Hearing device worn on the ear with in-ear microphone

Abstract

A hearing device worn on the ear, which includes: 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 comprising a sound outlet acoustically connected to the opening of the grommet via a loudspeaker sound path; a microphone; a distributor covering a sound opening of the microphone, wherein the sound opening of the microphone is acoustically connected to the opening of the grommet by a microphone sound path extending through a sound passage of the distributor, wherein the distributor isolates the microphone sound path from the loudspeaker sound path along at least one section of the grommet passage.

Description

AREA OF REVELATION

[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 microphone, 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 the 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 sound enhancement features in on-the-ear hearing devices. These sound enhancement features incorporate a microphone capable of detecting conditions inside the user's ear. The loudspeaker's sound path can interfere with the microphone's sound path.Furthermore, the proper integration of these and other components into the hearing device is difficult, and improper arrangement can lead to performance problems and increased costs. Therefore, there is a continuous need for improved on-the-ear hearing devices, assemblies, and components. 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 teaching of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the accompanying claims. Fig. Figure 1 shows a typical ear-worn hearing device comprising an ear-worn unit connected to a base unit via an electrical cable. Fig. Figure 2 is a partial sectional view of a representative ear-worn hearing device comprising a microphone with a distributor. Fig. 3 is a sectional view along lines aa of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a sectional view along lines bb of Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a representative sound-permeable mesh. Fig. Figure 6 is an exploded view of a representative microphone arrangement and distributor. Fig. Figure 7 is a sectional view of a representative microphone and distributor arrangement. Fig. Figure 8 is a sectional view of a representative ear-worn hearing device comprising a microphone with an alternative distributor. Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the distributor from Fig. 8.

[0004] Those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are presented for the sake of simplicity and clarity and therefore may 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 stated, 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 microphone, as well as to hearing device subassemblies and components. Such hearing devices include, but are not limited to, receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing devices, in-the-ear (ITE) devices, in-the-canal (ITC) devices, and true wireless stereo (TWS) devices, as well as other earphones and hearing devices worn on a user's auricle or at least partially within a user's ear canal. Representative implementations are described herein.

[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 includes a first end section connected to an interface 140 of the on-the-ear unit and a second end section comprising a plug 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. 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 here as a "receiver-in-canal unit (RIC unit)" or "speaker component". An elastic ear cup 114 can be connected to a ribbed spout to support the ear-worn unit, at least partially, in the user's ear canal.

[0007] 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. The one or more loudspeakers can be balanced armature receivers (hereafter referred to as "receivers"), dynamic loudspeakers, or a combination thereof. Receivers generally include a diaphragm that divides the interior of a loudspeaker enclosure into a rear volume and a front volume with a sound outlet, and a motor with an armature plate whose moving end section acts as a link to the diaphragm. Receivers are also called moving-iron loudspeakers because the armature plate moves relative to a fixed coil. 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 devices configured to be worn in or partially in the user's ear canal (for example, RIC and ITC devices). Hearing devices configured to be worn on the outer ear generally have more space for multiple receivers and dynamic loudspeakers.

[0008] In Fig. Figure 1 is the representative base unit 120, also referred to here as the BTE unit or component, configured to be worn on the back of 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. Configured in this way, the base unit can detect acoustic signals and, in response to the detection of these acoustic signals, generate and process electrical audio signals (for example, noise reduction, sound amplification, etc.) produced by the one or more microphones.The electrical audio signals are transmitted via the electrical cable 130 to the ear-worn unit 110.

[0009] In other on-the-ear (ITE) hearing devices, the components and functions of the ITE unit and the base unit described here are integrated into a single ITE hearing device. Such devices may be implemented as ITE, ITC, and TWS devices, alongside other earphones and devices configured to be worn on the auricle or at least partially in the user's ear canal. These and other ITE hearing devices may, but need not, include an elastic earpiece. In general, the configuration of the ITE hearing device and the configuration of speakers, microphones, or other sensors depends on whether the device is configured to be worn on the auricle, partially in, or completely in the user's ear canal.

[0010] The one or more loudspeakers are at least partially arranged within a housing of the hearing device, which includes a grommet configured to be worn on the user's ear or at least partially in the user's ear canal. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The loudspeaker is completely enclosed by the housing. In other implementations, an exposed section of the loudspeaker housing may be an outside of the listening device. In each case, a sound outlet of one or more loudspeakers is acoustically connected to an opening in the grommet by a loudspeaker sound path extending through a passage in the grommet. In the Fig. 2 and Fig. 8. Representative on-the-ear hearing devices 110 comprise a receiver 116, which is at least partially arranged in a hearing device housing 112 having a grommet 203 configured for at least partial insertion into the user's ear canal. The grommet may include a flatter wing or other shaped section directed towards the user's ear for hearing devices configured for wear on the auricle. The grommet includes a passage terminating at an opening 207 in the grommet. A loudspeaker sound path 205 extends between a sound outlet 117 of the loudspeaker and the opening 207 of the grommet.

[0011] In Fig. 2 A sound-permeable mesh 212 optionally covers the opening 207 of the nozzle to reduce the ingress of contaminants. In Fig. 5 The support optionally includes a frame 217, which is at least partially attached around a circumference of the sound-permeable mesh 212. In Fig. 2. The frame sits on a section of the grommet to position the mesh over the opening of the passage. The frame provides additional support for the sound-permeable mesh, facilitates handling and positioning of the mesh during installation, and offers a larger contact area with the grommet. In Fig. The frame includes optional positioning tabs 219 for insertion into complementary recesses of the nozzle. The frame and mesh can be formed as a single molded part. Alternatively, the frame can be formed over the sound-permeable mesh, or the mesh can be injection-molded into the frame to accommodate different materials or hardnesses.

[0012] The ear-worn hearing device also includes a microphone positioned to detect sounds in the user's ear (the "in-ear microphone"). The microphone is acoustically coupled to the opening of the grommet via a microphone sound path, as further described herein. In the Fig. A microphone 210 is arranged in the grommet passage between the grommet opening 207 and the one or more loudspeakers 116. Fig. 2 A flexible circuit or other conductor 211 connects the microphone 210 to an electrical interface or other circuits of the hearing device.

[0013] The microphone 210 is held by recesses or receptacles 218 formed in the passage. The recesses or receptacles position and guide the microphone into the passage during assembly. Fig. 2. A rear wall section 208 or stops in the recesses or receptacles can prevent the microphone from being inserted into the passage to ensure correct positioning near the opening. In implementations with a sound-permeable mesh, the tabs 219 or another section of the mesh frame can hold the microphone in the passage of the grommet. The recesses or receptacles 218, alone or in combination with the top wall 209, can limit the vertical movement of the microphone. Alternatively, the microphone can be secured to the passage by barbs, snap fasteners, or other structural restraints. The microphone can also be secured to the passage by adhesive, alone or in combination with structural restraints.

[0014] The microphone's sound path extends through the opening of the grommet. In Fig. 2 The microphone sound path acoustically connects the microphone 210 and the grommet opening 207. A distributor 220 connected to the microphone includes a sound passage 221 between the microphone's sound port and an opening of the distributor, as further described herein. The sound passage 221 of the distributor forms at least a section of the microphone sound path. An outer surface of the distributor forms a boundary between the loudspeaker sound path and the microphone sound path. In Fig. 2. The sound passage of the distributor extends completely to the opening of the grommet to maximize the separation of the microphone and loudspeaker sound paths. Alternatively, the loudspeaker and microphone sound paths can be partially separated by a partition in the grommet passage, as shown here in conjunction with Fig. 8 further described. Isolating the microphone sound path from the loudspeaker sound path along at least one section of the grommet passage reduces unwanted feedback and other adverse effects caused by the mixing of the microphone signal and the loudspeaker signal.

[0015] In the Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 comprises a representative microphone 210 and a distributor 220, which is attached to the outside of the microphone and covers a sound opening 222 of the microphone. The distributor includes a sound passage 221 between the sound opening 222 of the microphone and an opening 224 of the distributor, as best shown in Figure 7. Fig. Figure 7 shows the distributor can be attached to the microphone to form a sub-assembly that facilitates integration into the hearing device.

[0016] The representative microphone comprises a transducer and an electrical circuit, arranged in a housing with an external interface. In the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 The microphone 210 comprises a housing with a cover 226 mounted on a base 228. The distributor 220 is mounted on the base 228 and can be attached to it by adhesive, solder, or another fastening mechanism. A transducer 230, arranged within the housing, is mounted on the base above the sound opening 222. The representative transducer is a capacitive device comprising a diaphragm movable relative to a fixed backplate. Alternatively, the transducer can be a piezoelectric or other transducer device. These and other transducers can be microelectromechanical (MEMS) devices. An electrical circuit 232, also arranged within the housing, is electrically connected to the transducer and a Fig. The electrical interface 234 of the housing is connected as shown in section 4. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. The direction of the sound opening 222 is not parallel to the direction of the sound passage 221 of the distributor. The direction of the sound opening refers to a predominant direction in which sound enters the microphone housing. In other implementations, the direction of the sound opening may be at least partially aligned with the direction of the sound passage, depending on the type and configuration of the microphone.

[0017] In some implementations, the distributor is located on one side of the speaker housing, and a sound port of the microphone is connected to the grommet opening via a sound passage in the distributor. Fig. 8. The distributor 220 is located between the loudspeaker 116 and the microphone 210 on one side of the loudspeaker. Alternatively, the distributor can extend further behind the loudspeaker, and the loudspeaker can be positioned between the microphone and the grommet opening. Such a configuration may be desirable to reduce the overall width of the hearing device. In any case, in Fig. 8 The sound opening 222 of the microphone is acoustically coupled to a first opening 225 of the distributor 220, and a second opening 224 of the distributor is acoustically coupled to the opening 207 of the grommet. The sound passage of the distributor connects the first and second openings of the distributor.

[0018] In Fig. Figure 9 shows that the representative distributor 220 includes an open channel 223 between the first opening 225 and the second opening 224 of the distributor. The loudspeaker housing partially defines the sound passage 221 of the distributor when the open channel of the distributor 220 is located adjacent to the loudspeaker housing. The distributor 220 can be attached to the loudspeaker housing with adhesive or another fastening mechanism. The microphone can be attached to the distributor in a similar manner. Alternatively, the interior of the hearing device housing can be configured so that the loudspeaker, distributor, and microphone can be positioned and held without adhesive. In another implementation, the distributor can be configured with a fully enclosed sound passage to eliminate the need to position the distributor adjacent to the loudspeaker.

[0019] In Fig. 8 The grommet includes a partition 235 that partially separates the loudspeaker sound path 205 from the microphone sound path 206. The partition can be provided in implementations where the distributor does not extend to the grommet opening. The loudspeaker output is acoustically coupled to a section of the loudspeaker sound path 205 within the grommet opening. The opening 224 of the distributor is acoustically coupled to a section of the microphone sound path within the grommet opening. Optionally, such a partition can be provided in the hearing device. Fig. 2 will be implemented.

[0020] In some embodiments, the hearing device also includes one or more additional sensors, e.g., microphones or vibration sensors. Fig. 2 is a second microphone 236 located in the hearing aid housing 112, acoustically coupled to a sound opening 113 to detect sounds originating outside the user's ear. Additional sensors can also be integrated into the hearing aid 110. Fig. 8. In some hearing devices, the microphone for capturing sounds outside the ear can be integrated into a behind-the-ear (BTE) unit instead of, or in addition to, the speaker unit described here. In other implementations, the additional sensor can be a vibration sensor positioned to detect vibrations transmitted through the user's body. A vibration sensor integrated into the BTE hearing aid does not require a sound opening.

[0021] On-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 detect 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.

[0022] While the disclosure and the features currently considered to be the best embodiment thereof have been described in a manner that establishes ownership and enables a person skilled in the art to manufacture and use them, it is, however, self-evident 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 embodiments described but by the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] Hearing device worn on the ear, comprising: 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 comprising a sound outlet acoustically connected to the opening of the grommet via a loudspeaker sound path; a microphone; a distributor covering a sound opening of the microphone, wherein the sound opening of the microphone is acoustically connected to the opening of the grommet by a microphone sound path extending through a sound passage of the distributor, wherein the distributor isolates the microphone sound path from the loudspeaker sound path along at least one section of the grommet passage. [2] Ear-worn hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the microphone is located within the passage of the grommet and between the grommet opening and the loudspeaker. [3] Hearing device worn on the ear according to claim 1, wherein the distributor extends to the opening of the grommet. [4] Ear-worn hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the microphone comprises a microphone housing with an electrical interface, the sound opening extends through the microphone housing and the distributor is attached to the microphone housing. [5] Ear-worn hearing device according to claim 4, wherein the microphone comprises a MEMS transducer (microelectromechanical system) and an electrical circuit arranged in the microphone housing, and the electrical circuit is electrically connected to the MEMS transducer and the electrical interface, wherein one direction of the sound aperture of the microphone is not parallel to one direction of a sound passage of the distributor. [6] The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 1 is a receiver-in-canal (RIC) unit configured to be at least partially inserted into the ear canal of a user and further comprising an electrical cable the first end section of which is electrically connected to an electrical component of the RIC unit and the second end section of which comprises an electrical connector. [7] Ear-worn hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the distributor and the microphone are located next to one side of the loudspeaker. [8] Ear-worn hearing device according to claim 7, wherein the distributor is located between the loudspeaker and the microphone and a sound passage of the distributor is partially defined by a section of the loudspeaker. [9] Ear-worn hearing device according to claim 7, wherein the passage of the grommet comprises a partition that separates the loudspeaker sound path from the microphone sound path along at least one section of the passage of the grommet. [10] Ear-worn hearing device according to claim 1, further comprising a second microphone arranged in a housing and acoustically coupled to an outside of the housing which is exposed to an outside of the user’s ear when the hearing device is worn by the user. [11] 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 between an opening of the grommet and a part of the housing; a loudspeaker that is at least partially located inside the housing and a sound outlet which is acoustically connected to the opening of the grommet by a loudspeaker sound path which extends at least partially through the grommet passage; a microphone comprising a distributor forming a sound passage that forms at least one section of a microphone sound path extending between the microphone's sound passage and the grommet opening, the distributor acoustically isolates the microphone sound path from the loudspeaker sound path along at least one section of the grommet passage. [12] Ear-worn hearing device according to claim 11, wherein the microphone is located within the passage of the grommet and between the loudspeaker and the grommet opening. [13] Hearing device worn on the ear according to claim 12, wherein the distributor extends to the opening of the grommet. [14] Ear-worn hearing device according to claim 13, wherein the microphone comprises a microphone housing with an electrical interface, the sound aperture extends through the microphone housing and the distributor is attached to the microphone housing and above the sound aperture. [15] Ear-worn hearing device according to claim 14, wherein the microphone comprises a MEMS transducer (microelectromechanical system) and an electrical circuit arranged in the microphone housing, and the electrical circuit is electrically connected to the MEMS transducer and the electrical interface, wherein one direction of the sound aperture of the microphone is not parallel to one direction of the sound passage of the distributor. [16] The ear-worn hearing device according to claim 15 is a receiver-in-canal (RIC) unit configured to be worn at least partially in the ear canal of a user and further comprising an electrical cable, a first end section of the electrical cable electrically connected to an electrical component of the RIC unit, and a second end section of the electrical cable comprising an electrical plug that can be connected to a behind-the-ear unit. [17] Ear-worn hearing device according to claim 16, wherein the loudspeaker is a balanced armature receiver. [18] Ear-worn hearing device according to claim 11, wherein the loudspeaker comprises a loudspeaker housing, wherein the distributor is located along one side of the loudspeaker housing between the loudspeaker housing and the microphone, wherein the sound passage of the distributor is partially defined by the loudspeaker housing. [19] Ear-worn hearing device according to claim 18, wherein the passage of the grommet comprises a partition that separates the loudspeaker sound path from the microphone sound path along at least one section of the passage of the grommet. [20] Ear-worn hearing device according to claim 11, further comprising a second microphone arranged in the housing and acoustically coupled to an outside of the housing which is exposed to an outside of the user’s ear when the hearing device is worn by the user.

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