Hearing device worn on the ear with electrical cable arrangement or sound tube

Abstract

Ear-worn hearing device, comprising: electrical or mechanical hearing aid components; a housing containing the electrical or mechanical hearing device parts, wherein the housing comprises: an opening that defines a passage configured to receive an end section of an electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other element; a retaining element projecting from an inner surface of the passage, wherein the retaining element is configured to engage mechanically with the electrical cable assembly, sound tube or other element arranged in the opening, wherein the retaining element mechanically resists the movement of the electrical cable assembly, sound tube or other element relative to the housing when the electrical cable assembly, sound tube or other element is arranged in the opening.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. application No. 18 / 398,900, entitled “Hearing Device Component With Electrical Cable Or Sound Tube,” filed December 28, 2023, and claiming priority and the benefits of which under 35 USC § 120. AREA OF REVELATION

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to hearing devices and, more particularly, to hearing device components including an electrical cable assembly or a sound tube and combinations thereof. BACKGROUND

[0003] Some hearing aids include a housing connected to an electrical cable assembly or sound tube. One such hearing aid is a receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid, which includes a BTE unit worn at the back of the user's ear and a RIC unit configured to be at least partially inserted into the user's ear canal. An electrical cable assembly interconnects the BTE unit and the RIC unit. The BTE unit contains a microphone, electrical circuitry, and batteries for converting perceived environmental sounds into an amplified electrical audio signal. The RIC unit includes a balanced armature receiver (also referred to herein as a "receiver") for converting the electrical audio signal into sound, which is projected into the user's ear canal.One end of the electrical cable assembly includes a connector that can be removably connected to the BTE unit. Another end of the cable assembly is permanently connected to the RIC unit. A flange-shaped stopper (also called a "stub") molded, flame-welded, or glued onto the end of the electrical cable assembly prevents or at least resists rotation of the cable assembly and its separation from the RIC unit. In other hearing aids, the speaker is located in the BTE unit, and the sound produced by the speaker travels to the user's ear via a sound tube connected to the BTE unit, eliminating the need for an RIC unit.

[0004] However, attaching the flange-shaped plug is labor-intensive and costly. The flange-shaped plug also increases the diameter and length of the cable assembly or sound tube. Furthermore, these and other mechanisms for attaching the electrical cable assembly to the RIC unit or the sound tube to the BTE unit have limited robustness and can fail prematurely. Therefore, there is a constant need for improvement in the technology for connecting electrical cable assemblies and sound tubes to hearing aid components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are merely representative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Fig. 1 illustrates a hearing device comprising an in-ear unit and a base unit. Fig. Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a representative in-ear unit. Fig. Figure 3 is an isometric view of an electrical connector of a BTE unit. Fig. Figure 4 is a sectional view of an interference fit between an electrical cable assembly or sound tube and a housing portion of a hearing aid. Fig. Figure 5 is an exploded sectional view of a hearing aid housing and a portion of an electrical cable assembly or sound conduit. Fig. Figure 6 is a partial sectional view of the housing and cable arrangement or sound conduction of Fig. 5 in assembled state. Fig. 7 is a partial sectional view of a portion of Fig. 6. Fig. Figure 8 is an isometric view of an electrical cable assembly or a portion of a sound conduit of a hearing aid component. Fig. 9 is a partial sectional view of the section of Fig. 8, which accommodates an electrical cable arrangement or sound line. Fig. 10 is an isometric view of an alternative portion of an electrical cable assembly or sound conduit in a hearing aid component. Fig. 11 is a partial sectional view of the receiving section of Fig. 10, which holds an electrical cable assembly or sound line. Fig. 12 is an isometric view of a receiving portion for an electrical cable assembly or sound conduit configured as a sleeve for assembly with a hearing aid housing. Fig. 13 is a partial sectional view of the sleeve of Fig. 12, which is assembled with a hearing aid housing. Fig. 14 is an end view of the sleeve of Fig. 12. Fig. 15 is an isometric view of another electrical cable assembly or section of sound conduit configured as a sleeve for assembly with a hearing aid housing. Fig. 16 is a partial sectional view of the sleeve of Fig. 15, which holds an electrical cable assembly or sound line. Fig. 17 is a sectional view of the sleeve of Fig. 15. Fig. 18 is an isometric view of a receiving portion for an electrical cable assembly or sound conduit configured as a sleeve for assembly with a housing portion of a hearing aid. Fig. 19 is a partial isometric view of a section for an electrical cable assembly or acoustic conduit including a retaining member and a stop wall for an electrical cable assembly or acoustic conduit. Fig. 20 is an end section view of the receiving section of Fig. 19. Fig. Figure 21 is an end view of a multi-piece hearing aid housing holding an electrical cable assembly or sound tube. Fig. 22 is an exploded view of the multi-part hearing aid housing of Fig. 21. Fig. 23 is an end view of a multi-piece hearing aid housing having an opening symmetrically disposed in portions of the multi-piece housing. Fig. 24 is an end view of the hearing aid housing of Fig. 23 having an electrical cable assembly or a sound tube disposed in the opening. Fig. 25 is an end view of a multi-piece hearing aid housing having an opening arranged asymmetrically in portions of the multi-piece housing. Fig. 26 is an end view of the hearing aid housing of Fig. 23, which has an electrical cable arrangement or a sound tube in the opening. Fig. 27 is a partial sectional view along lines aa of Fig. 26. Fig. 28 is an end view of the multi-piece housing of Fig. 26, with the upper housing section removed.

[0006] Those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and therefore may not be drawn to scale or depict known features, that the order of occurrence of acts or steps may vary from the order described, that the order of occurrence of such acts or steps may be performed concurrently unless otherwise specified, and that terms and expressions used herein have meanings understood by those skilled in the art unless a different meaning is expressly assigned herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] The disclosure generally relates to on-ear hearing aids and components including an electrical cable assembly or a sound tube, and more particularly to mechanisms for securely attaching the electrical cable assembly (also referred to herein as an "electrical cable" or "cable"), the sound tube, or other element to the hearing aid or component, and combinations thereof. The component may be part of a receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) unit, a behind-the-ear (BTE) unit, or an electromechanical BTE connector, among other hearing aid components. Representative examples are further described herein.

[0008] The hearing aid or component generally includes a housing with electrical or mechanical hearing aid parts. More specific examples of such components are described further herein in connection with representative hearing aids and components. The housing includes an opening defining a passageway configured to receive an end portion of an electrical cable assembly, a sound tube, or other element. The opening may be an integral part of a single- or multi-piece housing. Alternatively, the opening may be in a separate part, such as a sleeve, that is assembled with and retained by the housing or other component.One or more retention members projecting from an interior surface of the passageway into the opening are configured to mechanically engage and retain the electrical cable assembly, acoustic tube, or other element located within the opening. The one or more retention members resist movement (e.g., rotation or axial translation) of the electrical cable assembly, acoustic tube, or other element relative to the interior surface of the opening when the electrical cable assembly, acoustic tube, or other element is disposed within the opening.

[0009] In one implementation, the hearing aid component is a receiver-in-canal (RIC) unit that includes a speaker and an electrical cable assembly disposed within the opening of the housing. The electrical cable assembly is mechanically connected to one or more retaining elements extending from the opening of the housing to prevent movement of the electrical cable assembly, as described below. Fig. Figure 1 shows an ear-worn hearing aid 100 comprising a RIC unit 110 connected to a BTE unit 120 via an electrical cable assembly 130. A speaker of the RIC unit is acoustically coupled to a sound passageway via a nozzle carrying a resilient ear cup 114 configured to be at least partially inserted into a user's ear canal. Fig. 2, a representative RIC unit includes a loudspeaker 200 disposed within an external housing 112 integrated with a nozzle 202 having a sound passage 204 and external ribs 206 for retaining the auricle (in Fig. 2 not shown). In Fig. 1, the nozzle carrying the ear cup 114 is integrated directly into a loudspeaker housing 118, without the external housing or any other structure that surrounds the Fig. 2 shown loudspeaker cabinets. In Fig. 1, the electrical cable assembly 130 is connected to a socket at an interface 140 of the loudspeaker enclosure 118, examples of which are further described herein. By eliminating the Fig. 2, the overall size of the RIC unit can be reduced.

[0010] In the Fig. 1-2, the loudspeaker is implemented as a balanced armature (BAR) receiver, characterized by its small size, electrical efficiency, and high sound fidelity. A receiver generally comprises one or more motor-driven diaphragms that emit sound in response to an electrical signal supplied to the motor via the electrical cable assembly. In some implementations, multiple receivers may be acoustically coupled to the nozzle. Alternatively, the loudspeaker may comprise a dynamic driver, a piezoelectric driver, an electrostatic MEMS driver, or any other suitable acoustic driver, or a combination of two or more loudspeakers.

[0011] The electrical cable assembly may be a preformed, dimensionally stable, flexible element as in Fig. 1. Alternatively, the electrical cable assembly may be a non-shape-stable element or a shape-stable element that can be deformed by the user to achieve a customized fit. Fig. 2, the electrical cable assembly comprises one or more electrical conductors arranged in an insulated conduit. The electrical wires may be multi-stranded wires or other suitable electrical conductors. The electrical wires of the electrical cable assembly are connected to contacts 209 at an electrical interface of the loudspeaker 200. The electrical cable may also include a reinforcing element. The reinforcing element may include fibers, such as Kevlar fibers, to stiffen the cable assembly.

[0012] In another implementation, the electrical component of the hearing aid is a BTE electrical connector comprising electrical contacts integrated into a BTE electrical connector housing. An electrical cable assembly disposed within an opening of the BTE electrical connector housing is mechanically engaged with one or more retaining elements extending into the opening of the housing to prevent or resist movement of the electrical cable, as described below. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates an electrical BTE connector 300 connected to an electrical cable assembly 130. The electrical BTE connector is connected or connectable to a BTE unit configured to be worn behind the user's ear, as shown in Fig. 1. Some BTE electrical connectors can be removably connected to the BTE unit via a mechanical and electrical connector to removably connect the RIC unit to the BTE unit. The BTE unit generally includes one or more microphones, audio signal circuitry, and batteries, as well as other circuitry and sensors. The BTE unit delivers electrical sound signals to the RIC unit via the electrical cable assembly.

[0013] In another implementation, the hearing aid is a BTE unit comprising a loudspeaker and a sound tube arranged in an opening of a housing of the BTE unit. The sound tube is mechanically connected to one or more retaining elements that protrude into the opening of the housing to counteract movement of the sound tube, as described below. The sound tube is shaped such that it protrudes from the BTE unit into the user's ear canal without an RIC unit. In this way, the sound from one or more loudspeakers in the BTE unit is transmitted via the sound tube into the user's ear canal. The BTE unit, which is connected to a sound tube, is similar in overall construction to that shown in Fig. 1 without the RIC unit 110, wherein the one or more loudspeakers are located in the housing of the BTE unit instead of an RIC unit.

[0014] Generally, one or more retaining features projecting into the opening of the hearing aid or component provide an interference fit with the electrical cable, sound tube, or other element disposed within the opening. The interference fit required to secure the electrical cable, sound tube, or other element within the opening generally depends on the axial and rotational forces acting on the interfering parts, as well as the number of retaining features and the material properties of the interfering parts, among other considerations. 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 element disposed within the housing. The housing may also generally include a yield strength that is greater than the yield strength of the electrical cable assembly or sound tube.

[0015] The interference can generally be characterized as a measure of the overlap between interfering parts. In the representative embodiment of Fig. 4, radial interference is characterized by a difference between a radius RC of the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other element and a radius RP measured from an axis of the electrical cable, sound tube, or other element to the point where the restraining element most interferes with the electrical cable, sound tube, or other element. In the representative hearing devices and components described herein, the radial interference may be about 0.02 millimeters or more between each of the one or more restraining elements and the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other element.

[0016] The hearing device or component may also include a clearance between portions of the inner surface of the opening and an outer diameter of the electrical cable assembly or sound tube. The clearance may accommodate deformation of the electrical cable or sound tube. The clearance may also accommodate glue or adhesive to further secure the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other element in the opening. In the representative embodiment of Fig. 4, the clearance is characterized by the difference between the diameter DO of the opening and the diameter DC of the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other element. For the representative hearing aid components described here, the clearance between the outer diameter of the electrical cable assembly or sound tube and the inner surface of the opening may be approximately 0.01 millimeters or more.

[0017] In Fig. 5-7, an electrical cable assembly or acoustic conduit receiving portion 210 includes an opening 212 into which an electrical cable, acoustic conduit, or other element 220 may be inserted. The representative opening is integrated into a housing. In other arrangements, the opening is part of a receiving portion 210 configured as a sleeve that is assembled with the housing and secured thereto by fasteners or adhesive, or a combination thereof. Representative sleeves are further described herein.

[0018] The opening includes a plurality of retaining elements 230 that extend from a surface of the passage into the opening. The retaining elements include a tapered portion 232 having a web 234 (shown in Fig. 7). In the Fig. 5-6, the tapered portion includes a barb defined in part by an edge at an end portion 236 of the tapered portion. Interference between the tapered retaining member and the electrical cable, acoustic tubing, or other element increases upon insertion into the opening. If the electrical cable or acoustic tubing is inserted beyond the barb, the barb may bite into the electrical cable, acoustic tubing, or other element. Fig. 7, the tapered retaining elements 230 are arranged at equal distances from each other, but the distance may also be irregular. Fig. 6-7, the retaining elements 230 are shown engaging the electrical cable, acoustic tube, or other element. The barbs and ribs generally resist movement of the electrical cable or acoustic tube relative to the inner surface of the opening. The barbs and ribs can resist axial and rotational movement. However, the barbs can resist axial movement more effectively than the web, and the web can resist rotational movement more effectively than the barbs, depending on their precise configuration.

[0019] In Fig. 8-9, a receiving portion 210 of a hearing aid component includes a plurality of retaining elements configured as a plurality of longitudinal ribs 240 extending from a surface of the passageway and into the opening 212. The longitudinal ribs are aligned with an axis of the passageway of the opening. The ribbed retaining elements 240 are arranged at equal spacing from one another, but the spacing may also be irregular. Fig. 9, the ribs 240 are in mechanical engagement with an electrical cable assembly, acoustic tube, or other element 220 disposed within the opening 212, and the resulting interference fit prevents relative movement between the electrical cable assembly, acoustic tube, or other element. The receptacle portion may be an integral part of a housing. Alternatively, the socket portion may be a discrete sleeve assembled with the housing.

[0020] In Fig. 10-11, a receiving portion 210 of a hearing aid component includes a plurality of retaining elements configured as wedge-shaped elements 250 that extend into an opening 212. Each retaining element 250 includes a portion that reduces an effective diameter of the opening 212 along the axis of a passage defined by the opening. Each retaining element also includes a barb defined in part by an edge 256 at an end portion of the retaining element. The edges 258 along the axial portions of the retaining element increase resistance to rotation. In Fig. 10, the retaining elements 250 are arranged at equal spacing from one another, but the spacing may also be irregular. The interference between the wedge-shaped elements and the electrical cable, acoustic tube, or other element increases upon insertion into the opening. If the electrical cable, acoustic tube, or other element is inserted beyond the barb, the barb may bite into the electrical cable, acoustic tube, or other element. Fig. 11, the retaining elements are mechanically connected to an electrical cable assembly 220 disposed within the opening 212, and the resulting interference fit prevents rotation and axial movement of the electrical cable assembly, acoustic tube, or other element relative to the opening. The receptacle portion may be an integral part of a housing. Alternatively, the receptacle portion may be a sleeve assembled with the housing.

[0021] In Fig. 12-14 and Fig. 18, a receiving element 210 of a hearing aid component comprises retaining elements configured as one or more longitudinal ribs 240 and one or more wedge-shaped elements 250 projecting from a surface of a passage defined by an opening 212. In Fig. 14, the retaining elements are distributed asymmetrically around the opening 212, but the retaining elements can also be arranged symmetrically. In Fig. 18, the retaining elements 240 and 250 are arranged alternately and distributed symmetrically around the opening 212. The longitudinal ribs 240 function similarly to the longitudinal ribs of the Fig. 8-9, and the wedge-shaped elements 250 function similarly to the wedge-shaped retaining element of the Fig. 10-11.

[0022] In Fig. 13, the receiving portion 210 is configured as a sleeve for assembly with a housing 270. The sleeve includes a retention member configured to securely attach the sleeve to a housing 270. The retention member may be one or more flat surfaces 244 or other features that prevent rotational and axial movement of the sleeve relative to the housing. The housing may include an opening 272 having a complementary shape configured to receive the sleeve with the anti-rotation feature. Alternatively, the opening may be an integral part of the housing without the discrete sleeve.

[0023] In Fig. 15-17, a portion 210 is configured as a sleeve for assembly with a hearing aid component. The retaining elements are configured as one or more longitudinal ribs 240 and a continuous annular wedge-shaped element 260 projecting from a surface of the opening 212. The longitudinal ribs 240 have a tapered portion 242 along an axis of the opening and function similarly to the retaining elements of the Fig. 5-9. The annular wedge-shaped element includes a barb defined in part by an edge 262. The annular wedge-shaped element functions similarly to the discrete wedge-shaped retaining element of the Fig. 10-11. The sleeve may also include a retaining element configured to securely attach the sleeve to the housing. Fig. 15, the sleeve includes one or more flat surfaces 226 at a recessed portion between the outer flange portions 224. The sleeve may be configured to snap into a bezel of the housing, or multiple housing sections may be mounted around the sleeve.

[0024] In Fig. 19-20, a portion 210 of a hearing aid component includes an opening 212 having an end wall 214 with a diaphragm 216. In Fig. 20, the opening includes one or more retention elements 218 that protrude from the surface of the opening and mechanically engage an electrical cable assembly, acoustic tubing, or other element 220 disposed within the opening to prevent its movement relative to the opening. The one or more retention elements 218 may be implemented as one or more of the representative retention elements described herein or illustrated in the drawings, or combinations thereof, among others. Fig. 19, one end of the electrical cable assembly abuts the end wall 214 of the opening when the electrical cable assembly is inserted into the opening. The end wall secures the electrical cable assembly in the opening and can ensure that the electrical cable assembly is sufficiently inserted into the opening to allow proper mechanical engagement with the retaining features. Electrical wires 222 of the electrical cable assembly can extend through a baffle 216 of the end wall 214. More generally, the electrical cable assembly 220 can be a sound tube or other element disposed in the opening. The sound tube can be aligned with the baffle 216 of the end wall 214. For BTE units that include a speaker, the baffle 216 can be acoustically coupled to the conduit of the sound tube through which sound produced by a speaker located in the BTE unit propagates.

[0025] In Fig. 21-22, a hearing device component 210 comprises a first and a second housing portion 211 and 213, which are connected to each other by complementary snap closures. In Fig. 22, an opening is defined at least partially 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 secured together. One or more retention features extending from a surface of the opening may be implemented as one or more of the representative retention features described herein or illustrated in the drawings, or combinations thereof, among others. The electrical cable assembly, acoustic tubing, or other element 220 may be retained between the first and second opening portions during assembly of the first and second housing portions. The representative snap-fit ​​features include projections 219 on the second housing portion 213 that fit into complementary recesses on the first housing portion 211.The protrusions can be held in place by a press fit, epoxy resin, welding, or other means. In other implementations, other types of locking elements can also be used.

[0026] In another implementation, the housing of the hearing aid component is an audio speaker enclosure that can be connected to a cable assembly. The speaker enclosure can be a balanced armature receiver, a dynamic, or other speaker enclosure. Fig. 23-26 show end views of a representative loudspeaker enclosure 400 including a first enclosure portion 410 attached to a second enclosure portion 420. The opening of the loudspeaker enclosure is at least partially formed by a first opening portion 412 of the first enclosure portion and a second opening portion 422 of the second enclosure portion. The opening defines a passageway through a wall portion of the enclosure when the first enclosure portion is assembled with the second enclosure portion. Fig. 23 and Fig. 25 show the loudspeaker housing without the electrical cable arrangement. Fig. 24, Fig. 26, Fig. 27 and Fig. 28 show an electrical cable assembly 430 arranged in the opening of the loudspeaker cabinet or a portion thereof. Alternatively, the Fig. 23-28 represent a BTE unit that can be connected to a sound tube or a connector housing that can be connected to an electrical cable assembly.

[0027] In Fig. 25-28, the loudspeaker enclosure includes a boss 424 that protrudes from the end of the enclosure where the opening 412 is located. The electrical cable assembly extends only partially into the enclosure of the loudspeaker. The boss 424 provides space within the loudspeaker enclosure to accommodate an end portion of the electrical cable assembly or the acoustic tube in other embodiments without interfering with other components in the enclosure, as best shown in Fig. 27 shown.

[0028] The housing includes a plurality of retaining elements, each comprising a corresponding housing portion that projects into the opening. Configured in this manner, the retaining elements are a non-assembled, unitary part of the loudspeaker housing. The retaining elements mechanically engage and retain the electrical cable assembly disposed within the opening to resist rotation and / or axial movement of the electrical cable assembly.

[0029] In one implementation, the housing comprises two metallic housing sections formed, among other things, by stamping and drawing metal sheets. Housings for balanced armature receivers typically comprise multiple metallic housing sections, commonly referred to as cup sections, which have relatively uniform thicknesses. BA cups typically range in thickness from 4 to 8 thousandths of an inch, give or take. In another implementation, the housing sections comprise plastic or another material. The housing sections may be joined together by welding, gluing, or other means suitable for the housing material.

[0030] In Fig. 23-24, the first and second opening portions 412 and 422 of the loudspeaker enclosure 400 are the same size and are arranged symmetrically about an interface 402 between the surfaces of the first and second enclosure portions 410 and 420. The retaining elements of the first and second enclosure portions may be arranged symmetrically or otherwise relative to the interface 402 between the enclosure portions.

[0031] In Fig. 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 retaining elements 416 that extend into the second opening portion 422 near a mating surface of the second housing portion. Fig. 28, two retaining elements 416 extending into the second opening portion 422 may retain the electrical cable assembly 430 positioned before the first housing portion is attached to the second housing portion. The first housing portion may also include another retaining element, as shown in Fig. 25-26 shown.

[0032] While the disclosure and what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof have been described in a manner conferring possession and enabling those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the same, it is understood and appreciated that there are many equivalents to the representative embodiments described herein and that countless modifications and variations may be made therein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is to be limited not by the described embodiments but by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0033] What is claimed: QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 18 / 398,900

[0001]

Claims

[1] Hearing aid worn on the ear, comprising: electrical or mechanical hearing aid parts; a housing containing the electrical or mechanical hearing aid parts, the housing comprising: an opening defining a passageway configured to receive an end portion of an electrical cable assembly, acoustic tube, or other element; a retaining member projecting from an inner surface of the passage, the retaining member being configured to mechanically engage the electrical cable assembly, the acoustic tube, or another member disposed in the opening, wherein the retaining member mechanically resists movement of the electrical cable assembly, acoustic tube, or other member relative to the housing when the electrical cable assembly, acoustic tube, or other member is disposed in the opening. [2] The on-ear hearing aid of claim 1, further comprising a clearance between an outer diameter of the electrical cable assembly, the sound tube, or other member and the inner surface of the opening, wherein the retaining member is configured to cause radial interference with the electrical cable assembly, the sound tube, or other member disposed in the opening. [3] The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 2 further comprises a sleeve attached to the housing, the opening being arranged in the sleeve. [4] The on-ear hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a Young's modulus that is greater than a Young's modulus of the electrical cable assembly, the sound tube, or another element. [5] The on-ear hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a yield strength greater than the yield strength of the electrical cable assembly, the sound tube, or other element. [6] The ear-worn hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the retaining member comprises a tapered portion having a rib aligned with an axis of the passageway, the tapered portion having a barb, the barb resisting movement of the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other member relative to the opening. [7] The on-ear hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the retaining member comprises a rib aligned with an axis of the passageway, the rib resisting rotation of the electrical cable assembly, sound tube, or other member relative to the opening. [8] The on-ear hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the retaining member comprises a wedge-shaped portion aligned with an axis of the passageway, the wedge-shaped portion comprising a portion reducing an effective diameter of the opening, the wedge-shaped portion comprising a barb mechanically engageable with the electrical cable assembly, the sound tube, or other member when inserted into the opening. [9] The ear-worn hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the opening of the housing has an end wall with a baffle, wherein an end of the electrical cable assembly or the sound tube abuts the end wall of the opening when the electrical cable assembly, the sound tube or another element is inserted into the opening. [10] The on-ear hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the housing is an assembly comprising first and second housing portions secured 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 and second housing portions are secured together. [11] The ear-worn hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the housing is a housing for a balanced armature receiver connected to an electrical cable assembly, the housing comprising a first metallic housing portion secured to a second metallic housing portion, the opening being at least partially defined by a first opening portion of the first metallic housing portion and a second opening portion of the second metallic housing portion, the passageway extending through a wall portion of the housing, a plurality of retaining members each comprising a respective wall portion extending into the opening, each retaining member being configured to mechanically engage and retain the electrical cable assembly in the opening. [12] The on-ear hearing aid of claim 11, wherein the first opening portion is larger than the second opening portion, wherein the first metallic housing portion comprises two retaining members extending into the first opening portion proximate a mating surface of the first metallic housing portion, wherein the two retaining members of the first metallic housing portion are adapted to retain the electrical cable assembly disposed in the first opening portion prior to securing the first metallic housing portion to the second metallic housing portion. [13] The ear-worn hearing aid according to claim 1 is a receiver-in-canal (RIC) unit comprising a loudspeaker and an electrical cable assembly disposed in the opening of the housing and mechanically connected to the retaining member. [14] The hearing aid according to claim 1 is a behind-the-ear unit (BTE unit) comprising a loudspeaker and a sound tube arranged in the opening of the housing and mechanically connected to the retaining element. [15] The hearing aid according to claim 1, which is a behind-the-ear (BTE) connector comprising electrical contacts integrated into the housing and an electrical cable assembly disposed in the opening of the housing, the electrical cable assembly mechanically engaging the retaining member. [16] Hearing device comprising: a balanced armature receiver comprising a housing having a nozzle configured to be at least partially inserted into the ear canal of a user, the housing comprising: an opening defining a passage through a wall portion of the housing; a retaining member comprising a portion of the housing that projects into the opening; an electrical cable assembly comprising a connector at one end portion and another end portion disposed in the opening of the housing, wherein the retaining element mechanically engages and retains the end portion disposed in the opening of the housing, wherein the retaining member resists movement of the electrical cable assembly relative to the housing. [17] Hearing device according to claim 16, wherein the retaining element resists rotation and axial movement of the electrical cable assembly relative to the housing. [18] Hearing device according to claim 17, wherein the housing comprises a first metallic housing portion secured to a second metallic housing portion, the opening being at least partially defined by a first opening portion of the first metallic housing portion and a second opening portion of the second metallic housing portion, wherein a plurality of retaining elements each comprise a respective wall portion projecting into the opening. [19] Hearing device according to claim 18, wherein the first opening portion is larger than the second opening portion, wherein two of the retaining elements extend into the first opening portion proximate a mating surface of the first metallic housing portion, wherein the two retaining elements of the first metallic housing portion can retain the electrical cable assembly disposed in the first opening portion before the first metallic housing portion is attached to the second metallic housing portion. [20] Hearing device comprising: an in-ear receiver component comprising a housing for a speaker and a nozzle configured to be at least partially inserted into a user's ear canal, the housing comprising: an opening defining a passage with an inner surface; a retaining element integrated into the housing and projecting from the inner surface of the opening; an electrical cable assembly comprising an end portion 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 aid of claim 20, wherein the retaining member comprises a tapered portion having a ridge aligned with an axis of the passageway, the tapered portion comprising a barb, the retaining member resisting rotation and axial movement of the electrical cable assembly. [22] Hearing device according to claim 20, wherein the opening of the housing comprises an end wall with a panel, wherein an end of the electrical cable assembly abuts the end wall of the opening when inserted into the opening, and an electrical conductor of the electrical cable assembly extends through the panel of the end wall. [23] Hearing device according to claim 20, wherein the housing is an assembly comprising first and second housing portions secured to each other, 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 secured to the second housing portion. [24] Hearing device according to claim 23, wherein the housing comprises a sleeve with a retaining element, the opening being arranged in the sleeve, the sleeve being attached to the housing by the retaining element.

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