A receiver-in-canal assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a receiver-in-canal assembly. The assembly comprises a receiver housing defining a channel extending in a longitudinal direction, where a first sound opening is arranged at the first end, and where a receiver arranged in the channel. The assembly further comprises a dome comprising a circumferential member arranged 5 circumferentially around the receiver housing, where a second sound opening is arranged at the front end, and an extension extending in the longitudinal direction from an inner surface of the circumferential member and forming a seat for the receiver housing. The receiver housing comprises a first engagement structure and the extension comprises a second engagement structure, the first and second engagement structures being configured for 10 mutual engagement to releasably lock the dome to the receiver housing by elastic deformation of at least one of the first and second engagement structures and wherein the extension comprises at least two gripper arms and / or stiffening ribs extending along the outer surface of the receiver housing on opposite sides of the receiver housing.

Description

[0001] A RECEIVER-IN-CANAL ASSEMBLY

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a receiver-in-canal assembly and a dome for a receiver-in- canal assembly. The receiver-in-canal assembly is for positioning in or partly in the ear canal of a user. The dome comprises a circumferential member arranged circumferentially around a receiver housing.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] A receiver-in-canal assembly is used in many hearing aid devices of the so-called RITE (receiver in the ear) type. Such hearing aid devices comprise (i) a behind the ear module, typically comprising one or more microphones for picking up sound, a battery, amplifier and signal processor; and (ii) a receiver in canal assembly comprising at least one receiver (speaker) positioned in the ear canal of a person. The receiver in canal assembly is typically connected to the behind the ear module by means of a cable, such as a litz wire and a connector (plug I socket) to connect the receiver in canal assembly to the behind the ear module. The receiver in canal assembly typically comprises a dome to position the receiver in canal assembly in the ear canal of a person. If desired, the receiver in canal assembly may comprise a microphone or one or more other sensors such as vibration sensors or optical sensors. The receiver in canal assembly may also comprise a valve, for example a valve as disclosed in European patent application publication No. 4295584.

[0006] It will be appreciated that dimensions of receiver in canal assemblies are limited by the small size of the ear canal of a person, in particular in cross-section. In addition, it is generally desired that the length of the receiver in canal assembly is limited as well. One of the reasons is that a longer receiver in canal assembly is easier visible from the outside of the ear. Users of hearing aid devices typically prefer receiver in canal assemblies that are as invisible as possible for others looking at them. Especially if it is desired to include additional sensors or valves in the receiver in canal assembly, this becomes a challenge.

[0007] Receiver in canal assemblies, at the sound opening typically comprise a nozzle. The nozzle defines an acoustic sound channel that allows acoustic communication between a sound opening of the receiver inside the receiver in canal assembly and the sound opening of the receiver in canal assembly at the end of the nozzle. In addition, the outside of the nozzle is typically used for attaching a dome. The dome comprises a circumferential member arranged circumferentially around a receiver housing. The circumferential member is usually flexible, soft, for example made of a polysiloxane. The dome allows positioning of the receiver in canal assembly in the ear canal of a person, avoiding that the receiver in canal assembly falls out of the ear canal upon movement of the user, and at the same time ensures a comfortable fit. The nozzle may for example be circular or oval in cross-section, preferably circular, and typically has a tube section and a retention section, such as a flange or retention rib for receiving and retaining a dome. Typically, a nozzle does not contain a part of a receiver. The longest diameter of the tube section of the nozzle may be 1.5 to 2.0 mm, whereas the longest diameter of the main body of the receiver in canal assembly is typically in the range from 2.4 to 4.5 mm.

[0008] It would be desirable if a receiver and canal assembly would be found where a nozzle is not necessary. This would reduce the total length needed for a receiver in canal assembly and potentially free up length for additional sensors or valves and the like.

[0009] Debris, such as cerumen and moisture can accumulate on personal audio devices causing a variety of problems, such as clogging sound openings and corroding parts. Parts and features of the personal audio device, in particular part and features of speakers (receivers), need to be protected from such debris to prevent any adverse effects.

[0010] Traditionally, barriers, such as replaceable wax buckets, are used to protect the personal audio device from debris ingress through sound ports. A problem with these barriers is that they eventually soil, which affects the acoustic transmission. The existing solutions require cleaning or replacement of the barrier, but this process tends to be too complicated either because of size or tool requirements. Improper servicing can aggravate the situation taking contaminants to locations where they damage other parts of the personal audio device, which parts may be even more difficult to service.

[0011] US 6,129,174 describes an acoustic coupler that is attached to the nozzle of a receiver housing and a flexible dome attached to the acoustic coupler.

[0012] US 2020 / 0162828 relates to wax protection for an in-canal hearing device comprising an ear bud.

[0013] US 2023 / 0050184 describes a dome comprising a speaker unit interface connecting a tip (nozzle) of the speaker unit to the dome, and an outer dome portion, where the outer dome portion comprises a softer material and the interface comprises a harder material.

[0014] US 2018 / 0109862 describes an earbud or dome having multiple protruding, convex and soft elements. US 2018 / 0167752 describes a dome for attachment to a receiver housing where the dome may be attached to a receiver housing by means of a plurality of protruding flanges and annular recesses.

[0015] Description of the invention

[0016] It is an object of embodiments of the invention to provide an improved receiver-in-canal assembly. It is a further object to provide an improved dome for a receiver-in-canal assembly. It is a further object to provide an improved receiver housing for a receiver-in- canal assembly.

[0017] The invention provides a receiver-in-canal assembly as claimed in claim 1 and a dome as claimed in claim 15.

[0018] Accordingly, according to a first aspect the present invention relates to a receiver-in-canal assembly comprising:

[0019] - a receiver housing defining a channel extending in a longitudinal direction between a first end and an opposite second end, wherein a first sound opening is arranged at the first end, the first sound opening being configured for passage of sound,

[0020] - a receiver arranged in the channel, and

[0021] - a dome comprising:

[0022] - a circumferential member arranged circumferentially around the receiver housing and extending in the longitudinal direction between a front end and a rear end, wherein a second sound opening is arranged at the front end, the second sound opening being configured for passage of sound,

[0023] - an extension extending in the longitudinal direction from an inner surface of the circumferential member and forming a seat for the receiver housing, wherein the receiver housing comprises a first engagement structure and the extension comprises a second engagement structure, the first and second engagement structures being configured for mutual engagement to releasably lock the dome to the receiver housing by elastic deformation of at least one of the first and second engagement structures, and wherein the extension comprises at least two gripper arms and / or stiffening ribs extending along the outer surface of the receiver housing on opposite sides of the receiver housing.

[0024] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a receiver-in-canal assembly comprising:

[0025] - a receiver housing defining a channel extending in a longitudinal direction between a first end and an opposite second end, wherein a first sound opening is arranged at the first end, the first sound opening being configured for passage of sound,

[0026] - a receiver arranged in the channel, and

[0027] - a dome comprising:

[0028] - a circumferential member arranged circumferentially around the receiver housing and extending in the longitudinal direction between a front end and a rear end, wherein a second sound opening is arranged at the front end, the second sound opening being configured for passage of sound,

[0029] - an extension extending in the longitudinal direction from an inner surface of the circumferential member and forming a seat for the receiver housing, wherein the receiver housing comprises a first engagement structure and the extension comprises a second engagement structure, the first and second engagement structures being configured for mutual engagement to releasably lock the dome to the receiver housing by elastic deformation of at least one of the first and second engagement structures, and wherein at least a part of the receiver is arranged in the channel at a longitudinal distance from the first end which is less than the longitudinal distance from the first end to a part of the first engagement structure closest to the second end.

[0030] The "receiver-in-canal assembly" may be a used as part of a hearing aid. However, the receiver-in-canal assembly or parts hereof, such as the dome, may also be used as part of hearables, such as consumer accessories. The receiver-in-canal assembly comprises a receiver (speaker) and may further comprise a microphone. The receiver and the microphone may be integrated in a single unit.

[0031] Sound may be guided from or to the receiver-in-canal assembly. Thus, the receiver-in-canal assembly may generate sound via the receiver. The receiver housing defines a channel extending in a longitudinal direction between a first end and an opposite second end, where a first sound opening is arranged at the first end. The first sound opening is configured for passage of sound. The receiver is arranged in the channel, whereby the first sound opening may be configured for passage of sound from the receiver. Sound may be guided from the receiver to an ear canal of a user via the first sound opening.

[0032] In the context of the present invention, the term "longitudinal direction" should be understood as a direction in which the receiver housing is longest. To facilitate insertion of at least a part of the receiver-in-canal assembly into an ear canal, the longitudinal direction may substantially equal an insert direction of the receiver-in-canal assembly into the ear canal.

[0033] The receiver housing may be substantially tube shaped between the first and second ends, where the cross-sectional shape of the receiver housing may be substantially circular. However, the cross-sectional shape in an alternative embodiment may be different, such as oval, formed as a square, a triangle, or having another shape. In a preferred embodiment, sharp angles on the outer surface of the receiver housing may be avoided to reduce the risk of injuring the ear canal of a user. The dimension of the cross-sectional shape, such as the diameter, may vary along the longitudinal direction. In one embodiment, the dimension of the cross-sectional shape may, however, be uniform.

[0034] The receiver is arranged in the channel. By the term 'arranged in' should be understood, that at least a part of receiver is accommodated in the channel, whereby the receiver housing may protect at least a part of the receiver. Thus, at least a part of the receiver along the longitudinal direction is accommodated in the channel. If only a part of the receiver is accommodated in the channel, the remaining part of the receiver may extend out of the channel at one end of the channel, preferably at the second end to avoid that the first sound opening is blocked or partly blocked by the receiver. In one embodiment, the receiver may be fully inserted into the channel, whereby the receiver housing may have a size large enough to accommodate it.

[0035] A dome is releasably attached to the receiver housing at the first end. In use, the first end is typically the part of the receiver housing which is inserted first into an ear canal of a user, whereby the dome may form the front part of the receiver-in-canal assembly when inserted, and consequently may be arranged deeper in the ear canal than the second end of the receiver housing during use. By providing a dome being releasably attached to the receiver housing, the dome may be replaced when worn out and / or may be removed for cleaning. The dome comprises a circumferential member arranged circumferentially around the receiver housing and extending in the longitudinal direction between a front end and a rear end. The front and rear ends of the circumferential member define opposite ends of the circumferential member, where the terms 'front' and 'rear' refer to the insert direction of the receiver-in-canal assembly relative to the ear canal of a user. Thus, the circumferential member may the attached to the first end of the receiver housing at its front end.

[0036] A second sound opening is arranged at the front end of the circumferential member, the second sound opening being configured for passage of sound. The first and second sound openings may be arranged transverse to the longitudinal direction and may be aligned or may be arranged so that they at least partly overlap, whereby the first sound opening, and the second sound opening may be configured for passage of sound from the receiver arranged in the channel. Thus, sound may pass from the receiver to an ear canal of a user via the first and second sound openings.

[0037] An extension extends in the longitudinal direction from an inner surface of the circumferential member, where the inner surface of the circumferential member faces the receiver housing, whereas the outer surface of the circumferential member faces away from the receiver housing.

[0038] The extension forms a seat for the receiver housing. By forming a seat, the shape of a part of the extension may match a part of the outer surface of the receiver housing to thereby provide a support for the receiver housing. Thus, the seat may be provided as an interface for the receiver housing. It should be understood, the receiver housing may be releasably attached to the dome at a position different from the seat which may only provide support for the receiver housing.

[0039] To avoid wax ingress into the channel when the extension provides support for the receiver housing at the seat, an outer surface part of the receiver housing may form a contact surface for contact with a contact surface of the extension forming the seat. By contact between the two surfaces, wax ingress may be avoided or at least considerably reduced.

[0040] To facilitate attachment of the dome to the receiver housing, the receiver housing comprises a first engagement structure, and the extension comprises a second engagement structure. The first and second engagement structures are configured for mutual engagement to releasably lock the dome to the receiver housing by elastic deformation of at least one of the first and second engagement structure which facilitate removal of the dome for cleaning. Furthermore, the dome may be replaced, if damaged or worn out. By elastic deformation of at least one of the first and second engagement structures, the dome and the receiver housing may be releasably attached to each other by pushing them together along the longitudinal direction which may provide so-called snap-fit locking of the elements to each other. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second engagement structures may be configured for mutual engagement to releasably lock the dome to the receiver housing by elastic deformation of the second engagement structure.

[0041] Preferably, the receiver housing of the receiver-in-canal assembly does not comprise a nozzle. A nozzle typically projects from the receiver housing at the proximal end of the receiver housing, has one or more retention features for retention of a dome and a tube section encompassing a sound channel for acoustic communication between the receiver sound opening and the sound opening at the proximal end of the nozzle, protruding into the ear canal. A nozzle is distinct from a receiver housing in that it does not accommodate a receiver, although it may accommodate a microphone, such as in WO2022 / 042951.

[0042] The preferred receiver housing according to the invention is characterised by the channel being configured for positioning at least part of the receiver in the channel at a longitudinal distance from the first end which is less than the longitudinal distance from the first end to a part of the first engagement structure closest to the second end. This avoids the need for a nozzle in the receiver-in-canal assembly according to the present invention.

[0043] The receiver-in-canal assembly may be configured to be arranged in the ear canal of a user or partly in the ear canal of a user, where at least the circumferential member may be arranged against an inner surface of the ear canal, which may keep the inserted part of the receiver-in-canal assembly in place. The receiver-in-canal assembly comprises the receiver housing, the receiver, and the dome. The receiver-in-canal assembly may additionally comprise electronics and other elements. The receiver-in-canal assembly may be coupled to a second part configured to be arranged outside the ear canal, e.g., at least partly behind the ear of the user. The second part may comprise electronics, controls, battery, microphone(s), and an additional receiver which may be a bass receiver. Other elements may also form part of the receiver-in-canal assembly and / or the second part. The receiver-in-canal assembly and the second part may be connected to each other by a tube and one or more wires.

[0044] Each of the first and second engagement structures may comprise at least two engagement elements extending transverse to the longitudinal direction. The engagement elements may as an example be indentations and protrusions, where engagement may be achieved by insertion of the protrusions into the indentations. To improve locking of the dome to the receiver housing, the shape of the first engagement structure may match the shape of the second engagement structure; e.g., an outer shape of the protrusions may match an inner shape of cavities forming the indentations. In an embodiment, where the first and second engagement structures comprise indentations and protrusions, the protrusions may be elastically deformable to allow bending of the protrusions, when the dome and the receiver housing are pressed together. When a protrusion is aligned with an indentation, bending of the protrusion may stop, and the protrusion may extend into the indentation. Sidewall of the indentation may alternatively or additionally be elastically deformable to facilitate attachment of the dome to the receiver housing.

[0045] The first engagement structure may in one embodiment comprise a plurality of engagement ribs extending circumferentially around an outer surface of the receiver housing, whereas the second engagement structure may comprise a plurality of indentations extending circumferentially along an inner surface of the extension. Two or more, such as three, four, five, six, or even more engagement ribs may be provided. In a preferred embodiment, the first engagement structure may comprise at least four engagement ribs. The engagement ribs may extend substantially parallel to each other around the receiver housing. The engagement ribs may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The engagement ribs may be formed integrally with the receiver housing. A corresponding number of indentations may extend along the inner surface of the extension to thereby provide an indentation for each of the engagement ribs. Accordingly, the second engagement structure may preferably comprise at least four indentations configured for engaging at least four engagement ribs of the first engagement structure. The indentations may be formed as part of a moulding process for the extension. By forming the extension of an elastic deformable material, the dome may be releasably locked to the receiver housing by elastic deformation of the indentations, when engaging the first engagement structure (engagement ribs) to the second engagement structure (indentations).

[0046] To facilitate engagement between the first and second engagement structures, each of the engagement ribs may terminate in a free rib end, where each rib end may form an inclined edge along the longitudinal direction. As the height of the engagement ribs may be lower at a first edge of each rib than at a second edge of each rib, insertion of the ribs into the indentations may be facilitated. The first edge may be the edge closer to the first end of the receiver housing, whereas the second edge may be the edge closer to the second end of the receiver housing. Engagement may be further facilitated by providing engagement ribs closer to the first end with a lower height than the height of the engagement ribs closer to the second end. In one embodiment, the height of the ribs may decrease towards the first end. The height of the engagement ribs may in this embodiment be determined by measuring the shortest distance from the central longitudinal axis of the receiver housing to the top of a rib, i.e. at an angle of 90° relative to the central longitudinal axis of the receiver housing. According to a preferred embodiment, the portion of the receiver housing comprising the first engagement structure may taper in the direction of the first sound opening. The height of each rib relative to a line connecting the two points defining the base of the rib, again by measuring the shortest distance from the line to the top of the rib, i.e. at an angle of 90°, may be essentially the same, especially where the portion of the receiver housing comprising the first engagement structure tapers in the direction of the first sound opening.

[0047] The plurality of engagement ribs in a cross-section along the longitudinal direction may in one embodiment be saw-toothed. Additionally, or alternatively, the size of the receiver housing transverse to the longitudinal direction may taper down towards the first end along a part of the receiver housing, which may further facilitate attachment of the dome to the receiver housing.

[0048] The size of the receiver housing transverse to the longitudinal direction may taper down towards the first end along a part of the receiver housing such that the longest diameter at the end nearest the eardrum, the proximal end, is at least 0.5 times, preferably at least 0.6 times, more preferably at least 0.7 times the longest diameter of the receiver housing measured at a distance of 2 mm from the proximal end. Typically, not more than 0.9 times, preferably not more than 0.8 times the longest diameter of the receiver housing measured at a distance of 2 mm from the proximal end.

[0049] The plurality of indentations may have a cross-sectional shape matching a cross-sectional shape of the engagement ribs to facilitate locking of the dome to the receiver housing.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment, the first engagement structure may comprise two grooves extending along an outer surface of the receiver housing, whereas the second engagement structure may comprise two projections extending inwardly towards the receiver housing from an inner surface of the extension. The grooves may be provided on opposite sides of the receiver housing. The grooves may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0051] The extension may comprise two elongated gripper arms each extending along the outer surface of the receiver housing on opposite sides of the receiver housing. One projection may extend from each gripper arm for engagement with a groove which may be provide at a one side of the outer surface of the receiver housing. The gripper arms may flex outwardly due to elastic deformation of the extension, when pushing the dome and the receiver housing together. When the projections are aligned with the grooves, flexing of the gripper arms may stop, and the first engagement structure (grooves) are engaged to the second engagement structure (indentations). The extension and the circumferential member may be formed in one piece or may alternatively be formed as two separate elements which are subsequently joined. The extension and the circumferential member may be fixedly attached to each other whereby movement of the extension and the circumferential member relative to each other may be hindered.

[0052] The extension may be formed by a first material, whereas the circumferential member may be formed by a second material, where the second material may be more flexible than the first material. By providing the circumferential member of a second material being more flexible than the first material, it may be achieved, that the outer shape of the circumferential member may change e.g., during insertion into and / or removal of the dome and the receiver housing out of an ear canal of a user to facilitate insertion / removal of the dome and / or facilitate adaptation of the outer shape of the circumferential member to the inner shape of the ear canal, which may keep it in place in the ear canal.

[0053] Flexibility is related to the amount of force needed to deform a material. It is related to Flexural Modulus, which is the tendency of a material to resist bending. The material that is deformed more easily is said to be more flexible or having a lower flexural modulus. The flexibility may be measured using the Shore A hardness scale, where a higher value specifies a lower flexibility than a lower value. Deformation can be either plastic or elastic. The circumferential member, in normal use, should not plastically deform. Thus, both the first and second materials should remain in the elastic deformation range. The first material may have a Shore A hardness of at least 85, whereas the second material may have a lower Shore A hardness, such as in the range of 10-80.

[0054] The extension may be formed by a first material, where the first material may be less flexible than the second material. The first material may as an example be metal, ceramic, or plastic, such as different types of metal and / or different types of plastic or harder silicone. Preferably, the extension is made of polycaprolactam (PA6), polylaurolactam (PA12), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), more preferably polybutylene terephthalate. In one embodiment, the first material may be the same as the material for the receiver housing (the third material). The first material for the extension may optionally be glass fibre reinforced, such as with a glass fibre content in the range of up to 50%.

[0055] The receiver housing may be provided of a third material being less flexible than the second material. By further providing the receiver housing of a third material having a Shore A hardness of at least 85, it may be achieved that the shape of the receiver housing does not substantially change during insertion and / or removal, whereby retention of the receiver in the channel may be facilitated. Additionally, a low flexural modulus of the third material for the receiver housing may provide protection for the receiver, e.g., if the receiver-in-canal assembly or the receiver housing is dropped.

[0056] The first material and / or the second material may be a material which comprises more than one ingredient. The terms 'first material' and 'second material' are not limiting the material to pure materials with no additives or combination of materials. The terms 'first material' and 'second material' specify that the extension is made of another material than the circumferential member.

[0057] The first and second material may comprise the same ingredients, however in different ratios. As an example, the first material may be plastic material with an additive to make it less flexible, whereas the second material may be the same plastic material, e.g., without the additive or with a smaller amount of the additive or with a different additive to make the second material more flexible than the first material.

[0058] In an embodiment, where the extension and the circumferential member are formed in one piece, the material used may as an example be a plastic material, such as silicone or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), preferably silicone rubber, such as cross-linked (cured) liquid silicone rubber (LSR). The material may preferably have a Shore A hardness in the range of 10-80, more preferably 35-80.

[0059] In a cross-section transverse to the longitudinal direction, the outer shape of the circumferential member may be substantially circular. In an alternative embodiment, the outer shape may have another shape, such as oval. The outer surface of the circumferential member may be smooth and without sharp angles to reduce the risk of injuring the ear canal of a user, when the circumferential member is arranged in contact with the ear canal.

[0060] The receiver housing may be made of e.g., metal, ceramic, or plastic, such as different types of metal and / or different types of plastic or harder silicone. Preferably, the receiver housing is made of a polyamide, such as Nylon 66 (PA66), polycaprolactam (PA6) or polylaurolactam (PA12), a Polycarbonate-Polyester blend or a Polycarbonate-ABS blend, a polyalkylene terephthalate, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or more preferably Polyamide 66. The third material for the receiver housing may optionally be glass fibre reinforced, such as with a glass fibre content in the range of up to 50%. The circumferential member may as an example be made of a plastic material, such as silicone or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), preferably silicone rubber, such as cross-linked (cured) liquid silicone rubber (LSR). In an embodiment, where the circumferential member and the extension are formed as separate element, the circumferential member may comprise a collar member, where the collar member may extend towards the receiver housing and may terminate in a free end. The collar member may have an inner shape matching an outer shape of a part of the extension for attachment of the extension to the circumferential member by insertion of the extension into the collar member. The extension may be attached to the circumferential member by e.g., frictional forces, by gluing, by chemical bonding, via over-moulding.

[0061] A first length of the circumferential member from the first end to the rear end along the longitudinal direction may be less than a second length of the extension in the longitudinal direction, such as being in the range of 25% to less than the second length. Thus, the extension may extend beyond the rear end hereof so that the circumferential member only covers a part of the extension along the longitudinal direction.

[0062] A support element may be arranged to support the circumferential member, such as during insertion of the dome into and / or removal of the dome from an ear canal of a user and / or during use of the receiver-in-canal assembly. The support element may be arranged circumferentially around the extension to support the circumferential member along a portion of an inner surface of the circumferential member between the front end and the rear end.

[0063] The support element may be attached to a least one of the circumferential member and the extension.

[0064] When arranged between the extension and the circumferential member, the support element may generate a pressure on the circumferential member to ensure engagement to the ear canal, such as to provide a seal along an outer surface of the circumferential member and the ear canal during use. Furthermore, the support element may prevent or at least considerably reduce the risk of flipping a part of the circumferential member; i.e., turning a part of the circumferential member at the rear end inside out. The support element may be made of a flexible material, such as silicone or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), to allow the circumferential member to adapt to the shape of ear canal and / or allow the circumferential member to be compressed during insertion and / or removal of the receiver-in-canal assembly.

[0065] A cavity may be formed along at least a part of an outer surface of the extension and at least a part of an inner surface of the circumferential member along the longitudinal direction. Due to the cavity, the circumferential member may move relative to the extension, e.g., during insertion of the dome and the receiver housing and / or during removal of the dome and the receiver housing from an ear canal of a user. The movement may primarily be in a radial direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, as the circumferential is attached to the extension at the front end. The attachment of the circumferential member to the extension at the front end may further allow a larger movement of the circumferential member relative to the extension at the rear end than at positions closer to the front end.

[0066] One or more apertures may be formed in the circumferential member, the aperture(s) extending from the outer surface of the circumferential member to the inner surface of the circumferential member. The aperture(s) may be formed to allow sound to pass. In an embodiment comprising a plurality of apertures, the apertures may be of equal size and shape. In an alternative embodiment, the apertures may be of different size and / or shape.

[0067] The receiver-in-canal assembly may additionally or alternatively comprise a barrier member which may be configured to limit ingress of wax into the cavity by providing at least one hinderance element. The barrier member may be arranged in the cavity circumferentially around the extension along a portion of an inner surface of the circumferential member between the front end and the rear end. The barrier member may preferably be arranged closer to the rear end than the front end to reduce wax ingress deeper into the cavity, such as be arranged in an area adjacent to the rear end. The barrier member may extend from the extension to the inner surface of the circumferential member to provide a barrier limiting ingress into the cavity. The barrier member may be attached to a least one of the circumferential member and the extension. The barrier may allow sound to pass. The barrier member may as an example be made of a foam or a plastic material, such as silicone or TPE. The material may be selected to allow the barrier member to be deformed, when the circumferential member is deformed in response to a pressured exerted on the outer surface of the circumferential member, e.g., during insertion of the receiver-in-canal assembly into an ear canal and / or removal of the receiver-in-canal assembly from the ear canal.

[0068] The barrier member may in one embodiment possess hydrophobic or oleophobic properties. This may as an example be achieved by coating the barrier member or making the barrier member of a material having hydrophobic or oleophobic properties. The hydrophobic or oleophobic properties may provide a chemical barrier for earwax in addition to the physical barrier.

[0069] The barrier member may comprise a plurality of openings / pores to allow sound to pass through the barrier member. Additionally, the openings may facilitate deformation of the barrier member when a pressure is applied to an outer surface of the circumferential member. The barrier member may comprise a plurality of hinderance elements, e.g., a grid, elements extending transverse to the cavity, a layered structure, a foam, etc., as the ingress of wax can be minimised when the transport way for wax is not a straight transport way but changes due to the deviations formed by the hinderance element. Thus, the barrier member may act as a maze with pockets formed by the hindrance elements, which pockets may catch wax and other ingress.

[0070] A first protection element may be arranged transverse to the first sound opening to limit ingress of wax into the channel. This may be achieved by a first protection element partly obstructing the passage through the first sound opening while still allowing sound to pass.

[0071] A second protection element may be arranged longitudinally off-set to the first protection element, where the second protection element may be closer to the first sound opening than the first protection element.

[0072] The first and second protection elements may extend transverse to the longitudinal direction and may be arranged longitudinal offset from each other. In the context of the present invention, the term 'longitudinal offset' should be understood as the centre line of the first protection element transverse to the longitudinal direction being offset relative to the centre line of the second protection element transverse to the longitudinal direction.

[0073] In one embodiment, a distance between the centre line of the first protection element and the centre line of the second protection element is at least 0.5 mm, such as in the range of 0.5-5.0 mm. In another embodiment, the first and second protection elements may touch each other, as the centre lines may be longitudinally offset while the first and second protection elements touch each other.

[0074] As the second protection element may be arranged closer to the first sound opening than the first protection element, wax travelling from an ear canal of a user will have to first pass the first protection element and then the second protection element to enter the channel of the receiver housing. A permeability of the first protection element may be greater than a permeability of the second protection element to increase protection closer to the channel. In the context of the present invention, the term 'permeability' should be understood is the capacity of the protection element to allow a material, such as earwax, to pass. In one embodiment, the first and the second protection elements may be grids, where the openings of the second protection element (the second grid) may be smaller than openings of the first protection element (the first grid). In this embodiment the permeability may also be determined by 'mesh opening size' and / or 'percentage openness'.

[0075] The first and / or second protection element may comprise a grid, e.g., made of metal or of a plastic material, such as a Polyamide (PA / Nylon), a polyalkylene terephthalate, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or another polymer which may be used to form a woven grid. In an alternative embodiment, at least the second protection element may be a foam, e.g., made of polyurethane.

[0076] As an example, a second protection element in the form of a grid may preferably have a mesh opening size in the range of 30pm to 1000pm, such as in the range of 70pm to 200pm. Additionally, the percentage openness by area of the second grid may preferably be in the range 20% to 70%, such as in the range of 40%-60%. A first protection element in the form of a grid may correspondingly have a mesh opening size and / or percentage openness being greater.

[0077] A second protection element in the form of a foam may preferably have an PPI value (pores per inch) in the range 20-120PPI, such as in the range of 70-110PPI. The foam would preferably have acoustic properties comparable to a second protection element in the form of a grid as specified above which may be achieved by selecting the thickness of the foam in the longitudinal direction and the density of pores of the foam.

[0078] The first protection element and / or the second protection element may in one embodiment possess hydrophobic or oleophobic properties. This may as an example be achieved by coating the first protection element and / or the second protection element or making the first and / or second protection element of a material having hydrophobic or oleophobic properties. The hydrophobic or oleophobic properties may provide a chemical barrier for earwax in addition to the physical barrier.

[0079] Additionally, the provision of a protection element with a larger thickness; i.e., size along the longitudinal direction, may further to increase the protection provided by the element, as wax may adhere to the larger surface area of the protection element.

[0080] The first protection element may be arranged closer to the front end of the circumferential member and may be formed integrally with the circumferential member e.g., by moulding. Alternatively, the first protection element may be attached to the circumferential member by over-moulding. The first protection element may be formed as a separate element which may subsequently be attached to the circumferential member, e.g., by gluing.

[0081] In one embodiment, the second protection element may be formed integrally with the extension, e.g., by moulding. Alternatively, the second protection element may be attached to the extension as part of the moulding process, e.g., by over-moulding. In a further alternative, the second protection element may be formed as a separate element which may subsequently be attached to the extension or to the circumferential member, e.g., by gluing. To prevent buckling of the circumferential member, at least one stiffening rib may be arranged along a surface, preferably an inner surface, of the circumferential member to increase the stiffness of the circumferential member. The at least one stiffening rib may in one embodiment be arranged circumferentially along the inner surface of circumferential member, e.g., in the area of the rear end. The stiffening rib(s) may extend from the, preferably inner, surface towards the extension and may terminate in a free end. In an alternative embodiment, the at least one stiffening rib may be arranged along the, preferably inner, surface extending from an area at the rear end towards the front end substantially in the longitudinal direction. The stiffening rib(s) may be formed integrally with the circumferential member or may alternatively be a separate element subsequently attached to the circumferential member. The stiffening rib(s) may advantageously be may of a flexible material, such as silicone or TPE, e.g., to allow the circumferential member to adapt to the shape of the ear canal and / or to facilitate insertion and / or removal of the dome from the ear canal.

[0082] At least one stiffening rib, preferably at least two stiffening ribs, may be arranged along a surface, preferably an inner surface, of the extension to increase the stiffness of the extension. This may facilitate attachment of the dome to the receiver housing, as the stiffening rib(s) may prevent bucking of the extension when assembling the receiver-in-canal assembly. The stiffening rib(s) may be formed integrally with the extension or may alternatively be a separate element subsequently attached to the extension.

[0083] According to a third aspect, the invention provides a dome for a receiver-in canal assembly, the dome comprising:

[0084] - a circumferential member configured to be arranged circumferentially around a receiver housing and extending in the longitudinal direction between a front end and a rear end, wherein a second sound opening is arranged at the front end, the second sound opening being configured for passage of sound,

[0085] - an extension extending in the longitudinal direction from an inner surface of the circumferential member and forming a seat for the receiver housing, wherein the extension comprises a second engagement structure configured for engagement with a first engagement structure of the receiver housing, the first and second engagement structures being configured for mutual engagement to releasably lock the dome to the receiver housing by elastic deformation of at least one of the first and second engagement structures and wherein the extension comprises at least two gripper arms and / or stiffening ribs configured for extending along the outer surface of the receiver housing on opposite sides of the receiver housing.

[0086] According to a fourth aspect, the invention provides a receiver housing for a receiver-in-canal assembly comprising the receiver housing, a receiver and a dome, the receiver housing comprising a channel arranged inside the receiver housing, extending in a longitudinal direction between a first end and an opposite second end, wherein a first sound opening is arranged at the first end, the first sound opening being configured for passage of sound, wherein the receiver housing comprises a first engagement structure which is configured for engagement with the dome comprising a second engagement structure, and configured for releasably locking the dome to the receiver housing by elastic deformation of the first and / or the second engagement structure, and wherein the channel is configured for positioning at least part of the receiver in the channel at a longitudinal distance from the first end which is less than the longitudinal distance from the first end to a part of the first engagement structure closest to the second end.

[0087] It should be understood, that a skilled person would readily recognise that any feature described in combination with the first aspect of the invention could also be combined with the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0088] The dome according to the third aspect of the invention is very suitable for the receiver-in- canal assembly according to the first and / or second aspect of the disclosure. The remarks set forth above in relation to the receiver-in-canal assembly are therefore equally applicable in relation to the dome.

[0089] The receiver housing according to the fourth aspect of the invention is very suitable for the receiver-in-canal assembly according to the first and / or second aspect of the disclosure. The remarks set forth above in relation to the receiver-in-canal assembly are therefore equally applicable in relation to the receiver housing.

[0090] Brief description of the drawings

[0091] Embodiments of the invention will now be further described with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0092] Figs. 1A-1C illustrate different embodiments of a receiver-in-canal assembly;

[0093] Figs. 2A-2C illustrate the receiver-in-canal assemblies in Figs. 1A-1C in a different view; Fig. 3 illustrates the dome of the receiver-in-canal assembly of Fig. 1A;

[0094] Fig. 4 illustrates a different view of the dome of Fig. 3;

[0095] Fig. 5 illustrates a different view of the dome of Fig. 3;

[0096] Fig. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a dome for a receiver-in-canal assembly;

[0097] Fig. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a receiver-in-canal assembly;

[0098] Fig. 8 illustrates a different view of the receiver-in-canal assembly of Fig. 7;

[0099] Fig. 9 illustrates a different view of the receiver-in-canal assembly of Fig. 7;

[0100] Fig. 10 illustrates a different view of the receiver-in-canal assembly of Fig. 7;

[0101] Fig. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a receiver-in-canal assembly; and

[0102] Fig. 12 illustrates a different view of the receiver-in-canal assembly of Fig. 11.

[0103] Fig. 13 illustrates a longitudinal cross section of the receiver housing 2 of Figure 7 and Figure 11.

[0104] Fig. 14 illustrates a longitudinal cross section of a first alternative to the receiver housing 2 of Figure 7 and Figure 11.

[0105] Fig. 15 illustrates a longitudinal cross section of a second alternative to the receiver housing 2 of Figure 7 and Figure 11.

[0106] Fig. 16(a) illustrates a longitudinal cross section of a third alternative to the receiver housing 2 of Figure 7 and Figure 11 and Fig. 16(b) illustrates a three-dimensional view of the same receiver housing 2.

[0107] Detailed of the

[0108] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the disclosure, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0109] Figs. 1A-1C illustrate different embodiments of a receiver-in-canal assembly 1. The receiver- in-canal assembly 1 comprises a receiver housing 2 defining a channel (not shown) extending in a longitudinal direction (indicated by the arrow A). The receiver housing 2 extends between a first end 4 and an opposite second end 5, where a first sound opening 6 is arranged at the first end 4. A receiver (not shown) is arranged in the channel, and the first sound opening 6 is configured for passage of sound from the receiver.

[0110] The receiver-in-canal assembly further comprises a dome 8 which comprises a circumferential member 9 and an extension 13. The circumferential member 9 is arranged circumferentially around the receiver housing 2 and extends in the longitudinal direction between a front end 10 and a rear end 11. A second sound opening 12 is arranged at the front end 10, where the second sound opening 12 is configured for passage of sound. The extension 13 extends in the longitudinal direction from an inner surface 14 of the circumferential member 9 and forms a seat (not shown in Figs. 1A-1C) for the receiver housing 2. The seat 35 (see e.g., Figs. 3, 4, and 7) is formed by a part of the extension 13, which part matches a part of the outer surface of the receiver housing 2 to thereby provide an interface for the receiver housing 2 to support the receiver housing 2.

[0111] The receiver housing 2 comprises a first engagement structure 18, whereas the extension comprises a second engagement structure 19. The first and second engagement structures are configured for mutual engagement to releasably lock the dome 8 to the receiver housing 2 by elastic deformation of at least one of the first and second engagement structures. More details of the first and second engagement structures 18, 19 will be described below.

[0112] In Figs. 1A-1C, the dome 8 comprising a circumferential member 9 and an extension 13 are identical in each of the three different embodiments of the receiver-in-canal assembly 1. Only the receiver housing 2 is different from one embodiment to another. The receiver housing 2 illustrated in Fig. 1A is small, in Fig. IB medium-sized, and in Fig. 1C large, where the size refers to the size of the receiver housing 2 transverse to the longitudinal direction. In Fig. 1A, the size of the receiver housing 2 at the position of the first engagement structure 18 transverse to the longitudinal direction is similar to the size of the extension 13 at the position of the second engagement structure 19. In Figs. IB and 1C, the size (width) of the extension 13 at the position of the second engagement structure 19 is smaller than the size (width) of the receiver housing 2 at the position of the first engagement structure 18 transverse to the longitudinal direction. In addition, it can be seen that the receiver housing 2 extends beyond the extension 13 at the position of the first and second engagement structures 18, 19.

[0113] Figs. 2A-2C illustrate the receiver-in-canal assemblies 1 in Figs. 1A-1C in a different view; i.e., a view towards the second end 5 of the receiver housing 2 along the longitudinal direction. The receiver housing 2 illustrated in Fig. 2A is small, in Fig. 2B medium-sized, and in Fig. 2C large, where the size refers to the size (i.e. width) of the receiver housing 2 transverse (indicated by the arrow A') to the longitudinal direction. In Figs. 2B and 2C, the size of the extension 13 at the position of the second engagement structure 19 is smaller than the size of the receiver housing 2 at the position of the first engagement structure 18 transverse to the longitudinal direction. In addition, it can be seen that the receiver housing 2 extends beyond the extension 13 at the position of the first and second engagement structures 18, 19.

[0114] Figs. 3-5 illustrate the embodiment of the dome 8 of the receiver-in-canal assembly 1 of Fig. 1A in different views. The dome 8 comprises a circumferential member 9 and an extension 13. The circumferential member 9 is configured to be arranged circumferentially around the receiver housing 2 (see Figs. 1A-1C) and extends in the longitudinal direction between a front end 10 and a rear end 11. A second sound opening 12 is arranged at the front end 10. The extension 13 forms a seat 35 for the receiver housing 2. The seat 35 is formed by a part of the inner surface of the extension 13, where this part matches a part of the outer surface of the receiver housing 2 to thereby provide an interface for the receiver housing 2 to support the receiver housing 2.

[0115] In the illustrated embodiment, the extension 13 and the circumferential member 9 are formed as two separate elements which are subsequently attached to each other to hinder movement of the extension 13 and the circumferential member 9 relative to each other.

[0116] The extension 13 is formed by a first material, whereas the circumferential member 9 is formed by a second material, where the second material is more flexible than the first material. By providing the circumferential member of a second material being more flexible than the first material, it may be achieved, that the outer shape of the circumferential member may change to facilitate insertion / removal of the dome and / or facilitate adaptation of the outer shape of the circumferential member to the inner shape of the ear canal, which may keep it in place in the ear canal.

[0117] The extension 13 is formed by a first material, where the first material is less flexible than the second material, which may facilitate engagement between the extension and the receiver housing via the first and second engagement structures 18, 19, where only the second engagement structure 19 is visible in Figs. 3-5.

[0118] In the illustrated embodiment, the extension 13 comprises two elongated gripper arms 21 each being configured to extend along the outer surface of the receiver housing (see e.g., Fig. 1A) on opposite sides of the receiver housing. A second engagement structure 19 in the form of a projection 19A extends from each gripper arm 21 for engagement with a first engagement structure 18 in the form of a groove 18A (see Fig. 1A) being provided at a one side of the outer surface of the receiver housing. The gripper arms 21 will flex outwardly due to elastic deformation of the extension 13, when pushing the dome 8 and the receiver housing together. When the projections 19A are aligned with the grooves 18A, flexing of the gripper arms 13 stop, and the first engagement structure 18 are engaged to the second engagement structure 19. The grooves 18A (see Fig. 1A) are provided on opposite sides of the receiver housing 2 and extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0119] To facilitate attachment of the extension 13 to the circumferential member 9, the circumferential member 9 comprises a collar member 23 extending outwardly from the inner surface of the circumferential member 9 towards the receiver housing 2 and terminating in a free end 23A. The collar member 23 has an inner shape matching an outer shape of a part of the extension 13 for attachment of the extension 13 to the circumferential member 9 by insertion of the extension 13 into the collar member 23. The extension 13 may be attached to the circumferential member 9 by e.g., frictional forces, by gluing, by chemical bonding, via over-moulding.

[0120] The dome 8 comprises a first protection element 16 configured to be arranged transverse to the first sound opening to limit ingress of wax into the channel. In the illustrated embodiment, the first protection element 16 is formed integrally with the circumferential member 9.

[0121] The dome 8 further comprises a second protection element 17 also configured to be arranged transverse to the first sound opening to limit ingress of wax into the channel. The second protection element 17 is arranged longitudinally off-set to the first protection element 16, where the second protection element 17 is closer to the first sound opening than the first protection element 16 in the assembled state of the receiver-in-canal assembly 1 (see Fig. 1A). In the illustrated embodiment, the second protection element 17 is a separate element in the form of a grid, which is fixed to the extension 13.

[0122] Fig. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a dome 8 for a receiver-in-canal assembly 1.

[0123] The dome 8 is similar to the dome 8 illustrated in Figs. 3-5 with the exception that a silicone sleeve 30 in two parts is arranged between the gripper arms 21, where one part is arranged on one side of the arms 21 and the other part is arranged on the other side of the arms 21 to provide a sleeve 30 for the receiver housing, when attached to the dome 9. The sleeve 30 may provide an acoustic seal along a part of the outer surface of the receiver housing, when attached to the dome 9. It should be understood, that the sleeve 30 may alternatively be made of another flexible material where the flexibility is high enough to allow receiver houses of different sizes to be attached to the dome 9, such as both a small, a medium-sized and a large receiver housing as illustrated in Figs. 1A-1C and Figs. 2A-2C, where the sleeve 30, however, is omitted.

[0124] Figs. 7-10 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a receiver-in-canal assembly 1 in different views. In Figs. 7-8, the receiver-in-canal is unassembled, and in Figs. 9-10, the receiver-in- canal assembly is assembled. The receiver-in-canal assembly 1 comprises a receiver housing 2 defining a channel (not shown) extending in a longitudinal direction (indicated by the arrow A) between a first end 4 and an opposite second end 5. A first sound opening 6 configured for passage of sound is arranged at the first end 4. A receiver (not shown) for generating sound is arranged in the channel. A dome 8 configured for releasable attachment to the receiver housing 2 comprises a circumferential member 9 and an extension 13 and extends in the longitudinal direction between a front end 10 and a rear end 11. A second sound opening 12 is arranged at the front end 10. The extension 13 forms a seat 35 for the receiver housing 2. The seat 35 is formed by a part of the inner surface of the extension 13, where this part matches a part of the outer surface of the receiver housing 2 to thereby provide an interface for the receiver housing 2 to support the receiver housing 2.

[0125] In this embodiment, the extension 13 and the circumferential member 9 are formed in one piece of a material being more flexible than the material of which the receiver housing 2 is formed to allow deformation of the circumferential member 9 during insertion and removal of the receiver-in-canal assembly 1 from an ear canal of a user and to allow elastic deformation of the second engagement structure when attaching the dome 8 to the receiver housing 2.

[0126] The receiver housing 2 comprises a first engagement structure 18 in the form of a plurality of engagement ribs 18B extending circumferentially around a part of the outer surface of the receiver housing 2, whereas dome 8 comprises a second engagement structure 19 a plurality of indentations 19B extending circumferentially along an inner surface of the extension 13. The engagement ribs 18B extend substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The engagement ribs 18B are formed integrally with the receiver housing 2. A corresponding number of indentations 19B extend along the inner surface of the extension to thereby provide an indentation 19B for each of the engagement ribs 18B. The indentations 19B are formed as part of a moulding process for the extension 13. By forming the extension 13 of an elastic deformable material, the dome 8 can be releasably locked to the receiver housing 2 by elastic deformation of the indentations, when engaging the first engagement structure 18 (engagement ribs) to the second engagement structure 19 (indentations).

[0127] Each of the engagement ribs 18B terminates in a free rib end 25, where each rib end 25 forms an inclined edge along the longitudinal direction, whereby the height h of each of the engagement ribs is lower at a first edge 26A of each rib than at a second edge 26B of each rib (see details in Fig. 8). The first edge 26A is the edge closer to the first end 4 of the receiver housing 2, whereas the second edge 26B is the edge closer to the second end 5 of the receiver housing 2.

[0128] The plurality of engagement ribs 18B in a cross-section along the longitudinal direction together form a saw-toothed shape. Additionally, the size of the receiver housing 2 transverse to the longitudinal direction tapers down towards the first end 4 along a part of the receiver housing, which further facilitate attachment of the dome 8 to the receiver housing 2.

[0129] The plurality of indentations 19B formed along the inner surface of the extension 13 has a cross-sectional shape matching the cross-sectional shape of the engagement ribs 18B to facilitate locking of the dome 8 to the receiver housing 2.

[0130] The dome 8 comprises a first protection element 16 configured to be arranged transverse to the first sound opening 6 when the receiver-in-canal assembly 1 is assembled to limit ingress of wax into the channel. In the illustrated embodiment, the first protection element 16 is formed integrally with the circumferential member 9.

[0131] Figs. 11-12 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a receiver-in-canal assembly 1 in different views. The dome receiver-in-canal assembly 1 is similar to the receiver-in-canal assembly 1 illustrated in Figs. 7-10 with the exception that two stiffening ribs 27 are arranged in the extension 13 along the inner surface hereof. The stiffening ribs 27 are arranged to reinforce the extension to thereby prevent collapsing of the extension 13 during attachment of the dome 8 to the receiver housing 2. The stiffening ribs 27 are made of a material being less flexible than the material of which the extension is made.

[0132] Fig. 13 illustrates a longitudinal cross section of the receiver housing 2 of Figure 7 and Figure 11. Receiver housing 2 defines a channel 32 extending in a longitudinal direction between a first end 4 and an opposite second end 5. A first sound opening 6 configured for passage of sound is arranged at the first end 4. A receiver 30 for generating sound is arranged in the channel 32. Sound leaves the receiver 30 through receiver sound opening 31 in acoustic communication with first sound opening 6. In the receiver housing 2 at the opposite end 5 an opening 33 for an electrical wire (not shown) is provided. Receiver 30 may comprise at least 50%, such as at least 80% or at least 90% of the volume of channel 32. Receiver 30 may comprise a back volume and a front volume separated by a membrane (not shown). A motor, such as a magnetic motor, driving the membrane is typically provided in the back volume of the receiver 30. The receiver 30, in particular the back volume of the receiver, may have a vent opening, venting in the part of channel 32 closest to the second end 5. Alternatively, or in addition, a part of channel 32 not occupied by receiver 30 may be used for additional sensors or valves and the like (not shown).

[0133] Fig. 14 illustrates a longitudinal cross section of a first alternative to the receiver housing 2 of Figure 7 and Figure 11. In this embodiment, between first opening 6 and receiver sound opening 31, a sound channel 35 is provided, configured for the passage of sound from receiver sound opening 31 to first sound opening 6. The sound channel 35 may be a substantially straight cylindrical or rectangular prism shape, acoustically connecting the first opening 6 and receiver sound opening 31 via the shortest possible distance. Depending on the shape and effective length of sound channel 35, it will have a certain acoustic mass. The acoustic mass may be advantageous to dampen certain resonance peaks in the output of the receiver in canal assembly. The sound channel 35 may have a defined acoustic mass, such as more than 4000 kg / m4. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, the sound channel 35 may have a meandering shape to increase the effective length of the sound channel 35, whilst keeping the overall length of receiver housing 2 to a minimum. If desired, a microphone (not shown) may be positioned in channel 32, such as between receiver 30 and sound opening 6, where sound opening 6 is in acoustic communication with a microphone sound inlet. Alternatively, and preferably, the microphone has a separate sound inlet. In this embodiment, the meandering sound channel 35 typically will not meander across substantially the entire width of receiver housing 2 as shown in Figure 14,, but only a part of the width such as a first half of the width, where the microphone is then positioned in a second half of the width.

[0134] Fig. 15 illustrates a longitudinal cross section of a second alternative to the receiver housing 2 of Figure 7 and Figure 11. In this embodiment, receiver 30 is provided with a receiver sound opening 31, which is in acoustic communication with first sound opening 6 via sound channel 36, provided on the inside of receiver housing 2 between the housing of receiver 30 and the wall of channel 32 in receiver housing 2. Sound channel 36 is configured to have a defined acoustic mass such as more than 4000 kg / m4. If desired, a microphone (not shown) may be positioned in channel 32, such as between receiver 30 and sound opening 6, where sound opening 6 is in acoustic communication with a microphone sound inlet. Alternatively, and preferably, the microphone has a separate sound inlet.

[0135] Fig. 16(a) illustrates a longitudinal cross section of a third alternative to the receiver housing 2 of Figure 7 and Figure 11 and Fig. 16(b) illustrates a three-dimensional view of the same receiver housing 2. In this embodiment, receiver 30 is provided with a receiver sound opening 31, which is in acoustic communication with first sound opening 6 via a sound channel, which sound channel is in part formed by a groove 37 on the outside of receiver housing 2. The inner wall of the extension of a dome (not shown) together with the groove 37 on the outside of receiver housing 2 forms the sound channel for the receiver in canal assembly according to the invention. The sound channel is configured to have a defined acoustic mass such as more than 4000 kg / m4.

[0136] The following numbered items are provided:

[0137] Item 1. A receiver-in-canal assembly comprising:

[0138] - a receiver housing defining a channel extending in a longitudinal direction between a first end and an opposite second end, wherein a first sound opening is arranged at the first end, the first sound opening being configured for passage of sound,

[0139] - a receiver arranged in the channel, and

[0140] - a dome comprising:

[0141] - a circumferential member arranged circumferentially around the receiver housing and extending in the longitudinal direction between a front end and a rear end, wherein a second sound opening is arranged at the front end, the second sound opening being configured for passage of sound,

[0142] - an extension extending in the longitudinal direction from an inner surface of the circumferential member and forming a seat for the receiver housing, wherein the receiver housing comprises a first engagement structure and the extension comprises a second engagement structure, the first and second engagement structures being configured for mutual engagement to releasably lock the dome to the receiver housing by elastic deformation of at least one of the first and second engagement structures. Item 2. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to item 1, wherein at least a part of the receiver is arranged in the channel at a longitudinal distance from the first end which is less than the longitudinal distance from the first end to a part of the first engagement structure closest to the second end.

[0143] Item 3. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to item 1 or 2, wherein the extension comprises at least two gripper arms and / or stiffening ribs extending along the outer surface of the receiver housing on opposite sides of the receiver housing.

[0144] Item 4. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to item 1, 2 or 3, wherein each of the first and second engagement structures comprises at least two engagement elements extending transverse to the longitudinal direction.

[0145] Item 5. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the first engagement structure comprises a plurality of engagement ribs extending circumferentially around an outer surface of the receiver housing, and wherein the second engagement structure comprises a plurality of indentations extending circumferentially along an inner surface of the extension.

[0146] Item 6. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to item 5, wherein each of the engagement ribs terminates in a free rib end, each rib end forming an inclined edge along the longitudinal direction.

[0147] Item 7. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to item 5 or 6, wherein the plurality of engagement ribs in a cross-section along the longitudinal direction is saw-toothed.

[0148] Item 8. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to any of items 5-7, wherein the plurality of indentations has a cross-sectional shape matching a cross-sectional shape of the engagement ribs.

[0149] Item 9. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to any of the preceding items, wherein a size of the receiver housing transverse to the longitudinal direction tapers down towards the first end along a part of the receiver housing.

[0150] Item 10. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to item 1, 2, 3or 4, wherein the first engagement structure comprises two grooves extending along an outer surface of the receiver housing, and wherein the second engagement structure comprises two projections extending inwardly towards the receiver housing from an inner surface of the extension. Item 11. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to item 10, wherein the extension comprises two elongated gripper arms extending along the outer surface of the receiver housing on opposite sides of the receiver housing, wherein one projection extends from each gripper arm.

[0151] Item 12. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to item 10 or 11, wherein a shape of the grooves matches a shape of the projections.

[0152] Item 13. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to any of the preceding items, wherein the circumferential member and the extension are formed in one piece.

[0153] Item 14. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to any of item 1-13, wherein the extension is formed by a first material and the circumferential member is formed by a second material, the second material being more flexible than the first material.

[0154] Item 15. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to item 14, wherein the circumferential member comprises a collar member, the collar member extending towards the receiver housing and terminating in a free end, the collar member having a shape matching an outer shape of a part of the extension for attachment of the extension to the circumferential member.

[0155] Item 16. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to item 14 or 15, wherein the circumferential member is attached to the extension by gluing or moulding.

[0156] Item 17. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to any of the preceding items, wherein a first length of the circumferential member from the front end to the rear end in the longitudinal direction is in the range of 25% to less than 100% of a second length of the extension in the longitudinal direction.

[0157] Item 18. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to any of the preceding items, wherein a support element is arranged at least partly circumferentially around the extension to support the circumferential member along a portion of an inner surface of the circumferential member between the front end and the rear end.

[0158] Item 19. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to any of the preceding items, wherein a cavity is formed along at least a part of an outer surface of the extension and at least a part of an inner surface of the circumferential member along the longitudinal direction Item 20. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to item 19, further comprising a barrier member arranged in the cavity, the barrier member being configured to limit ingress of wax into the cavity by providing hinderance elements in the cavity.

[0159] Item 21. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to any of the preceding items, wherein a first protection element is arranged transverse to the first sound opening to limit ingress of wax into the channel.

[0160] Item 22. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to item 21, wherein a second protection element is arranged longitudinally off-set to the first protection element, the second protection element being closer to the first sound opening than the first protection element.

[0161] Item 23. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to item 21 and 22, wherein a permeability of the first protection element is greater than a permeability of the second protection element.

[0162] Item 24. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to any of items 21-23, wherein the first protection element is formed integrally with the circumferential member.

[0163] Item 25. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to any of the preceding items, wherein at least one stiffening rib is arranged along an inner surface of the circumferential member to increase the stiffness of the circumferential member.

[0164] Item 26. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to any of the preceding items except item 3 and any items incorporating the embodiment of item 3, wherein at least one stiffening rib is arranged along an inner surface of the extension to increase the stiffness of the extension.

[0165] Item 27. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to item 3 and any items incorporating the embodiment of item 3, wherein the extension comprises at least two stiffening ribs extending along the outer surface of the receiver housing on opposite sides of the receiver housing, and wherein at least one stiffening rib, preferably each stiffening rib, is arranged along a surface, preferably an inner surface, of the extension to increase the stiffness of the extension.

[0166] Item 28. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to any of the preceding items, wherein the receiver housing does not comprise a nozzle. Item 29. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to any of the preceding items, wherein the receiver housing comprises a sound channel, configured for the passage of sound from a receiver sound opening of the receiver arranged in the channel of the receiver housing to the first sound opening, and preferably such sound channel having an acoustic mass of more than 4000 kg / m4.

[0167] Item 30. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to item 29, wherein the sound channel has a meandering shape.

[0168] Item 31. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to any of the preceding items, wherein the receiver is electrically connected with an electrically conductive wire at a first end of the wire, the wire terminating at a second end of the wire in a connector, which connector is configured to connect with a second connector in a hearing device housing external to the ear canal.

[0169] Item 32. A dome for a receiver-in canal assembly, the dome comprising:

[0170] - a circumferential member configured to be arranged circumferentially around a receiver housing and extending in the longitudinal direction between a front end and a rear end, wherein a second sound opening is arranged at the front end, the second sound opening being configured for passage of sound,

[0171] - an extension extending in the longitudinal direction from an inner surface of the circumferential member and forming a seat for the receiver housing, wherein the extension comprises a second engagement structure configured for engagement with a first engagement structure of the receiver housing, the first and second engagement structures being configured for mutual engagement to releasably lock the dome to the receiver housing by elastic deformation of at least one of the first and second engagement structures.

[0172] Item 33. The dome according to item 32, wherein the extension comprises at least two gripper arms and / or stiffening ribs configured for extending along the outer surface of the receiver housing on opposite sides of the receiver housing.

[0173] Item 34. The dome according to items 32 and 33, wherein the extension is configured for engagement with a receiver housing not comprising a nozzle, such as described in item 28 and / or configured for engagement with a receiver housing such as described in item 2 or 35. Item 35. A receiver housing for a receiver-in-canal assembly comprising the receiver housing, a receiver and a dome, the receiver housing comprising a channel arranged inside the receiver housing, extending in a longitudinal direction between a first end and an opposite second end, wherein a first sound opening is arranged at the first end, the first sound opening being configured for passage of sound, wherein the receiver housing comprises a first engagement structure which is configured for engagement with the dome comprising a second engagement structure, and configured for releasably locking the dome to the receiver housing by elastic deformation of the first and / or the second engagement structure, and wherein the channel is configured for positioning at least part of the receiver in the channel at a longitudinal distance from the first end which is less than the longitudinal distance from the first end to a part of the first engagement structure closest to the second end.

[0174] Item 36. The receiver housing according to item 35, the first engagement structure comprises at least two engagement elements extending transverse to the longitudinal direction.

[0175] Item 37. The receiver housing according to items 35 or 36, wherein the first engagement structure comprises a plurality of engagement ribs extending circumferentially around an outer surface of the receiver housing, wherein, preferably, each of the engagement ribs terminates in a free rib end, each rib end forming an inclined edge along the longitudinal direction.

[0176] Item 38. The receiver housing according to item 37, wherein the plurality of engagement ribs in a cross-section along the longitudinal direction is saw-toothed.

[0177] Item 39. The receiver housing according to any of the preceding items 35-38, wherein a size of the receiver housing transverse to the longitudinal direction tapers down towards the first end along a part of the receiver housing.

[0178] Item 40. A hearing aid device comprising a receiver in canal assembly according to item 31, and a hearing device housing comprising a second connector configured for connecting with the connector of the receiver in canal assembly; a power source such as a battery; one or more microphones configured to receive sound from sources external to the ear canal of a person and generate first output signal(s); and a processor configured to provide the drive signal for the voice coil in the receiver in canal assembly from the first output signal(s).

Claims

CLAIMS1. A receiver-in-canal assembly comprising:- a receiver housing defining a channel extending in a longitudinal direction between a first end and an opposite second end, wherein a first sound opening is arranged at the first end, the first sound opening being configured for passage of sound,- a receiver arranged in the channel, and- a dome comprising:- a circumferential member arranged circumferentially around the receiver housing and extending in the longitudinal direction between a front end and a rear end, wherein a second sound opening is arranged at the front end, the second sound opening being configured for passage of sound,- an extension extending in the longitudinal direction from an inner surface of the circumferential member and forming a seat for the receiver housing, wherein the receiver housing comprises a first engagement structure and the extension comprises a second engagement structure, the first and second engagement structures being configured for mutual engagement to releasably lock the dome to the receiver housing by elastic deformation of at least one of the first and second engagement structures and wherein the extension comprises at least two gripper arms and / or stiffening ribs extending along the outer surface of the receiver housing on opposite sides of the receiver housing.

2. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second engagement structures comprises at least two engagement elements extending transverse to the longitudinal direction.

3. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first engagement structure comprises a plurality of engagement ribs extending circumferentially around an outer surface of the receiver housing, and wherein the second engagement structure comprises a plurality of indentations extending circumferentially along an inner surface of the extension.

4. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to claim 3, wherein each of the engagement ribs terminates in a free rib end, each rib end forming an inclined edge along the longitudinal direction.

5. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the plurality of engagement ribs in a cross-section along the longitudinal direction is saw-toothed.

6. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to any of claims 3-5, wherein the plurality of indentations has a cross-sectional shape matching a cross-sectional shape of the engagement ribs.

7. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a size of the receiver housing transverse to the longitudinal direction tapers down towards the first end along a part of the receiver housing.

8. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first engagement structure comprises two grooves extending along an outer surface of the receiver housing, and wherein the second engagement structure comprises two projections extending inwardly towards the receiver housing from an inner surface of the extension.

9. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to claim 8, wherein the extension comprises two elongated gripper arms extending along the outer surface of the receiver housing on opposite sides of the receiver housing, wherein one projection extends from each gripper arm.

10. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a shape of the grooves matches a shape of the projections.

11. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the circumferential member and the extension are formed in one piece.

12. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to any of claim 1-10, wherein the extension is formed by a first material and the circumferential member is formed by a second material, the second material being more flexible than the first material.

13. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to claim 12, wherein the circumferential member comprises a collar member, the collar member extending towards the receiver housing and terminating in a free end, the collar member having a shape matching an outershape of a part of the extension for attachment of the extension to the circumferential member.

14. The receiver-in-canal assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the extension comprises at least two stiffening ribs extending along the outer surface of the receiver housing on opposite sides of the receiver housing, wherein at least one stiffening rib is arranged along an inner surface of the extension.

15. A dome for a receiver-in canal assembly, the dome comprising:- a circumferential member configured to be arranged circumferentially around a receiver housing and extending in the longitudinal direction between a front end and a rear end, wherein a second sound opening is arranged at the front end, the second sound opening being configured for passage of sound,- an extension extending in the longitudinal direction from an inner surface of the circumferential member and forming a seat for the receiver housing, wherein the extension comprises a second engagement structure configured for engagement with a first engagement structure of the receiver housing, the first and second engagement structures being configured for mutual engagement to releasably lock the dome to the receiver housing by elastic deformation of at least one of the first and second engagement structures and wherein the extension comprises at least two gripper arms and / or stiffening ribs configured for extending along the outer surface of the receiver housing on opposite sides of the receiver housing.

Images