 THz or visible light such as 430 THz to 770 THz).

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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, or 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.

[0023] Hearing aids may include hearing instruments such as those adapted to be located in the user's ear or wholly or partially in the ear canal.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first antenna portion includes a second longitudinal antenna segment extending parallel to the second side of the hearing aid, wherein the second longitudinal antenna segment is arranged closer to the second side of the hearing aid than the first longitudinal antenna segment.

[0025] The antenna according to the present invention can be a left-right symmetrical antenna, that is, the antenna can be symmetrical about the plane that divides the antenna into two parts.

[0026] In one embodiment, when viewed from a plane perpendicular to the first and second sides of the hearing aid, the first longitudinal antenna segment, the first transverse antenna segment, and the second longitudinal antenna segment form a hook shape.

[0027] When viewed from a plane perpendicular to the first and second sides of the hearing aid, the first longitudinal antenna segment, the first transverse antenna segment, and the second longitudinal antenna segment can form a J-shaped configuration.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first antenna portion and the second antenna portion each have a length of three-quarters of the antenna's operating wavelength.

[0029] By making both antenna sections three-quarters the length of the antenna's operating wavelength, it becomes possible to generate the maximum current amplitude at a location farthest from the feed point on each antenna section. Therefore, both antenna sections of the dipole antenna can have radiating segments, which are spaced a certain distance from the feed point associated with the corresponding antenna section, thus providing greater freedom in forming the field radiated by the antenna.

[0030] In one embodiment, the second antenna portion includes a third longitudinal antenna segment extending parallel to a first side of the hearing aid and a second transverse antenna segment extending from the third longitudinal antenna segment toward the first side of the hearing aid, wherein the antenna is configured to have a maximum current amplitude on the second transverse antenna segment, and wherein the third longitudinal antenna segment is arranged closer to the second side of the hearing aid than the first longitudinal antenna segment.

[0031] Therefore, the first transverse antenna segment and the second antenna segment can work together by transmitting wireless fields in the same direction.

[0032] In one embodiment, the second antenna portion includes a fourth longitudinal antenna segment extending parallel to the second side of the hearing aid, wherein the fourth longitudinal antenna segment is arranged closer to the first side of the hearing aid than the third longitudinal antenna segment.

[0033] In one embodiment, when viewed from a plane perpendicular to the first and second sides of the hearing aid, the second lateral antenna segment and the fourth longitudinal antenna segment form a hook shape.

[0034] In several embodiments, the first antenna portion and the second antenna portion each form a hook shape, wherein the corresponding hook shapes can be nested within each other.

[0035] In one embodiment, the second lateral antenna segment is arranged parallel to and adjacent to the extension of the first lateral antenna segment.

[0036] In this invention, the term "proximity" can be interpreted as meaning that the distance between the first transverse antenna segment and the second transverse antenna segment is less than 0.5 mm, less than 1 mm, or less than 2 mm.

[0037] In one embodiment, the first antenna portion has a length of three-quarters of the antenna's operating wavelength, and the second antenna portion has a length of one-quarter of the antenna's operating wavelength.

[0038] In this embodiment, the hearing aid is a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid.

[0039] Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be understood as hearing aids in which at least a portion is configured to be placed behind the ear of the user wearing the hearing aid, and audio signals can be transmitted to the user via a sound tube or a receiver placed in the ear and connected to the portion of the hearing aid placed behind the ear.

[0040] In one embodiment, the hearing aid includes a hearing aid housing, wherein an antenna is disposed within the hearing aid housing.

[0041] The housing can be configured to be worn behind the ear of a user wearing the hearing aid. The housing may include an outer shell. The outer shell may be made of a polymer material. A support structure may be disposed within the outer shell. The support structure may be configured to support one or more electrical components disposed within the hearing aid. The support structure and / or the outer shell may be configured to support an antenna.

[0042] In one embodiment, the hearing aid includes a main printed circuit board that carries one or more electrical components and is disposed within a hearing aid housing, wherein a first lateral antenna segment is disposed between the hearing aid housing and the main printed circuit board.

[0043] The main printed circuit board can be supported by a support structure arranged inside the hearing aid housing.

[0044] The main printed circuit board may include a first main side and a second main side, wherein one or more electrical components are configured to be placed on the first main side and / or the second main side of the main printed circuit board. A first lateral antenna segment may be arranged between the hearing aid housing and the first main side and / or the second main side of the main printed circuit board.

[0045] In embodiments where the antenna includes a first transverse antenna segment and a second transverse antenna segment, both antenna segments can be arranged between the hearing aid housing and the main printed circuit board.

[0046] In one embodiment, one or more electrical components include one or more microphones.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first antenna portion and the second antenna portion are concentric.

[0048] In embodiments where antenna sections are nested within each other, the antenna sections can be concentric with each other.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first antenna portion and the second antenna portion each terminate at a free end.

[0050] Therefore, the hearing aid is designed with a first antenna section and a second antenna section, both terminating at free ends. This configuration allows each antenna segment to operate independently, potentially enhancing wireless communication within the device. The free ends of the antenna segments can be strategically positioned to optimize signal reception and transmission, ensuring reliable connectivity with assistive devices such as remote controls, smartphones, or audio gateways.

[0051] In this embodiment, the free ends of the first and second antenna sections can be positioned such that they are on opposite sides of the respective feed ends of each antenna section. This arrangement ensures that the antenna sections are fed from one end, while their free ends terminate at points structurally opposite to the feed locations. Such a configuration helps optimize the electromagnetic characteristics of the antenna within the hearing aid housing, and also contributes to efficient signal transmission and reception.

[0052] On the one hand, hearing aids and hearing systems including assistive devices are provided, including those described above, described in detail in the "Detailed Description" section, and defined in the claims.

[0053] Hearing systems can be adapted to establish a communication link between hearing aids and assistive devices so that information (such as control and status signals, possibly audio signals) can be exchanged or forwarded from one device to another.

[0054] Auxiliary devices may include remote controls, smartphones, or other portable or wearable electronic devices such as smartwatches, or may be composed of them.

[0055] The assistive device may consist of or include a remote control for controlling the functions and operation of the hearing aid. The remote control functionality is implemented in a smartphone, which may run an app that enables control of the audio processing device via the smartphone (the hearing aid includes a suitable wireless interface to the smartphone, such as Bluetooth or some other standardized or proprietary solution).

[0056] The assistive device may be constituted by or include an audio gateway device, which is adapted to receive multiple audio signals (e.g., from entertainment devices such as TVs or music players, from telephone devices such as mobile phones, or from computers such as PCs, wireless microphones, etc.) and is adapted to select and / or combine appropriate signals (or combinations of signals) from the received audio signals to transmit to the hearing aid.

[0057] The assistive device may consist of or may include another hearing aid. The hearing system may include two hearing aids adapted to implement a binaural hearing system, such as a binaural hearing aid system.

[0058] 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.

[0059] Hearing aids can be configured to be worn in any known manner, such as as a unit worn behind the ear (having a tube that directs radiated sound signals into the ear canal or having an output transducer, such as a speaker, arranged close to or located within the ear canal), as a unit wholly or partially arranged in the auricle and / or ear canal, or as a unit connected to a fixed structure implanted in the skull, such as a vibrator. Hearing aids may include a single unit or several units that communicate with each other (e.g., acoustically, electrically, or optically). The speaker may be housed within the housing along with other components of the hearing aid, or it may be an external unit (possibly combined with a flexible guiding element, such as a dome-shaped element).

[0060] Hearing aids can be adapted to the specific needs of users, such as those with hearing loss. The configurable signal processing circuitry of a hearing aid can be adapted to apply frequency- and level-variable compression and amplification of the input signal. Customized frequency- and level-variable gain (amplification or compression) can be determined during the fitting process by the fitting system based on the user's hearing data, such as an audiogram, using basic fitting principles (e.g., speech adaptation). This frequency- and level-variable gain can be reflected, for example, in processing parameters, uploaded to the hearing aid via an interface to a programming device (fitting system), and used by a processing algorithm executed by the hearing aid's configurable signal processing circuitry.

[0061] A “hearing system” refers to a system that includes one or two hearing aids. A “binaural hearing system” refers to a system that includes two hearing aids and is adapted to work together to provide audible signals to both of a user’s ears. A hearing system or a binaural hearing system may also include one or more “assistive devices” that communicate with the hearing aids and influence and / or benefit from the functionality of the hearing aids. The aforementioned assistive devices may include at least one of the following: a remote control, a remote microphone, an audio gateway device, an entertainment device such as a music player, a wireless communication device such as a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone), or a tablet computer, or another device, such as one that includes a graphical interface. Hearing aids, hearing systems, or binaural hearing systems may be used, for example, to compensate for hearing loss in persons with hearing impairments, enhance or protect the hearing ability of persons with normal hearing, and / or transmit electronic audio signals to persons. Hearing aids or hearing systems may, for example, be part of or interact with broadcasting systems, active ear protection systems, hands-free telephone systems, car audio systems, entertainment systems (e.g., television, music playback, or karaoke), teleconferencing systems, classroom amplification systems, etc. Attached Figure Description

[0062] 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:

[0063] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing how the coupling between the hearing aid antenna and the device in the user's pocket changes with head rotation;

[0064] Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram of a hearing aid according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 3a and Figure 3b This is a schematic diagram of two dipole antennas for hearing aids according to the present invention;

[0066] Figure 4 for Figure 3b A schematic diagram showing how the antenna can be arranged in the hearing aid housing.

[0067] 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

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] This invention relates to the field of hearing aids.

[0071] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates schematic graphs that qualitatively depict the relationship between the coupling between the hearing aid antenna and the device in the user's pocket as head rotation occurs. Two curves, 1 and 2, are plotted to qualitatively show the correlation between the coupling between the hearing aid antenna and the device in the pocket and head rotation. Curve 1 illustrates the coupling of one type of hearing aid antenna, where the current distribution of the antenna is designed to optimize coupling when the user's head is not rotated. Curve 2 illustrates the coupling of another type of hearing aid antenna, where the current distribution of the antenna is designed to optimize coupling when the user's head rotates. It should be emphasized that these curves are qualitative in nature only; however, they are based on the applicant's general observations. Generally, optimizing coupling for head-facing orientation results in a larger variation in coupling compared to optimizing coupling for head rotation. Furthermore, optimization for head-facing orientation leads to a worse worst-case coupling. Therefore, optimizing the antenna's current distribution for head rotation is advantageous for achieving robust coupling with lower variation.

[0072] Figure 2A schematic block diagram of a hearing aid 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The hearing aid 100 includes an antenna 110 for transmitting or receiving wireless signals. The antenna 110 includes a first antenna portion 120. The first antenna portion 120 includes a first longitudinal antenna segment 121 extending parallel to a first side of the hearing aid 100. The first antenna portion 120 includes a first transverse antenna segment 122 extending from the first longitudinal antenna segment 121 toward a second side of the hearing aid 100 opposite to the first side. The antenna 110 includes a second antenna portion 130. The antenna 110 is configured to have a maximum current amplitude on the first transverse antenna segment 122. The first antenna portion 120 and the second antenna portion 130 form a dipole antenna. The first antenna portion may include a second longitudinal antenna segment extending parallel to the second side of the hearing aid. The second longitudinal antenna segment may be arranged closer to the second side of the hearing aid than the first longitudinal antenna segment 121. When viewed from a plane perpendicular to the first and second sides of the hearing aid 100, the first longitudinal antenna segment 121, the first transverse antenna segment 122, and the second longitudinal antenna segment may form a hook shape. The first antenna segment 120 and the second antenna segment 130 may each have a length equal to three-quarters of the operating wavelength of the antenna 110. The second antenna segment 130 may include a third longitudinal antenna segment 131 extending parallel to the first side of the hearing aid 100. The second antenna segment 130 may include a second transverse antenna segment 132 extending from the third longitudinal antenna segment 131 toward the first side of the hearing aid 100. The antenna 110 may be configured to have a maximum current amplitude on the second transverse antenna segment 132. The third longitudinal antenna segment 131 may be arranged closer to the second side of the hearing aid 100 than the first longitudinal antenna segment 121. The second antenna segment 130 may include a fourth longitudinal antenna segment extending parallel to the second side of the hearing aid 100. The fourth longitudinal antenna segment may be arranged closer to the first side of the hearing aid 100 than the third longitudinal antenna segment 131. When viewed from a plane perpendicular to the first and second sides of the hearing aid 100, the third longitudinal antenna segment 131, the second lateral antenna segment 132, and the fourth longitudinal antenna segment may form a hook shape. The second lateral antenna segment 132 may be arranged parallel to and adjacent to the first lateral antenna segment 122. The first antenna portion 120 may have a length of three-quarters of the operating wavelength of the antenna 110, and the second antenna portion 130 may have a length of one-quarter of the operating wavelength of the antenna 110. The hearing aid 100 may be a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid. The hearing aid 100 may include a hearing aid housing. The antenna 110 may be disposed within the hearing aid housing. The hearing aid 100 may include a main printed circuit board carrying one or more electrical components and disposed within the hearing aid housing. The first lateral antenna segment 121 may be disposed between the hearing aid housing and the main printed circuit board. The one or more electrical components may include one or more microphones. The first antenna portion 120 and the second antenna portion 130 may be concentric.

[0073] Figure 3a and Figure 3b A schematic diagram of two dipole antennas 110 for a hearing aid 100 according to the present invention is shown.

[0074] refer to Figure 3a This illustrates an asymmetric dipole antenna 110 according to the present invention. The asymmetric dipole antenna 110 includes an excitation point 111 from which the dipole antenna is fed. The excitation point 111 can also be considered as the feed point of the antenna 110. The dipole antenna 110 branches into two parts, namely a first antenna portion 120 and a second antenna portion 130. The first antenna portion 120 has a length of three-quarters of the planned operating wavelength of the antenna 110. The first antenna portion 120 includes a first longitudinal segment 121. The first longitudinal segment 121 is configured to extend parallel to a first side of the hearing aid 100 opposite to a second side. The first antenna portion 120 includes a first transverse segment 122 extending from the first longitudinal segment 121 toward the second side of the hearing aid 100. The first antenna portion 120 includes a second longitudinal segment 123 closer to the second side of the hearing aid 100 than the first longitudinal segment 121. In the illustrated embodiment, the first transverse segment 122 extends from the first longitudinal segment 121 to the second longitudinal segment 123. The segments 121, 122, and 123 of the first antenna portion 120 form a hook shape. The second antenna portion 130 has a length that is one-quarter of the planned operating wavelength of the antenna 110. The second antenna portion 130 includes a third longitudinal segment 131. The third longitudinal segment 131 extends parallel to the second side of the hearing aid 100 and is closer to the second side of the hearing aid 100 than the first longitudinal segment 121.

[0075] Figure 3a An asymmetric dipole antenna 110 with an excitation (feed) point 111 is shown. The antenna is fed at the excitation point 111, and the conductive structure branches from the excitation point 111 into a first antenna portion 120 and a second antenna portion 130. The first antenna portion 120 is formed by three segments in sequence: a first longitudinal segment 121, a first transverse segment 122, and a second longitudinal segment 123. The first longitudinal segment 121 is arranged to extend generally parallel to a first side of the hearing aid (opposite to a second side), while the first transverse segment 122 extends from the first longitudinal segment 121 toward a second side of the hearing aid. In the illustrated configuration, the first transverse segment 122 connects the first longitudinal segment 121 to the second longitudinal segment 123, and the second longitudinal segment 123 is positioned closer to the second side than the first longitudinal segment 121, such that when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first and second sides, these segments 121, 122, and 123 together define a "hook-like" or J-shaped profile.

[0076] Continue to refer to Figure 3aThe second antenna portion 130 is geometrically simpler than the first antenna portion 120 and is shown as a single elongated segment, namely the third longitudinal segment 131. The third longitudinal segment 131 extends approximately parallel to the second side of the hearing aid and is positioned closer to the second side than the first longitudinal segment 121 of the first antenna portion. (Regarding...) Figure 3a In the described embodiment, the size of the first antenna portion 120 is set to correspond to approximately three-quarters of the wavelength at the expected operating frequency, while the size of the second antenna portion 130 is set to correspond to approximately one-quarter of the wavelength at the expected operating frequency, thereby creating the asymmetry in geometry (length) and layout features shown between the two arms.

[0077] refer to Figure 3b This illustrates a symmetrical dipole antenna 110 according to the present invention. The symmetrical dipole antenna 110 includes an excitation point 111 from which the dipole antenna is fed. The excitation point 111 can be considered as the feed point of the antenna 110. The dipole antenna 110 branches into two parts, namely a first antenna portion 120 and a second antenna portion 130. The first antenna portion 120 has a length of three-quarters of the intended operating wavelength of the antenna 110. The first antenna portion 120 includes a first longitudinal segment 121. The first longitudinal segment 121 is configured to extend parallel to a first side of the hearing aid 100 opposite to a second side. The first antenna portion 120 includes a first transverse segment 122 extending from the first longitudinal segment 121 toward the second side of the hearing aid 100. The first antenna portion includes a second longitudinal segment 123 closer to the second side of the hearing aid 100 than the first longitudinal segment 121. In the illustrated embodiment, the first transverse segment 122 extends from the first longitudinal segment 121 to the second longitudinal segment 123. The segments 121, 122, and 123 of the first antenna portion 120 form a hook shape. The second antenna portion 130 has a length that is three-quarters of the intended operating wavelength of the antenna 110. The second antenna portion 130 includes a third longitudinal segment 131. The third longitudinal segment 131 extends parallel to the second side of the hearing aid 100 and is closer to the second side of the hearing aid 100 than the first longitudinal segment 121. The second antenna portion 130 includes a second transverse segment 132 extending from the third longitudinal segment 131 toward the first side of the hearing aid 100. The second antenna portion 130 includes a fourth longitudinal segment 133 that is closer to the first side of the hearing aid 100 than the third longitudinal segment 131. In the illustrated embodiment, the second transverse segment 132 extends from the third longitudinal segment 131 to the fourth longitudinal segment 133. The segments 131, 132, and 133 of the second antenna portion 130 form a hook shape.

[0078] exist Figure 3b In the antenna shown, the first antenna portion 120 and the second antenna portion 130 are nested together.

[0079] Figure 3bSimilarly, a dipole antenna 110 with an excitation point 111 is also shown, the structure of which branches from the excitation point 111 into a first antenna portion 120 and a second antenna portion 130. Figure 3b The first antenna portion 120 is also configured as a hook-shaped conductive path formed by a first longitudinal segment 121, a first transverse segment 122, and a second longitudinal segment 123. As previously described, the first longitudinal segment 121 extends generally parallel to a first side of the hearing aid, the first transverse segment 122 extends from the first longitudinal segment 121 toward a second side, the second longitudinal segment 123 is positioned closer to the second side than the first longitudinal segment 121, and the transverse segment 122 extends between the two longitudinal segments 121 and 123 (thus connecting the two longitudinal segments).

[0080] and Figure 3a compared to, Figure 3b The second antenna portion 130 is shown as another hook-shaped path, thereby providing geometric symmetry because each arm has a multi-segment "hook-shaped" profile. Specifically, the second antenna portion 130 includes a third longitudinal segment 131, a second transverse segment 132, and a fourth longitudinal segment 133. The third longitudinal segment 131 extends generally parallel to the second side of the hearing aid and is positioned closer to the second side than the first longitudinal segment 121. The second transverse segment 132 extends from the third longitudinal segment 131 toward the first side of the hearing aid and, in the illustrated embodiment, connects to the fourth longitudinal segment 133, which is positioned closer to the first side than the third longitudinal segment 131. These segments 131, 132, and 133 thus form the second hook-shaped portion. A further feature of the overall geometry is that the first antenna portion 120 and the second antenna portion 130 are nested within each other, i.e., the two hook-shaped shapes are arranged concentrically / overlappingly, such that one hook-shaped structure is accommodated within the span of the other hook-shaped structure. Figure 3b In the described embodiment, the first antenna portion 120 and the second antenna portion 130 can each have a length of approximately three-quarters of the wavelength at the expected operating frequency, thereby enhancing the symmetry of the two arms in terms of conductive path length.

[0081] Figure 3a and Figure 3b Arrows are drawn to indicate the current direction on the antenna section when the phase of the current fed to the antenna is 0°. The arrow between the first antenna section 120 and the second antenna section 130 indicates the current direction flowing in the first antenna section 120. Arrows outside the first antenna section 120 and the second antenna section 130 indicate the current direction flowing in the second antenna section 130. The dashed line 10 represents the minimum current amplitude. Antenna sections 120 and 130 are thickened to show areas with larger current amplitudes. It can be seen that larger current amplitudes exist near the excitation point 111 and the lateral segments 122 and 132. Furthermore, for Figure 3bAs shown in the symmetrical antenna 110, it can be seen that the current flowing in the transverse segments 122 and 132 eventually aligns with each other, resulting in a positive interaction between segments 122 and 132, which in turn amplifies the transmitted field.

[0082] The above combination Figure 3a and Figure 3b A single excitation point 111 is illustrated and described; however, in some embodiments, each antenna portion 120, 130 may include its own excitation point 111.

[0083] refer to Figure 4 It shows Figure 3b This is a schematic diagram illustrating how the antenna 110 can be arranged within the housing of the hearing aid 100. For clarity, the outer shell of the housing has been removed. The housing may be for a behind-the-ear hearing aid, wherein the housing is configured to be placed behind the user's ear. It can be seen that the antenna 110 and the main printed circuit board 140 are arranged within the housing. The main printed circuit board 140 carries one or more electrical components 141. The one or more electrical components 141 may include one or more microphones, transceiver circuitry, induction coils, or other electrical components. A first lateral antenna segment 122 and a second lateral antenna segment 132 are arranged between the hearing aid housing and the main printed circuit board. The longitudinal antenna segments 121, 123, 131, and 133 are configured as curved antenna segments, while the lateral antenna segments 122 and 132 are configured as straight antenna segments. The bending of the longitudinal antenna segments 121, 123, 131, and 133 allows for greater freedom in selecting their lengths, which helps to ensure that the maximum current amplitude occurs in the transverse antenna segments 122 and 132. The ability to freely select the lengths of the longitudinal antenna segments 121, 123, 131, and 133 also facilitates the placement of the transverse antenna segments 122 and 132 at a position half the expected operating wavelength of the antenna from the antenna feed point.

[0084] although Figure 4 It is a combination Figure 3b The antenna is described, but Figure 3a The same applies to antennas, in which case antenna 110 will have only a single transverse antenna segment 122, instead of a first transverse antenna segment 122 and a second transverse antenna segment 132.

[0085] 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.

[0086] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “the” used herein include the plural forms (i.e., meaning “at least one”). It should be further 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 may be a direct connection or coupling to the other element, or there may be intermediate inserting elements. 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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 expressly stated, the term "some" means one or more.

Claims

1. A hearing aid comprising an antenna for transmitting or receiving wireless signals, the antenna comprising: The first antenna portion includes a first longitudinal antenna segment extending parallel to a first side of the hearing aid and a first transverse antenna segment extending from the first longitudinal antenna segment toward a second side of the hearing aid opposite to the first side. and Second antenna section; The antenna is configured to have a local current amplitude maximum on the first transverse antenna segment, the first antenna segment and the second antenna segment form a dipole antenna, and the position where the local current amplitude maximum occurs on the first transverse antenna segment is at least half a wavelength away from the feed point of the first antenna segment.

2. The hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the first antenna portion includes a second longitudinal antenna segment extending parallel to a second side of the hearing aid, wherein the second longitudinal antenna segment is arranged closer to the second side of the hearing aid than the first longitudinal antenna segment.

3. The hearing aid according to claim 2, wherein when viewed from a plane perpendicular to a first side and a second side of the hearing aid, the first longitudinal antenna segment, the first transverse antenna segment, and the second longitudinal antenna segment form a hook shape.

4. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein the first antenna portion and the second antenna portion each have a length of three-quarters of the operating wavelength of the antenna.

5. The hearing aid of claim 4, wherein the second antenna portion includes a third longitudinal antenna segment extending parallel to a first side of the hearing aid and a second transverse antenna segment extending from the third longitudinal antenna segment toward the first side of the hearing aid, wherein the antenna is configured to have a local current amplitude maximum on the second transverse antenna segment, wherein the third longitudinal antenna segment is arranged closer to the second side of the hearing aid than the first longitudinal antenna segment, wherein the location on the second transverse antenna segment where the local current amplitude maximum occurs is at least half a wavelength away from the feed point of the second antenna portion.

6. The hearing aid of claim 5, wherein the second antenna portion includes a fourth longitudinal antenna segment extending parallel to a second side of the hearing aid, wherein the fourth longitudinal antenna segment is arranged closer to a first side of the hearing aid than the third longitudinal antenna segment.

7. The hearing aid of claim 6, wherein when viewed from a plane perpendicular to a first side and a second side of the hearing aid, the third longitudinal antenna segment, the second transverse antenna segment, and the fourth longitudinal antenna segment form a hook shape.

8. The hearing aid according to claim 7, wherein the second lateral antenna segment is arranged to extend parallel to the first lateral antenna segment, wherein the distance between the first lateral antenna segment and the second lateral antenna segment is less than 2 mm.

9. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein the first antenna portion has a length of three-quarters of the operating wavelength of the antenna, and the second antenna portion has a length of one-quarter of the operating wavelength of the antenna.

10. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein the hearing aid is a behind-the-ear hearing aid.

11. The hearing aid of claim 1, comprising a hearing aid housing, wherein the antenna is disposed within the hearing aid housing.

12. The hearing aid of claim 11, wherein the hearing aid includes a main printed circuit board carrying one or more electrical components and disposed within the hearing aid housing, wherein the first lateral antenna segment is disposed between the hearing aid housing and the main printed circuit board.

13. The hearing aid of claim 12, wherein the one or more electrical components include one or more microphones.

14. The hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the first antenna portion and the second antenna portion are concentric with each other.

15. The hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the first antenna portion and the second antenna portion each terminate at a free end.

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