On-ear hearing device with in-ear sensor

Abstract

Hearing device worn on the ear, comprising: a housing with a grommet configured to be worn on the auricle of a user or at least partially in the ear canal of a user, wherein the grommet includes a passage extending to an opening of the grommet; a loudspeaker arranged in the housing, which includes a sound outlet that is acoustically connected to the opening of the grommet via a loudspeaker sound path; a sensor that is located in the housing and includes an input that is connected to the opening of the grommet via a sensor signal path; a partition wall that is arranged in the passage of the grommet and is located between the loudspeaker sound path and the sensor signal path, wherein the partition isolates the sensor signal path from the loudspeaker sound path along at least one section of the passage through the grommet.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to ear-worn hearing devices and in particular to ear-worn hearing devices comprising a loudspeaker and an in-ear sensor, as well as subassemblies and components for such hearing devices. BACKGROUND

[0002] Some on-the-ear hearing devices include a loudspeaker housed in a casing with a nozzle configured to be at least partially inserted into a user's ear canal. Such a device is a receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing device. Advances in audio signal processing, miniaturization, reduced power consumption, and lower costs have led to the increasing prevalence of active noise cancellation (ANC) and other audio enhancement features in on-the-ear hearing devices. These audio enhancement features can benefit from an acoustic sensor capable of sensing the conditions within the user's ear. However, the sound path of the loudspeaker can interfere with the sound path of the acoustic sensor.Furthermore, the proper integration of these and other components into the hearing device is difficult, and improper assembly can lead to performance problems and increased costs. Therefore, there is a continuing need for improved on-the-ear hearing devices, assemblies, and components for them. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The objectives, features, and advantages of the present disclosure are explained in more detail below with reference to the detailed description and the accompanying claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings show only representative embodiments and implementations and do not limit the teachings of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the accompanying claims. Fig. 1 is a representative on-the-ear hearing device comprising an on-the-ear unit connected to a base unit via an electrical cable. Fig. Figure 2 is an exploded view of a representative ear-worn hearing device. Fig. Figure 3 is an exploded view of an alternative ear-worn hearing device. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a front housing section of an ear-worn hearing device. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of an acoustic sensor located in the front housing section of Fig. 4 is integrated. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a loudspeaker installed in the front section of the cabinet. Fig. 5 is integrated. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a rear housing section of an on-ear hearing device. Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view of an acoustic sensor located in the rear housing section of Fig. 7 is integrated. Fig. Figure 9 is a sectional view of a representative ear-worn hearing device. Fig. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a representative sensor. Fig. Figure 11 is a sectional view of a balanced anchor.

[0004] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the drawings are presented for the sake of simplicity and clarity and may therefore not be to scale and may not include known features, that the sequence of actions or steps may differ from that described, that some or all of these actions or steps may be carried out simultaneously unless otherwise indicated, and that the terms and expressions used herein have meanings known to those skilled in the art unless a different meaning is expressly assigned to them. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0005] The disclosure relates generally to on-the-ear hearing devices comprising a loudspeaker and an in-the-ear sensor, as well as to hearing device subassemblies and components. Such hearing devices include, among others, receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing devices, in-the-ear (ITE) hearing devices, in-the-canal (ITC) hearing devices, and true wireless stereo (TWS) hearing devices, as well as other on-the-ear hearing devices and hearing devices that are at least partially worn in the ear canal. Representative implementations are described here.

[0006] Fig. Figure 1 shows a representative on-the-ear hearing device 100, comprising an on-the-ear unit 110 connected to a base unit 120 via an electrical cable 130. The electrical cable comprises a first end section connected to an interface 140 of the on-the-ear unit and a second end section comprising a connector that is detachably or permanently connected to the base unit. The first end section of the electrical cable is electrically connected to one or more electrical components (e.g., a loudspeaker or sensor) of the on-the-ear unit, and the second end section of the electrical cable is electrically connected or connectable to electrical components (e.g., a processor or other electrical circuits) of the base unit.An ear-worn unit, alone or in combination with the electrical cable 130, is also referred to herein as a "receiver-in-canal (RIC) unit" or "loudspeaker component". An elastic ear cap 114 may be connected to a ribbed grommet to support the ear-worn unit, at least partially, in the user's ear canal. The ear-worn unit generally comprises one or more loudspeakers that produce sound in response to an electrical audio signal provided by the base unit, which is further described herein.

[0007] The representative Base Unit 120, also referred to here as the behind-the-ear (BTE) unit or component, is configured to be worn behind the user's ear. Alternatively, the Base Unit can be configured to be worn on or around another part of the body, such as the head, neck, or arm, in addition to other body parts. The Base Unit generally includes a processor and other circuitry, one or more microphones, and a battery. The Base Unit may also include a wireless transceiver, among other circuitry and components. In this configuration, the Base Unit can capture acoustic signals and generate and process electrical audio signals (for example, noise reduction, tone amplification, etc.) produced by the one or more microphones in response to the capture of the acoustic signals.The electrical audio signals are transmitted via the electrical cable 130 to the ear-worn unit 110.

[0008] In other on-the-ear (ATE) hearing devices, the components and functions of the ATE and the base unit described here are integrated into a single ATE. Such hearing devices may be ITE, ITC, and TWS devices, as well as other earphones and devices configured to be worn in the auricle or at least partially in the user's ear canal. These and other ATE devices may or may not include an elastic earpiece. More generally, the configuration of the ATE and the configuration of the speakers, microphones, or other sensors within it depends on whether the device is configured to be worn on the auricle, partially in the user's ear canal, or completely in the user's ear canal.

[0009] The one or more loudspeakers are at least partially arranged within a housing of the hearing device, which includes a grommet configured for wearing on the user's ear or at least partially in the user's ear canal. In the Fig. In 1-3 and 9, the loudspeaker is completely enclosed by the housing. In other implementations, an exposed portion of the loudspeaker housing may form the outer surface of the listening device. In each case, a sound outlet of one or more loudspeakers is acoustically connected to an opening in the grommet via a loudspeaker sound path extending through a passage in the grommet. In the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 9 comprises a representative, ear-worn hearing device 200, a receiver 208 arranged in a hearing device housing having a grommet 203 configured to be at least partially inserted into the user's ear canal. The grommet may include a flatter flap or other shaped section oriented towards the user's ear if the hearing device is configured for wear on the auricle. In any case, the grommet includes a passage 205 terminating at an opening 207 in the grommet.

[0010] The Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows exploded views of representative hearing device assemblies 200, each generally comprising a front housing section 202 and a rear housing section 204. The front and rear housing sections have complementary shapes that can be assembled and held together by snap-fit ​​connectors and / or adhesive. The front and rear housing sections are generally configured to allow access to their internal compartments prior to assembly, for the installation of components. The front housing section 202 is configured to allow the installation of a sensor 206 and one or more loudspeakers 208 prior to assembly with the rear housing section.The rear housing section 204 is configured to allow the installation of an optional sensor 210 and other components, depending on the type and requirements of the hearing device, in front of the front housing section. Fig. 2 Each housing section comprises open ends 212 and 214, offset by an open side 216 which, when arranged with complementary ends, fits together with a side of the other housing section. In Fig. 3. Each housing section comprises an open end 218 that, during assembly, fits with a complementary open end of the other housing section. In other implementations, the housings may comprise more than two housing sections, which can be assembled after components have been installed within them. This configuration allows for easier, more accurate, and more efficient assembly of the loudspeaker, sensor, and other internal components of the hearing aid, with fewer errors and lower costs.

[0011] The housing includes a loudspeaker sound path that acoustically couples a sound outlet of the loudspeaker to the opening of the grommet. The housing also includes a sensor signal path that couples an input of the sensor to the opening of the grommet. A partition isolates the sensor signal path from the loudspeaker sound path along at least a section of the grommet opening to reduce unwanted feedback and other adverse effects caused by the mixing of the sensor and loudspeaker signals.

[0012] In Fig. 4 A representative front housing section 202 comprises a sensor mounting surface 220 on an inner side of the housing near the grommet 203. The sensor signal path extends through an opening 222 of the sensor mounting surface 220 and through the passage to the grommet opening 207, as best illustrated in Fig. Figure 9 shows the configuration of the front housing section, allowing easy access to the sensor mounting surface to facilitate the integration of a sensor into the front housing section prior to arranging the front housing section with the rear housing section.

[0013] In Fig. 5 A sensor 230 is mounted on the sensor mounting surface 220. In Fig. 9 is the input of sensor 230 positioned above the opening 222 of the sensor mounting surface 220 to detect conditions in the user's ear. The sensor can be attached to the sensor mounting surface with adhesive or another fastening mechanism to ensure an airtight seal and to determine the sensor's position before the housing sections are arranged.

[0014] In the Fig. 4 and Fig. 9 The front housing section 202 also includes a recess 224 adjacent to the sensor mounting surface 220. The recess 224 provides space for a flexible circuit or other conductors that are electrically connected to an external electrical interface of a sensor mounted on the sensor mounting surface. The recess also accommodates any length variations in the electrical conductor. The recess includes a conductor guide section 226 for guiding the conductor to another part of the housing, which is best described in Fig. 4 is shown. Fig. 9 The sensor 230 includes an external electrical interface on a surface 232 facing the recess 224 next to the sensor mounting surface 220. In Fig. In section 2, sensor 210 includes an external electrical interface 211 in addition to a sensor input 213. Sensor 206 can also include an electrical interface and a sensor input. Fig. 5 A flexible circuit 228, connected to the external electrical interface of the sensor 230, extends through the recess and through the conductor routing section 226 towards a rear section of the housing. Alternatively, stranded wires or other conductors can be used instead of the flexible circuits.

[0015] The sensor can be, among other things, a microphone, a vibration sensor, or a physiological sensor. Fig. Figure 10 comprises a representative microphone 240, a sensor housing with a cover 242 mounted on a base 244, and a transducer 246 arranged within the housing, mounted on the base above a sound aperture 248. The representative transducer is a capacitive device comprising a diaphragm 250 movable relative to a fixed backplate 252. Alternatively, the transducer may be a piezoelectric or other transducer device. These and other transducers may be microelectromechanical (MEMS) devices. An electrical circuit 254, also arranged within the transducer housing, is electrically connected to the transducer 246 and to an external electrical interface 256 on a surface of the base. A section of the sensor base, comprising the sound aperture 248, is mounted on the sensor mounting surface 220. Fig. 4. The external electrical interface 256 of the sensor is located on the section of the sensor base that faces the recess 224 next to the sensor mounting surface, as described here.

[0016] In Fig. 4 The front housing section 202 also includes a loudspeaker mounting surface 260, which is located on an inner side of the housing near the grommet 203. The loudspeaker mounting surface 260 extends beyond the sensor mounting surface 220 to provide space for the sensor next to a loudspeaker attached to the loudspeaker mounting surface. The loudspeaker sound path passes through an opening 262 in the loudspeaker mounting surface 260 and through the opening of the grommet. The partition between the loudspeaker sound path and the sensor signal path includes a wall section that separates the loudspeaker sound path from the sensor signal path. Such a wall section can extend from the sensor mounting surface or the loudspeaker mounting surface to the opening of the grommet.The configuration of the front enclosure section allows easy access to the speaker mounting surface to facilitate the integration of a speaker into the front enclosure section prior to arranging the front enclosure section with the rear enclosure section.

[0017] In Fig. 6. A loudspeaker 264 is attached to the loudspeaker mounting surface 260 after the sensor has been mounted. The loudspeaker can be attached to the loudspeaker mounting surface with adhesive or another retaining mechanism to ensure an airtight seal and to determine the loudspeaker's position before the housing sections are arranged. In Fig. 6 The loudspeaker 264 is mounted on the loudspeaker mounting surface 260 next to a sensor mounted on the sensor mounting surface. The sensor is located between the loudspeaker and the grommet opening. Fig. Figure 9 shows the loudspeaker 264, which is offset from the sensor 230 due to the recessed position of the sensor mounting surface. The loudspeaker mounting surface is shown in the sectional view of Fig. 9 not shown.

[0018] In some implementations, the sensor can be held on the sensor mounting surface by appropriate positioning of the loudspeaker, alone or in combination with elastic material, with or without adhesive. A sound outlet at one end of the loudspeaker faces the opening 262 of the loudspeaker mounting surface 260. An opposite end of the loudspeaker includes an external electrical interface 266, which can be connected to a terminal or other circuitry of the hearing device. In other implementations, two or more loudspeakers arranged in a stack can be mounted on the loudspeaker mounting surface such that the sound outlets of both loudspeakers face the opening of the loudspeaker mounting surface.

[0019] The one or more loudspeakers can be balanced armature receivers (hereinafter also referred to as "receivers") or dynamic loudspeakers, or a combination thereof. Fig. Figure 11 comprises a representative balanced armature receiver 270, a housing 272 containing a diaphragm 274, which divides the interior of the housing into a rear chamber 276 containing a motor, and a front chamber 278 with a sound outlet 280. The motor comprises an armature 282 with a first end connected to a yoke 284. The armature includes a second end 286, which is movably arranged between magnets held by the yoke. The movable part of the armature is connected to the diaphragm via a connecting link 290. An electrical coil 292 arranged around the armature is connected to an electrical terminal 294 on the outside of the housing. The diaphragm is driven by the deflection of the armature between the magnets in response to an electrical audio signal applied to the coil. Other balanced armature receivers suitable for the ear-worn hearing device described here include a variety of alternative architectures.In dynamic loudspeakers (also known as moving-coil loudspeakers), the coil is coupled to the diaphragm and moves with it. Receivers are relatively small and efficient, making them particularly suitable for use in hearing aids configured to be worn in or partially in the user's ear canal (for example, RIC units). Hearing aids configured to be worn on the outer ear generally have more space for multiple receivers and dynamic loudspeakers.

[0020] Some on-the-ear hearing devices include a variety of sensors or an electrical cable interface. Fig. 7 The rear housing section 204 provides access prior to assembly to a second sensor mounting surface 221, which is located inside the housing near one of the housing end sections opposite the grommet. A second sensor signal path includes an opening 223 through the sensor mounting surface 221 to an outside of the housing. In Fig. 8 A second sensor 231 is attached to the sensor mounting surface 220. In Fig. 9 is an input (for example, a sound opening) of the second sensor 231 facing the opening 223 of the sensor mounting surface 221, as described here in conjunction with the sensor 230. In one implementation, the second sensor is a microphone for capturing ambient sounds outside the user's ear. In other implementations, the sensor does not require a connection outside the rear section of the housing. In both cases, the sensor can be attached to the mounting surface with an adhesive or other retaining mechanism to determine the sensor's position prior to assembling the housing sections.

[0021] The rear housing section 204 also includes a recess 225 adjacent to the second sensor mounting surface 221. The recess 225 accommodates an electrical conductor, examples of which are described herein, which is electrically connected to an external electrical interface of the second sensor mounted on the second sensor mounting surface, as described herein in conjunction with the first housing section. The recess also allows the conductor to be routed to another part of the housing. A representative acoustic sensor, which includes an external electrical interface, is described herein with reference to Fig. 10 described.

[0022] The front housing section, which includes the sensor mounting surface and the speaker mounting surface, can be a single piece. Similarly, the rear housing section, which includes a rear sensor mounting surface, can be a single piece. Such single pieces can be made of, among other materials, molded polymers or cast metals. Alternatively, the first and / or second housing section can comprise two or more housing sections.

[0023] On-the-ear hearing aids that include an in-ear acoustic sensor can offer enhanced audio performance. An in-ear microphone can be used alone or in combination with another microphone or sensor to capture ambient sounds, improve noise reduction, and reduce occlusion. The in-ear microphone can also be used as a probe to obtain real-ear-to-coupler difference (RECD) measurements for custom hearing aid fitting. An in-ear vibration sensor can be used to capture speech from the hearing aid user. This speech recognition can be used for active noise cancellation (ANC) and other audio enhancement features.

[0024] In one implementation, the ear-worn hearing device is a receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing device that includes an electrical cable connected to an end section of the housing opposite the grommet, as in conjunction with Fig. 1 described. In RIC and other hearing devices that require an electrical cable, the housing includes a receptacle for the electrical cable. In Fig. 7 The rear housing section 204 includes an aperture 227 through which an end section of the electrical cable extends. The electrical cable generally comprises one or more conductors that electrically connect the sensor, the loudspeaker, and other electrical components in the ear-worn unit to a connector that plugs into the base unit. In other implementations, the ear-worn hearing device does not include an electrical cable, so the cable receptacle is not required.

[0025] Although the disclosure and the currently considered best embodiment have been described in a manner that establishes ownership and enables skilled persons to manufacture and use them, it is nevertheless obvious and understandable that there are many equivalents to the representative embodiments described herein and that countless modifications and variations can be made to them without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited not by the described embodiments but by the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] Hearing device worn on the ear, comprising: a housing with a grommet configured to be worn on the auricle of a user or at least partially in the ear canal of a user, wherein the grommet includes a passage extending to an opening of the grommet; a loudspeaker arranged in the housing, which includes a sound outlet that is acoustically connected to the opening of the grommet via a loudspeaker sound path; a sensor that is located in the housing and includes an input that is connected to the opening of the grommet via a sensor signal path; a partition wall that is arranged in the passage of the grommet and is located between the loudspeaker sound path and the sensor signal path, wherein the partition isolates the sensor signal path from the loudspeaker sound path along at least one section of the passage through the grommet. [2] Hearing device worn on the ear according to claim 1, wherein the partition extends to the opening of the grommet. [3] A hearing device worn on the ear according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor mounting surface located on an inside of the housing near the grommet, wherein the sensor signal path extends through an opening of the sensor mounting surface and the sensor is mounted on the sensor mounting surface such that the sensor input points towards the opening of the sensor mounting surface. [4] Ear-worn hearing device according to claim 3, wherein the sensor comprises an external electrical interface opposite a recess in the housing adjacent to the sensor mounting surface, the recess accommodating an electrical conductor electrically connected to the external electrical interface of the sensor. [5] A hearing device worn on the ear according to claim 3, which further comprises a loudspeaker mounting surface located inside the housing near the grommet, wherein the loudspeaker sound path extends through an opening of the loudspeaker mounting surface and the loudspeaker is mounted on the loudspeaker mounting surface such that the sound outlet points towards the opening of the loudspeaker mounting surface. [6] A hearing device worn on the ear according to claim 5, wherein the housing is an arrangement comprising: a front housing section that provides access to the sensor mounting surface prior to assembly and access to the speaker mounting surface prior to assembly; and a rear housing section that is connected to the front housing section. [7] Ear-worn hearing device according to claim 4, wherein the sensor comprises: a sensor housing; a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) transducer located in the sensor housing; and an electrical circuit that is located in the sensor housing and electrically connected to the MEMS transducer and the external electrical interface. [8] A hearing device worn on the ear according to claim 1, which further comprises an acoustic sensor arranged in the housing and comprising a sound opening which is acoustically coupled to an outside of the housing via an opening through a section of the housing opposite the grommet, wherein the loudspeaker is located between the sensor and the acoustic sensor. [9] Hearing device worn on the ear, comprising: a housing with a grommet for wearing on the auricle of a user or at least partially in the ear canal of a user, wherein the grommet includes a passage extending to an opening of the grommet; a loudspeaker arranged in the housing with a sound outlet, which is acoustically coupled to the opening of the grommet via a loudspeaker sound path; a microphone that is arranged in the housing and includes a sound opening which is acoustically connected to the opening of the grommet via a microphone sound path; a partition wall that is arranged in the passage of the grommet and separates the loudspeaker sound path from the microphone sound path along at least one section of the passage, the partition acoustically isolates the loudspeaker sound path from the microphone sound path. [10] Hearing device worn on the ear according to claim 9, wherein the partition extends to the opening of the grommet. [11] A hearing device worn on the ear according to claim 10, further comprising: a microphone mounting surface located on an inside of the housing near the grommet, wherein the microphone sound path extends through an opening in the microphone mounting surface to the opening of the grommet, and the microphone is mounted on the microphone mounting surface such that the sound opening of the microphone is located above the opening of the microphone mounting surface; a loudspeaker mounting surface located inside the housing near the grommet, wherein the loudspeaker sound path of the loudspeaker extends through an opening in the loudspeaker mounting surface to the opening of the grommet, wherein the loudspeaker is mounted on the loudspeaker mounting surface such that the sound outlet of the loudspeaker is oriented towards the opening of the loudspeaker mounting surface, where the loudspeaker mounting surface is adjacent to the microphone mounting surface. [12] Ear-worn hearing device according to claim 11, wherein the housing is an arrangement comprising a front housing section which provides access to the microphone mounting surface and the loudspeaker mounting surface prior to assembly, and a rear housing section which is assembled with the front housing section. [13] A hearing device worn on the ear according to claim 12, further comprising a rear microphone mounted on a rear microphone mounting surface of the rear housing section, wherein the rear microphone comprises a sound channel acoustically coupled to an outside of the housing via an opening through the rear housing section, wherein the rear housing section provides access to the rear microphone mounting surface prior to assembly. [14] Ear-worn hearing device according to claim 11, wherein the microphone comprises an external electrical interface facing a recess next to the microphone mounting surface, the recess receiving an electrical conductor which is electrically connected to the external electrical interface of the microphone. [15] Ear-worn hearing device according to claim 14, wherein the microphone comprises: a microphone housing with a cover mounted on a base, wherein the sound opening is located on a part of the base that is mounted on the microphone mounting surface, and the external electrical interface is located on a part of the base that faces the recess next to the microphone mounting surface; a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) transducer located inside the microphone housing and positioned above the sound opening; and an electrical circuit that is located inside the microphone housing and electrically connected to the MEMS transducer and the external electrical interface. [16] Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing device worn on the ear, comprising: a housing with a nozzle configured to allow at least partial insertion into the user's ear canal, the nozzle having a passage extending to an opening of the nozzle; an electrical cable that is connected to the housing opposite the grommet and is electrically connected to an electrical component in the housing; a loudspeaker arranged in the housing and comprising a sound outlet acoustically connected to the opening of the grommet by a loudspeaker sound path extending through the passage of the grommet; a microphone located in the housing between the loudspeaker and the opening of the grommet, the microphone comprising a sound opening acoustically connected to the opening of the grommet by a microphone sound path extending through the passage of the grommet; a partition wall that is arranged in the passage of the grommet and separates the loudspeaker sound path from the microphone sound path along at least one section of the passage, the partition acoustically isolates the loudspeaker sound path from the microphone sound path. [17] RIC hearing device worn on the ear according to claim 16, further comprising: a microphone mounting surface in the housing near the grommet, wherein the microphone sound path extends through an opening in the microphone mounting surface and the microphone is mounted on the microphone mounting surface with the sound aperture of the microphone above the opening of the microphone mounting surface; a loudspeaker mounting surface in the housing, wherein the loudspeaker sound path of the loudspeaker extends through an opening of the loudspeaker mounting surface and the loudspeaker is mounted on the loudspeaker mounting surface such that the sound outlet of the loudspeaker is directed towards the opening through the loudspeaker mounting surface. [18] Ear-worn hearing device according to claim 17, wherein the microphone comprises an external electrical interface facing a recess next to the microphone mounting surface, the recess receiving an electrical conductor which is electrically connected to the external electrical interface of the front microphone. [19] A hearing device worn on the ear according to claim 18, wherein the housing is an arrangement comprising: a one-piece front housing section comprising the microphone mounting surface and the speaker mounting surface, wherein the front housing section provides access to the microphone mounting surface and the speaker mounting surface prior to assembly; and a rear housing section that is assembled with the front housing section. [20] A RIC hearing device worn on the ear according to claim 19, further comprising a rear microphone attached to a rear microphone mounting surface of the rear housing section, wherein a sound opening of the rear microphone is acoustically coupled to an outside of the housing via an opening through the rear housing section, the loudspeaker being located between the microphone and the rear microphone.

Images