Method for cleaning one or more in-ear audio devices

Abstract

Method (1000) for cleaning one or more in-ear audio devices (10) by at least one cleaning process (100) and at least one drying process (200), the cleaning process (100) comprises steps of • a) submerging (120) the one or more in-ear audio devices (10) into a cleaning solution (30), and • b) generating (130) a flow in the cleaning solution (30) at the one or more in-ear audio devices (10), the drying process (200) comprises steps of • c) drying (210) the one or more in-ear audio devices (10).

Description

[0001] Method for cleaning one or more in-ear audio devices

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a method for cleaning in-ear audio devices to remove accumulated debris and cerumen from a mesh barrier and / or cavity of the in-ear audio devices to restore sound and sound quality.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Today in-ear headphones are widely used all over the world. However, over time debris and cerumen accumulate inside the in-ear headphones, which results in reduced sound and sound quality, and at worst a complete loss of sound.

[0006] Even though most in-ear headphones have a mesh that serves as a barrier to prevent debris and cerumen from entering the cavity of in-ear headphone, debris and cerumen will over time migrate through the mesh and into the cavity. Furthermore, the mesh may eventually be clogged with debris and cerumen.

[0007] Present day in-ear headphones are constructed such that they cannot be opened to clean the inner cavity from accumulated debris and cerumen. Today, the in-ear headphones are, therefore, cleaned by wiping or brushing the mesh to remove deposited debris and cerumen from the mesh. Unfortunately, this cleansing technique only appears to remove the debris and cerumen when it in reality just ends up pushing the debris and cerumen deposited in the mesh into the cavity of the in-ear headphones.

[0008] Thus, present day cleaning method for cleaning in-ear headphones merely provides a temporary improvement of the sound and sound quality of the in-ear headphones, but as more debris and cerumen accumulate in the cavity of the in-ear headphones, the sound quality is reduced, and eventually the sound in the in-ear headphones is almost completely or completely lost. Millions or even tens of millions of in-ear headphones are, thus, discarded every year world-wide due to low sound quality or sound loss.

[0009] There is, therefore, a need for a method for cleaning both the mesh and the cavity of in- ear headphones from deposited debris and cerumen to restore the sound and sound quality of the in-ear headphones. Similar problems are faced with hearing aids as for in-ear headphones, where the hearing aids are cleaned by brushing and wiping around the audio output, microphone opening and ventilation channel. Thus, there is also a need for a method for cleaning the cavity of hearing aids from deposited debris and cerumen to restore the sound and sound quality of the hearing aid.

[0010] Object of the Invention

[0011] The objective of the present invention is to provide a method that solves the above- mentioned problems.

[0012] It is further an objective to provide a method for cleaning in-ear audio devices to remove accumulated debris and cerumen from a mesh barrier and / or cavity of the in-ear audio devices to restore sound and sound quality.

[0013] Description of the Invention

[0014] An objective of the invention is achieved by a method for cleaning one or more in-ear audio devices by at least one cleaning process and at least one drying process. The cleaning process comprises steps of a) submerging the one or more in-ear audio devices into a cleaning solution, and b) generating a flow in the cleaning solution at the one or more in-ear audio devices, the drying process comprises steps of c) drying the one or more in-ear audio devices.

[0015] The in-ear audio devices may be any audio device configured for being inserted into the ear canal comprising a battery and / or a microphone, such as in-ear headphones, earbuds, in-ear monitors (IEMS), earphones, ear canal headphones, hearing aids, in- the-ear hearing aids, in-the-canal hearing aids, deaf aid, or in-ear auditory devices but are not limited to these.

[0016] The in-ear audio devices may further comprise a cavity and / or a mesh serving as a barrier to prevent debris and cerumen from e.g., the ear canal from entering the cavity of the in-ear audio devices. Step a) of submerging may be the step of submerging the one or more in-ear audio devices into a cleaning solution configured for dissolving cerumen and / or debris deposited in the in-ear audio devices.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cleaning solution may be a solution optimised for dissolving cerumen.

[0018] By submerging the in-ear audio devices into a cleaning solution, the cleaning solution enters the cavity of the in-ear audio devices through openings in the in-ear audio device, such as through holes in the mesh. This allows cerumen deposited in the cavity to be dissolved or at least partly dissolved in the cleaning solution and, thereby the cerumen is easily removed from the cavity as a solute in the cleaning solution. Furthermore, cleaning solution dissolves the cerumen deposited on the side of the mesh facing the ear canal, on the side of the mesh facing the cavity, and in the holes of the mesh.

[0019] Additionally, other debris may also be dissolved in the cleaning liquid or insoluble debris may be flushed out of the cavity of the in-ear audio devices with the cleaning liquid.

[0020] The flow generated in the cleaning solution at the one or more in-ear audio devices increases dissolution of the cerumen and / or debris deposited in the in-ear audio devices in the cleaning solution, since the flow increases the surface area of contact between the cerumen and / or debris and the cleaning solution. The flow likewise increases friction between the cleaning solution and the cerumen and / or debris.

[0021] The flow in the cleaning solution further provides a flushing of the cavity of the in-ear audio devices, thereby removing dissolved cerumen and / or debris and / or insoluble debris from the cavity by drawing or pushing cerumen and / or debris dissolved in the cleaning solution and / or insoluble debris out of the cavity with the liquid flow of the cleaning solution. Furthermore, the mechanical action of the liquid flow loosens the cerumen and / or debris, which further increases the rate of dissolution and removal from the cavity and / or mesh of the in-ear audio devices. The cleaning solution may enter the cavity through the mesh, thereby the cleaning solution interacts with the cerumen and / or debris deposited in the mesh to dissolve or loosen the cerumen and / or debris.

[0022] The flow in the cleaning solution may be a laminar flow or preferably a turbulent flow.

[0023] Therefore, by generating a flow in the cleaning solution at the one or more in-ear audio devices, a thorough cleaning of the in-ear audio devices is achieved.

[0024] After removing accumulated cerumen and / or debris during the cleaning process, using the cleaning solution and a liquid flow, it is necessary to remove all the cleaning solution present inside the one or more in-ear audio devices to avoid corrosion on and damage to the electronic components comprised in the in-ear audio devices caused by any remaining cleaning solution which is not efficiently removed.

[0025] Removal of cleaning solution remaining in the in-ear audio devices is done in a drying process comprising a step c) of drying the one or more in-ear audio devices. The drying may be done by heating the in-ear audio devices to a temperature no higher than 50°C, as the battery may be damaged at temperatures above 50°C, and / or reducing the pressure below atmospheric pressure. When subjecting in-ear audio devices to pressure reduction while drying, the boiling point of the cleaning solution is lowered. Thus, the evaporation rate is faster at a reduced pressure compared to the same temperature at atmospheric pressure. This results in a more efficient drying at lower temperatures when compared to temperatures necessary without applying a pressure reduction.

[0026] Thereby, a thorough drying of the cleaned in-ear audio devices is achieved, as the elevated temperature and / or the reduced pressure increase the evaporation rate of the cleaning solution. Furthermore, the reduced pressure may draw out any remaining cleaning solution from inside the in-ear audio devices. It is to be understood for the rest of this application that a reduced pressure is reducing the pressure below atmospheric pressure. This may also be called applying a vacuum. Throughout the application the pressure is provided in absolute pressure.

[0027] In some embodiments, the pressure may be reduced to an absolute pressure of 0.001- 0.9 bar or 0.1-0.09 bar or 0.2-0.8 bar or 0.3-0.6 bar or 0.90-0.99 bar or 0.95-0.99 bar or 0.95-0.98 bar.

[0028] In some embodiments, the in-ear audio devices may in step c) of drying be heated to a temperature of 18-50°C or 20-50°C or 25-50°C or 30-50°C or 18-45°C or 20-45°C or 30-45°C or 40-45°C or about 45°C.

[0029] In some embodiments, the step c) of drying may have a duration of 50-2000 seconds or 100-1750 seconds or 200-1500 seconds or 300-1400 seconds or 400-1300 seconds or 700-1100 seconds or about 900 seconds.

[0030] The drying process of the one or more in-ear audio devices may be a drying cycle of periodically heating and / or reducing the pressure. This provides a gentler heating as the in-ear audio devices are left to partly cool down between the heating cycles while evaporating the cleaning solution.

[0031] Thus, the combined cleaning and drying process according to the present invention results in the in-ear audio devices in most cases becomes fully functional after completion of the cleaning procedure and drying procedure according to the present invention.

[0032] Thereby, a method is provided, which advantageously dissolves and removes cerumen and / or debris from the mesh and / or cavity of in-ear audio devices to restore the sound and sound quality of the in-ear audio devices.

[0033] The present invention, therefore, provides a method that can prolong the lifetime of in-ear audio devices, thereby reducing the amount of in-ear audio devices being discarded world-wide. The method is therefore advantageous, as it reduces the environmental impact of in-ear audio devices, because fewer in-ear audio devices need to be produced and disposed. Furthermore, the method saves the consumer money, as the consumer does not need to buy new in-ear audio devices, due to lost functionality such as lost sound or sound quality, just as often.

[0034] In an aspect of the method, wherein at least one of the one or more in-ear audio devices comprises an integrated magnet and the step of generating is performed by a changing magnetic field causing the at least one in-ear audio device to be displaced.

[0035] Many in-ear audio devices comprise an integrated magnet, as the in-ear audio devices use electrodynamic speaker drivers or moving coil drivers. The in-ear audio devices, thus, typically comprise a permanent magnet and coil of wire acting as an electromagnet, which is pushed around by the permanent magnetic, which is further connected to the diaphragm to push air around.

[0036] The changing magnet-field causes the integrated magnet in the in-ear audio device to displace causing the in-ear audio device itself to displace with the changing magnetic field. The displacement of the in-ear audio device submerged in the cleaning solution generates a flow in the cleaning solution. Tests have shown that the displacement of the in-ear audio device using the integrated magnet does not damage the functioning of the in-ear audio device.

[0037] Thereby, a more efficient cleaning process is provided because the flow in the cleaning solution is generated by the in-ear audio device. A liquid flow of the cleaning solution inside the cavity is, therefore, naturally also generated, which further increases the surface area of contact between the cerumen and / or debris in the cavity and / or mesh and the cleaning solution. Thus, the dissolution rate of the cerumen and / or debris deposited in the in-ear audio device is increased.

[0038] Flushing of the cavity of the in-ear audio devices further becomes more efficient, when the flow is generated by displacement of the in-ear audio device, because a liquid flow through the cavity and / or mesh of the in-ear audio devices is achieved. Furthermore, the mechanical action of the liquid flow more efficiently loosens and removes the cerumen and / or debris in and from the cavity. The cleaning solution may enter the cavity through the mesh, and thereby the cleaning solution interacts with the cerumen and / or debris deposited in the mesh to dissolve or loosen the cerumen and / or debris.

[0039] The generated flow may be a turbulent flow, thus, the liquid flow in the cavity of the in-ear audio device may be a turbulent flow.

[0040] Therefore, by generating a flow in the cleaning solution with a changing magnetic field by displacement of the in-ear audio device, a thorough cleaning of the in-ear audio device is achieved.

[0041] The displacement of the in-ear audio devices causes cerumen and / or debris to experience an acceleration, which can cause the cerumen and / or debris to be flung out of the in-ear audio devices. Thereby, the cleaning effect of displacement of the in-ear audio devices using a magnetic field is greater compared to when the flow is generated without displacement of the in-ear audio devices. The effect is even greater if the magnetic field is a rotating magnetic field.

[0042] In an aspect of the method, wherein the step of generating is performed by a changing magnetic field, wherein the changing magnetic field causes a magnetic member immersed into the cleaning solution to be displaced.

[0043] Some in-ear audio devices do not comprise an integrated magnet. For these in-ear audio devices and / or for in-ear audio devices, where the integrated magnet is not strong enough to be displaced by the changing magnetic field, the flow in the cleaning solution may be generated by an external magnetic member immersed into the cleaning solution. The changing magnet-field causes the immersed magnet member to displace with the changing magnetic field. This displacement of the magnetic member immersed in the cleaning solution generates a flow in cleaning solution.

[0044] The magnetic member may be a magnetic stir bar, stirring rod or stirring flea, but are not limited to these. Thereby an efficient cleaning process of the in-ear audio devices is provided since a liquid flow is generated around the in-ear audio devices, causing the in-ear audio device to displace in the liquid. A liquid flow of the cleaning solution is, thus, also generated in the cavity, which increases the surface area of contact between the cerumen and / or debris in the cavity and / or the cleaning solution. Thus, the dissolution rate of the cerumen and / or debris deposited in the in-ear audio device is increased.

[0045] Furthermore, the flow in the cleaning solution flushes the cavity of the in-ear audio devices, thereby removing dissolved cerumen and / or debris and / or insoluble debris from the cavity by drawing or pushing cerumen and / or debris dissolved in the cleaning solution and / or insoluble debris out of the cavity with the liquid flow of the cleaning solution. This is due to the mechanical forces inflicted on the in-ear audio device by the liquid flow. Furthermore, the mechanical action of the flow efficiently loosens the cerumen and / or debris, which further increases the rate of dissolution and removal from the cavity of the in-ear audio devices.

[0046] The cleaning solution may enter the cavity through the mesh and thereby the cleaning solution interacts with the cerumen and / or debris deposited in the mesh to dissolve or loosen the cerumen and / or debris.

[0047] Therefore, by generating a flow in the cleaning solution with a changing magnetic field by displacement of the immersed magnetic member, a thorough cleaning of the in-ear audio device is achieved.

[0048] In an aspect of the method, wherein the changing magnetic field is a rotating magnetic field causing at least one of the one or more in-ear audio devices or the magnetic member to rotate.

[0049] The rotating magnetic field causes the in-ear audio device or the magnetic member to rotate about an internal rotational axis, thereby creating a vortex flow in the cleaning solution. The vortex generated in the cleaning solution revolves around an axis line, which corresponds to the internal rotational axis of the in-ear audio device or the magnetic member. The fluid flow velocity of the cleaning solution is greatest next to the axis line and decreases in inverse proportions to the distance from the axis line. In aspects where an integrated magnet comprised in the in-ear audio device is rotated by rotating magnetic field, thereby creating a vortex flow, the axis line of the vortex flow is the internal rotational axis of the in-ear audio device. The fluid flow velocity of the cleaning solution is, therefore, highest at the in-ear audio device. Depending on the location of the integrated magnet, the fluid flow velocity may be highest in the cavity of or around the in-ear audio device, thereby providing an efficient cleaning process of the in-ear audio device, as the surface area of contact between the cerumen and / or debris in the in-ear audio device and the cleaning solution increases with the higher fluid flow velocity. Thus, the dissolution rate of the cerumen and / or debris deposited in the in-ear audio device is increased.

[0050] Furthermore, flushing and cleaning of the cavity and / or mesh of the in-ear audio devices becomes more efficient with a higher fluid flow velocity of the cleaning solution in the cavity of the in-ear audio device, because the centrifugal force impacting the in- ear audio device is largest next to the axis line of the vortex flow. Thus, the centrifugal force causes dissolved and undissolved cerumen and / or debris to be hurled out of the cavity and / or mesh of the in-ear audio device and into the cleaning solution surrounding the in-ear audio device. The mechanical action of the vortex flow and the centrifugal force further efficiently loosens cerumen and / or debris in the cavity and / or mesh and, thus, more efficiently removes and dissolves cerumen and / or debris.

[0051] In aspects where a magnetic member immersed in the cleaning solution is rotated by the rotating magnetic field, thereby creating a vortex flow, the axis line of the vortex flow is the internal rotational axis of the magnetic member. The fluid flow velocity of the cleaning solution is, therefore, highest at the magnetic member thereby providing an efficient cleaning process since the in-ear audio device is whirled around in the vortex generated in the cleaning solution. The increased fluid flow velocity of the cleaning solution caused by the vortex flow increases the surface area of contact between the cerumen and / or debris in the in-ear audio device and the cleaning solution. Thus, the dissolution rate of the cerumen and / or debris deposited in the in-ear audio device is increased with the increased fluid flow velocity. As the fluid flow velocity of the cleaning solution is highest next to the axis line, it is advantageous to arrange the in-ear audio device to be cleaned within close proximity to the magnetic member and / or the axis line of the vortex to achieve the most effective cleaning of the in-ear audio devices.

[0052] Furthermore, the cavity and / or mesh of the in-ear audio devices are efficiently flushed and cleaned with a higher fluid flow velocity of the cleaning solution around the in-ear audio device, because the centrifugal force impacting the in-ear audio device becomes greater. Thus, the centrifugal force causes dissolved and undissolved cerumen and / or debris to be hurled out of the cavity and / or mesh of the in-ear audio device and into the cleaning solution surrounding the in-ear audio device. The mechanical action of the vortex flow and the centrifugal force further efficiently loosens the cerumen and / or debris in the cavity and / or mesh thereby removing cerumen and / or debris efficiently and further increasing the rate of dissolution.

[0053] The embodiments of the present invention, wherein the in-ear audio devices are rotated by a rotating magnetic field is twice as effective in cleaning the in-ear audio device as the embodiments where a magnetic member is rotated. This results from the centrifugal force impacting the rotating in-ear audio device being greater than the centrifugal force impacting the in-ear audio devices whirled in the vortex flow generated by an external magnetic member, because the rotational speed of the rotating in-ear audio device is higher. Thus, the greater centrifugal force allows more cerumen and / or debris to be dissolved and hurled out of the rotating in-ear audio device.

[0054] Furthermore, the fluid flow velocity is highest at the axis line of the vortex, thus the fluid flow velocity of the cleaning solution at the in-ear audio device is highest for the rotating in-ear audio device, because the axis line of the vortex corresponds to the internal rotational axis of the in-ear audio device. Thus, the higher fluid flow velocity allows for a greater dissolution rate of the cerumen and / or debris deposited in the in- ear audio device.

[0055] Therefore, in embodiments, where the vortex flow is generated by a rotating magnetic field causing a magnetic member to rotate, a higher rotational speed is required to increase the fluid flow velocity and the centrifugal force impacting the in-ear audio device for an effective cleaning of the in-ear audio device than for the embodiments where the in-ear audio device is rotated.

[0056] In some embodiments, the rotating magnetic field has a rotational speed of 200-1500 rpm or 200-1350 rpm or 250-1250 rpm or 250-1100 rpm or 300-1000 rpm or 350-850 rpm or 350-650 rpm or 400-500 rpm or 400-450 rpm or about 420 rpm or above 400 rpm.

[0057] The rotational speed of the rotating magnetic field may be changed during the cleaning process.

[0058] The higher the rotational speed, the faster is the cleaning process of the in-ear audio devices due to the greater centrifugal force and fluid flow velocity of the cleaning solution. Furthermore, the cleaning solution is prevented from entering small hollow spaces near the more sensitive electronics in the in-ear audio devices, due to the stronger centrifugal force at higher rotational speeds. This is advantageous as cleaning solution contained in these small hollow spaces are more difficult to remove during the drying process due to the capillary effect, which would increase the risk of corrosion on and damage to the electronic components comprised in the in-ear audio devices caused by remaining cleaning solution.

[0059] In some embodiments, the rotating magnetic field may be generated by an external rotating magnet or an external assembly of stationary electromagnets.

[0060] In an aspect of the method, the cleaning solution has a temperature of 5-50°C or 10- 50C° or 15-50°C or 18-50°C or 20-50°C or 25-50°C or 30-50°C or 18-45°C or 20- 45°C or 30-45°C or 40-45°C or about 45°C.

[0061] Heating the cleaning solution further increases the rate of dissolving the cerumen and / or debris accumulated in the in-ear audio devices in the cleaning solution due to the increased kinetic energy. Thereby, heating of the cleaning solution provides for a more efficient cleaning process. The cleaning solution may not exceed a temperature of 50°C, since the battery comprised in the in-ear audio devices may be damaged at temperatures above 50°C.

[0062] A further advantage of a heating cleaning solution is that the in-ear audio devices are heated to approximately the same temperature as the cleaning solution during the cleaning process. Hereby, it is achieved that evaporation of the cleaning solution immediately initiates in the drying process because of the heated in-ear audio devices. This also shortens the duration of the drying process, since the in-ear audio devices do not need to be heated before evaporation begins.

[0063] In some embodiments, the step b) of generating may have a duration of 30-3000 seconds or 60-2500 seconds or 120-2400 seconds or 180-2300 seconds or 240-2200 seconds or 300-2100 seconds or 400-2000 seconds or 500-2000 seconds or 1000-2000 seconds or 1500-2000 seconds or at about 1800 seconds.

[0064] In an aspect of the method the cleaning solution comprises one or more surfactants and / or one or more tensides, thereby providing a cleaning solution that can dissolve the hydrophobic cerumen comprising chain fatty acids, both saturated and unsaturated, alcohols, squalane, and cholesterol.

[0065] The cleaning solution may further be a chemical composition optimized for dissolving cerumen.

[0066] The cleaning solution may further comprise solvents of low boiling points, such that a more efficient drying process is obtained.

[0067] In an aspect of the method, wherein the cleaning process comprises a step of d) submerging the one or more in-ear audio devices into a soaking liquid before step a).

[0068] Thereby, the small hollow spaces around or near the more sensitive electronic components in the one or more in-ear audio devices are filled with the soaking liquid due to the capillary action. This is advantageous, as the capillary action prevents the cleaning solution from entering these small hollow spaces, thus preventing corrosion on and damage to the electronic components caused by cleaning solution deposited in these small hollow spaces remaining after the drying process.

[0069] The soaking liquid may be a soaking liquid that easily evaporates without leaving chemical residues in the small hollow spaces. Thus, the soaking liquid may be a liquid with a low boiling point.

[0070] In some embodiments, the soaking liquid may be water, distilled water, deionized water, demineralised water, ultrapure (Milli-Q®) water, alcohols, or a combination thereof.

[0071] However, care must be taken when applying alcohols, as some alcohols can react with certain types of plastic, thereby spoiling the surface and the appearance of the casing of the in-ear audio devices or in worst case dissolve the casing of the in-ear audio devices.

[0072] In some embodiments, the step d) of submerging may have a duration of 5-120 seconds or 10-60 seconds or 15-50 seconds or 20-40 seconds or 25-35 seconds or at least 30 seconds or about 30 seconds.

[0073] In an aspect of the method, wherein the cleaning process comprises a step of e) subjecting the one or more in-ear audio devices to a reduced pressure after step b).

[0074] When subjecting the in-ear audio devices to pressure reduction, the reduced pressure draws out remaining cleaning solution from inside the in-ear audio devices. Furthermore, the boiling point of the cleaning solution is lowered, such that the evaporation rate is increased.

[0075] Thereby, the amount of cleaning solution remaining in the one or more in-ear audio devices is reduced.

[0076] In some embodiments, step e) may be followed by a step of rinsing the one or more in-ear audio devices. The amount of cleaning solution is, therefore, reduced before rinsing the one or more in-ear audio devices for residual cleaning solution. Hereby a more efficient rinsing and removal of cleaning solution is achieved.

[0077] The reduction of the amount cleaning solution may be improved by one or more of the following features:

[0078] - A heating plate for retaining the withdrawn cleaning solution outside the one or more in-ear audio devices, to prevent the cleaning solution from being drawn back into the one or more in-ear audio devices when the vacuum is released;

[0079] - Control of the air flow to draw the withdrawn cleaning solution away from the one or more in-ear audio devices, to prevent the cleaning solution from being drawn back into the one or more in-ear audio devices when the vacuum is released; and / or

[0080] - Magnetic stirring of the one or more in-ear audio devices comprising an integrated magnet, to exploit the centrifugal forces to draw out a greater amount of cleaning solution from the one or more in-ear audio devices,

[0081] In some embodiments, the pressure may be reduced to an absolute pressure of 0.01-0.9 bar or 0.1-0.09 bar or 0.2-0.8 bar or 0.3-0.6 bar or 0.90-0.99 bar or 0.95-0.99 bar or 0.95-0.98 bar.

[0082] In some embodiments, the step e) of subjecting may have a duration of 5-120 seconds or 10-60 seconds or 15-50 seconds or 20-40 seconds or 25-35 seconds or at least 30 seconds or about 30 seconds.

[0083] In an aspect of the method, wherein the cleaning process comprises steps of f) submerging the one or more in-ear audio devices into a rinsing liquid after step b) or e), and g) generating a flow in the rinsing liquid at the one or more in-ear audio devices.

[0084] Thereby, rinsing the one or more in-ear audio devices from residual cleaning solution before the step of drying. This is advantageous as residual cleaning solution contained inside the one or more in-ear audio devices can cause corrosion on and damage to the electronic components comprised in the one or more in-ear audio devices. Thus, by rinsing the one or more in-ear audio devices in a rinsing liquid corrosion on and damage to the electronic components is avoided.

[0085] By submerging the in-ear audio devices into the rinsing liquid, the rinsing liquid enters the cavity of the in-ear audio devices through openings in the in-ear audio devices, such as through holes in the mesh. This allows remaining cleaning solution contained in the cavity to be flushed out. Thereby the cleaning solution is easily removed from the cavity. Furthermore, the rinsing liquid rinses the mesh and the holes of the mesh for residual cleaning solution deposited therein.

[0086] The flow generated in the rinsing liquid at the one or more in-ear audio devices increases the flushing of the in-ear audio devices with the rinsing liquid, because the flow in the rinsing liquid further provides flushing of the cavity and / or mesh of the in- ear audio devices thereby removing residual cleaning solution from the cavity and / or the mesh.

[0087] The flow in the rinsing liquid may be a laminar flow or more preferably a turbulent flow.

[0088] Therefore, by generating a flow in the rinsing liquid at the one or more in-ear audio devices, a thorough rinsing of the in-ear audio devices is achieved.

[0089] In some embodiments, the rinsing liquid may be water, distilled water, deionized water, demineralised water, ultrapure (Milli-Q®) water, alcohols, or a combination thereof.

[0090] In other embodiments, the soaking liquid and the rinsing liquid may be the same.

[0091] When the rinsing solution is pure water, the high surface tension of water may prevent the rinsing of the small hollow spaces in the one or more in-ear audio devices. However, this can be overcome by adding alcohols to the rinsing liquid to lower the surface tension and, thus, the capillary action of the rinsing liquid thereby allowing the rinsing liquid to enter and rinse the small hollow spaces from residual cleaning solution.

[0092] However, care must be taken when applying alcohols, as some alcohols can react with certain types of plastic, thereby spoiling the surface and the appearance of the casing of the in-ear audio devices or in worst case dissolve the casing of the in-ear audio devices.

[0093] In an aspect of the method, wherein at least one of the one or more in-ear audio devices comprises an integrated magnet and the step of generating is performed by a changing magnetic field causing the at least one in-ear audio device to be displaced.

[0094] The changing magnet-field causes the integrated magnet in the in-ear audio device to displace thereby causing the in-ear audio device to displace with the changing magnetic field. The displacement of the in-ear audio device submerged in the rinsing liquid generates a flow in rinsing liquid, thereby, providing a more efficient rinsing of the in-ear audio device since the flow is generated at the in-ear audio device which further increases flow of rinsing liquid around and through the in-ear audio device thereby increasing the amount of cleaning solution flushed out of the in-ear audio device.

[0095] Flushing of the cavity and / or mesh of the in-ear audio devices further becomes more efficient when the flow in the rinsing liquid is generated by displacement of the in-ear audio device, because a liquid flow through the cavity and / or mesh of the in-ear audio devices is achieved.

[0096] The generated flow may be a turbulent flow, thus, the liquid flow in the cavity of the in-ear audio device may be a turbulent flow.

[0097] Therefore, by generating a flow in the rinsing liquid with a changing magnetic field by displacement of the in-ear audio device, a thorough rinsing of the in-ear audio device is achieved. In an aspect of the method wherein the step of generating is performed by a changing magnetic field, wherein the changing magnetic field causes a magnetic member immersed into the rinsing liquid to be displaced.

[0098] The changing magnet-field causes the immersed magnet member to displace with the changing magnetic field. The displacement of the magnetic member immersed in the rinsing liquid generates a flow in rinsing liquid.

[0099] The magnetic member may be a magnetic stir bar, stirring rod or stirring flea, but is not limited to these.

[0100] An efficient rinsing of the in-ear audio devices is thereby provided, as the flow is generated in the rinsing liquid surrounding the in-ear audio devices, which increases the flow of rinsing liquid around and through the in-ear audio device thus increasing the amount of cleaning solution rinsed out of the in-ear audio device.

[0101] The flow may be a turbulent flow around the in-ear audio device.

[0102] Therefore, by generating a flow in the rinsing liquid with a changing magnetic field by displacement of the immersed magnetic member, a thorough rinsing of the in-ear audio device is achieved.

[0103] In an aspect of the method, the changing magnetic field is a rotating magnetic field causing at least one of the one or more in-ear audio devices or the magnetic member to rotate.

[0104] The rotating magnetic field causes the in-ear audio device or the magnetic member to rotate about an internal rotational axis, thereby creating a vortex flow in the rinsing liquid. The vortex generated in the rinsing liquid revolves around an axis line, which corresponds to the internal rotational axis of the in-ear audio device or the magnetic member. The fluid flow velocity of the rinsing liquid is highest next to the axis line and decreases in inverse proportions to the distance from the axis. In aspects where an integrated magnet in the in-ear audio device is rotated by a rotating magnetic field, thereby creating a vortex flow, the axis line of the vortex is the internal rotational axis of the in-ear audio device. The fluid flow velocity of the rinsing liquid is, therefore, highest the in-ear audio device. Depending on the location of the integrated magnet, the fluid flow velocity may be highest in the cavity of or around the in-ear audio device thereby, providing an efficient rinsing process of the in-ear audio device, as the flow of rinsing liquid around and through the in-ear audio device increases. Thus, the amount of cleaning solution flushed out of the in-ear audio device is increased.

[0105] Furthermore, flushing and rinsing of the cavity and / or mesh of the in-ear audio devices becomes more efficient with the greater liquid flow of the rinsing liquid through the cavity and / or mesh of the in-ear audio device. Furthermore, the centrifugal force impacting the in-ear audio device is greatest next to the axis line, thus, the centrifugal force causes residual cleaning solution to be hurled out of the cavity and / or mesh of the in-ear audio device and into the rinsing liquid surrounding the in-ear audio device.

[0106] In aspects where a magnetic member immersed in the rinsing liquid is rotated by the rotating magnetic field thereby creating a vortex flow, the axis line of the vortex flow is the internal rotational axis of the magnetic member. The fluid flow velocity of the rinsing liquid is, therefore, highest at the magnetic member thereby providing an efficient rinsing process since the in-ear audio device is whirled around in the vortex of the rinsing liquid. Thus, the amount of cleaning solution flushed out of the in-ear audio device is increased.

[0107] Furthermore, flushing and rinsing of the cavity and / or mesh of the in-ear audio devices become more efficient with the greater liquid flow of the rinsing liquid through the cavity and / or mesh of the in-ear audio device. Furthermore, the centrifugal force impacting the in-ear audio device in the vortex flow causes residual cleaning liquid to be hurled out of the cavity and / or mesh of the in-ear audio device and into the rinsing liquid surrounding the in-ear audio device.

[0108] The embodiments of the present invention, wherein the magnetic member is rotated by a rotating magnetic field provides a more efficient rinsing of the in-ear audio device than the embodiments, where the in-ear audio device is rotated. This results from the liquid flow of the rinsing liquid through the cavity and / or mesh being greater for the in-ear audio device being whirled in the vortex than for the rotating in-ear audio devices, because the centrifugal force impacting the rinsing liquid contained in the cavity of the in-ear audio device is weaker thereby allowing the rinsing solution to enter and rinse the small hollow spaces in the in-ear audio devices and allowing a larger amount of rinsing liquid to flow through the in-ear audio devices.

[0109] In some embodiments, the rotating magnetic field has rotational speeds of 200-1500 rpm or 200-1350 rpm or 250-1250 rpm or 250-1100 rpm or 300-1000 rpm or 350-850 rpm or 300-650 rpm or 300-500 rpm or 300-400 rpm or about 360 rpm or above 300 rpm.

[0110] The rotational speed of the rotating magnetic field may be changed during the rinsing process.

[0111] In some embodiments, the rotating magnetic field may be generated by an external rotating magnet or an external assembly of stationary electromagnets.

[0112] In some embodiments the rinsing liquid has a temperature of 5-50°C or 10-50C0or 15-50°C or 18-50°C or 20-50°C or 25-50°C or 30-50°C or 18-45°C or 20-45°C or 30- 45°C or 40-45°C or about 45°C.

[0113] The rinsing liquid may not exceed a temperature of 50°C, since the battery comprised in the in-ear audio devices may be damaged at temperatures above 50°C.

[0114] An advantage of heating the rinsing liquid is that the in-ear audio devices are heated to approximately the same temperature as the rinsing liquid during the rinsing process, hereby achieving that evaporation of the rinsing liquid immediately initiates in the drying process due to the heated in-ear audio devices. This also shortens the duration of the drying process, since the in-ear audio devices do not need to be heated before evaporation begins. In some embodiments, the step g) of generating may have a duration of 30-2000 seconds or 60-1500 seconds or 120-1400 seconds or 180-1300 seconds or 240-1200 seconds or 300-1100 seconds or 400-1000 seconds or 500-1000 seconds or 600-1000 seconds or 800-1000 seconds or at about 900 seconds.

[0115] In an aspect of the method, wherein the cleaning process and / or the drying process is repeated.

[0116] The possibility of repeating the cleaning process and / or drying process makes it possible to customise the method to the amount of cerumen and / or debris deposited in the in-ear audio devices. If for example the sound is complete lost, it may require two, three, or more cleaning cycles to fully remove all the deposited cerumen and / or debris to restore the sound and sound quality of the in-ear audio devices.

[0117] Furthermore, for some types of in-ear audio devices it may be advantageous to shorten the duration of the cleaning steps in the cleaning process and or the drying step in the drying process and instead repeat the cleaning process and / or drying process two, three, or more times.

[0118] Description of the Drawing

[0119] Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a method for cleaning one or more in-ear audio devices according to the present invention.

[0120] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0121] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a method 1000 for cleaning one or more in-ear audio devices 10 according to the present invention, where the one or more in-ear audio devices 10 may comprise a battery and / or a microphone. The one or more in-ear audio devices 10 may further comprise a cavity and / or a mesh serving as a barrier to prevent debris and cerumen from e.g., the ear canal from entering the cavity of the in- ear audio devices 10.

[0122] The method 1000 comprises at least one cleaning process 100 and at least one drying process 200, wherein the cleaning process 100 may comprise a step of submerging 110 the one or more in-ear audio devices into a soaking liquid 20. The soaking liquid 20 then enters and fills small hollow spaces around or near the more sensitive electronic components in the one or more in-ear audio devices 10 due to the capillary action.

[0123] The soaking liquid 20 may be a soaking liquid 20 that easily evaporates without leaving chemical residues in the small hollow spaces. Thus, the soaking liquid 20 may be a liquid with a low boiling point.

[0124] In some embodiments, the soaking liquid may be water, distilled water, deionized water, demineralised water, ultrapure (Milli-Q®) water, alcohols, or a combination thereof.

[0125] The step of submerging 110 may have a duration of 5-120 seconds or 10-60 seconds or 15-50 seconds or 20-40 seconds or 25-35 seconds or at least 30 seconds or about 30 seconds. The cleaning process 110 further comprises steps of submerging 10 the one or more in-ear audio devices 10 into a cleaning solution 30 after the first step of submerging 110. The cleaning solution 30 may be configured for dissolving cerumen and / or debris deposited in the in-ear audio devices 10.

[0126] In some embodiments, the cleaning solution 30 may comprise one or more surfactants and / or one or more tensides. The cleaning solution may further be a chemical composition optimized for dissolving cerumen.

[0127] The cleaning solution may further comprise solvents of low boiling points, such that a more efficient drying process is obtained.

[0128] By submerging 120 the in-ear audio devices 10 into the cleaning solution 30, the cleaning solution 30 enters the cavity of the in-ear audio devices 10 through openings in the in-ear audio device 10, such as through holes in the mesh. However, the cleaning solution 30 may be prevented from entering the small hollow spaces filled with soaking liquid due to capillary action. This allows cerumen and / or debris deposited in the cavity and / or mesh to be dissolved in the cleaning solution 30.

[0129] The step of submerging 120 is followed by a step of generating 130 a flow in the cleaning solution 30 at the one or more in-ear audio devices 10. The flow in the cleaning solution 30 may be a laminar flow or preferably a turbulent flow.

[0130] In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more in-ear audio devices 10 comprises an integrated magnet and the step of generating 130 is performed by a changing magnetic field causing the at least one in-ear audio device 10 to be displaced.

[0131] The changing magnet-field causes the integrated magnet in the in-ear audio device to displace 10 and thereby causes the in-ear audio device 10 to displace with the changing magnetic field. The displacement of the in-ear audio device 10 submerged in the cleaning solution 30 generates a flow in cleaning solution 30, thereby generating a liquid flow through the in-ear audio device 10. The generated flow may be a turbulent flow, thus, the liquid flow of cleaning solution 30 in the cavity of the in-ear audio device 10 may be a turbulent flow.

[0132] In another embodiment, the changing magnetic field causes a magnetic member immersed into the cleaning solution 30 to be displaced. The changing magnet-field causes the immersed magnet member to displace with the changing magnetic field. This displacement of the magnetic member immersed in the cleaning solution 30 generates a flow in cleaning solution 30, thereby generating a liquid flow through the in- ear audio device 10.

[0133] The magnetic member may be a magnetic stir bar, stirring rod or stirring flea, but are not limited to these.

[0134] The liquid flow of the cleaning solution 30 through the in-ear audio device 10 increases the surface area of contact between the cerumen and / or debris in the in-ear audio device and the cleaning solution 30. This increases the dissolution rate of the cerumen and / or debris and the flushing of the cavity and / or mesh of the in-ear audio devices.

[0135] In another embodiment the changing magnetic field is a rotating magnetic field causing at least one of the one or more in-ear audio devices 10 or the magnetic member to rotate.

[0136] The rotating magnetic field causes the in-ear audio device 10 or the magnetic member to rotate about an internal rotational axis, thereby creating a vortex flow in the cleaning solution 30. The vortex generated in the cleaning solution 30 revolves around an axis line, which corresponds to the internal rotational axis of the in-ear audio device 10 or the magnetic member.

[0137] Where an integrated magnet comprised in the in-ear audio device 10 is rotated by rotating magnetic field, thereby creating a vortex flow, the axis line of the vortex flow is the internal rotational axis of the in-ear audio device 10. The fluid flow velocity of the cleaning solution 30 is, therefore, highest at the in-ear audio device 10 thereby increasing the dissolution rate of the cerumen and / or debris, as the surface area of contact between the cerumen and / or debris and the cleaning solution 30 increases with the higher fluid flow velocity.

[0138] Where a magnetic member immersed in the cleaning solution 30 is rotated by the rotating magnetic field, thereby creating a vortex flow, the axis line of the vortex flow is the internal rotational axis of the magnetic member. The fluid flow velocity of the cleaning solution 30 is, therefore, highest at the magnetic member. Thereby, the in-ear audio device 10 is whirled around in the vortex generated in the cleaning solution 30. The dissolution rate of the cerumen and / or debris is increased, as the surface area of contact between the cerumen and / or debris and the cleaning solution 30 increases with the higher fluid flow velocity of the cleaning solution 30.

[0139] Furthermore, the centrifugal force causes dissolved and undissolved cerumen and / or debris to be hurled out of the cavity and / or mesh of the in-ear audio device 10 and into the cleaning solution 30 surrounding the in-ear audio device 10. The mechanical action of the vortex flow and the centrifugal force further efficiently loosens cerumen and / or debris in the cavity and / or mesh and, thus, more efficiently removes and dissolves cerumen and / or debris.

[0140] In some embodiments, the rotating magnetic field has rotational speeds of 200-1500 rpm or 200-1350 rpm or 250-1250 rpm or 250-1100 rpm or 300-1000 rpm or 350-850 rpm or 350-650 rpm or 400-500 rpm or 400-450 rpm or about 420 rpm or above 400 rpm.

[0141] The rotational speed of the rotating magnetic field may be changed during the cleaning process 100.

[0142] The higher the rotational speed, the faster is the cleaning process 100 of the in-ear audio devices 10 due to the larger centrifugal force and fluid flow velocity of the cleaning solution 30. Furthermore, the cleaning solution 30 is prevented from entering small hollow spaces near the more sensitive electronics in the in-ear audio devices 10, due to the stronger centrifugal force at higher rotational speeds. In some embodiments the cleaning solution 30 has a temperature of 5-50°C or 10- 50C° or 15-50°C or 18-50°C or 20-50°C or 25-50°C or 30-50°C or 18-45°C or 20- 45°C or 30-45°C or 40-45°C or about 45°C. Thereby, further increasing the dissolution rate of cerumen and / or debris deposited in the in-ear audio devices 10 in the cleaning solution 30.

[0143] In some embodiments, the step of generating 130 may have a duration of 30-3000 seconds or 60-2500 seconds or 120-2400 seconds or 180-2300 seconds or 240-2200 seconds or 300-2100 seconds or 400-2000 seconds or 500-2000 seconds or 1000-2000 seconds or 1500-2000 seconds or at about 1800 seconds.

[0144] The cleaning process 100 may further comprise a step of subjecting 140 the one or more in-ear audio devices 10 to a reduced pressure 40 after the step of generating 130. The reduced pressure 30 draws out remaining cleaning solution 30 from inside the in- ear audio devices 10. Furthermore, the boiling point of the cleaning solution 30 is lowered, such that the evaporation rate is increased.

[0145] In some embodiments, the pressure may be reduced to an absolute pressure of 0.01- 0.9 bar or 0.1-0.09 bar or 0.2-0.8 bar or 0.3-0.6 bar or 0.90-0.99 bar or 0.95-0.99 bar or 0.95-0.98 bar.

[0146] In some embodiments, the step of subjecting 140 may have a duration of 5-120 seconds or 10-60 seconds or 15-50 seconds or 20-40 seconds or 25-35 seconds or at least 30 seconds or about 30 seconds.

[0147] The step of subjecting 140 may be followed by a step of submerging 150 the one or more in-ear audio devices 10 into a rinsing liquid 50. This allows remaining cleaning solution contained in the cavity to be flushed out of the in-ear audio devices 10 thereby, rinsing the one or more in-ear audio devices 10 from residual cleaning solution 30.

[0148] In some embodiments, the rinsing liquid may be water, distilled water, deionized water, demineralised water, ultrapure (Milli-Q®) water, alcohols, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, the soaking liquid and the rinsing liquid may be the same.

[0149] The third step of submerging 150 is followed by a step of generating 160 a flow in the rinsing liquid 50 at the one or more in-ear audio devices 10. The flow in the rinsing liquid may be a laminar flow or more preferably a turbulent flow.

[0150] In some embodiments at least one of the one or more in-ear audio devices 10 comprises an integrated magnet and the step of generating 150 is performed by a changing magnetic field causing the at least one in-ear audio device 10 to be displaced thereby generating a flow in rinsing liquid 50.

[0151] Displacement of the in-ear audio device 10, generates a liquid flow through the cavity and / or mesh of the in-ear audio devices 10, thereby flushing and rinsing the in-ear audio devices 10 for residual cleaning solution 30.

[0152] In another embodiment, the step of generating 160 is performed by a changing magnetic field, wherein the changing magnetic field causes a magnetic member immersed into the rinsing liquid 50 to be displaced thereby generating a flow in rinsing liquid 50.

[0153] The magnetic member may be a magnetic stir bar, stirring rod or stirring flea, but is not limited to these.

[0154] In some embodiments, the changing magnetic field is a rotating magnetic field causing at least one of the one or more in-ear audio devices 10 or the magnetic member to rotate.

[0155] The rotating magnetic field causes the in-ear audio device 10 or the magnetic member to rotate about an internal rotational axis, thereby creating a vortex flow in the rinsing liquid 50. The vortex generated in the rinsing liquid 50 revolves around an axis line, which corresponds to the internal rotational axis of the in-ear audio device 10 or the magnetic member. This provides an efficient rinsing process of the in-ear audio device 10, as the flow of rinsing liquid 50 around and through the in-ear audio device 10 increases, and the amount of cleaning solution 30 flushed out of the in-ear audio device 10 is increased.

[0156] In some embodiments, the rotating magnetic field has rotational speeds of 200-1500 rpm or 200-1350 rpm or 250-1250 rpm or 250-1100 rpm or 300-1000 rpm or 350-850 rpm or 300-650 rpm or 300-500 rpm or 300-400 rpm or about 360 rpm or above 300 rpm.

[0157] The rotational speed of the rotating magnetic field may be changed during the rinsing process.

[0158] In some embodiments, the rinsing liquid 50 has a temperature of 5-50°C or 10-50C0or 15-50°C or 18-50°C or 20-50°C or 25-50°C or 30-50°C or 18-45°C or 20-45°C or 30-45°C or 40-45°C or about 45°C.

[0159] In some embodiments, the second step of generating 160 may have a duration of 30- 2000 seconds or 60-1500 seconds or 120-1400 seconds or 180-1300 seconds or 240- 1200 seconds or 300-1100 seconds or 400-1000 seconds or 500-1000 seconds or 600- 1000 seconds or 800-1000 seconds or at about 900 seconds.

[0160] The cleaning process 100 is followed by the drying process 200 comprising a step of drying 210 the one or more in-ear audio devices 10. The step of drying 210 may remove cleaning solution 30 and / or soaking liquid 20 and / or rinsing liquid 50 remaining in the in-ear audio devices 10. The step of drying 210 may be done by heating the in- ear audio devices 10 and / or reducing the pressure below atmospheric pressure. Thereby, a thorough drying of the cleaned in-ear audio devices 10 is achieved, as the elevated temperature and / or the reduced pressure 40 increases the evaporation rate of the cleaning solution 30 and / or soaking liquid 20 and / or rinsing liquid 50. Furthermore, the reduced pressure 40 may draw out any remaining cleaning solution 30 and / or soaking liquid 20 and / or rinsing liquid 50 from inside the in-ear audio devices 10. In some embodiments, the pressure may be reduced to an absolute pressure of 0.01-0.9 bar or 0.1-0.09 bar or 0.2-0.8 bar or 0.3-0.6 bar or 0.90-0.99 bar or 0.95-0.99 bar or 0.95-0.98 bar.

[0161] In some embodiments, the in-ear audio devices 10 are heated to a temperature of 18- 50°C or 20-50°C or 25-50°C or 30-50°C or 18-45°C or 20-45°C or 30-45°C or 40-45°C or about 45°C.

[0162] In some embodiments, the step of drying 210 may have a duration of 50-2000 seconds or 100-1750 seconds or 200-1500 seconds or 300-1400 seconds or 400-1300 seconds or 700-1100 seconds or about 900 seconds.

[0163] The drying process 200 of the one or more in-ear audio devices 10 may be a drying cycle of periodically heating and / or reducing the pressure.

[0164] In some embodiments, the cleaning process 100 and / or the drying process 200 may be repeated.

[0165] The combined cleaning process 100 and drying process 200 result in the in-ear audio devices 10 becomes fully functional with restored sound and sound quality after completion of the cleaning procedure 100 and drying procedure 200.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Method (1000) for cleaning one or more in-ear audio devices (10) by at least one cleaning process (100) and at least one drying process (200), the cleaning process (100) comprises steps of a) submerging (120) the one or more in-ear audio devices (10) into a cleaning solution (30), and b) generating (130) a flow in the cleaning solution (30) at the one or more in- ear audio devices (10), the drying process (200) comprises steps of c) drying (210) the one or more in-ear audio devices (10).

2. A method (1000) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more in- ear audio devices (10) comprises an integrated magnet and the step of generating (130) is performed by a changing magnetic field causing the at least one in-ear audio device (10) to be displaced.

3. A method (1000) according to claim 1, wherein the step of generating (130) is performed by a changing magnetic field, wherein the changing magnetic field causes a magnetic member immersed into the cleaning solution (30) to be displaced.

4. A method (1000) according to claims 2 or 3, wherein the changing magnetic field is a rotating magnetic field causing at least one of the one or more in-ear audio devices (10) or the magnetic member to rotate.

5. A method (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cleaning solution (30) has a temperature of 5-50°C or 10-50C0or 15-50°C or 18-50°C or 20- 50°C or 25-50°C or 30-50°C or 18-45°C or 20-45°C or 30-45°C or 40-45°C or about 45°C.

6. A method (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cleaning solution (30) comprises one or more surfactants and / or one or more tensides.

7. A method (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cleaning process (100) comprises a step of d) submerging (110) the one or more in-ear audio devices (10) into a soaking liquid (20) before step a) (120).

8. A method (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cleaning process (100) comprises a step of e) subjecting (140) the one or more in-ear audio devices (10) to a reduced pressure (40) after step b) (130).

9. A method (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cleaning process (100) comprises steps of f) submerging (150) the one or more in-ear audio devices (10) into a rinsing liquid (50) after step b) (130) or e) (140), and g) generating (160) a flow in the rinsing liquid (50) at the one or more in-ear audio devices (10).

10. A method (1000) according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the one or more in- ear audio devices (10) comprises an integrated magnet and the step of generating (160) is performed by a changing magnetic field causing the at least one in-ear audio device (10) to be displaced.

11. A method (1000) according to claim 9, wherein the step of generating (160) is performed by a changing magnetic field, wherein the changing magnetic field causes a magnetic member immersed into the rinsing liquid (50) to be displaced.

12. A method (1000) according to claims 10 or 11, wherein the changing magnetic field is a rotating magnetic field causing at least one of the one or more in-ear audio devices (10) or the magnetic member to rotate.

13. A method (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the cleaning process (100) and / or the drying process (200) is repeated.

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