Ear-worn hearing device

Abstract

The utility model relates to an ear-wearing hearing device. The ear-worn hearing device includes a body portion having a sound production transducer acoustically coupled to a sound channel of an exhaust port. A physiological or activity sensor is located on one side of the body portion, and a resilient flap extends from or is at least partially disposed around the body portion. The resilient flap has a greater stiffness on the side of the body portion opposite the side on which the sensor is provided, where the resilient flap deflects the physiological or active sensor towards the ear tissue when the ear-worn hearing device is worn by the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an ear-worn hearing device, and more particularly to an ear-worn hearing device comprising one or more physiological or activity sensors and one or more flaps for deflecting the sensors toward ear tissue of a user. Background Art

[0002] Consumers are increasingly interested in ear-worn hearing devices that include sensors for monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, and other physiological conditions. Sensors must usually be relatively fixed near or in direct contact with ear tissue in order to accurately sense. However, most in-ear hearing devices tend to move in the ear during the subject's activities, otherwise the sensor may not be optimally positioned for accurate sensing. To address this problem, some ear-worn hearing devices integrate sensors with flexible eartips that directly contact the ear canal tissue. However, integrating sensors and related electronic components with eartips is complex and expensive. In addition, eartips have various sizes and amplification settings to accommodate different user anatomies and varying degrees of hearing loss. Moreover, eartips are often replaced when damaged or lost. Maintaining a large inventory of eartips including integrated sensors or replacing eartips further increases costs. Therefore, there is a need to improve ear-worn hearing devices including one or more sensors. Utility Model Content

[0003] One aspect of the utility model relates to an ear-worn hearing device, characterized in that the ear-worn hearing device comprises: a main body part, the main body part comprising a sound producing transducer acoustically coupled to a sound channel of an exhaust port; a physiological or activity sensor located on one side of the main body part; and a first elastic flap, the first elastic flap being replaceably mounted to the main body part, wherein when the ear-worn hearing device is worn on the ear or at least partially worn in the ear, the first elastic flap deflects the physiological or activity sensor toward ear tissue.

[0004] The first elastic flap protrudes from a side of the body portion opposite to a side on which the physiological or activity sensor is disposed, wherein the first elastic flap is flexible relative to the body portion.

[0005] The ear-worn hearing device further includes an anti-rotation feature located at a portion of the main body portion to which the first elastic flap is mounted, wherein the anti-rotation feature is capable of rotationally fixing the first elastic flap.

[0006] The first elastic flap is an elastic band that is mounted near the air outlet and close to a portion of the ear-worn hearing device opposite to the air outlet.

[0007] The first elastic flap includes a shell-shaped portion, and the first elastic flap is assembled near the exhaust port.

[0008] The first resilient petal includes a quasi-spherical surface disposed around at least a portion of the body portion.

[0009] The quasi-spherical surface is fitted in the vicinity of the exhaust port, and the quasi-spherical surface includes an opening on a side of the body portion where the physiological or activity sensor is disposed.

[0010] The quasi-spherical surface includes a first end portion mounted near the exhaust port, a second end portion mounted near a portion of the main body portion opposite the exhaust port, and an opening aligned with the physiological or activity sensor.

[0011] The quasi-spherical surface includes: a plurality of longitudinal openings along a longitudinal dimension of the body portion; and an opening aligned with the physiological or activity sensor.

[0012] The quasi-spherical surface includes an opening aligned with the physiological or activity sensor, and a plane passing through the opening and transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the quasi-spherical surface defines a perimeter and a chord of the quasi-spherical surface, and a ratio of the chord to the perimeter is not less than 9%.

[0013] A side of the main body portion on which the physiological or activity sensor is disposed comprises a convex profile, wherein when the ear-worn hearing device is worn in the ear or at least partially worn in the ear, the first elastic flap deflects the physiological or activity sensor located at the convex profile toward the ear tissue.

[0014] The ear-worn hearing device further comprises a second elastic flap mounted to a portion of the main body portion opposite the exhaust port, the first elastic flap being mounted adjacent to the exhaust port, wherein the second elastic flap deflects the physiological or activity sensor toward the ear tissue when the ear-worn hearing device is worn on the ear or at least partially worn in the ear.

[0015] The ear-worn hearing device also includes a cable assembly coupled to the body portion opposite the vent, wherein the cable assembly deflects the physiological or activity sensor toward the ear tissue when the ear-worn hearing device is at least partially inserted into the ear canal.

[0016] The first resilient flap comprises a quasi-spherical surface disposed around at least a portion of the ear-worn hearing device, the quasi-spherical surface comprising: a first end portion, the first end portion being mounted adjacent to the exhaust port; a second end portion, the second end portion being mounted adjacent to the cable assembly; and an opening aligned with the physiological or activity sensor.

[0017] Another aspect of the utility model relates to an ear-worn hearing device, characterized in that the ear-worn hearing device comprises: a main body portion, the main body portion comprising a sound producing transducer acoustically coupled to a sound channel of an exhaust port; a physiological or activity sensor located on one side of the main body portion; an elastic flap, the elastic convex flap being assembled to the main body portion, the elastic flap protruding from a side of the main body portion opposite to a side on which the physiological or activity sensor is arranged; an anti-rotation feature located at a portion of the main body portion on which the elastic flap is assembled, wherein the anti-rotation feature rotationally fixes the elastic flap around a longitudinal dimension of the main body portion, wherein when the ear-worn hearing device is worn on the ear or at least partially worn in the ear, the elastic flap deflects the physiological or activity sensor toward ear tissue.

[0018] Another aspect of the utility model relates to an ear-worn hearing device, characterized in that the ear-worn hearing device comprises: a main body portion, the main body portion comprising a sound transducer acoustically coupled to a sound channel of an exhaust port; a physiological or activity sensor located on one side of the main body portion; and an elastic flap, the elastic flap being at least partially arranged around the main body portion.

[0019] The resilient flap includes a base mounted adjacent the exhaust port, a snap-fit ​​connector mounted adjacent a portion of the ear-worn hearing device opposite the exhaust port, and an opening aligned with the physiological or activity sensor.

[0020] The resilient flap comprises a plurality of longitudinal openings along a longitudinal dimension of the ear-worn hearing device, at least one of the longitudinal openings being aligned with the physiological or activity sensor.

[0021] The elastic flap includes an opening aligned with the physiological or activity sensor, and a plane passing through the opening and transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the quasi-spherical surface defines a circumference and a chord of the elastic flap, and the ratio of the chord to the circumference is not less than 9%. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings depict only representative embodiments and should not be considered to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 1 It is a representative ear-worn hearing device.

[0024] Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a representative ear-worn hearing device.

[0025] Figure 3 is an end view of a representative ear-worn hearing device.

[0026] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a representative elastic flap.

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Different views of the elastic flap.

[0028] Figure 6 is a perspective view of another representative elastic flap.

[0029] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Different views of the elastic flap.

[0030] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of .

[0031] Fig. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of another representative ear-worn hearing device.

[0032] Fig.10 is a perspective view of the first and second petals integrated with the elastic sleeve.

[0033] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 Side view of.

[0034] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 End view of .

[0035] Fig.13 yes Fig.11 Side view of.

[0036] Fig.14 is a partial cross-sectional view of another representative ear-worn hearing device.

[0037] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 Perspective view of the elastic flap.

[0038] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 Floor plan.

[0039] Fig.17 yes Fig.16 sectional view of .

[0040] Fig.18 yes Fig.17 sectional view of .

[0041] Fig.19 is a partial cross-sectional view of another representative ear-worn hearing device.

[0042] Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of another representative ear-worn hearing device.

[0043] Fig.21 is a cross-sectional view of another representative ear-worn hearing device.

[0044] Fig. 22 yes Fig. 20 Perspective view of the elastic flap.

[0045] Fig.23 yes Fig. 22 Floor plan.

[0046] Fig.24 yes Fig.23 End view of .

[0047] Fig.25 yes Fig.23 sectional view of .

[0048] Fig.26 is a perspective view of a schematic representation of an elastic flap.

[0049] Fig. 27 yes Fig.26 Floor plan.

[0050] Fig.28 yes Fig. 27 sectional view of .

[0051] Fig.29 It is another representative ear-worn hearing device.

[0052] Fig.30 yes Fig.29 A perspective view of the elastic flap shown.

[0053] Those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are shown for simplicity and clarity and therefore may not be drawn to scale and may not include well-known features, the order of occurrence of actions or steps may be different from the order described, and unless otherwise specified, the order of occurrence of these actions or steps may be performed simultaneously, and the terms and expressions used herein have meanings understood by those skilled in the art. Different meanings are explicitly attributed to them in this article. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The present invention generally relates to an ear-worn hearing device, and more specifically to an ear-worn hearing device including one or more physiological or activity sensors. The hearing device also includes a main body portion, which includes a sound transducer that is acoustically coupled to a sound channel of an exhaust port. One or more elastic flaps extending from the main body portion are configured to deflect one or more sensors toward the ear tissue (e.g., ear canal tissue) of the user when the hearing device is worn. The present invention is applicable to a hearing device configured to be at least partially inserted into the ear canal of the user, and to a hearing device configured to be worn in or on the outer ear of the user, with or without a cable assembly. Representative examples are described herein.

[0055] Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Fig. 9 , Fig.14 , Figures 19 to 21 and Fig.29 A representative ear-worn hearing device 100 is shown that is configured to be at least partially inserted into an ear canal of a user. In a representative embodiment, a body portion of the hearing device includes a sound-producing transducer 102 that is acoustically coupled to a sound channel of an exhaust port 112. Figure 2 and Fig.19 In the embodiment, the transducer is completely contained in the housing 110 including the exhaust port. Alternatively, the transducer may be partially contained in the housing with an open end, and the exhaust port may be a spout integrated with the transducer. In this alternative, the housing may be configured as a socket, in which a portion of the transducer opposite to the exhaust port is disposed and retained. Therefore, the main body may include a housing, in which the transducer is completely or partially contained. The sounding transducer may be implemented as one or more moving iron receivers or dynamic speakers or a combination thereof.

[0056] Physiological sensors can monitor physiological conditions such as cardiac cycle, heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen and temperature. Representative physiological sensors include, but are not limited to, photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensors and temperature sensors. PPG sensors typically include a transmitter configured as one or more monochromatic or multicolor light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a receiver configured as one or more photodiodes. Other sensors include activity sensors and electrodes for detecting various conditions. Representative activity sensors include vibration sensors and accelerometers, etc. When one or more sensors are in contact with or in close proximity to ear tissue as described herein, the performance of these sensors and other sensors can be improved.

[0057] One or more sensors are typically located on one side of the hearing device. The sensors may be mounted on a flexible or other printed circuit board or otherwise integrated with the body portion. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Fig. 9, Fig.14 , Figures 19 to 21 and Fig.29 In the case of a , the sensor is located on the common side of the main body. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the PPG sensor is located on one side of the main body portion including an adjacent side or surface. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Fig.19 In , a representative hearing device includes a PPG sensor including a transmitter 104 and a receiver 106 and another sensor 108 implemented as a temperature, vibration or other sensor. Some hearing devices may include additional sensors. The transmitter 104 and the receiver 106 are integrated with the main body and may be covered by a protective cover or lens. Fig. 9 , Fig.14 , Fig. 20 and Fig.21 In the embodiment, the transmitter and receiver include covers or lenses 105 and 107, respectively. In some embodiments, the covers or lenses act as light guides or tubes that transmit and direct light. The covers or lenses can be configured to focus or diffuse light onto ear tissue. Covers or lenses with smooth surfaces can promote wetting of the user's skin to improve transmission of light into or out of ear tissue. Figure 2 and Fig.19 In the embodiment, the sensor is mounted on a flexible circuit 109 which is integrated with the main body. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the transmitter 104 and the receiver 106 are integrated into the convex profile 114 of the main body portion. Fig.19 In the embodiment of the present invention, the transmitter 104 and the receiver 106 are integrated on a relatively flat portion of the hearing device. In either case, when the hearing device is at least partially inserted into the ear canal, the one or more sensors may be deflected toward the ear tissue of the user, as further described herein.

[0058] The hearing device typically includes one or more resilient flaps protruding from a side of the hearing device opposite the one or more sensors. The resilient flap may be mounted near the exhaust port or near a portion of the housing opposite the exhaust port, or at both locations. The one or more resilient flaps may be permanently or replaceably mounted with the hearing device housing. The one or more resilient flaps are flexible relative to the housing and are configured to deflect the one or more sensors toward ear tissue to improve the performance of the one or more sensors when the hearing device is inserted into the ear canal. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Fig. 9 , Fig.14 and Fig.19 In the embodiment, the elastic flap 120 is mounted near the exhaust port of the hearing device. Figure 1 and Figure 2In the embodiment, the second elastic flap 130 is mounted near a portion of the hearing device opposite to the exhaust port. One or more elastic flaps protrude from a side of the hearing device that is generally opposite to the side where the one or more sensors are located. Figure 3 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the transmitter 104 and the receiver 106 are located on adjacent sides or surfaces of the body portion, and a resilient flap 120 protrudes from a side portion of the hearing device generally opposite the sensor.

[0059] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Fig. 9 , Fig.14 , Figures 19 to 21 and Fig.29 In the present invention, the hearing device includes a cable assembly 103 coupled to a portion of the hearing device opposite the exhaust port. The cable assembly can connect a receiver in the canal (RIC) or other ear-worn unit to a behind the ear (BTE) or other base unit. Such a cable assembly is typically shape-retaining and configured to extend between the base unit and the ear-worn unit. In some implementations, when the hearing device is worn on the ear or at least partially in the ear, the cable assembly deflects one or more sensors toward the ear tissue of the user. The one or more sensors can be deflected toward the ear tissue by the cable assembly 103 itself or by a combination of the cable assembly 103 and one or more elastic flaps. Other hearing devices that include one or more sensors deflected toward the ear tissue of the user by one or more elastic flaps as disclosed herein are fully contained in or on the ear of the user and do not require a cable assembly.

[0060] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Fig. 9 In a hearing device of , the resilient flaps 120 and 130 protrude from a side of the hearing device opposite to the side where the one or more sensors are located. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the invention, the resilient flap 120 includes a shell-shaped portion 121 extending from a base 122 having a channel 124 into which the exhaust port 112 extends. The elastic properties of the base portion allow the resilient flap to be removably assembled with and retained on the exhaust port or other portion of the hearing device. The base 122 can be less rigid than the shell-shaped portion 121 and can be formed from different materials using a glued assembly in a multi-color injection molding or insert injection molding operation or other known or future processes. The shell-shaped portion 121 can optionally include one or more holes 123 to allow ambient sound to enter the ear canal, reduce the occlusion effect or increase flexibility. Sound from the transducer is emitted from one or more sound ports 126 in the base 122.

[0061] exist Figures 6 to 8In the present invention, a second resilient flap 130 includes a shell-shaped portion 131 extending from a snap-fit ​​connector 132 that is open at an end defining a channel 134, and the snap-fit ​​connector 132 is removably assembled around the end of the hearing device opposite the exhaust port. The resilient flap may include different materials, wherein the snap-fit ​​connector 132 is harder than the shell-shaped portion 131. The shell-shaped portion may optionally include one or more holes 133 to allow ambient sound to enter the ear canal, reduce the occlusion effect or increase flexibility. The one or more resilient flaps may also include an anti-rotation feature (a representative example of which is further described herein) to maintain the proper position of the one or more resilient flaps relative to the side where the one or more sensors are located.

[0062] In some embodiments, one or more resilient flaps may be integrated with a resilient monolithic sleeve that may be at least partially assembled around a main body portion of a hearing device. The sleeve includes one or more openings to allow operation of one or more sensors and to accommodate other structures of the main body portion. The resilient properties of the sleeve allow the sleeve to be assembled around the main body portion. The sleeve may also include structure to properly position the sleeve relative to other structures of the hearing device. Fig. 9 In FIG. 1 , a representative sleeve 150 fits around a hearing device housing and includes an opening to the convex profile 114 of the housing where one or more sensors are located. Figures 10 to 13 , sleeve 150 includes a body portion 152 from which the resilient flaps 120 and 130 extend. The body portion 152 also includes a passageway into which the exhaust port extends and one or more sound ports 126 from which sound from the transducer is emitted.

[0063] exist Fig.10 and Fig.11 , the sleeve opening 154 accommodates Fig. 9 The opening 154 may also assist in positioning and aligning the sleeve relative to the hearing device housing. Fig.10 and Fig.11 In the embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve may further include an opening 155 near the second elastic flap 130 for accommodating the cable assembly. A portion of the sleeve including the opening 155 forms a snap-fit ​​feature that is removably fastened to a portion of the housing. The snap-fit ​​feature may be harder than other portions of the sleeve and may include a different material than other portions of the sleeve described herein.

[0064] In some embodiments, the resilient flap includes a quasi-spherical surface disposed around at least a portion of a hearing device housing to deflect one or more sensors toward ear tissue of a user. The quasi-spherical surface has a greater stiffness on a side of the hearing device opposite to a side where the one or more sensors are located, wherein the one or more sensors can be deflected toward the ear tissue when the hearing device is worn by the user. The greater stiffness of the quasi-spherical surface on one side of the hearing device can be produced by the quasi-spherical surface extending around only a portion of the hearing device housing. Alternatively, the quasi-spherical surface extending completely around the housing can have a greater stiffness on a side of the hearing device opposite to the one or more sensors due to a variation in surface thickness, selection of different stiffness materials, or asymmetrically configured openings in the surface. The resilient properties of the resilient flap enable it to be removably assembled around the hearing device housing. The quasi-spherical surface can also include anti-rotation features, representative examples of which are further described herein.

[0065] exist Fig.14 In an embodiment, the resilient flap 120 includes a quasi-spherical surface 129 extending from a base 122 having a channel 124 into which the exhaust port 112 extends. The quasi-spherical surface includes an opening 125 on the side where the sensors 105 and 107 of the hearing device are located, wherein the quasi-spherical surface extends around only a portion of the housing opposite the sensors. Sound from the transducer is emitted from one or more sound ports 126 of the base 122. Figures 15 to 18 Shown include Fig.14 Various views of a representative resilient flap 120 showing a quasi-spherical surface 129 and an opening 125. The quasi-spherical surface so configured provides greater stiffness on the side of the hearing device opposite the sensor and provides clearance to allow unobstructed operation of the sensor.

[0066] exist Fig.19 In an embodiment, the elastic flap 120 includes a continuous quasi-spherical surface 129 extending from a base 122 mounted near the exhaust port 112 and the other end mounted at a portion of the hearing device opposite to the exhaust port, as described herein with reference to Figures 6 to 8 The quasi-spherical surface 129 is primarily located on the side of the hearing device opposite to the side where the one or more sensors 104, 106 and 108 are located. In such a configuration, when the user wears the hearing device, the elastic flap can deflect the one or more sensors toward the ear tissue. The quasi-spherical surface can include a hollow or solid structure. A vent can optionally be included.

[0067] exist Figure 20 to Figure 21In an implementation of, a resilient flap including a quasi-spherical surface 160 that is removably mounted partially around a hearing device housing is configured to deflect one or more sensors toward the ear tissue of a user. The quasi-spherical surface is primarily located on a side of the hearing device opposite to a side where the one or more sensors are located. The quasi-spherical surface includes an opening 164 on the side of the hearing device where the sensor is located. The quasi-spherical surface includes a base 161 having a channel into which the exhaust port 112 extends, and an open-ended snap-fit ​​connector 162 that can be mounted at a portion of the hearing device opposite to the exhaust port, as described herein with reference to Figures 6 to 8 In Fig. 20 In FIG. 1 , the quasi-spherical surface 160 comprises a plurality of longitudinal openings 165 which, when assembled with the hearing device, extend along the longitudinal dimension of the hearing device. Figure 22 to Figure 25 Shown include Fig. 20 Various views of a representative elastic flap with a quasi-spherical surface 160 and opening 164 are shown. Fig.21 In the embodiment, the quasi-spherical surface 160 includes a plurality of openings 167. In such a configuration, Fig. 20 The quasi-spherical surface 160 of the opening 21 provides greater rigidity on the side of the hearing device opposite the sensor and allows unobstructed operation of the sensor. The openings 165 and 167 increase the flexibility of the elastic flap to improve comfort when the hearing device is worn by the user's ear and act as an acoustic vent.

[0068] In one implementation, Fig. 20 and Fig.21 The opening of the quasi-spherical surface is characterized by a ratio of a chord of the opening to a perimeter around the quasi-spherical surface (chord / perimeter) of not less than 9%. The chord and the perimeter are defined at a plane passing through the opening and transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the quasi-spherical surface. Figure 26 to Figure 28 In FIG. 1 , plane 168 is perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of quasi-spherical surface 160. Fig.24 In particular, a chord 166 is measured across the opening 164, and a circumference 169 is measured around the quasi-spherical surface.

[0069] exist Figure 29 to Figure 30 In the embodiment, the elastic flap includes an elastic band 140 extending from a base 141, the base 141 defines a channel 143, and the exhaust port is as shown in FIG. Fig.29 The base portion may be connected to the channel 143. Fig.29The earplug shown is integrated. Alternatively, the elastic band can be assembled to the exhaust port adjacent to the separated earplug. The elastic band 140 includes an open-ended snap-fit ​​connector 142 that is removably assembled at least partially around a portion of the hearing device opposite the exhaust port. The elastic flap may include a different material than the snap-fit ​​connector, wherein the connector is harder than the band portion described herein. The snap-fit ​​connector can be assembled at different locations of the housing so as to properly fit in the user's ear canal. The band is located on the side of the hearing device opposite to the side where one or more sensors are located. The elastic band is flexible when the hearing device is at least partially inserted into the ear canal so as to deflect one or more sensors on the opposite side of the hearing device toward the ear tissue. The elastic band may also include an anti-rotation feature, a representative example of which is described herein.

[0070] In some implementations, the hearing device includes an anti-rotation feature that prevents one or more resilient flaps from rotating relative to one or more sensors. The anti-rotation feature may be located at the portion of the hearing device to which the respective resilient flap is mounted. The anti-rotation feature secures the resilient flap to the portion of the hearing device to which the resilient flap is mounted. The anti-rotation feature may be a keyed surface or an irregular surface against which a complementary surface of the resilient flap is mounted to prevent the resilient flap from rotating relative to the vent or other portion of the housing to which the resilient flap is mounted. Figure 7 In the embodiment, the hole 134 of the base 132 has a square or D-shaped cross-section, which prevents rotation relative to a complementary part of the hearing device to which the base is fitted. Fig.18 In the embodiment of the present invention, the cylindrical exhaust port 112 comprises a flat surface 113 against which the flat surface 123 of the resilient flap fits. Various other complementary surface shapes or interference fits may be used for this purpose. The anti-rotation surface may also be formed on other parts of the hearing device to which the resilient flap is fitted. The anti-rotation feature may be implemented in any of the resilient flaps described herein.

[0071] While the present invention and what is presently believed to be the best mode thereof has been described in a manner to establish ownership and enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention, it should be understood and appreciated that there are many equivalents to the representative embodiments described herein and that various modifications and variations may be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ear-worn hearing device, characterized in that: The ear-worn hearing device comprises: a body portion including a sound producing transducer acoustically coupled to a sound passage of the exhaust port; a physiological or activity sensor located on one side of the main body portion; a first resilient flap replaceably mountable to the body portion, Wherein, when the ear-worn hearing device is worn on the ear or at least partially worn in the ear, the first elastic flap deflects the physiological or activity sensor towards the ear tissue.

2. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first elastic flap protrudes from a side of the body portion opposite to a side on which the physiological or activity sensor is disposed, wherein the first elastic flap is flexible relative to the body portion.

3. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The ear-worn hearing device further includes an anti-rotation feature located at a portion of the main body portion to which the first elastic flap is mounted, wherein the anti-rotation feature is capable of rotationally fixing the first elastic flap.

4. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first elastic flap is an elastic band that is mounted near the air outlet and close to a portion of the ear-worn hearing device opposite to the air outlet.

5. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first elastic flap includes a shell-shaped portion, and the first elastic flap is assembled near the exhaust port.

6. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first resilient petal includes a quasi-spherical surface disposed around at least a portion of the body portion.

7. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The quasi-spherical surface is fitted in the vicinity of the exhaust port, and the quasi-spherical surface includes an opening on a side of the body portion where the physiological or activity sensor is disposed.

8. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 6, wherein: The quasi-spherical surface includes a first end portion mounted near the exhaust port, a second end portion mounted near a portion of the main body portion opposite the exhaust port, and an opening aligned with the physiological or activity sensor.

9. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The quasi-spherical surface includes: a plurality of longitudinal openings along a longitudinal dimension of the body portion; and an opening aligned with the physiological or activity sensor.

10. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The quasi-spherical surface includes an opening aligned with the physiological or activity sensor, and a plane passing through the opening and transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the quasi-spherical surface defines a perimeter and a chord of the quasi-spherical surface, and a ratio of the chord to the perimeter is not less than 9%.

11. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A side of the main body portion on which the physiological or activity sensor is disposed comprises a convex profile, wherein when the ear-worn hearing device is worn in the ear or at least partially worn in the ear, the first elastic flap deflects the physiological or activity sensor located at the convex profile toward the ear tissue.

12. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 2, wherein: The ear-worn hearing device further comprises a second elastic flap mounted to a portion of the main body portion opposite the exhaust port, the first elastic flap being mounted adjacent to the exhaust port, wherein the second elastic flap deflects the physiological or activity sensor toward the ear tissue when the ear-worn hearing device is worn on the ear or at least partially worn in the ear.

13. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 1, wherein: The ear-worn hearing device also includes a cable assembly coupled to the body portion opposite the vent, wherein the cable assembly deflects the physiological or activity sensor toward the ear tissue when the ear-worn hearing device is at least partially inserted into the ear canal.

14. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 13, characterized in that: The first resilient flap comprises a quasi-spherical surface disposed around at least a portion of the ear-worn hearing device, the quasi-spherical surface comprising: a first end portion, the first end portion being mounted adjacent to the exhaust port; a second end portion, the second end portion being mounted adjacent to the cable assembly; and an opening aligned with the physiological or activity sensor.

15. An ear-worn hearing device, characterized in that: The ear-worn hearing device comprises: a body portion including a sound producing transducer acoustically coupled to a sound passage of the exhaust port; a physiological or activity sensor located on one side of the main body portion; an elastic flap, the elastic flap being mounted to the main body portion, the elastic flap protruding from a side of the main body portion opposite to a side on which the physiological or activity sensor is disposed; an anti-rotation feature at the portion of the body portion to which the resilient flap is mounted, wherein the anti-rotation feature rotationally secures the resilient flap about a longitudinal dimension of the body portion, Wherein, when the ear-worn hearing device is worn on the ear or at least partially worn in the ear, the elastic flap deflects the physiological or activity sensor towards the ear tissue.

16. An ear-worn hearing device, characterized in that: The ear-worn hearing device comprises: a body portion including a sound producing transducer acoustically coupled to a sound passage of the exhaust port; a physiological or activity sensor located on one side of the main body portion; A resilient flap is disposed at least partially around the body portion and is configured to deflect the physiological or activity sensor toward ear tissue.

17. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 16, wherein: The resilient flap includes a base mounted adjacent the exhaust port, a snap-fit ​​connector mounted adjacent a portion of the ear-worn hearing device opposite the exhaust port, and an opening aligned with the physiological or activity sensor.

18. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 17, wherein: The resilient flap comprises a plurality of longitudinal openings along a longitudinal dimension of the ear-worn hearing device, at least one of the longitudinal openings being aligned with the physiological or activity sensor.

19. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 17, wherein: The elastic flap includes an opening aligned with the physiological or activity sensor, and a plane passing through the opening and transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the quasi-spherical surface defines a circumference and a chord of the elastic flap, and the ratio of the chord to the circumference is not less than 9%.

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