Ear-worn hearing aid device and hearing aid device

Abstract

The utility model relates to an ear-worn hearing aid device and a hearing aid device. A hearing aid device component is disclosed. The component includes a housing that accommodates an electrical or mechanical hearing aid device component and an opening configured to receive an end of an electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other member. One or more retention members protruding from an inner surface of the opening are configured to mechanically engage an electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other member disposed within the opening, and resist movement of the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other member relative to the opening. The component may be implemented as a RIC unit, a BTE unit of a BTE electrical connector, and other hearing aid device components.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to hearing devices, and more particularly to hearing device components including electrical cable assemblies or sound tubes and combinations thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] Some hearing devices include a housing connected to an electrical cable assembly or a sound tube. One such hearing device is a receiver-in-canal (RIC) type behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid that includes a BTE unit worn behind a user's ear and a RIC unit configured for at least partial insertion into the user's ear canal. An electrical cable assembly interconnects the BTE unit and the RIC unit. The BTE unit contains a microphone for converting sensed ambient sound into an amplified electrical audio signal, electrical circuitry, and a battery. The RIC unit includes a balanced armature receiver (also referred to herein as a "receiver") for converting the electrical audio signal into sound emitted into the user's ear canal. One end of the electrical cable assembly includes a connector releasably connected to the BTE unit. The other end of the electrical cable assembly is permanently fixed to the RIC unit. A flange-shaped stopper (also referred to as a "blunt") overmolded, flame-shaped, or glued onto the end of the electrical cable assembly prevents or at least resists rotation of the cable assembly and its detachment from the RIC unit. In other hearing devices, a speaker is located in the BTE unit and sound produced by the speaker is propagated to the user's ear via a sound tube connected to the BTE unit without the need for a RIC unit.

[0003] However, the process of adding the flange-shaped stopper is labor-intensive and expensive. The flange-shaped stopper also increases the diameter and length of the cable assembly or sound tube. Moreover, such and other mechanisms for securing the electrical cable assembly to the RIC unit or the sound tube to the BTE unit have limited robustness and are subject to premature failure. Therefore, there is an ongoing need to improve the technology for connecting electrical cable assemblies and sound tubes to hearing device components. SUMMARY

[0004] The present utility model relates to the following clauses defined non-limiting examples:

[0005] Clause 1. An ear-wearable hearing assistance device, the ear-wearable hearing assistance device comprising: an electrical or mechanical hearing assistance device component; and a housing containing the electrical or mechanical hearing assistance device component, the housing comprising: an opening defining a channel configured to receive an end of an electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other member; and a retention member protruding from an inner surface of the channel, the retention member configured to mechanically engage the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other member disposed in the opening, wherein the retention member mechanically resists movement of the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other member relative to the housing when the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other member is disposed in the opening.

[0006] Clause 2. The ear-wearable hearing assistance device of clause 1, further comprising a gap between an outer diameter of the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other member and the inner surface of the opening, wherein the retention member is configured to provide a radial interference with the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other member disposed in the opening.

[0007] Clause 3. The ear-wearable hearing assistance device of clause 2, further comprising a ferrule fastened to the housing, wherein the opening is disposed in the ferrule.

[0008] Clause 4. The ear-wearable hearing assistance device of clause 1, the housing having a Young’s modulus that is greater than a Young’s modulus of the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other member.

[0009] Clause 5. The ear-wearable hearing assistance device of clause 1, the housing having a yield strength that is greater than a yield strength of the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other member.

[0010] Clause 6. The ear-wearable hearing assistance device of clause 1, the retention member comprising a tapered portion having a ridge aligned with an axis of the channel, the tapered portion comprising a barb, wherein the barb resists movement of the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other member relative to the opening.

[0011] Clause 7. The ear-wearable hearing assistance device of clause 1, the retention member comprising a rib aligned with an axis of the channel, wherein the rib resists rotation of the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other member relative to the opening.

[0012] Clause 8. The ear-mountable hearing assistance device of clause 1, the retention member comprising a wedge-shaped portion aligned with an axis of the passage, the wedge-shaped portion comprising a portion that reduces an effective diameter of the opening, the wedge-shaped portion comprising a barb that can mechanically engage the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other member when inserted into the opening.

[0013] Clause 9. The ear-mountable hearing assistance device of clause 1, the opening of the housing comprising an end wall having an aperture, wherein an end of the electrical cable assembly or the sound tube abuts the end wall of the opening when the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other member is inserted into the opening.

[0014] Clause 10. The ear-mountable hearing assistance device of clause 1, the housing being an assembly comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion that are fastened together, the opening being at least partially defined by a first opening portion of the first housing portion and a second opening portion of the second housing portion when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are fastened together.

[0015] Clause 11. The ear-mountable hearing assistance device of clause 1, the housing being a balanced armature receiver housing connected to an electrical cable assembly, the housing comprising a first metal housing portion fastened to a second metal housing portion, the opening being at least partially defined by a first opening portion of the first metal housing portion and a second opening portion of the second metal housing portion, the passage extending through a wall portion of the housing, a plurality of retention members each comprising a corresponding wall portion that protrudes into the opening, wherein each retention member is configured to mechanically engage and retain the electrical cable assembly in the opening.

[0016] Clause 12. The ear-mountable hearing assistance device of clause 11, the first opening portion being larger than the second opening portion, the first metal housing portion comprising two retention members that extend into the first opening portion proximate to a mating surface of the first metal housing portion, wherein the two retention members of the first metal housing portion are capable of retaining the electrical cable assembly disposed in the first opening portion prior to the first metal housing portion being fastened to the second metal housing portion.

[0017] Clause 13. The ear-mountable hearing assistance device of clause 1, the ear-mountable hearing assistance device being an in-ear receiver unit, the in-ear receiver unit comprising a speaker and an electrical cable assembly disposed in the opening of the housing and mechanically engaged with the retention member.

[0018] Clause 14. The ear-mountable hearing assistance device of clause 1, the ear-mountable hearing assistance device being an ear-back style unit, the ear-back style unit including a speaker and a sound tube disposed in the opening of the housing and mechanically engaged with the retention member.

[0019] Clause 15. The ear-mountable hearing assistance device of clause 1, the ear-mountable hearing assistance device being an ear-back connector, the ear-back connector including electrical contacts integrated with the housing and an electrical cable assembly disposed in the opening of the housing, the electrical cable assembly mechanically engaged with the retention member.

[0020] Clause 16. A hearing assistance device, the hearing assistance device comprising: a balanced armature receiver including a housing having a nozzle configured for at least partial insertion into an ear canal of a user, the housing including: an opening defining a passageway through a wall portion of the housing; and a retention member including a portion of the housing that protrudes into the opening; and an electrical cable assembly including a connector on one end and another end disposed in the opening of the housing, the retention member mechanically engaging and retaining the other end disposed in the opening of the housing, wherein the retention member resists movement of the electrical cable assembly relative to the housing.

[0021] Clause 17. The hearing assistance device of clause 16, the retention member resisting rotational and axial movement of the electrical cable assembly relative to the housing.

[0022] Clause 18. The hearing assistance device of clause 17, the housing including a first metal housing portion fastened to a second metal housing portion, the opening being defined at least in part by a first opening portion of the first metal housing portion and a second opening portion of the second metal housing portion, a plurality of retention members each including a corresponding wall portion that protrudes into the opening.

[0023] Clause 19. The hearing assistance device of clause 18, the first opening portion being larger than the second opening portion, two of the retention members extending into the first opening portion proximate to a mating surface of the first metal housing portion, wherein the two retention members of the first metal housing portion are capable of retaining the electrical cable assembly disposed in the first opening portion prior to the first metal housing portion being fastened to the second metal housing portion.

[0024] Clause 20. A hearing assistance device comprising: an in-ear receiver component comprising a housing for a loudspeaker and a nozzle configured for at least partial insertion into an ear canal of a user, the housing comprising: an opening defining a channel having an inner surface; and a retention member integrated with the housing and protruding from the inner surface of the opening; and an electrical cable assembly comprising an end portion disposed in the opening of the housing and in mechanical engagement with the retention member, wherein the retention member resists rotation and axial movement of the electrical cable assembly relative to the housing.

[0025] Clause 21. The hearing assistance device of clause 20, the retention member comprising a tapered portion having a ridge aligned with an axis of the channel, the tapered portion comprising a barb, wherein the retention member resists rotation and axial movement of the electrical cable assembly.

[0026] Clause 22. The hearing assistance device of clause 20, the opening of the housing comprising an end wall having an aperture, wherein the end portion of the electrical cable assembly abuts the end wall of the opening when inserted into the opening, and electrical conductors of the electrical cable assembly extend through the aperture of the end wall.

[0027] Clause 23. The hearing assistance device of clause 20, the housing being an assembly comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion fastened together, the opening being at least partially defined by a first opening portion of the first housing portion and a second opening portion of the second housing portion when the first housing portion is fastened to the second housing portion.

[0028] Clause 24. The hearing assistance device of clause 23, the housing comprising a collar comprising a retention feature, the opening being disposed in the collar, wherein the collar is fastened to the housing by the retention feature.

[0029] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described examples, other examples can be envisaged by the person skilled in the art upon reading the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] The objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description and appended claims considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are intended to depict only representative embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore should not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 1 A hearing assistance device comprising an in-ear unit and a base unit is shown.

[0032] Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a representative in-ear unit.

[0033] Figure 3 is an isometric view of the BTE unit electrical connector.

[0034] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the interference fit between the electrical cable assembly or sound tube and the receptacle portion of the hearing device housing.

[0035] Figure 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the hearing device housing and a portion of the electrical cable assembly or sound conduit.

[0036] Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the housing and cable assembly or sound conduit of Figure 5 in an assembled state.

[0037] Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of Figure 6 .

[0038] Figure 8 is an isometric view of the electrical cable assembly or sound conduit receptacle portion of a hearing device component.

[0039] Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the receptacle portion of Figure 8 holding an electrical cable assembly or sound conduit.

[0040] Figure 10 is an isometric view of an alternative electrical cable assembly or sound conduit receptacle portion of a hearing device component.

[0041] Figure 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the receptacle portion of Figure 10 holding an electrical cable assembly or sound conduit.

[0042] Figure 12 is an isometric view of an electrical cable assembly or sound conduit receptacle portion configured for assembly with a hearing device housing.

[0043] Figure 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ferrule of Figure 12 assembled with a hearing device housing.

[0044] Figure 14 is an end view of the ferrule of Figure 12 .

[0045] Figure 15 is an isometric view of another electrical cable assembly or sound conduit receptacle portion configured for assembly with a hearing device housing.

[0046] Figure 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the receptacle portion ofFigure 15 partial cross-sectional view of the ferrule of

[0047] Figure 17 Figure 15 cross-sectional view of the ferrule of

[0048] Figure 18 isometric view of a ferrule configured for assembly with a hearing aid housing member.

[0049] Figure 19 is a partial isometric view of a ferrule configured for assembly with a hearing aid housing member.

[0050] Figure 20 Figure 19 end view of the ferrule of

[0051] Figure 21 is an end view of a multi-part hearing aid housing holding an electrical cable assembly or sound tube.

[0052] Figure 22 is an exploded view of the multi-part hearing aid housing of Figure 21

[0053] is an end view of a multi-part hearing aid housing having openings symmetrically arranged in the parts of the multi-part hearing aid housing. Figure 23

[0054] is an end view of the hearing aid housing of Figure 24 Figure 23 is an end view of a multi-part hearing aid housing having openings asymmetrically arranged in the parts of the multi-part hearing aid housing.

[0055] Figure 25 is an end view of the hearing aid housing of

[0056] Figure 26 Figure 23 is an end view of the hearing aid housing of

[0057] Figure 27 is a partial cross-sectional view along line a-a of Figure 26

[0058] Figure 28 is an end view of the multi-part hearing aid housing of Figure 26

[0059] ​​​​​​Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the figures are diagrammatic and so the depictions of known elements in the figures can not be drawn to scale and that the orientations of such elements can be presented differently than described or depicted herein, unless otherwise indicated herein. The terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meanings as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, unless otherwise specifically defined herein, or in terms reasonably equivalent thereto. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] The present disclosure relates generally to ear-worn hearing assistance devices and components including electrical cable assemblies or sound tubes, and more particularly to mechanisms for securely fastening electrical cable assemblies (also referred to herein as “electrical cables” or “cables”), sound tubes, or other members to hearing assistance devices or components, and combinations thereof. The components can be part of a receiver-in-canal (RIC) unit, a behind-the-ear (BTE) unit or electromechanical BTE connector, among other hearing assistance device components. Representative examples are further described herein.

[0061] Hearing assistance devices or components generally include a housing that houses electrical or mechanical hearing assistance device components. More specific examples of such components are further described herein in the context of representative hearing assistance devices and components. The housing includes an opening that defines a channel configured to receive an end of an electrical cable assembly, a sound tube, or other member. The opening can be an integral part of a single housing or a multi-part housing. Alternatively, the opening can be a discrete component that assembles with and is retained by the housing or other component, such as a ferrule. One or more retention members that protrude into the opening from an inner surface of the channel are configured to mechanically engage and retain the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other member positioned in the opening. The one or more retention members resist movement (e.g., rotational or axial displacement) of the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other member relative to the inner surface of the opening when the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other member is disposed in the opening.

[0062] In one implementation, the hearing assistance device component is a receiver-in-canal (RIC) unit that includes a speaker and an electrical cable assembly disposed in an opening of the housing. The electrical cable assembly mechanically engages with one or more retention members that protrude from the opening of the housing to resist movement of the electrical cable assembly, as further described herein. Figure 1 An ear-worn hearing assistance device 100 is shown that includes a RIC unit 110 connected to a BTE unit 120 by an electrical cable assembly 130. The speaker of the RIC unit is acoustically coupled to a sound channel through a nozzle that supports a resilient ear dome 114 configured for at least partial insertion into a user’s ear canal. In Figure 2In this example, a representative RIC unit includes a speaker 200 disposed within an outer housing 112 integrated with a nozzle 202, the nozzle 202 having a sound channel 204 and a design for holding the ear dome ( Figure 2 External rib 206 (not shown in the image). Figure 1 In the middle, the nozzle supporting the ear dome 114 is directly integrated with the speaker housing 118, without... Figure 2 The illustrated enclosure is the outer housing or other structure of the speaker housing. Figure 1 In this configuration, the electrical cable assembly 130 connects to a socket at interface 140 of the speaker housing 118, an example of which is further described herein. Elimination Figure 2 The outer casing 112 shown can reduce the overall size of the RIC unit.

[0063] exist Figures 1-2 In this context, loudspeakers are implemented as balanced armature receivers (BARs) due to their small size, electrical efficiency, and high audio fidelity. The receivers typically include one or more motor-actuated diaphragms for emitting sound in response to an electrical signal applied to the motor via an electrical cable assembly. In some embodiments, multiple receivers may be acoustically coupled to a nozzle. Alternatively, the loudspeaker may include a dynamic driver, a piezoelectric driver, a MEMS electrostatic driver, or any other suitable acoustic driver, or a combination of two or more loudspeakers.

[0064] Electrical cable assemblies can be such as Figure 1 The diagram shows a pre-formed shape-retaining flexible member. Alternatively, the electrical cable assembly can be a non-shape-retaining member or a shape-retaining member that can be deformed by the user for a customized fit. Figure 2 In this electrical cable assembly, one or more electrical conductors are disposed within an insulated conduit. The conductors may be stranded wires or other suitable conductors. The conductors of the electrical cable assembly are connected to contacts 209 on the electrical interface of the speaker 200. The electrical cable may also include reinforcing members. Reinforcing elements may include fibers, such as Kevlar fibers, to reinforce the cable assembly.

[0065] In another embodiment, the hearing aid device component is a BTE electrical connector, which includes electrical contacts integrated with a BTE electrical connector housing. An electrical cable assembly disposed in an opening in the BTE electrical connector housing is mechanically engaged with one or more retaining members protruding into the opening in the housing to prevent or resist movement of the electrical cable, as further described herein. Figure 3 A BTE electrical connector 300 is shown connected to an electrical cable assembly 130. The BTE connector connects to or can be connected to a BTE unit configured to be worn behind a user's ear, such as... Figure 1The BTE electrical connector is releasably connected to the BTE unit by mechanical and electrical connectors to removably connect the RIC unit to the BTE unit. The BTE unit typically includes one or more microphones, audio signal circuitry, and a battery, as well as other circuitry and sensors. The BTE unit provides electrical sound signals to the RIC unit via the electrical cable assembly.

[0066] In another embodiment, the hearing assistance device is a BTE unit that includes a speaker and a sound tube disposed in an opening of a housing of the BTE unit. The sound tube is mechanically engaged with one or more retention members that protrude into the opening of the housing to resist movement of the sound tube, as described further herein. In the absence of a RIC unit, the sound tube is shaped to extend from the BTE unit and into an ear canal of a user. So configured, sound propagates from one or more speakers in the BTE unit to the ear canal of the user via the sound tube. The BTE unit connected to the sound tube is similar in overall structure to the hearing assistance device 100 shown in FIG. 1A without the RIC unit 110, with the one or more speakers in the housing of the BTE unit rather than in the RIC unit. Figure 1

[0067] Generally, the one or more retention members that protrude into the opening of the hearing assistance device or component provide an interference fit with the electrical cable, sound tube, or other component disposed in the opening. The interference required to secure the electrical cable, sound tube, or other component in the opening generally depends on the axial and rotational loads that will be applied to the interference component, the number of retention members, and the material properties of the interference component, among other things. The housing generally includes a Young’s modulus that is greater than the Young’s modulus of the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other component disposed in the housing. The housing can also generally include a yield strength that is greater than the yield strength of the electrical cable assembly or sound tube.

[0068] The interference can generally be characterized as a measure of the overlap between the interference components. In representative embodiments of the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other component, the radial interference Rl is characterized as the difference between the radius R Figure 4 C of the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other component and the radius R P measured from the axis of the electrical cable, sound tube, or other component to the point at which the retention member and the electrical cable, sound tube, or other component interfere the most. In representative hearing assistance devices and components described herein, the radial interference between each of the one or more retention members and the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other component can be about 0.02 millimeters or greater.

[0069] ​​The hearing assistance device or component can also include a gap between the portion(s) of the inner surface of the opening and the outer diameter of the electrical cable assembly or sound tube. The gap can accommodate deformation of the electrical cable or sound tube. The gap can also accommodate glue or adhesive to further secure the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other member in the opening. In Figure 4 representative embodiments, the gap is characterized as a difference between the diameter D O of the opening and the diameter D C of the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other member. In representative hearing assistance device components described herein, the gap between the outer diameter of the electrical cable assembly or sound tube and the inner surface of the opening can be about 0.01 millimeters or greater.

[0070] In Figures 5-7 representative embodiments, the receptacle portion 210 for the electrical cable assembly or sound tube includes an opening 212 into which the electrical cable assembly 220, sound tube, or other member can be inserted. The representative opening is integrated with the housing. In other embodiments, the opening is a portion of the receptacle portion 210 that is configured as a ferrule that is assembled with the housing and secured to the housing by retention features or glue or a combination thereof. Representative ferrules are further described herein.

[0071] The opening includes a plurality of retention members 230 that protrude into the opening from the surface of the channel. The retention members include a tapered portion 232 with a ridge 234 (as shown in Figure 7 In Figures 5-6 representative embodiments, the tapered portion includes a barb that is partially defined by an edge at the end 236 of the tapered portion. The interference between the tapered retention members and the electrical cable, sound tube, or other member increases during insertion of the electrical cable, sound tube, or other member into the opening. Insertion of the electrical cable or sound tube beyond the barb enables the barb to bite into the electrical cable, sound tube, or other member. In Figure 7 representative embodiments, the tapered retention members 230 are equally spaced from one another, but the spacing can also be irregular. In Figures 6-7 representative embodiments, the retention members 230 are shown to be in interference with the electrical cable, sound tube, or other member. The barb and ridge generally resist movement of the electrical cable or sound tube relative to the inner surface of the opening. The barb and ridge can resist both axial and rotational movement. However, depending on the precise configuration of the barb and ridge, the barb can be more effective at resisting axial movement than the ridge, and the ridge can be more effective at resisting rotational movement than the barb.

[0072] In Figures 8-9In this design, the socket portion 210 of the hearing aid component includes a plurality of retaining members configured to project from the surface of a channel and enter a plurality of longitudinal ribs 240 of an opening 212. The longitudinal ribs are aligned with the axis of the opening channel. The ribs 240, serving as retaining members, are equidistant from each other, but the spacing can also be irregular. Figure 9 In the middle, rib 240 mechanically engages with electrical cable assembly 220, sound tube, or other components disposed in opening 212, and the resulting interference fit prevents relative movement between the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other components and the opening. The socket portion may be an integral part of the housing. Alternatively, the socket portion may be a separate collar assembled with the housing.

[0073] exist Figures 10-11 In this design, the socket portion 210 of the hearing aid component includes a plurality of retaining members configured as wedge-shaped members 250 protruding into an opening 212. Each wedge-shaped member 250 includes a portion that reduces the effective diameter of the opening 212 along the axis of the channel defined by the opening. Each retaining member also includes a barb partially defined by an edge 256 at its end. An edge 258 along the axial portion of the retaining member increases rotational resistance. Figure 10 In this configuration, the wedge-shaped members 250 are equidistant from each other, but the spacing can also be irregular. The interference between the wedge-shaped members and the electrical cable, sound tube, or other component increases during the insertion of the electrical cable, sound tube, or other component into the opening. Insertion of the electrical cable, sound tube, or other component beyond the barb allows the barb to engage with the electrical cable, sound tube, or other component. Figure 11 In this configuration, the retaining member is mechanically engaged with the electrical cable assembly 220 disposed in the opening 212, and the resulting interference fit prevents rotation and axial movement of the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other components relative to the opening. The socket portion may be an integral part of the housing. Alternatively, the socket portion may be a collar assembled with the housing.

[0074] exist Figures 12-14 and Figure 18 In the hearing aid component, the socket portion 210 includes a retaining member with one or more longitudinal ribs 240 and one or more wedge-shaped members 250 configured to project from the surface of a channel defined by an opening 212. Figure 14 In this arrangement, the retaining members are asymmetrically distributed around opening 212, but they can also be arranged symmetrically. Figure 18 In the middle, ribs 240 and wedge-shaped members 250 are arranged alternately and symmetrically around opening 212. The longitudinal ribs 240 function similarly to... Figures 8-9 The longitudinal ribs, and the wedge-shaped member 250 functions similarly to Figures 10-11 Wedge-shaped retaining member.

[0075] existFigure 13 In this configuration, the socket portion 210 is configured as a collar assembled with the housing 270. The collar includes a retaining feature configured to securely fasten the collar to the housing 270. The retaining feature may be one or more flat surfaces 244 or other features that prevent rotation and axial movement of the collar relative to the housing. The housing may include an opening 272 with complementary shapes configured to receive the collar with anti-rotation features. Alternatively, the opening may be an integral part of the housing without a separate collar.

[0076] exist Figures 15-17 In this configuration, the socket portion 210 is arranged as a collar for assembly with hearing aid components. The retaining member is configured as one or more longitudinal ribs 240 projecting from the surface of the opening 212 and a continuous annular wedge-shaped member 260. The longitudinal ribs 240 have tapered portions 242 along the axis of the opening and function similarly to... Figures 5-9 The retaining member. The annular wedge member includes barbs partially defined by edge 262. The annular wedge member functions similarly to... Figures 10-11 The sleeve may also include a retaining feature configured to securely fasten the sleeve to the housing. Figure 15 In this configuration, the collar includes one or more flat surfaces 226 on a recessed portion between the outer flange portions 224. The collar can be configured to snap into an aperture in the housing, or multiple housing portions can be assembled around the collar.

[0077] exist Figures 19-20 In the hearing aid component, the socket portion 210 includes an opening 212 with an end wall 214, the end wall 214 having an aperture 216. Figure 20 In the opening, one or more retaining members 218 protrude from the surface of the opening and mechanically engage with an electrical cable assembly 220, a sound tube, or other component disposed within the opening to prevent movement of the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other component relative to the opening. The one or more retaining members 218 may be implemented as any one or more or a combination of representative retaining members described herein or shown in the accompanying drawings. Figure 19When the electrical cable assembly is inserted into the opening, the end of the electrical cable assembly abuts the end wall 214 of the opening. The end wall reliably / definitively positions the electrical cable assembly in the opening and can ensure that the electrical cable assembly is sufficiently inserted into the opening to be in proper mechanical engagement with the retention member. The electrical wires 222 of the electrical cable assembly can extend through the aperture 216 of the end wall 214. More generally, the electrical cable assembly 220 can be a sound tube or other member disposed in the opening. The sound tube can be aligned with the aperture 216 of the end wall 214. In a BTE unit that includes a speaker, the aperture 216 can be acoustically coupled to a conduit of the sound tube through which sound produced by the speaker located in the BTE unit propagates.

[0078] In Figures 21-22 the hearing device component 2100 includes a first housing portion 211 and a second housing portion 213 that are fastened together by complementary snap-fit members. In Figure 22 the opening is at least partially defined by a first opening portion 215 of the first housing portion 211 and a second opening portion 217 of the second housing portion 213 when the first and second housing portions are fastened together. The one or more retention members that protrude from the surface of the opening can be implemented as any one or more of the representative retention members described herein or shown in the drawings or combinations thereof, etc. The electrical cable assembly 220, sound tube or other member can be captured between the first and second opening portions during assembly of the first and second housing portions. The representative snap-fit members include a protrusion 219 on the second housing portion 213 that fits into a complementary recess on the first housing portion 211. The protrusion can be retained therein by an interference fit, epoxy, welding or other means. In other implementations, other types of snap-fit members can be employed.

[0079] In another implementation, the housing of the hearing device component is an audio speaker housing that is connectable to an electrical cable assembly. The speaker housing can be a balanced armature receiver, a dynamic or other speaker housing. Figures 23-26 An end view of a representative speaker housing 400 that includes a first housing portion 410 fastened to a second housing portion 420 is shown. The opening of the speaker housing is at least partially defined by a first opening portion 412 of the first housing portion and a second opening portion 422 of the second housing portion. When the first and second housing portions are assembled, the opening defines a passageway through a wall portion of the housing. Figure 23 and Figure 25 A speaker housing without an electrical cable assembly is shown. Figure 24 、 Figure 26 、 Figure 27 and Figure 28 An electrical cable assembly 430 disposed in the opening of the speaker housing or a portion thereof is shown. Alternatively,Figures 23-28 BTE unit connectable to a sound tube or a connector housing connectable to an electrical cable assembly.

[0080] In Figures 25-28 , the speaker housing includes a protrusion 424 protruding from the end of the housing where the opening is located. The electrical cable assembly extends only partially into the speaker housing. The protrusion 424 provides space within the speaker housing to accommodate the end of the electrical cable assembly (or in other embodiments to accommodate the end of a sound tube) without interfering with other components housed within the housing, such as Figure 27 is best shown.

[0081] The housing includes a plurality of retention members, each retention member including a corresponding housing wall portion that protrudes into the opening. Configured as such, the retention members are unassembled integral portions of the speaker housing. The retention members mechanically engage and retain the electrical cable assembly disposed in the opening to resist rotation and / or axial movement of the electrical cable assembly.

[0082] In one embodiment, the housing includes two metal housing portions formed by stamping and drawing a sheet of metal and other metal forming operations. Balanced armature receiver housings typically include a plurality of metal housing portions, which are often referred to as cups having a relatively uniform wall thickness. The thickness of the BA cup is typically in the range of approximately four to eight thousandths of an inch. In another embodiment, the housing portions include plastic or some other material. The housing portions can be fastened together by welding or glue or other means suitable for the housing material.

[0083] In Figures 23-24 , the first opening portion 412 and the second opening portion 422 of the speaker housing 400 are the same size and are symmetrically positioned about the interface 402 between the mating surfaces of the first housing portion 410 and the second housing portion 420. The retention members of the first housing portion and the second housing portion can be symmetrically or otherwise arranged relative to the interface 402 between the housing portions.

[0084] In Figures 25-26 , the first opening portion 412 in the first housing portion is larger than the second opening portion 422 in the second housing portion. The second housing portion 420 includes two retention members 416 that extend into the second opening portion 422 proximate the mating surface of the second housing portion. In Figure 28 , the two retention members 416 that extend into the second opening portion 422 can retain the disposed electrical cable assembly 430 prior to fastening the first housing portion to the second housing portion. The first housing portion can also include one or more retention members, such as Figures 25-26 is best shown.

[0085] While the present disclosure and presently believed best mode of the present disclosure have been described in terms of the best mode contemplated, and as presently believed to be the best mode to make and use the present disclosure, it will be understood and appreciated that many equivalents can be substituted for the representative embodiments described and that many modifications can be made of the embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0086] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0087] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 398,900, entitled “Hearing Device Component With Electrical Cable or Sound Tube,” filed December 28, 2023, and which claims priority to and the benefit of this U.S. Patent Application under 29 of the Chinese Patent Law.

Claims

1. An ear-worn hearing assistance device, characterized by The ear-wearable hearing assistance device comprises: an electrical or mechanical hearing assistance device component; and a housing accommodating the electrical or mechanical hearing assistance device component, the housing comprising: an opening defining a channel configured to receive an end of an electrical cable assembly or sound tube; and a retaining member protruding from an inner surface of the channel, the retaining member configured to mechanically engage the electrical cable assembly or sound tube disposed in the opening, wherein the retaining member mechanically resists movement of the electrical cable assembly or sound tube relative to the housing when the electrical cable assembly or sound tube is disposed in the opening.

2. The ear-wearable hearing assistance device of claim 1, wherein, The ear-wearable hearing assistance device further comprises a gap between an outer diameter of the electrical cable assembly or sound tube and the inner surface of the opening, wherein the retaining member is configured to provide a radial interference with the electrical cable assembly or sound tube disposed in the opening.

3. The ear-wearable hearing assistance device of claim 2, wherein, The ear-wearable hearing assistance device further comprises a ferrule fastened to the housing, wherein the opening is disposed in the ferrule.

4. The ear-wearable hearing assistance device of claim 1, wherein, The housing has a Young's modulus that is greater than a Young's modulus of the electrical cable assembly or sound tube.

5. The ear-wearable hearing assistance device of claim 1, wherein, The housing has a yield strength that is greater than a yield strength of the electrical cable assembly or sound tube.

6. The ear-wearable hearing assistance device of claim 1, wherein, The retaining member comprises a tapered portion having a ridge aligned with an axis of the channel, the tapered portion comprising a barb, wherein the barb resists movement of the electrical cable assembly or sound tube relative to the opening.

7. The ear-wearable hearing assistance device of claim 1, wherein, The retaining member comprises a rib aligned with an axis of the channel, wherein the rib resists rotation of the electrical cable assembly or sound tube relative to the opening.

8. The ear-wearable hearing assistance device of claim 1, wherein, The retaining member comprises a wedge-shaped portion aligned with an axis of the channel, the wedge-shaped portion comprising a portion that reduces an effective diameter of the opening, the wedge-shaped portion comprising a barb that is mechanically engageable with the electrical cable assembly or sound tube when the electrical cable assembly or sound tube is inserted into the opening.

9. The ear-wearable hearing assistance device of claim 1, wherein, The opening of the housing comprises an end wall having an aperture, wherein an end of the electrical cable assembly or sound tube abuts the end wall of the opening when the electrical cable assembly or sound tube is inserted into the opening.

10. The ear-wearable hearing assistance device of claim 1, wherein, The housing is an assembly comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion fastened together, the opening being at least partially defined by a first opening portion of the first housing portion and a second opening portion of the second housing portion when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are fastened together.

11. The ear-wearable hearing assistance device of claim 1, wherein, The housing is a balanced armature receiver housing connected to an electrical cable assembly, the housing comprising a first metal housing portion fastened to a second metal housing portion, the opening being at least partially defined by a first opening portion of the first metal housing portion and a second opening portion of the second metal housing portion, the channel extending through a wall portion of the housing, a plurality of retaining members each comprising a corresponding wall portion protruding into the opening, wherein each retaining member is configured to mechanically engage and retain the electrical cable assembly in the opening.

12. The ear-wearable hearing assistance device of claim 11, wherein, The first opening portion is larger than the second opening portion, the first metal housing portion includes two retaining members extending into the first opening portion proximate to a mating surface of the first metal housing portion, wherein the two retaining members of the first metal housing portion are capable of retaining the electrical cable assembly disposed in the first opening portion prior to the first metal housing portion being fastened to the second metal housing portion.

13. The ear-wearable hearing assistance device of claim 1, wherein, The ear-wearable hearing assistance device is an in-ear receiver unit, the in-ear receiver unit including a speaker and an electrical cable assembly disposed in the opening of the housing and mechanically engaged with the retaining member.

14. The ear-wearable hearing assistance device of claim 1, wherein, The ear-wearable hearing assistance device is a behind-the-ear unit, the behind-the-ear unit including a speaker and a sound tube disposed in the opening of the housing and mechanically engaged with the retaining member.

15. The ear-wearable hearing assistance device of claim 1, wherein, The ear-wearable hearing assistance device is a behind-the-ear connector, the behind-the-ear connector including electrical contacts integrated with the housing and an electrical cable assembly disposed in the opening of the housing, the electrical cable assembly mechanically engaged with the retaining member.

16. A hearing assistance device, characterized by The hearing assistance device includes: a balanced armature receiver including a housing having a nozzle configured for at least partial insertion into an ear canal of a user, the housing including: an opening defining a passageway through a wall portion of the housing; and a retaining member including a portion of the housing protruding into the opening; and an electrical cable assembly including a connector on one end and another end disposed in the opening of the housing, the retaining member mechanically engaging and retaining the other end disposed in the opening of the housing, wherein the retaining member resists movement of the electrical cable assembly relative to the housing.

17. The hearing assistance device of claim 16, wherein, The retaining member resists rotation and axial movement of the electrical cable assembly relative to the housing.

18. The hearing assistance device of claim 17, wherein, The housing includes a first metal housing portion fastened to a second metal housing portion, the opening is defined at least in part by a first opening portion of the first metal housing portion and a second opening portion of the second metal housing portion, the plurality of retaining members each include a corresponding wall portion protruding into the opening.

19. The hearing assistance device of claim 18, wherein, The first opening portion is larger than the second opening portion, two of the retaining members extend into the first opening portion proximate to a mating surface of the first metal housing portion, wherein the two retaining members of the first metal housing portion are capable of retaining the electrical cable assembly disposed in the first opening portion prior to the first metal housing portion being fastened to the second metal housing portion.

20. A hearing assistance device, characterized by The hearing assistance device includes: an in-ear receiver component including a housing for a speaker and a nozzle configured for at least partial insertion into an ear canal of a user, the housing including: an opening defining a passageway having an inner surface; and a retaining member integrated with the housing and protruding from the inner surface of the opening; and an electrical cable assembly disposed in the opening of the housing, the electrical cable assembly mechanically engaged with the retaining member. An electrical cable assembly comprising an end portion of the electrical cable assembly disposed in the opening of the housing and mechanically engaged with the retaining member, wherein the retaining member resists rotation and axial movement of the electrical cable assembly relative to the housing.

21. The hearing assistance device of claim 20, wherein, The retaining member comprises a tapered portion having a ridge aligned with an axis of the passage, the tapered portion comprising an undercut, wherein the retaining member resists rotation and axial movement of the electrical cable assembly.

22. The hearing assistance device of claim 20, wherein, The opening of the housing comprises an end wall having an aperture, wherein the end portion of the electrical cable assembly abuts the end wall of the opening when inserted into the opening and electrical conductors of the electrical cable assembly extend through the aperture of the end wall.

23. The hearing assistance device of claim 20, wherein, The housing is an assembly comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion fastened together, the opening being at least partially defined by a first opening portion of the first housing portion and a second opening portion of the second housing portion when the first housing portion is fastened to the second housing portion.

24. The hearing assistance device of claim 23, wherein, The housing comprises a ferrule comprising a retaining feature, the opening being disposed in the ferrule, wherein the ferrule is fastened to the housing by the retaining feature.

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