Ear-wearable hearing device

Abstract

The present application relates to an ear-wearable hearing device. The device includes a receiver having a transducer housing with a stepped end portion. One or more diaphragms are disposed in the transducer housing and partition an interior of the transducer housing into a back cavity volume and a front cavity volume, the front cavity volume being connected to a sound port at the stepped end portion. The stepped end portion can house the diaphragm inside the transducer housing and a hearing device component outside the transducer housing. A motor disposed in the transducer housing is coupled to the diaphragm and electrically connected to an internal or external electrical interface of the hearing device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates generally to hearing devices, and more specifically to sound transducers and components that are appropriately sized for use in ear-worn hearing devices, hearing device sub-components, and combinations thereof. Background Technology

[0002] Ear-worn hearing devices typically include one or more sound-emitting transducers integrated into a housing that is fitted onto or at least partially within a user's ear. These transducers include dynamic speakers, balanced armature receivers, and combinations thereof. Hearing devices may also include wireless transceivers, audio processors, batteries, one or more microphones, and various sensors. However, due to space constraints, particularly in hearing devices worn on or at least partially within the outer ear, integrating these and other components into ear-worn hearing devices requires trade-offs. Therefore, there is an ongoing need to improve transducers, transducer sub-assemblies, and combinations thereof suitable for ear-worn hearing devices. Utility Model Content

[0003] One aspect of this application relates to an ear-worn hearing device, comprising: a housing having a sound channel on a portion thereof, the sound channel being configured to be at least partially inserted into an ear; and a sound transducer located within the housing, the sound transducer comprising: a transducer housing including a stepped end portion, the stepped end portion including a first step and a second step, the first step being defined by a first recessed wall portion separated from a protruding wall portion by a first offset wall portion, and the second step being defined by a second recessed wall portion separated from the protruding wall portion by a second offset wall portion. The transducer housing is defined by a wall portion, with the first step and the second step located on opposite sides of the transducer housing; a first diaphragm disposed within the transducer housing and dividing the interior of the transducer housing into a rear cavity volume and a front cavity volume, the first diaphragm extending into the stepped end portion of the transducer housing; a sound port located within the stepped end portion of the transducer housing and between the front cavity volume and the sound channel; a motor disposed within the transducer housing and including an armature coupled to the first diaphragm; and electrical terminals electrically connected to the motor.

[0004] The ear-worn hearing device also includes an electrical component located at the first step on the outside of the transducer housing.

[0005] The ear-worn hearing device also includes a flexible circuit, which includes a conductor that connects the electrical component to the electrical terminal or another electrical interface of the ear-worn hearing device.

[0006] The ear-worn hearing device further includes: a second diaphragm disposed in the transducer housing between the front cavity volume and the second rear cavity volume; and the motor is connected to the second diaphragm.

[0007] The first diaphragm separates the front cavity volume from the first rear cavity volume, the second diaphragm separates the front cavity volume from the second rear cavity volume, and the sound port is located at the protruding wall portion of the stepped end portion.

[0008] The sound channel passes through an opening that contracts around at least a portion of the stepped end portion of the transducer housing.

[0009] The electrical component is a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microphone or a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) vibration sensor.

[0010] Another aspect of this application relates to an ear-worn hearing device, the ear-worn hearing device comprising: a housing having a sound channel on a portion thereof, the sound channel being configured to be at least partially inserted into an ear; a sound transducer at least partially disposed within the housing, and comprising: a transducer housing including a stepped end portion, the stepped end portion including a first recessed wall portion separated from a protruding wall portion by a first offset wall portion; a first diaphragm and a second diaphragm, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm at least dividing the interior of the transducer housing into The transducer housing comprises a front cavity volume and a rear cavity volume, wherein the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm extend into the stepped end portion of the transducer housing; a sound port located in the transducer housing and extending between the front cavity volume and the sound channel; a motor located in the transducer housing and connected to the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm; an electrical terminal electrically connected to the motor; and an electrical component located at a first step on the exterior of the transducer housing, the first step being defined by a first recessed wall portion and a first offset wall portion.

[0011] The ear-worn hearing device also includes a conductor that connects the electrical components to the electrical terminals or the electrical interface of the ear-worn hearing device.

[0012] The first diaphragm separates the front cavity volume from the first rear cavity volume, the second diaphragm separates the front cavity volume from the second rear cavity volume, and the sound port is located at the protruding wall portion of the stepped end portion.

[0013] The electrical component is a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microphone or a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) vibration sensor. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The objects, features, and advantages of this application will become more apparent when considered in conjunction with the following detailed description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings depict only representative embodiments and implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of this application, which is set forth in the appended claims.

[0015] Figure 1 It is a representative ear-worn hearing device.

[0016] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of a representative transducer assembly, including a single-driver acoustic transducer and electrical components.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the alternative transducer component configuration.

[0018] Figure 4 It includes Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of a representative ear-worn hearing device of the type of transducer assembly shown.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a representative multi-driver acoustic transducer.

[0020] Figure 6 It includes Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of a representative ear-worn hearing device with a sound-generating transducer of the type shown.

[0021] Figure 7 It includes Figure 5 A representative transducer assembly of the type shown, consisting of a multi-driver acoustic transducer and electrical components.

[0022] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of an alternative transducer assembly that includes a multi-driver acoustic transducer and electrical components.

[0023] Figure 9 It includes Figure 7 A partial cross-sectional view of a representative ear-worn hearing device of the type of transducer assembly shown.

[0024] Figure 10 It is another representative ear-worn hearing device.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative ear-worn hearing device that includes integrated electrical components.

[0026] Those skilled in the art will understand that the accompanying drawings are for simplicity and clarity and may therefore not be drawn to scale and may not include well-known features. The order in which actions or steps occur may differ from the order described. Some or all of these actions or steps may be performed simultaneously unless otherwise stated. And unless specifically assigned a different meaning, the terms and expressions used herein have the meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. Detailed Implementation

[0027] This application relates to ear-worn hearing devices, sound transducers, and transducer assemblies sized for integration into ear-worn hearing devices, hearing device components and sub-assemblies, and combinations thereof. Such ear-worn hearing devices include, but are not limited to, in-ear receiver (RIC) devices, in-ear (ITE) devices, in-ear (ITC) devices, and true wireless stereo (TWS) devices, as well as other headphones and body-worn hearing devices. The sound transducers and assemblies described herein can be integrated with any hearing device worn on, inside, or above the ear, and other host devices. Representative examples are described herein.

[0028] Figure 1 A representative ear-worn hearing device 100 typically includes an ear-worn unit 110 connected to a base unit 120 via a cable assembly 130 extending from the ear-worn unit. The cable assembly may include an electrical connector portion releasably or permanently connected to a mating electrical connector portion integrated with the base unit. The ear-worn unit typically includes a speaker or receiver that generates an acoustic signal in response to an electro-audio signal provided by the base unit. The representative ear-worn unit 110 includes a receiver 118 having a sound port connected via a tube to a resilient earcup 114 configured to at least partially support the ear-worn unit in the user's ear canal. Such an ear-worn unit, alone or in combination with the cable assembly, may also be referred to herein as an in-canal receiver (RIC) unit or component. A representative receiver is further described herein, also referred to herein as a sound transducer. The ear-worn unit may also include other electro- or mechanical hearing device components.

[0029] A representative base unit is configured to be worn behind a user's ear and is also referred to herein as a behind-the-ear (BTE) unit or component. A representative base unit typically includes one or more microphones, a processor and other circuitry, and a battery. In this configuration, the base unit can process acoustic audio signals detected by one or more microphones (e.g., noise suppression, sound amplification, etc.) and deliver electro-audio signals to a speaker unit via a cable assembly. The base unit may also include other electro- or mechanical hearing device components, including but not limited to wireless transceivers and other circuitry and electrical components. More generally, the base unit may be configured to be worn on or around another body part (e.g., the neck, arm, waist, leg, and other body parts).

[0030] In other ear-worn hearing devices, the components and functions of the ear-worn unit and the base unit are integrated into a single integrated device for wearing on or in the ear. Such hearing devices can be implemented as ITE, ITC, and TWS devices, as well as other headphones and ear-worn hearing devices.

[0031] According to one aspect of this application, a sound-emitting transducer is implemented as a balanced armature receiver (also referred to herein as a "receiver"), sized for integration into an ear-worn hearing device. The receiver typically includes one or more diaphragms located within a transducer housing and dividing the interior of the transducer housing into at least a rear cavity volume and a front cavity volume. The transducer housing includes a stepped end portion having a sound port coupled to the front cavity volume. A motor located within the transducer housing includes an armature connected to the diaphragms and contacts electrically connected to electrical terminals accessible from the outside of the transducer housing. The stepped end portion reduces the size of at least a portion of the hearing device and provides space to accommodate other components when the receiver is integrated with the hearing device.

[0032] exist Figure 2 and Figure 5In this embodiment, representative receivers (e.g., transducers 200) each include a transducer housing 201, which includes a stepped end portion and an opposing end portion. The stepped end portion includes a first recessed wall portion 202 separated from a protruding wall portion 204 by a first offset wall portion 206. A diaphragm 210 located within the transducer housing divides the interior of the transducer housing into a front cavity volume 212 and a rear cavity volume 214. In some embodiments, the diaphragm extends into the stepped end portion of the transducer housing to provide substantially the same sound output as a transducer of the same size without the stepped end portion. A sound port 216 disposed through the stepped end portion extends between the front cavity volume and the exterior of the transducer housing. Alternatively, the sound port may be disposed through another wall portion of the transducer housing. A motor located within the transducer housing includes an armature 218, which is connected to the diaphragm via a drive rod or other linkage. Electrical terminals 220, including contacts accessible from the outside of the transducer housing, are electrically connected to coils 222 arranged around the armature. Coil wires can be electrically connected to internal contacts on the inner side of the electrical terminals, and the internal contacts can be electrically connected to contacts on the outer side of the electrical terminals via through-holes or other conductors extending through the electrical terminals. Electrical signals applied to the coils via the electrical terminals cause the movable portion of the armature to vibrate between permanent magnets 224 of the motor. Vibrating the armature causes the diaphragm to vibrate, generating acoustic energy at the sound port.

[0033] In some implementations, when the receiver is integrated with a hearing aid or other host device, one or more components may be located at a stepped end portion of the transducer housing. These components may be electrical or non-electrical. Representative components include, but are not limited to, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microphones, accelerometers, MEMS vibration sensors, pickup coils, physiological and environmental sensors, and other known and future sensor and hearing device components. Electrical components may be electrically connected to electrical terminals on the transducer housing. Alternatively, electrical components may be connected to other electrical interfaces of the hearing device or host device. Another electrical interface may be part of circuitry or electrical components located within the hearing device, such as an analog-to-digital (D / A) converter, multiplexer, processor, etc.

[0034] exist Figures 2 to 3 and Figures 7 to 8 In this embodiment, the sound-emitting transducer 200 includes an electrical component 230 located at a first step on the exterior of the transducer housing. The first step is defined by a first recessed wall portion 202 and a first offset wall portion 206 of the transducer housing, as shown below. Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown in the best example. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this configuration, transducer 200 is a single-driver device. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this article, transducer 200 is referenced. Figure 5A general description of the types of multi-driver devices. Figure 3 and Figure 8 In this design, the electrical component is a MEMS microphone, which includes an audio port 232 facing the same direction as the receiver audio port 216. Alternatively, audio ports 216 and 232 can be oriented in different directions, as long as they function as intended when integrated with the host device. Figure 2 For example, the microphone port can be located on the top surface 231, any side surface 233, or bottom surface of the microphone or other sensor requiring a port. In other embodiments, the electrical component can be a different type of sensor or component, examples of which are described herein. Some components, such as vibration sensors, do not require a sound port. In other electrical components (such as physiological sensors), the output / input ports of the component may also be oriented in other directions compared to the described example of a sensor sound port. Figure 3 and Figure 8 Compared to the electrical components 230, Figure 2 and Figure 7 The electrical component 230 has a different orientation relative to the transducer housing 201.

[0035] exist Figures 2 to 3 and Figures 7 to 8 In this embodiment, electrical component 230 is electrically connected to electrical terminal 220 via circuit 234, which includes one or more conductors that electrically connect one or more contact points of the electrical component to corresponding contacts of the electrical terminal. The contacts of the electrical terminal can be accessed from the outside of the transducer housing. In other embodiments, the electrical component may be electrically connected to an electrical interface (not shown) other than electrical terminal 220. The conductors may be part of a circuit comprising a rigid or flexible body. In one embodiment, the circuit is a flexible strip circuit.

[0036] The acoustic transducer and electrical or non-electrical components may be integrated with or not integrated with the circuitry to form a subassembly that can be more easily integrated with hearing devices or other host devices. Components may be secured to the transducer housing by adhesives, interference fits, mechanical retaining features, or other fastening devices. In one embodiment, the subassembly includes components secured to a stepped end portion of the transducer housing. In subassemblies that also include electrical components, one or more conductors may be electrically connected to at least the electrical components and may be electrically connected to electrical terminals. Conductors (e.g., flexible strip circuits) may also be secured to the transducer housing by adhesives, double-sided tape, or other fastening devices. Alternatively, the acoustic transducer, components, and conductors may be discrete components integrated separately from the host device.

[0037] In one representative embodiment of a hearing device, the hearing device includes a sound-emitting transducer at least partially disposed within an outer housing. The transducer housing includes a stepped end portion comprising a recessed wall portion separated from a protruding wall portion by an offset wall portion. A diaphragm disposed within the transducer housing extends into the stepped end portion and divides the interior of the transducer housing into a rear cavity volume and a front cavity volume. A sound port located in the stepped end portion extends through the transducer housing between the front cavity volume and the exterior of the transducer housing. A motor disposed within the transducer housing includes an armature coupled to the diaphragm. The motor may be electrically connected to conductors of a cable assembly via electrical terminals on the interior or exterior of the sound-emitting transducer, as described herein in embodiments where the in-ear unit and base unit are separate.

[0038] In some embodiments, the sound transducer also includes electrical or non-electrical components located at a stepped end portion of the transducer housing. This component is located outside the rear cavity volume of the transducer housing and may be located within the outer housing of the hearing device. This component can be electrically connected to electrical terminals or another electrical interface of the sound transducer via one or more electrical conductors. Such conductors may be part of flexible circuitry or other circuitry also located within the outer housing of the hearing device.

[0039] exist Figure 4 In this example, a representative hearing device 300 includes an outer housing 310 that at least partially encloses a portion of a sound-emitting transducer 200. The outer housing includes an acoustic channel 312 extending through an opening 314, configured to at least partially insert into a user's ear. The opening may include one or more ribs 316 or other features to retain the earmuff (…). Figure 4 (Not shown in the image), for comfortably positioning the hearing device at least partially in the ear. The sound transducer 200 includes a transducer housing having a stepped end portion located within an outer housing 310. The sound port 216 of the sound transducer is acoustically coupled to an acoustic channel 312 at the port. The end of the cable assembly 328 is electrically connected to contacts of an electrical terminal 220. The motor of the transducer 200 (… Figure 4 (Not shown) is also connected to contacts of electrical terminals, as described herein. The other end of the cable assembly can be connected to a separate base unit that includes a signal processor, microphone, battery, wireless transceiver, and other hearing device components as described herein.

[0040] Other hearing devices, including in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), and TWS hearing devices, as well as other headphones and hearing devices, are completely standalone and do not include cable assemblies for connection to the base unit, and may not require earcups. In such hearing devices, transducers and electrical components can be connected to the electrical interfaces of the processor or controller and other electrical components within the housing of the hearing device without the need for cable assemblies.

[0041] exist Figure 4 In this configuration, electrical component 322 is also disposed within the outer housing 310 at the stepped end portion of the transducer housing 201, as described herein. Electrical component 322 is located at the first step of the transducer housing, which is formed by a combination... Figure 2 The first recessed wall portion 202 and the first offset wall portion 206 are defined as described. Figure 4 In this process, adhesive or other fastening device 323 secures the electrical component 322 to the stepped end portion of the transducer housing. The flexible circuit 326 includes one or more conductors electrically connected to corresponding contacts of the electrical component 322 and contacts of the electrical terminal 220. In some embodiments, the flexible circuit is also secured to the transducer housing, as described herein. The electrical component may be a MEMS microphone or vibration sensor, as well as other sensors and components, representative examples of which are described herein.

[0042] In some embodiments, the sound-generating transducer is a multi-driver device including a second diaphragm disposed within a transducer housing between a front cavity volume and a second rear cavity volume. This configuration places the front cavity volume between the first and second diaphragms. A second motor located within the transducer housing includes an armature connected to the second diaphragm and is electrically connected to contacts of electrical terminals. In some multi-driver embodiments, the stepped end portion includes a second recessed wall portion separated from the protruding wall portion by a second offset wall portion. The second diaphragm may also extend into the stepped end portion of the transducer housing, and the sound port may extend through the protruding wall portion. Alternatively, the sound port may extend through the offset wall portion, the recessed wall portion, or some other wall portion of the transducer housing.

[0043] exist Figure 5In the multi-driver receiver, a second diaphragm 213 located in the transducer housing 201 separates the front cavity volume 212 from the second rear cavity volume 215. The second diaphragm extends into a stepped end portion of the transducer housing to provide substantially the same output as a multi-driver transducer of the same size without the stepped end portion. The front cavity volume 212 is located between the first and second diaphragms, and the sound port 216 extends through the protruding wall portion 204. A second motor located in the transducer housing includes an armature 219 connected to the second diaphragm 213 via a drive rod or other linkage. A coil 223 arranged around the armature of the second motor is electrically connected to contacts of electrical terminals 220. The first and second motors may be connected in parallel or otherwise connected at the electrical terminals. An electrical signal applied to the coil 223 via the electrical terminals causes a movable portion of the armature 219 to vibrate between permanent magnets 225 of the second motor. The first and second diaphragms may be simultaneously actuated toward and away from each other to generate acoustic energy at the sound port 216.

[0044] Alternatively, the first and second diaphragms can divide the interior of the transducer housing into a first front cavity volume and a second front cavity volume, which are driven by a first motor and a second motor located in corresponding rear first and rear second volumes, respectively. In another alternative embodiment, the first and second diaphragms can be driven by a single motor in a common rear cavity volume. These and other multi-driver receivers are described in U.S. Patent No. 11,272,294, assigned to Knowles Electronics, LLC.

[0045] exist Figure 5 In the middle, the stepped end portion includes a second recessed wall portion 226 separated from the protruding wall portion 216 by a second offset wall portion 228. Figure 7 In the multi-driver acoustic transducer, a stepped end portion is included, having a first step and a second step, wherein one step accommodates an electrical component 230. Figure 8 In the multi-driver acoustic transducer, there is a stepped end portion having a single step that accommodates an electrical component 230.

[0046] exist Figure 6 Another representative ear-worn hearing device 400 includes an outer housing 402 that at least partially encapsulates the device described herein. Figure 5This is a portion of a multi-driver acoustic transducer 200 of a generally described type. The multi-driver acoustic transducer includes a transducer housing 201 having a stepped end portion located within an outer housing 402. The stepped end portion includes a first step defined by a first recessed wall portion 202 and a first offset wall portion 206. The stepped end portion also includes a second step defined by a second recessed wall portion 226 and a second offset wall portion 228. A sound port 216 extends through a protruding wall portion 204 between the front cavity volume and the exterior of the transducer housing.

[0047] The outer housing 402 includes an acoustic channel 404 passing through an opening 406, which is configured to at least partially insert into a user's ear. A portion 414 of the opening tapers around at least a portion of a stepped end portion of the transducer housing 201. This configuration allows for a reduction in the size and overall length of the hearing device compared to a hearing device including a transducer without a stepped end portion, without reducing the sound output of the transducer. A sound port 216 is acoustically coupled to the acoustic channel 404 of the opening. The opening may include one or more ribs 408 or other features to retain the earmuff (…). Figure 6 (Not shown in the image), as described herein. Cable assembly 410 is connected to outer housing 402 and includes one or more conductors electrically connected to contacts of electrical terminals 220 of the transducer housing for connection to a base unit as described herein. Other hearing devices include components entirely contained within a common housing and do not include a cable assembly connected to the base unit, and may not require earmuffs.

[0048] exist Figure 9 Another representative ear-worn hearing device 500 includes an external hearing device housing 502, which at least partially encapsulates the device described herein. Figure 7 This is a portion of a multi-driver transducer 200 of the generally described type. As described herein, an electrical component 230 located at a first step of the stepped end portion of the transducer 200 is electrically connected to the transducer's electrical interface (e.g., electrical terminal 220) via a flexible circuit 234. In other embodiments, another component may be located at a second step of the stepped end portion of the transducer. This configuration creates space within the hearing device housing in the stepped end portion of the multi-driver transducer to accommodate one or more additional components without unduly increasing the overall size of the hearing device and without reducing the sound output of the transducer.

[0049] exist Figure 10In the hearing device 510, a sound transducer 520 is included. The sound transducer 520 includes a transducer housing 522 having a stepped end portion with a sound channel 523 passing through an opening 524 integrated with the transducer housing. The stepped end portion includes a recessed wall portion 526 separated from the end wall 527 of the transducer housing by an offset wall portion 528. The hearing device 510 does not... Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 9 The outer casing is shown. In Figure 10 In this configuration, the transducer housing 522 forms the exterior of the hearing device. This configuration eliminates the need for a structure enclosing at least a portion of the transducer housing that extends into the user's ear, thus reducing the overall size of the hearing device. The motor can be directly coupled to the inner surface of the transducer housing without intermediate structures, further reducing the overall size of the hearing device. The stepped end portion further reduces the size of the portion of the hearing device extending into the user's ear.

[0050] In some implementations, the reduced size of the transducer housing makes room for one or more electrical or non-electrical components (e.g., sensors) on the exterior of the transducer housing. Figure 10 In, for example, electrical components ( Figure 10 (Not shown) can be fixed to the step defined by the recessed wall portion 526 and the offset wall portion 528 of the transducer housing 522. Electrical components can be fixed or not fixed to the flexible or other circuitry of the transducer housing. Figure 10 The conductor (not shown) is electrically connected to the cable assembly 530.

[0051] exist Figure 11 In the hearing device 600, a sound transducer 610 is included. The sound transducer 610 includes a transducer housing 612, which has a sound port 614 connected to a channel through a port 616 integrated with the transducer housing. The transducer housing 612 constitutes the exterior of the hearing device, and does not have... Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 9 The outer casing shown is as referenced. Figure 10 The hearing device described. Figure 11In this transducer housing, diaphragm 618 divides the interior of the transducer housing into a rear cavity volume 620 and a front cavity volume 622 connected to the sound port. A motor 628, located in the rear cavity volume, is connected to the diaphragm via a linkage as described herein. An electrical component 624 is disposed within a chamber of the transducer housing, formed by an inner stepped wall portion 626 and an outer wall portion 611. The stepped wall portion 626 isolates the electrical component 624 from the rear cavity volume 620 and can be assembled into the bottom cup of the transducer housing after the electrical component is installed. In other embodiments, the transducer housing 612 does not have an outer housing portion (e.g., outer wall portion 611) enclosing the electrical component, wherein the electrical component is located at a step on the exterior of the transducer housing.

[0052] exist Figure 11 In this configuration, electrical component 624 is connected to electrical terminal 630 located within a chamber of the transducer housing. Port 615 allows the chamber to be connected to the outside of the hearing device for use with components that require it, such as a microphone. Conductors 632 located within the rear cavity volume (e.g., part of a flexible circuit or other circuitry) electrically connect electrical terminal 630 to one or more conductors of cable assembly 634. Alternatively, in the absence of a flexible circuit, cable assembly 634 may be directly connected to electrical terminal 630. In an alternative embodiment, the electrical terminal forms part of a stepped wall portion 626. Electrical components may be electrically connected to contacts on the chamber side of the electrical terminal, and conductors of the flexible circuitry or cable assembly may be connected to contacts on the opposite side of the electrical terminal.

[0053] While this application and its presently considered best mode have been described in a manner that establishes ownership and enables those skilled in the art to make and use the application and its presently considered best mode, it should be understood and recognized that many equivalent embodiments exist and numerous modifications and variations can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of this application, which is not limited by the described embodiments but by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An ear-worn hearing device, characterized in that, The ear-worn hearing device includes: A housing having a sound channel on a portion thereof, the sound channel being configured to be at least partially inserted into the ear; A sound-emitting transducer, the sound-emitting transducer being located within the housing, and the sound-emitting transducer comprising: A transducer housing includes a stepped end portion, the stepped end portion including a first step and a second step, the first step being defined by a first recessed wall portion separated from a protruding wall portion by a first offset wall portion, and the second step being defined by a second recessed wall portion separated from the protruding wall portion by a second offset wall portion, the first step and the second step being located on opposite sides of the transducer housing; A first diaphragm is disposed in the transducer housing and divides the interior of the transducer housing into a rear cavity volume and a front cavity volume, the first diaphragm extending into the stepped end portion of the transducer housing; A sound port, the sound port being located in the stepped end portion of the transducer housing and between the front cavity volume and the sound channel; A motor, disposed within the transducer housing, and including an armature coupled to the first diaphragm; and Electrical terminals, which are electrically connected to the motor.

2. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ear-worn hearing device also includes an electrical component located at the first step on the outside of the transducer housing.

3. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ear-worn hearing device also includes a flexible circuit, which includes a conductor that connects the electrical component to the electrical terminal or another electrical interface of the ear-worn hearing device.

4. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that, The ear-worn hearing device also includes: A second diaphragm is disposed within the transducer housing between the front cavity volume and the second rear cavity volume; and The motor is connected to the second diaphragm.

5. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first diaphragm separates the front cavity volume from the first rear cavity volume, the second diaphragm separates the front cavity volume from the second rear cavity volume, and the sound port is located at the protruding wall portion of the stepped end portion.

6. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sound channel passes through an opening that contracts around at least a portion of the stepped end portion of the transducer housing.

7. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The electrical component is a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microphone or a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) vibration sensor.

8. An ear-worn hearing device, characterized in that, The ear-worn hearing device includes: A housing having a sound channel on a portion thereof, the sound channel being configured to be at least partially inserted into the ear; A sound-emitting transducer, said sound-emitting transducer being at least partially disposed within the housing, and comprising: A transducer housing, the transducer housing including a stepped end portion, the stepped end portion including a first recessed wall portion separated from a protruding wall portion by a first offset wall portion; A first diaphragm and a second diaphragm, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm dividing the interior of the transducer housing into at least a front cavity volume and a rear cavity volume, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm extending into the stepped end portion of the transducer housing; A sound port, the sound port being located within the transducer housing and extending between the front cavity volume and the sound channel; A motor, located within the transducer housing, and connected to the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm; Electrical terminals, which are electrically connected to the motor; and An electrical component is located at a first step on the outside of the transducer housing, the first step being defined by a first recessed wall portion and a first offset wall portion.

9. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The ear-worn hearing device also includes a conductor that connects the electrical components to the electrical terminals or the electrical interface of the ear-worn hearing device.

10. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The first diaphragm separates the front cavity volume from the first rear cavity volume, the second diaphragm separates the front cavity volume from the second rear cavity volume, and the sound port is located at the protruding wall portion of the stepped end portion.

11. The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The electrical component is a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microphone or a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) vibration sensor.

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